CHAPTER:- 9 AFTER YOU

So I am back again after Diwali as I promised hahaha.

I said it didn't I all acording to plan. You don't believe fufufu just as I planned.

Anyways I don't have any plan to say anything at all so just do it with a bang and Its probably gonna be worse then before but who cares it's not like you are giving me any reviews or powerstones afterall.

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The turbulent waves of the sea roared beneath us, scattering the wreckage of pirate ships left and right. Flames licked the torn sails, and the hulls bobbed helplessly, shattered as if pummeled by cannonballs.

"Smoker-san, that was incredible... just like Vice Admiral Garp!" I blurted out, a little too enthusiastically.

A chilling voice came from behind. "What was that, Sasazuka?" Smoke curled around the figure in the dim light, coiling like snakes, revealing the man in charge—Captain Smoker.

I swallowed. "I-I mean, inspired by Garp, of course, sir."

He studied me for a moment, then exhaled a thick cloud, the ember on his cigar flaring. "You're getting sharper, I see," he muttered, flicking the cigar in his hand. It arced through the air, landing squarely on the last remaining pirate ship.

Boom.

The ship erupted, splintering into fragments. I could only stare, feeling the sheer weight of Captain's power, a force I could barely comprehend.

But one thing was clear: Captain Smoker had changed.

"Captain, here." Carmel appeared through the lingering smoke, holding a glass of wine with a sultry smile.

Smoker reached for the glass, but at the last moment, his hand slid to her waist, pulling her close, his strong grip pressing her soft form against him. She gasped, her face flushing as his lips met hers in a fierce kiss.

"Mmf…"

She tried to pull away, whispering breathlessly, "Captain, not here… not in front of everyone."

Smoker's lips curved into a dangerous grin. "Why not, Carmel? You've never minded my 'nuclear kisses' before," he teased, pressing her against the warm iron of a nearby cannon, kissing her with even more intensity. Carmel's cheeks flushed as she tried to turn away, struggling for breath.

"Please," she pleaded softly, glancing around. "Not here…"

He glanced back at the crew. "Men, turn around. Face the other way, and cover your ears." he commanded.

Obediently, every soldier turned, hands clamping over their ears. I did the same, but even then, I could hear the sounds: the soft rip of fabric, her gasping breaths, and the unmistakable rhythm of their bodies.

Despite the muffled sounds, I couldn't escape them. After all, I know Observation Haki. I don't remeber from when but suddenly I was able to hear everything and after some practice it came naturally.

And I knew Captain Smoker—knew that this change in him ran deep. Whatever had happened, it had left scars, wounds that made him colder, fiercer. Some said she died. Others whispered that she left him. But the truth... only he and I knew.

I thought of her.

Tashigi... where are you now?