Loguetown—the "Town of Beginnings and Endings"—was famous for one thing above all: the execution platform where the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, had met his end. His death had sparked the Great Pirate Era, and over the years countless people of all kinds, from every corner of the world, had visited just to see the place. It was almost like a modern-day sightseeing spot.
Leo, however, barely spared it a glance as he walked past. What was the point in looking at something from decades ago? His interest lay elsewhere.
After wandering through the bustling streets for another two hours, hunger nudged him toward a narrow side alley. Years of experience told him that the best hidden eateries often hid in places like this—small, unassuming, yet serving meals that rivaled even the grandest restaurants.
Following the tempting aroma of cooking, Leo stepped into a modest tavern. The hunchbacked owner greeted him warmly.
"Welcome! What can I get for you today?"
"Bring me your specialties and the best drinks you've got," Leo replied casually, picking a seat.
"Right away!" the owner said, hurrying off toward the kitchen.
Looking around, Leo noticed the tavern was nearly empty—just a few scattered patrons. It was a quiet contrast to the chaotic streets outside. He figured he had about three hours before needing to track down the glasses-wearing girl, Dasky.
Soon, the owner returned with a steaming plate of food. But before Leo could even begin, the tavern door creaked open, and in strode Smoker, smoke curling around his body, three cigars clenched in his mouth.
His gaze immediately locked onto Leo. Cold, sharp, commanding:
"So, this is you… Leo, captain of the Leo Pirates…"
An oppressive aura erupted from him, thick white smoke swirling around his form. Confidence flickered across his face—he was sure of victory.
"Leo, your voyage ends here."
Smoker's confidence wasn't unfounded. The weapon in his hands, the Seastone-tipped jitte, was a natural counter to Devil Fruit users, and Leo had no similar defense. Any attack Leo threw would be ineffective. The advantage was Smoker's.
The tavern instantly tensed, every patron sensing the storm about to unfold.
"Is that so?" Leo smiled, shaking his head. "I don't think so."
"Hmph. Bold words," Smoker snorted, annoyed at Leo's lack of fear. He didn't bother with talk—action would speak louder.
"Please, gentlemen, don't ruin my humble establishment!" the tavern owner cried, hands clasped in desperation.
"Step outside!" Smoker declared, his lower body vanishing into a cloud of thick, rolling smoke. He had no fear that Leo could escape from his grasp.
Leo left a few coins behind on the table and followed, stepping into an open courtyard. Smoker wasted no time.
White Smoke Barrage!
His entire body transformed into dense smoke, spreading like a living cage around Leo, blocking all escape routes.
Leo activated his Observation Haki, locking onto Smoker's true body.
"Natural-type Devil Fruits are rare… but someone as weak as you? Even rarer," Leo murmured with a grin.
"Storm Kick!"
Leo swung his right leg forward, slicing the air. A vacuum-powered, Haki-infused kick struck Smoker's real body with pinpoint precision.
"Ahhh!!" Smoker let out a scream, blood searing across his chest as he was violently sent flying.
"Cough… cough…" Smoker hit the ground hard, staring at Leo in disbelief. "Haki…!? Armament Haki… here… in East Blue?!"
No one in East Blue had ever wielded Haki seriously. Smoker had learned about it from his superiors long ago but dismissed it as irrelevant. Today, he had been completely proven wrong.
"Captain Smoker!!"
A panicked voice echoed. Dasky, the glasses-wearing girl, sprinted toward them. She had been patrolling the streets, and at this moment, saw Smoker sent flying by Leo.
"Stay back, Tashigi !!" Smoker shouted desperately. Even he wasn't Leo's match. If Tashigi got involved, she'd be done for.
Leo's lips twitched into a small, amused smile at the sight of her running, chest bouncing alarmingly. He had found her effortlessly—no need to go to the naval base. Luck, or perhaps fate, had favored him.
"Captain Smoker! Are you alright?" Tashigi called, rushing to his side.
"You… idiot! I told you to get away!" Smoker growled. If Leo finished him off now, there would be nothing left.
"Careful… she's just checking on you," Leo said coldly, turning his gaze to Dasky.
Tashigi froze, wide-eyed, fumbling with her hand on her sword, "Y-you… stay away!"
"Relax. I won't hurt you," Leo said, softening slightly, but keeping his tone serious. "By the authority of Leo, captain of the Leo Pirates, I officially welcome you. From this moment, you are a member of my crew."
Tashigi blinked, stunned, glancing behind her. No one else was there.
"Look behind you—no one. It's just you," Leo added, his voice firm.
"Tashigi …" Leo said simply, emphasizing her name.
"Impossible! I'm Navy! I could never be a pirate!" she insisted, shaking her head. "Absolutely impossible!"
But her resolve wavered, and she could feel the tension in the air.
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T/N :
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