After looking at the Execution Platform, Hera asked Smoker, "What are your plans? I've heard about you. If you want to return to Marineford, I should be able to help you."
Smoker was labeled the 'Mad Dog' due to his reckless style of operation and was marginalized here. Hera knew he was also a righteous Marine and wanted to give him a chance to return to Headquarters. Hera felt Smoker had the potential to become a powerhouse.
She then proposed, "When I was in the East Blue, I encountered a Marine, Captain Nezumi. He was colluding with the Arlong Pirates, and I executed him on the spot. If you wish, I can apply for your return to Headquarters, or you can first monitor the Marines in the East Blue."
Hera continued, "There are also Scoundrels within the Marines, especially here in the Four Seas, far from Headquarters. The Marines need their own internal oversight."
Smoker was somewhat shocked. If being called a 'Mad Dog' for disrespecting a superior was that harsh, what would this girl be called for killing a Captain immediately? 'Mad Lion' perhaps?
Hera went on to say, "The enemy of the Marines is anyone who disrupts justice, not just pirates. Evildoers who oppress the populace will eventually face judgment, it's just that my strength is currently insufficient."
Smoker was stunned. He never expected Hera to say such things, which undoubtedly pointed the spear at the corrupt Celestial Dragons and the World Government. Amidst his shock, he asked Hera, "How dare you say that, and say it to others?"
Hera laughed, her originally cute face now seeming demonic in Smoker's eyes: "We are on the same path. You wouldn't tell others."
"Besides, what if you told others? I'm just a little girl, how could I say such things?"
Smoker felt extremely conflicted. He had only intended to introduce himself as a fellow Marine, not to learn so much. With a complicated expression, he asked Hera, "You've told me so much, what do you want me to do?"
Hera said smugly, "Since you're so eager to find new work, I'll graciously arrange a new job for you."
Upon hearing this, Smoker complained internally, what do you mean 'I'm eager to find new work'? Aren't you the one arranging everything?
"In the name of Vice Admiral Tsuru, I hereby appoint you as the Prosecutor for the Four Seas Marines. Go arrest all those in the Four Seas who accept bribes, collude with pirates, or bully and oppress local people. For serious offenses, you have the right to Execute first, report later."
"Someone will take over your duties in Loguetown. After you complete your inspection tour, you can return to Headquarters."
Smoker was shocked. Such great authority? And what was this 'execute first, report later'? Did it mean beating them even after killing them? How cruel.
"Hmph hmph, are you shocked by my capabilities? Ask anything you have doubts about," Hera said proudly, seeing Smoker's shock.
Smoker quickly asked, "What does 'execute first, report later' mean? How severely must they be beaten? And does Vice Admiral Tsuru know about such a major matter?"
Hera saw that Smoker's shock stemmed from this point and her initial pride took a hit: "Execute first, report later means you kill them first and then report it. Vice Admiral Tsuru will know immediately."
After speaking, Smoker watched as Hera walked to the side, took out a den den mushi, and spoke into it with a somewhat coquettish tone.
"Hello, is this Grandma Tsuru? No, no, how could I cause trouble everywhere? It's like this, there's an appointment that needs your approval. The matter is as follows..."
Then, Hera explained the appointment of Smoker to Grandma Tsuru. The voice on the other end immediately paused.
Grandma Tsuru then said helplessly, "You might as well have told me you killed Smoker. You really dare to appoint anyone! Do you know how many people this will make Smoker offend?"
Hera quickly plastered on a smile, "Isn't this putting him directly under your command? Besides, this kid Smoker is full of integrity, making him perfect for this kind of thankless job. The Marines in the Four Seas have become far too arrogant; we can't let the reputation of the Marines deteriorate further."
Grandma Tsuru sighed helplessly, "What about the pirates then? The Marines currently don't have spare manpower."
Hera suggested, "How about this: let Smoker take a small contingent of Marines over there. When they uncover Illicit Funds, they can use that money for local conscription, appointing Marines who weren't involved to lead. Let it run temporarily. What do you think?"
Vice Admiral Tsuru was somewhat persuaded but still held back, "But how can these temporarily operating Marines resist powerful Pirate Crews?"
Seeing that Vice Admiral Tsuru was leaning towards agreeing, Hera continued, "This way, I am immediately heading to the Sky Island. There is a batch of gold there; I will bring it back to fund recruitment. During this time, let Smoker run around a bit more. If things get really tough, have Garp go back and check on his grandson Luffy."
Vice Admiral Tsuru was moved, "Fine, I agree. But don't keep Smoker under my command; transfer him directly under your grandfather Garp's purview. I'm old and can't carry the blame for everything. If anyone objects, they can go find him."
Hera was relieved to finally persuade Vice Admiral Tsuru, "Okay, Grandma Tsuru, I'll hang up now."
Vice Admiral Tsuru replied helplessly on the other end, "Stop calling me so often. I'm just an old woman about to retire."
Hera quickly acted spoiled, "Grandma Tsuru isn't old at all! You are the wisest in the Marines, so of course, I have to ask you for such decisions."
"Alright, stop acting cute. Since there's nothing else, let's leave it at that. I happen to be with Sengoku right now; I'll get this approved for you shortly."
Grandma Tsuru hung up the phone.
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