The sudden, strict crackdown in Loguetown left many pirates hiding in the shadows unable to move, forcing them to go into deep hiding.
The Marines' operation came without warning. Those who understood the situation knew it was aimed directly at the God‑Slayer; those who didn't scattered in panic, afraid to make the slightest move, choosing instead to wait for the storm to pass.
Most importantly, no one had expected the God‑Slayer to appear in the East Blue at all.
The situation trapped pirates already in town while blocking any outside from entering.
And that was exactly when Oboro led Dom straight to them.
As expected, the Marines were now fully mobilized, and Smoker had clearly grown suspicious.
Right now, every one of these pirates was in the same boat as him — all running for their lives.
For these small‑time outlaws, Oboro needed only low‑level Experience Cards and Bloodline Cards to bring about earth‑shaking changes in their strength.
And in exchange, they would serve him.
It was a deal that offered great rewards… but also carried a heavy threat.
Dom had already brutally eliminated the most rebellious and unruly among them.
"We obey you! We'll do whatever you say! Just get us out of Loguetown… We'll even join your crew if you want!" cried one pirate, still drunk on the thrill of his sudden power surge and fresh from killing. He prostrated himself before Oboro with utter sincerity.
Oboro had lied, though. He couldn't make them any stronger. Under the System's rules, each type of card could only be used once on the same person.
He could have used resources native to this world — such as Haki or Devil Fruits — to further enhance their abilities… but there was simply no need.
These men were nothing more than temporary tools, worth nothing to him as long‑term recruits. Spending even a few cards on them was already a minimal investment.
"Y‑you… you must be a powerful figure returned from the Grand Line, aren't you?"
The others quickly followed suit, swearing loyalty and daring not to object.
Dom stood nearby, watching them with cold, sharp eyes. Anyone who dared say "no" would be cut down instantly.
They had no choice.
This was a deal made under coercion.
Someone had asked the question.
The East Blue was vast yet well‑known; a man of such immense power could not have gone unnoticed.
So the only logical conclusion they could reach was that he came from the Grand Line.
But they never suspected him of being the God‑Slayer.
For one thing, the rumor that the God‑Slayer might be in the East Blue was still only speculation, with no solid proof.
For another, the Marines had seemingly cast a net so vast and tight — even bringing an Admiral to these waters — that most people believed no matter how powerful the fugitive was, he could never have escaped, let alone slipped quietly into Loguetown without anyone noticing.
To think otherwise would mean the World Government and Marines were completely incompetent.
Pirates held a certain awe and even admiration for those who came from the Grand Line. They were far more willing to believe this mysterious stranger was a "great senior" who had sailed the seas for years.
"I haven't officially formed my own crew yet… but if you are interested, you are welcome to join. I came to the East Blue specifically to recruit capable helpers."
Oboro smiled warmly and spread his arms open.
He had tacitly accepted their assumption that he came from the Grand Line.
His words made many pirates' eyes light up with excitement.
Some of them had been captains of their own small crews, but in this world, attaching oneself to a stronger power or a legendary figure was the secret dream of many — far better than struggling alone.
Very few possessed the pride and confidence to make their way entirely on their own… which was exactly why pirates so often banded together.
"Really? We… we can really join you?"
"Captain!"
Some immediately changed how they addressed him.
"My name is Zilchand. You are welcome to join my crew, which is yet to be fully formed. From this moment on, you are all founding members and core officers!"
Oboro nodded, radiating approachable confidence.
Standing beside him, Dom watched the faces flickering in the candlelight — some eager, some hiding selfish schemes — and sneered inwardly.
A bunch of amateurs…
---
Late that night.
Smoker and Tashigi walked one behind the other along a quiet main street in town.
All around them, Marine patrols moved back and forth continuously.
The main force was searching every corner of Loguetown. The man in the black suit had definitely not left the island; he was still here… most likely in hiding.
"Report!"
A squad leader ran over quickly and saluted.
"We have finished searching this entire sector. Nothing found."
Smoker exhaled a cloud of smoke. "Search again."
"Sir?"
The subordinate froze. They had already reported no traces found — why search again?
"I said… continue."
Smoker's cold, sharp eyes fixed on the man as he repeated the order.
"Y‑Yes, sir!"
The soldier shivered, shouted his acknowledgment, and turned to leave.
Behind him, Tashigi — now back in her Marine uniform — was about to speak when suddenly, the Den Den Mushi attached to Smoker's coat began to ring.
Her heart skipped a beat; she could sense trouble coming.
"Sir! One of our squads was ambushed in the northeast district! They are currently engaged in battle. The enemy is a group of over thirty pirates… and they are extremely strong! I have already led men to reinforce them! These pirates were likely trapped in town just like the others and had been hiding because of our operation. Showing themselves now means they are trying to break through the blockade and escape the island!"
The voice over the snail was urgent.
"Have you found anything?" Smoker asked calmly, revealing nothing.
"Before calling you… I tried to contact the squad, but no one answered. I fear they may already be lost. As for our target… we still cannot confirm if he is among these pirates. It happened too suddenly, the light is poor, and the situation is chaotic… We have just arrived at the scene and are engaging — AHH!"
Smoker ran at full speed while speaking.
The officer on the other end was also rushing at the head of his men to assist.
But right in the middle of the report, before he could finish, a scream echoed from the Den Den Mushi.
Then the connection went dead.
Smoker's pupils instantly contracted.
Tashigi was shocked as well.
They had deployed a significant number of soldiers across Loguetown. The officer in charge of the northeast sector had brought over a hundred men with him as reinforcements.
To be killed or defeated the moment they arrived was impossible to believe. Even against strong pirates — at least those native to the East Blue — Marines should have been able to hold out for some time.
And that officer was a Chief Petty Officer of the branch, a man with real strength.
To be wiped out instantly…?
"You stay here and handle the situation."
Smoker spoke only those few words, then leaped onto his motorcycle parked nearby and twisted the throttle hard.
With a deafening roar, he sped away into the night.
Tashigi stood frozen, stunned… and frustrated at being left behind.
____________________
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