Chapter 11

Luo Ye understood the challenge posed by Vice Admiral Smoker, but that didn't mean he intended to always cooperate. For Luo Ye, no one had ever gone to such lengths to accommodate another—not even within the strict hierarchy of the Marines. What's more, even the newly arrived sailors, unaware of the situation, had been quick to raise arms against him.

Given that, how could Luo Ye allow this farce to continue?

With his current Conqueror's Haki at level 5 intensity—comparable to those used by legends like Gol D. Roger, Whitebeard, and Shanks—there were few across the Grand Line, even within the New World, who could match him. Naturally, the inexperienced Marines on the central square weren't among them.

As one by one the sailors fell unconscious from the sheer pressure of his Haki, only Smoker remained standing—though barely—struggling to maintain his footing.

Seeing the situation stabilize, Luo Ye retracted his overwhelming aura, allowing his Conqueror's Haki to dissipate instantly.

Feeling the crushing pressure vanish, Smoker dropped to the ground, panting.

"Sure enough… even in the New World, there aren't many who can surpass you," he said through clenched teeth, regaining composure. His eyes, clear and focused, reflected deep understanding.

If he was once considered a genius among Marines, then Luo Ye was on another level entirely—a prodigy worthy of standing alongside past legends like Admiral Aokiji, Kizaru, and even Akainu.

Smoker thought back to the time when Aokiji defeated Luo Ye—back when Luo Ye was still climbing. Now, he wasn't sure Aokiji could repeat that defeat. Losing to such a force of nature was no shame. In fact, being acknowledged by Luo Ye as someone worth exchanging blows with was, in itself, an honor.

After a moment of silence, Smoker let out a long breath and slowly forced himself to his feet.

"Luo Ye," he said, "tell me why you killed Colonel Nezumi, the head of Marine's 16th Division."

Luo Ye was unsurprised Smoker knew. As the highest-ranking officer in East Blue, Smoker was bound to be informed.

Luo Ye nodded.

"That's part of the task I brought for you," he said. "Nezumi was sheltering pirates in his sector—taking bribes and offering them a protective umbrella. Meanwhile, the islanders suffered endlessly under their rule. I happened to pass through and found out. You really think I'd let someone like that live?"

Smoker fell silent. Luo Ye's infamy had long reached Marineford. Before arriving in Loguetown, his name had already made waves throughout the ranks. If he said Nezumi was corrupt, then it was as good as proven.

Smoker wanted to retort, but the words caught in his throat.

Luo Ye's gaze hardened.

"Smoker, they didn't assign you to East Blue just to babysit Loguetown. Something like this was festering in Division 16, and you knew nothing? What are you doing every day?"

His voice carried weight—not just as an admiral but as someone who had clearly seen too much.

"Do you have any idea how many pirates I encountered on the way here?"

Smoker straightened, shoulders squaring. The tone had shifted—from peer to superior. Luo Ye was not merely challenging him; he was delivering a command. Smoker had always shown pride in his independence, but now, there was no room for ego. No one dared to dismiss Luo Ye lightly—not even the fiercest of Marines.

"I have a task for you," Luo Ye declared, voice like steel.

Smoker instinctively stood at attention.

"Yes, Admiral Silver Eagle!"

"I want you to eliminate all the criminal pirates still lurking in East Blue. You must restore order. Let this sea become a place that deters the ambitious fools trying to rise. Peace must return to East Blue."

Smoker hesitated for only a moment before responding.

"Understood, Admiral!"

Luo Ye finally nodded, satisfied. Had Smoker lost sight of his original Marine ideals, Luo Ye would've left him here as a glorified sentry. But there was still fire in him—enough to spark change.

"I've already taken care of most of the worst pirates during my travels," Luo Ye added. "What remains is up to you. I don't plan to linger here much longer."

Smoker's eyes lit up. So it was true—Luo Ye wasn't one to give out orders from behind a desk. He'd done the heavy lifting. Now all that remained was mopping up the stragglers.

Whether they would be captured or executed was left to Smoker's judgment. That decision, too, was part of his growth.

And once peace returned, perhaps there would be no reason for him to stay stationed in East Blue. Smoker had long been itching to return to Marineford—to chase after the real monsters lurking in the New World.

Satisfied the point had been made, Luo Ye waved his hand.

"Alright, I'm done here. The mission's yours now. After completion, you're free to return to HQ. I have to go—the old man Sengoku's been hounding me daily."

"Not easy to take a leave when your boss is an ancient war hawk," he grumbled.

Smoker smirked internally. Not easy, huh? From what he heard, Luo Ye rarely followed Sengoku's orders—unless they aligned with his own plans. Defiance wasn't occasional—it was expected. He was much like Garp in that way. Wild. Free. Unrestrained.

Luo Ye, oblivious to Smoker's inner musings, gave a casual wave.

"No need to see me off. My warship's already waiting outside. Just make sure your men toughen up."

Smoker glanced at the Marines lying unconscious across the square and winced. For the first time, he felt shame. He had gone easy on them, and now their weakness had been exposed. But perhaps this mission was the opportunity they needed.

Just after Luo Ye left, Tashigi—the most promising among the fallen—began to stir. She blinked, her fingers tightening around her sword as she stood.

Before she could act, Smoker raised his voice.

"He's gone. And no—he wasn't the enemy."

Tashigi looked at him, puzzled.

Smoker exhaled, eyes still on the path Luo Ye had taken.

"That was the new Admiral of Marine Headquarters—'Silver Eagle' Luo Ye."

Tashigi's hand flew to her mouth.

"That man… he's really an Admiral?"

"Yeah," Smoker chuckled bitterly.

"His strength is unreal. Do you know why they call him 'Silver Eagle'?"

Tashigi shook her head.

"Because once he marks his prey, there's no escape," Smoker said, eyes narrowing.

"Not from him."

Tashigi looked off in the direction Luo Ye had disappeared, her voice soft with awe.

"Incredible."