Chapter 28: Flashpoint
As their ship glided into its designated berth, Kyle's eyes narrowed. He noticed something... off. The other docks were busy, but this one section of the coastline was different. The crowds were thin, held back by an invisible line. The air was tense, heavy.
His gaze cut through the people and locked onto the figure standing at the water's edge.
Silver-white hair. Two cigars clamped in his jaw. A "Justice" coat. And the eyes of a predator, scanning every ship that entered the port.
Since Kyle's ship wasn't flying a flag, Smoker hadn't identified them—yet. But his oppressive, heavy presence was already draped over the entire harbor like a net, just waiting for its prey.
"Well," Kyle said, "looks like we don't have to find him. The welcoming party is already here." His voice held no fear, only a rising, burning excitement.
"Who's first?" Killua cracked his knuckles, a cold battle-lust flashing in his blue eyes.
"This one's mine," Kyle said, taking a step forward.
"What? Why you again?" Gon pouted. "I want to try fighting a Logia user, too!"
"Patience, Gon," Kyle said, a strategic smile on his face. "Think about it. I go first. As captain, I beat him. Then, after he's recovered, you go and beat him, too. What happens then?"
Gon thought for a second. "They'll... have to re-evaluate how strong you are?"
"Exactly," Kyle beamed. "Because of your victory, my bounty will get an 'adjustment.' But, if you go first, they'll just set your bounty. When I beat him later, they'll just be measuring me. We get more impact—and a bigger number—if we stack the wins. Three wins, three re-evaluations."
Killua, arms crossed, added, "He's right. A bounty isn't just about personal strength; it's a threat assessment of the crew. The captain's number has to be the biggest. It's cheesy, but this is the fastest way to 'farm' our rep." His Zoldyck upbringing made him a natural at understanding this kind of "value" assessment.
Gon, though still wanting to fight, understood. "Okay, fine. We'll do it your way."
The ship docked.
The three of them didn't bother with the gangplank. Like three birds, they simply leaped from the railing, landing silently on the wooden pier.
The clean, coordinated movement drew eyes.
And the moment they landed, the white-haired figure at the end of the dock moved.
Smoker, having confirmed their identities, strode toward them. His face was a mask of cold fury. The Marines, led by Tashigi, fanned out, creating a half-circle, cutting off their retreat.
The air crackled.
"Tch," Killua said, looking at Smoker's trademark two cigars. "That's a bold look. Hope his lungs can take it."
Kyle didn't reply, but he had to admit, Smoker had a powerful, intimidating aura—a man driven by his own, unbending code of justice.
But, Kyle thought, he's also a man who relies completely on his Logia powers. He probably doesn't even have Armament Haki yet.
And that was their opening.
Smoker, seeing the three kids not only unafraid but actually walking toward him with... was that excitement?... just snorted. Ignorant brats.
They stopped, fifty meters apart, as if by a silent agreement.
Smoker slowly drew his Jitte—the special Seastone-tipped weapon—and pointed it at Kyle.
"Kyle Link," Smoker's voice was a low growl. "Captain of the Hunter Pirates. Bounty: 60,000,000 Beri."
The Jitte was rock steady, locked onto Kyle's center of mass. Kyle, in turn, just smiled at the Seastone. A tool to beat Devil Fruit users? Too bad.
He kept his smile light, his tone almost conversational. "Hey, Captain Smoker. Beautiful day, isn't it? Seems like a shame to ruin it with a fight. How about you just... look the other way? We're just tourists."
Smoker slammed the butt of his Jitte on the pier. "Do you think this is a game, kid?" he roared. "You walk this path, you accept the consequences! Loguetown is not a place for you to be!"
"Oh?" Kyle's smile faded. His eyes sharpened. He began to walk forward, his steps slow, steady, and deliberate. "So this 'welcome' is unavoidable?"
"Damn right!" Smoker roared back, and he, too, charged. Smoke began to wreathe his arms, and the battle was joined.