"Your pride? What does that even mean? There's nothing more important than world stability!
And don't forget—every ounce of power the Navy holds was granted by the World Government. Even your title of Fleet Admiral came only with our approval. So you don't have the right to bargain with us. Just follow our orders."
Hearing Sengoku's objection, another of the Five Elders immediately rebuked him.
"If that's how you see it, then why summon me at all? Just issue a public statement yourselves!" Sengoku, though less hot-tempered than Garp, was still the Navy's Fleet Admiral. Being reprimanded so bluntly in person was not something he could take lightly. He turned to leave at once.
"Consider this a warning—tell your subordinates not to provoke that man recklessly. If even your admirals start losing to pirates, the disgrace won't be yours alone. The World Government's reputation will suffer as well. And when that happens, you can forget about staying Fleet Admiral!"
Sengoku stopped in his tracks but said nothing more. After a brief pause, he left the Holy Land of Mary Geoise without another word.
While the World Government was scrambling to contact Renji Kai and negotiate him into joining the Seven Warlords of the Sea, Renji's ship had already arrived quietly at Loguetown.
Loguetown—the place where the Pirate King was executed—was heavily guarded by the Navy. So when the striking figure of the Red Force pirate ship arrived at port, news was immediately relayed to the local naval command.
At that moment, the marine officer stationed in Loguetown was none other than Commander Smoker, a user of the Logia-type Smoke Smoke Fruit.
In Renji Kai's memory, Smoker was a pretty weak ability user, with no notable achievements aside from briefly giving rookie pirate Luffy some trouble early on.
And Renji wasn't here for him.
Smoker, seated in his office, furrowed his brow after receiving the report from a marine soldier.
"Immediately report this to Admiral Sakazuki and have him come here as soon as possible. Also, assemble all marine personnel in the central square!" Smoker ordered.
"Yes, sir!"
The soldier saluted and rushed out.
When Renji and his crew stepped onto the streets of Loguetown, they found the place still bustling with life. Stores of every kind lined the avenues, each fronted by wide porches.
The three of them made their way deeper into town via the walkways.
At the same time, a large number of marine soldiers had gathered in the central square of Loguetown. Smoker always summoned his troops here before a major confrontation. It was symbolic—this square was where the Pirate King Roger had been executed. Smoker believed it would bring him luck.
He also believed that any pirate who dared step foot here would never leave victorious.
Local townspeople began to gather curiously, wondering what the Navy was preparing for. None of them realized that a major battle was about to erupt.
Soon, over a hundred marines stood ready in the square. A unique three-wheeled amphibious motorcycle powered by smoke came speeding into the plaza. Just as it was about to crash into the formation, Smoker slammed the brakes.
The soldiers in front of him were drenched in cold sweat.
"If you're this timid, how can you call yourselves marines?" Smoker snapped as he dismounted.
The soldiers quickly lowered their heads. Smoker wasn't just tough on them—he was defiant even toward higher-ups, which had long stalled his career progression. Despite possessing a Logia-type Devil Fruit, he was still only a Commander, whereas others with similar abilities had become Admirals.
Just then, Renji Kai and his crew arrived at the square.
For Douglas Bullet, returning here brought back a heavy feeling. He had witnessed Roger's execution with his own eyes. The return stirred deep memories.
Upon seeing the gathered marines ahead, the group hesitated for a moment.
"Captain, are you finally going to tell us why we came here? Far as I know, there's no one here stronger than me," Crocodile grumbled.
Renji had often teased him for being too weak, which constantly irritated Crocodile. Now, hearing that Renji intended to recruit more crew members, Crocodile couldn't resist mocking him.
"Hmph. See that guy up there? Silver short hair, a long white coat with 'Justice' on the back, and wind goggles around his neck? That's Smoker, a Logia-type Devil Fruit user and a Commander of this marine base. Go beat him. Do that, and I'll admit you're strong."
Renji pointed directly at Smoker.
Smoker, noticing the gesture, locked eyes with them immediately, his face turning serious.
"A Logia user, and only a Commander? Has the value of Logia-type fruits dropped that much?" Douglas Bullet muttered curiously.
After all, Devil Fruits were already rare, and Logia types were the rarest and most powerful. Even he had never obtained one!