"No, that's not it."
"Hm?"
"That was all I could do..."
"Even though I knew where the enemy was hiding, all I could do was tell them. Even though I knew the bombardment time, all I could do was cover them from behind! I was powerless!"
"Whew..."
Smoker exhaled a great cloud of smoke, then spoke.
"Not long ago, I thought they were about on my level. But now I've realized they've gotten stronger, because they know that on this sea, if you don't get stronger, you die!"
"Move forward or die. Who decided to come to these waters in the first place?"
"...Sorry. I need to rest."
Tashigi silently walked past Smoker, her back to everyone, but tears were already streaming down her face.
"Idiot... If you can't accept it, get stronger! Stronger!"
"Ugh..."
Tashigi could no longer hold back, and her sobs escaped.
"I will! I swear I will!"
"..."
"Ah... I really wish you all had her determination."
After Tashigi left, Smoker slowly rose and spoke to the Marines below who had gathered to welcome her.
"All right, all right. Take the prisoners aboard!"
"Yes, sir!"
"Report! Captain Smoker, a call from Headquarters!"
"This is Marine Headquarters. Is Captain Smoker there?"
"Speaking!"
"Captain Smoker and Captain Tashigi distinguished themselves in the operation against Crocodile. The government's senior officials have decided to award you medals!"
It should have been welcome news, but Smoker questioned it.
"Huh? Operation against him? That's not what happened. Did you even read the battle report properly?"
But the voice on the other end of the Den Den Mushi continued as though it hadn't heard him.
"Also, both of you will be promoted one rank!"
"Therefore..."
"Hey! Listen carefully! The Straw Hat Pirates defeated Crocodile! Those pirates did it!"
Smoker roared into the Den