The villagers of Cocoyasi couldn't tell the difference between Marine Headquarters and the local branch. They didn't know who the "White Hunter" Smoker was.
But they knew one thing.
They knew who had truly stood by them.
That young, stern face. Renn Hawk, Lieutenant Colonel of the 16th Branch.
It was he who wiped out the pirates terrorizing these seas and returned the treasure stolen from the villagers.
It was he who restored peace to their homeland.
They once wondered why Lieutenant Colonel Hawk had hesitated so long before striking down Arlong.
But when they saw this tense standoff with their own eyes, they understood.
The pressure from "above" had tied his hands.
Now… Hawk had paid a heavy price, defying that pressure, to eliminate Arlong once and for all.
"Lieutenant Colonel Hawk!"
"He's the one who killed Arlong!"
"He's a good Marine!"
Shouts of gratitude burst from the crowd. Their gazes toward Hawk shone with trust and reverence.
But then, those same eyes turned to Smoker and his men, filling with suspicion, even hostility.
"Where did you Marines come from?!"
"Don't you dare lay a hand on Lieutenant Colonel Hawk!"
"He's our savior!"
"Protect Lieutenant Colonel Hawk!!!"
The villagers surged forward, driven by the simplest, most determined will. With nothing but their bodies, they shielded Hawk and his soldiers.
Plop.
Smoker's cigar slipped from his mouth and hit the ground.
He froze.
Wait… this scene wasn't right.
He'd been a Marine for years. From Headquarters to the East Blue, he had seen it all.
Pirates who burned and looted.
Criminals vicious beyond belief.
Cowardly Marines who shirked their duty.
But this… this was the first time the people themselves pointed at him, treating him as if he were the villain trying to persecute their benefactor.
What the hell?!
He was Smoker, the White Hunter, known across Loguetown as a hardline, righteous Marine!
And yet here, in the 16th Branch's territory, he had somehow become the villain?!
This couldn't be right.
It just couldn't!
"Captain…"
Beside him, Tashigi stood stunned, her mouth slightly open, glasses slipping as her wide eyes locked onto the scene.
Her mind couldn't process it.
Villagers, willingly protecting one Marine from another?
And not only that they were unarmed!
While her side carried real weapons.
If this broke into violence… the consequences would be unimaginable.
She instinctively looked at Hawk, sheltered behind the villagers.
She'd heard it clearly.
They shouted "Protect Lieutenant Colonel Hawk."
Just what had this young officer done for them?
What kind of debt of gratitude could move such simple, ordinary people to throw their bodies between him and the Marines?
"Ha…"
Smoker bent to pick up his fallen cigar. He didn't even bother brushing off the ash, just bit down hard and drew in a long puff.
He looked at the villagers, their faces fierce yet unwavering, their bodies forming a fragile wall that could be shattered with a single order.
And behind them, the young lieutenant colonel who had slain his own corrupt superior.
Whatever methods this kid had used, it was clear…
The people don't lie.
If only a handful were fooled, it could be trickery.
But when an entire village rose up on their own to protect someone…
It meant that, in their eyes, Hawk was right.
Hawk was justice.
This kind of complete trust and loyalty from the people wasn't this exactly what Kuzan was always rambling about?
Damn it. This kid… he actually pulled it off.
"Put down your weapons."
Smoker raised a hand. "We're not here to fight."
The Marines from Loguetown hesitated, then slowly sheathed their blades.
"Lieutenant Colonel Hawk. Shall we talk?"
Smoker stepped forward, palms open, showing he meant no harm.
"…Alright."
Hawk gently parted the villagers, signaling them to stay calm.
Though reluctant, they obeyed his steady gaze, clearing a path.
Hawk walked out step by step, stopping in front of Smoker.
The two men stood eye to eye, their heights nearly the same, but their presence utterly different.
One was a seasoned veteran, carrying the sharp edge of a Headquarters officer.
The other, a rising star, fresh from a blood-soaked purge.
Smoker extended his hand. "Smoker. Marine Headquarters Captain."
Hawk clasped it firmly. "Renn Hawk. Lieutenant Colonel, 16th Branch."
Their grips locked, firm and unyielding.
"Hmph."
At that moment, Smoker's eyes sharpened. His muscles tensed, and raw strength surged through his grip.
So you're decisive, ruthless, and able to win the people's hearts. Impressive.
But you shouldn't have stolen all the spotlight!
I've got my pride too!
The people might see me as the villain, and I can't fight them…
But I can still teach you a lesson!
Smoker's grip tightened steadily, like an iron vise.
"…?"
Hawk's brow lifted slightly. He could feel the crushing force in Smoker's grip. For ordinary men even officers this would've been unbearable.
Unfortunately for Smoker, Hawk's strength now was that of a solid Headquarters-level Rear Admiral.
While Smoker's rank as Captain was bolstered mostly by his Logia fruit powers.
This little contest of strength wasn't enough.
Without changing expression, Hawk calmly increased his grip just enough to neutralize the pressure.
No need to make this uglier than it had to be.
"…Huh?"
Smoker's eyes flickered with surprise. His force vanished into Hawk's hand like a stone sinking into the sea.
Interesting.
But brute strength alone isn't enough!
His fighting spirit ignited.
In an instant, he poured everything into his arm, veins bulging like coiled serpents.
Still…
Hawk stood steady, effortlessly dispersing the surge of power.
Smoker's frown deepened. This kid's strength… bottomless?
Then his hand blurred, turning to smoke.
The Smoke-Smoke Fruit activated.
So, you want to beat a Logia with raw strength?
Naïve!
Let me show you what elemental powers can really do.
Hawk's eyes narrowed. "Using your Devil Fruit already?"
Fine. No need for restraint, then.
His hand darkened, a pitch-black sheen spreading across his skin, hard as iron.
Armament Haki.
"What?!"
Smoker's face twisted.
His smoky hand struck Hawk's grip only to slam into an invisible wall of steel.
Not only blocked, but crushed by a force far greater.
Pain shot up his arm.
"This… impossible!"
Smoker's pupils shrank, locked on the inky black armor coating Hawk's hand.
"Armament Haki!!!"