If someone saw a mere branch captain possessing a Logia-type Devil Fruit, they would naturally find it quite unusual.
"A branch captain? Do you really think I'd bother dealing with someone that low-ranking?" Crocodile scoffed dismissively.
In reality, there was a significant gap in both power and rank between a captain at Navy Headquarters and a branch captain assigned to one of the four regional Navy branches.
If a branch captain were transferred to Headquarters, the equivalent rank would be that of a lieutenant, meaning the two positions differed by several ranks.
Of course, if it was a branch stationed along the Grand Line, that was a different story. Branches in the Grand Line were directly subordinate to Navy Headquarters, and their highest ranks could reach vice admiral, matching the rank system of the main Headquarters.
Coincidentally, Smoker later indeed rose to become vice admiral of the G-5 Navy Branch.
But for now, he was just an obscure Navy branch captain.
No wonder Crocodile looked down on him. After all, Crocodile was already a world-renowned pirate, one even the World Government could only bring under control by recruiting him and granting him the title of one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
If it weren't for Renji Kai causing trouble, Crocodile would still be living comfortably in the kingdom of Alabasta!
"Don't underestimate this guy. His strength is roughly equivalent to a Navy Headquarters rear admiral or even vice admiral," Renji Kai warned.
"Hah, a vice admiral at Headquarters is nothing to me!" Crocodile said as he flicked his coat over his shoulder, lit a cigar, and slowly stepped forward.
Smoker was also a heavy smoker, and his Devil Fruit power was related to smoke. At this moment, he pulled out a cigar and lit it as well.
Though these Navy soldiers around were low-ranked, they had all heard of the Seven Warlords of the Sea and naturally recognized Crocodile as one of them.
When Crocodile appeared in the plaza, the soldiers were momentarily stunned.
He then strode right up to the group of soldiers.
"Crocodile, are you really that guy's lackey now?" Smoker stepped forward, pointing behind him at Renji Kai, and questioned him.
"Hmph, do you even have the right to question me? You're just a lowly branch captain. Even the Navy Admirals at Headquarters have to treat me with respect, got that?" Crocodile shot back, knowing Smoker was trying to provoke him.
"Oh really? Seems like your master sent you here to deal with us. How laughable. A proud Warlord reduced to a mere errand boy. Honestly, you're not even worth being compared to a branch captain like me. After all, in these parts, no one can order me around!" Smoker sneered.
"Cut the crap. You should know I'm also a Logia Devil Fruit user. Show me your Armament Haki," Crocodile challenged.
"Let's see just how strong a Navy branch captain can be!"
Immediately after Crocodile spoke, a red aura began swirling rapidly around his body.
This was a form of Armament Haki called "Wrapping."
Armament Haki had different techniques: "Hardening," "Wrapping," "Projection," and "Internal Destruction."
Hardening was the most common and basic technique in the New World—it covered the body with Armament Haki, making the user's body harder than steel and increasing both defense and offense. It could also be applied to objects.
Wrapping was when the gaseous Armament Haki was wrapped around the body or weapons, imbuing the weapon with extra power.
Projection involved gathering Armament Haki in the hands or weapons and releasing it outward as a physical attack or shield—powerful enough to send enemies flying, form defensive walls, or even defend against invisible attacks.
Internal Destruction allowed the Haki to pass through an object's surface and damage its interior. This could be combined with Hardening, Wrapping, or Projection.
Though techniques varied in skill, the strength of Armament Haki itself did not necessarily reflect the user's overall power.
Two users might both use Hardening, but if one had a stronger Armament Haki, they would overpower the other despite similar techniques.
Crocodile immediately releasing the red Armament Haki showed he was well prepared.
Smoker, also a Logia Devil Fruit user, knew the advantages and disadvantages of such powers well, so he didn't hesitate.
In an instant, he infused his large jitte weapon—embedded with Seastone—with a faint red hue of Armament Haki.
His aura was lighter in color than Crocodile's.
Many believed the darkness of the color indicated the strength of one's Armament Haki.
In other words, a deeper color suggested stronger Haki and greater power.
Seeing Smoker's lighter aura, Crocodile sneered arrogantly and charged at him.
"Everyone stay where you are! No one moves without my orders!" Smoker shouted, raising his weapon and rushing forward.
The ordinary soldiers behind him were already trembling with fear and would never dare intervene.
The next moment, Crocodile's poisoned hook clashed instantly against Smoker's jitte.
The overwhelming power of their Armament Haki exploded with full force.
Bang!
Both were forced several steps backward by the impact—with Smoker retreating even farther.