Chapter 38: Loguetown - Smoker’s Challenge

Loguetown is the closest town to the entrance of the Grand Line.

Because of this, the town attracts a lot of bounty hunters looking to capture the many criminals who pass through on their way to the Grand Line.

Since Smoker was stationed here, he's had to sign off on countless bounty claims, with hunters bringing in two or three criminals at a time. But this... this was something else entirely.

"Ah, Captain Smoker, you're back!" A Marine rushed over to report. "Sir, all these people are bounty targets. We've already verified them!"

What? They're all bounty targets?

Smoker was taken aback. His eyes quickly landed on Takumi, who was leaning against the wall of his office, calmly sipping from a flask.

It's that kid!

Smoker frowned, weaving through the pile of unconscious bodies in the center of the room as he approached Takumi.

"Kid, you catch all these guys?"

Takumi set down his flask, meeting Smoker's gaze with a calm expression as he nodded.

Even though only half of them were his captures, admitting that might raise some unwanted suspicion.

Smoker squinted. "Are you a bounty hunter?"

"I'm a traveler," Takumi replied.

"Traveler?" Smoker didn't buy it. "A traveler, huh? What kind of traveler hauls in this many bounties? You that desperate for money?"

Takumi didn't deny it, simply giving a short "Yeah."

Though still suspicious of Takumi's true identity, Smoker was at least certain of one thing.

This kid isn't a pirate.

"Hey, how much are all these bounties worth combined?" Smoker called out to the Marine standing by the door.

The Marine snapped to attention. "Sir, the total comes to four million five hundred fifty thousand Beli!"

"Get these people recorded."

"Sir, they're already logged!" the Marine responded quickly.

Smoker nodded, slightly annoyed. "Bring me the paperwork."

"Yes, sir!" The Marine handed Smoker the bounty forms, already filled out.

Smoker signed his name on the documents before passing them to Takumi.

Takumi took them without hesitation. Now that he had what he came for, it was time to leave.

But just as he turned to go, Smoker stepped in front of him. "I'm not done with you yet. What's your name?"

Takumi sighed. "Takumi."

"How old are you?"

"Ten."

"Ten?" Smoker was momentarily thrown off, but continued, "When did you start training with Armament Haki?"

Takumi gave Smoker a flat look. "Less than a month ago."

"What?" Smoker was stunned, then burst out laughing. "Haha, you expect me to believe that? No way you caught a bullet with just a month of Haki training."

Takumi didn't bother to argue.

Just then, a lazy voice drifted into the room.

"What's with all the bodies?" Aokiji appeared in the doorway, scratching his head. "Oh? You actually came?"

"What do you mean 'actually came'?" Smoker asked, confused.

Aokiji waved it off. "Nothing important."

"So why exactly are you in Loguetown?" Smoker asked, clearly irritated.

"Can't a guy visit without a reason? I was passing by and thought I'd drop in," Aokiji replied nonchalantly.

"Well, you're just in time," Smoker said, chewing on his cigar. "Roger's death anniversary is coming up, and there'll be plenty of pirates showing up to pay tribute. If you've got nothing better to do, why don't you stay and help catch them?"

Aokiji looked disgusted. "I didn't come here to catch pirates. That's your job."

Smoker glared. "You're a Marine. Catching pirates is part of your duty."

Aokiji groaned, scratching his head in frustration. "Such a pain. I'm just on a stroll, and you want me to chase after some small-time pirates? Do it yourself."

Smoker clenched his teeth. "You're a Vice Admiral. Is that really how you should be talking?"

"You're still the same as ever," Aokiji sighed, waving a hand dismissively. "Fine, fine. Since you're asking, I'll help out this time."

"Help out? You're a Marine, catching pirates is your job!" Smoker shot back, veins pulsing in his forehead.

"Alright, alright, no need to get worked up. What about the kid?" Aokiji asked, nodding toward Takumi, who had been edging toward the door.

Smoker narrowed his eyes, his lower body suddenly transforming into smoke.

In an instant, he reappeared in front of the door, blocking Takumi's exit.

Smoker had the power of the Smoke-Smoke Fruit, a Logia-type Devil Fruit that allowed him to turn his body into smoke.

He could also solidify the smoke to trap his enemies.

While it wasn't the most impressive Logia ability in the world, in the pirate world, it was still a formidable power.

"Takumi, you're not leaving until I'm done asking questions," Smoker said sternly.

Takumi sighed inwardly.

"You're not from Loguetown, are you?" Smoker asked, his eyes sharp.

Takumi didn't want to waste time with more questions, but not answering would only cause more trouble. He nodded.

"Where are you from?" Smoker pressed.

"Windmill Village."

"Windmill Village? Sounds familiar..." Smoker muttered, trying to recall.

Aokiji rubbed his chin, then chimed in, "Isn't that Garp's hometown?"

Smoker's eyes widened. "That's right! Windmill Village is Vice Admiral Garp's hometown. So, you know Garp?"

Takumi did indeed know Garp. In fact, he had just managed to shake the old man off back at Baratie. But telling the truth would only invite endless questions from Smoker.

Without hesitation, Takumi shook his head. "Heard of him, never met him."

"Never met him? You sure about that?" Smoker asked, clearly skeptical.

At that moment, Aokiji suddenly sat down on the floor, crossing his legs.

Smoker shot him a puzzled look. "What are you doing?"

"My legs were getting tired. Don't mind me, carry on," Aokiji replied, waving a hand.

Smoker felt his patience slipping. "Alright, kid, one last question. You say you're a traveler, so where are you heading next?"

"Grand Line," Takumi answered without hesitation.

Smoker paused. "You're going alone?"

Takumi nodded.

"Do you even know what the Grand Line is like? A kid like you, going there is suicide," Smoker warned.

Aokiji, still seated, propped his head up with one hand and remarked, "Come on, Smoker, maybe this kid will make a name for himself on the Grand Line."

"What's a ten-year-old traveler going to accomplish? He's just a child," Smoker insisted, his gaze locking onto Takumi. "If you're so set on going to the Grand Line, then fight me first. If you win, I won't stop you. But if you lose, you join the Marines."