The three kings exchanged glances, each revealing a look of keen interest.
Upon hearing that Loguetown was connected to the Pirate King, their curiosity was instantly piqued.
"Oh, the hometown and execution ground of the Pirate King? That sounds intriguing!"
"Then let's go to Loguetown!"
"While we're at it, notify the local Marine branch to capture a few reckless pirates for some fun. I'm tired of playing with those nobles; a rougher flavor would be a nice change!"
The decision was made on the spot, and the cruise ship promptly changed course, heading toward Loguetown.
...
In Ivan's room, he stood in the center, training with deep concentration.
His palm was held open, with three small yet overwhelmingly powerful orbs of light floating within it, condensing and quietly dissipating.
One was pitch black like an abyss—the ultimate Cang.
One was blazing white like embers—the ultimate Red.
One was deep purple like the underworld—the ultimate Zi.
These three forces flickered at his fingertips, docile and precise, already mastered with practiced ease.
Just then, the door was gently pushed open.
A figure with an enchanting figure and a captivating aura stepped slowly into Ivan's room—it was Nico Robin.
Robin's gaze fell on Ivan's palm. The sheer variety of abilities he displayed only deepened her curiosity about his Devil Fruit power.
Thus, Robin walked slowly to Ivan's side and asked with a smile, "Ivan, what exactly is your Devil Fruit ability?"
Ivan turned his head to look at her, a faint smile curling at the corner of his lips, but he didn't answer directly. "A secret. When the time is right, you'll naturally know."
Robin watched Ivan, a strange stirring in her heart. Such a powerful and mysterious man, always shrouded in an unfathomable mist, was most capable of igniting one's desire to uncover the truth.
Suppressing the peculiar feeling in her heart, she shifted the topic to more serious matters:
"For this operation against Onigumo, are you still planning not to bring Nami and Tashigi?"
"Yes, I won't bring them," Ivan replied, his smile fading as his tone turned solemn. "Their hearts are too pure. The dark side of this sea isn't something they should be exposed to too early."
Hearing this, Robin raised an eyebrow delicately, looking at him with a half-smile. "Oh? So, does that mean I'm not pure?"
Ivan was taken aback and quickly waved his hand, his tone earnest:
"Don't misunderstand! You're different.
You are my most trusted and capable ally. Only you can help me handle these matters."
These words were like a small stone dropped into the calm lake of Robin's heart, sending out subtle ripples.
She stopped teasing and sat down with Ivan at the table, finalizing every detail of the operation.
As night deepened, everything outside the window was bathed in moonlight.
Ivan closed the rough draft of the plan in his hand and looked up. "All the details are confirmed. We'll set off first thing tomorrow morning."
After speaking, he noticed Robin still sitting in place, showing no intention of getting up to leave, and couldn't help but ask in confusion:
"What's wrong? Is there something else?"
Robin slowly stood up and walked step by step toward him.
Under the dim lamplight, her exquisite eyes held a sticky, lingering quality, firmly fixed on Ivan.
She leaned in slightly, her voice seductive. "Ivan, are you just going to let me leave like this?"
Ivan's heart skipped a beat as he instantly understood the deeper meaning in her eyes.
Without hesitation, he reached out an arm, accurately wrapping it around her waist.
Without any unnecessary words, Ivan carried her toward the bed and laid her down on the soft mattress.
The sound of ocean waves drifted in through the window, the seawater continuously washing over the delicate sand.
On the coconut trees by the shore, birds chirped softly.
...
The sea breeze in Loguetown carried a salty dampness, tousling his messy white hair.
Smoker stood on the balcony, his face so dark it seemed water could drip from it.
Several days earlier, he had received orders from headquarters.
Three kings from the Grand Line were coming to Loguetown for a visit, personally escorted by Vice Admiral Onigumo. He, as the local stationed captain, was ordered to accompany them throughout.
Smoker had always despised these filthy nobles, but military orders were absolute. No matter how dissatisfied he was, he could only swallow his resentment.
As his thoughts churned, he couldn't help but think of someone.
Ivan, who had once been by his side but was now renowned across the seas.
That young man was now the illustrious White Dove Vice Admiral of headquarters, with dazzling achievements and even praised personally by Garp.
And he? He was still just a captain stationed in Loguetown.
Smoker took a deep drag from his cigar, a sour feeling rising in his heart, mixed with an indescribable sense of pride.
That was a soldier who had come from under his command!
He took another fierce puff of his cigar, suppressing the jumbled emotions, exhaled a cloud of white smoke, turned, and left the branch, heading straight for the port.
Arriving at the port, a massive luxury cruise ship was docked at the pier, its gilded decorations glaring and ostentatious under the sun, clashing sharply with the worn style of this "Town of Beginnings and Endings."
Smoker boarded the ship, announced himself, and made his way across the red-carpeted deck, finally meeting the waiting party outside the banquet hall.
Onigumo stood to one side, expressionless in his vice admiral coat, while beside him, three kings dressed in lavish attire and exuding arrogance chatted and laughed in low voices.
Suppressing the discomfort in his heart, Smoker raised his hand in a salute. "Captain Smoker, stationed in Loguetown, here to welcome Your Majesties."
However, the three kings paid no attention to Smoker whatsoever.
Since he had boarded the ship, they hadn't even glanced at him, continuing to drink and chat among themselves, leaving him standing there.
He remained standing rigidly in place for over an hour before finally being remembered.
Alice turned to look at Smoker and said carelessly:
"Hey, you, whatever captain from Loguetown. Go capture a few pirates for us—the handsome, tall, and burly kind!"
Smoker frowned, his expression troubled:
"Your Majesty, Loguetown has been stable recently. Due to... due to Vice Admiral Ivan's earlier cleanup, pirates have almost vanished. I'm afraid I won't be able to capture any."
Upon hearing this, Alice Tina let out a scornful laugh, her eyes filled with disdain and cruelty:
"If there are no pirates, just grab a few commoners then."
Hearing these words, Smoker's face darkened instantly, and he refused without hesitation:
"I refuse. The Marines do not arrest innocent civilians!"
"How dare you!" Enraged that a mere Marine branch captain would dare refuse her, Alice Tina flew into a fury and slapped Smoker hard across the face.
A crisp slap echoed across the deck.
"You!" After being struck, Smoker seethed with anger and was about to demand an explanation.
At that moment, Onigumo stepped forward, blocking Smoker's path:
"Captain Smoker, the king's demand is a military order. If you dare disobey, it is tantamount to betraying the Marines."
"Arresting civilians—what kind of Marine action is that?" Smoker growled through gritted teeth. "This is not the justice I uphold!"
"Justice?" Hearing those familiar words, Onigumo erupted in anger. "The Marines' justice is absolute obedience! You, who have mingled with the likes of Ivan, have no understanding of what true justice is!"
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