Although Smoker's offer of assistance sounded more like polite formality, Bane figured it couldn't hurt to try. Worst case, he'd be turned down. Best case? He walks away with something useful.
"Well," Bane said, sitting up straighter with a hopeful expression, "since you asked, there are a couple of small favors I was wondering if the Marines might be able to help with."
Smoker blinked. Wait—he's actually asking something?
Still, remembering what Fleet Admiral Sengoku had said earlier about treating Bane well, he nodded. "What do you have in mind?"
Bane cleared his throat, putting on a respectful tone. "As I mentioned, I truly admire the Marines. It's always been a dream of mine to someday serve the cause of justice. Of course, given my current... situation, that's not possible yet."
He paused for dramatic effect, then leaned in with a sheepish smile. "So, in the meantime, I'd like to strengthen myself. I've heard of a foundational combat art taught within the Marines called Rokushiki—the Six Powers. If it's not too much trouble… I'd love to study it under your guidance."
Smoker stared at him for a second. Rokushiki? Seriously?
He'd assumed Bane must be plenty powerful already—after all, he supposedly took down Thatch of the Whitebeard Pirates. Why was he asking to learn basic Marine techniques?
That said, Rokushiki, while powerful, wasn't exactly a top-secret martial art anymore. It had been used as standard training for Marine officers for years. Thanks to defections and black market leaks, full manuals could be bought—if you knew where to look.
After a brief moment of thought, Smoker nodded. "Ordinarily, Rokushiki is only taught to enlisted Marines. But… I'll make an exception. I'll pass on the techniques to you. Just promise me you'll use them to cut down more scum in this lawless sea."
Bane beamed. "Absolutely! I'll be traveling the East Blue for a while—if I run into pirates or criminals, I'll make sure they don't get a free pass."
Smoker nodded in approval. He appreciated that kind of answer.
But just as he was about to wrap things up, Bane's eyes lit up again. "Oh—and while we're on the subject of training, I've also always been fascinated by Haki. I don't suppose you could offer some pointers?"
Smoker blinked in surprise.
Haki—now that was a word he hadn't heard in a while. After so many years in the East Blue dealing with small fry pirates, and being buried under base administration, even he could hardly recall the last time he'd trained with Haki seriously.
He rubbed the back of his neck, a bit sheepish. "You haven't learned any Haki yet?"
Bane feigned embarrassment. "Well… I have a few theories, but nothing solid. I've picked up a bit here and there, and I've studied what I could on my own. But it's all very rough—no real foundation. That's why I hoped the Marines might have a more structured method. I'd love to compare notes."
He then went on to explain some of his "research"—a mix of accurate knowledge from his past life and educated guesses.
Smoker listened closely, and while the ideas were scattered and full of contradictions, he could tell this kid had been trying. For someone with no master, drifting alone on the sea, Bane had made it impressively far—and he hadn't lost his sense of justice. That counted for something.
"I understand," Smoker said eventually. "But unlike Rokushiki, Haki isn't something I can just hand out. It's not my place."
As expected, Bane wasn't disappointed. It had been a long shot anyway—and he still had plans to visit Koshiro in Shimotsuki Village. He had other avenues.
Still, he figured he'd try one more thing.
A black mist flowed from his palm, and a suitcase re-emerged from the darkness. He gently set it on the table between them.
"I wouldn't dream of taking the Marines' knowledge for free," Bane said sincerely. "This case contains 100 million berries. Consider it a donation to the Loguetown base—a small token of appreciation."
Smoker: "...???"
Wait, what just happened?
He was about to protest, but hesitated. While Smoker wasn't one to take bribes—and the bounty had been paid fair and square—this wasn't exactly a bribe.
And truthfully? They really were low on funds.
The Marines didn't just have cash sitting around. Their budgets were categorized, strictly controlled. Smoker, being as rigidly honest as he was, refused to pull strings or fudge numbers.
And yet the base had needs. A lot of them. Injured soldiers. Families of fallen Marines waiting for compensation. Outdated weapons. Understaffed shifts. Just keeping up was a constant fight.
Now here Bane was—offering a no-strings-attached cash donation.
And then, before Smoker could say a word, another suitcase landed on the table.
Smoker was stunned. "Another one?"
Bane smiled modestly. "I've heard that under your command, not a single pirate has escaped Loguetown. I can only imagine the sacrifices made by the Marines here in service of justice. As a decent citizen, I feel compelled to contribute."
He rested a hand firmly on the case. "This is 200 million berries. Righteous money. I trust that under your leadership, it will become bullets for justice. Swords to cut down evil. Walls to protect the innocent. So please—don't turn it down."
Smoker's mouth opened, but no sound came out.
How am I supposed to say no to that!?
After a long pause, Smoker finally nodded solemnly. "Your dedication to justice is admirable, Bane. On behalf of the Loguetown Marine base, thank you for your generous support."
Then, before Bane could reply, Smoker added, "As it happens, I've compiled some personal notes and observations on Haki over the years. Since we're now… friends, I'd be happy to share them with you. I hope they help."
Bane broke into a broad grin. "I can't thank you enough, really!"
*And they say Smoker's impossible to win over? Look at him now—*Bane thought. Absolutely sautéed.