46: Smoker's Plan, and Hina's Curiosity

Marine Headquarters.

Marineford.

Smoker lay in the hospital ward by the window, a cigar in his mouth, with heavy bandages wrapped around his head, abdomen, and right arm.

"How unsightly. I can't believe someone like you, who graduated alongside me, would get beaten up this badly. Hina is very disappointed."

Hina, with her long, light pink hair, dressed in a red suit and draped in a Justice Coat, stood with her arms crossed in front of Smoker's hospital bed. She had a slender, attractive figure and a striking, cold beauty. A thin cigarette rested between her lips.

"Who exactly did this to you? Hina is curious," she asked, her gaze lingering on him.

As a user of the Smoke-Smoke Fruit with powers as strong, if not stronger, than hers, she was surprised Smoker had ended up in such a state.

Moreover, the injuries hadn't been from a mission—it had happened right in Marineford. She was keen to know who had inflicted them.

"None of your business. Just get out of here!" Smoker replied coldly, staring out the window.

"Hmph."

Hina snorted and turned to leave the ward.

On her way back, she caught sight of a black-haired boy wearing a white training uniform. He walked barefoot along the long hospital wall, arms spread wide, eyes closed.

Surprisingly, he maintained perfect balance.

"So, that's the new special recruit trainee? He's really young," Hina observed with interest as she watched Ron.

"What are you doing?" she asked him.

"Training," he answered, eyes still closed.

"And what exactly is this training supposed to accomplish?" Hina asked curiously.

She walked alongside him, with Ron on the wall and her below.

"Training my senses," Ron replied, focusing on Observation Haki by practicing walking blind.

Unaware of his true intentions, Hina smiled, thinking he was just messing around like a child.

"Your name is Ron, right?"

"Yes."

"I'm Hina," she introduced herself.

Ron was taken aback by the name.

Black Cage Hina.

So, it was her…

"Is there anything you particularly enjoy eating?" Hina asked, her hands clasped behind her as they walked.

"I like anything tasty."

"Well then, how about coming along with Hina to the marketplace? I'll treat you to some good food."

…

Back in his hospital room, Smoker glanced out the window and spotted Hina walking with Ron. His gaze narrowed.

"Hina… why is she with him?"

"Could she already know?"

Smoker's eyes widened.

If Hina knew, then it meant that all of Marineford likely knew!

That he, Smoker, was beaten by an 11-year-old and ended up hospitalized!

In truth, Hina didn't know any of this. She had simply taken a liking to the young recruit and wanted to take him out for a stroll, especially since a new dessert she'd wanted to try was being launched at a nearby restaurant.

The details of Smoker's fight with Ron were only known to a few.

Sengoku and the others wouldn't embarrass Smoker by spreading the word.

As long as Smoker and Ron kept quiet, no one else would know, and by the time Smoker recovered, it would be as if nothing had happened.

But, misunderstanding the situation, Smoker assumed everyone already knew…

Lying in bed with his cigar, he stared blankly out the window.

After a long silence, he made a decision.

"Once I recover, I'll leave Marineford… no, I'll leave the Grand Line entirely. I'll find a place to be stationed elsewhere."

Meanwhile, on a nearby island, Hina and Ron strolled around, sampling food and drinks.

Ron temporarily set aside his training, enjoying the experience as a traveler, savoring local delicacies and unique beverages.

The two had a great time.

Little did they know, Smoker was now prepared to leave the Grand Line entirely.

Back on the Marines' warship loaded with all sorts of treats and souvenirs, Hina bent down and smiled at Ron.

"Hina likes you a lot, little Ron. Why not join me on my ship?"

Despite only spending half a day together, she had grown fond of Ron, treating him almost like a younger brother.

Her fellow Marines would certainly be surprised to see Hina, usually so proud and confident, behaving so warmly toward someone.

Ron shook his head.

"Hina, I'm not a Marine yet. I can't become your subordinate."

"Is that so? Hina is disappointed."

While she was slightly let down, she respected Ron's decision.

Ron smiled and nodded, "If I get the chance, I'll go to sea with you next time, Hina."

Standing over 180 cm tall, Hina leaned down and patted his head with a smile.

"Alright."

…

At sunset, after docking, they parted ways.

Draped in her Justice Coat, Hina stood on the deck, watching the small figure disappear into the distance. A soft smile graced her face.

Now a Marine Lieutenant, Hina often had assignments to hunt down pirates, so today had been a rare break.

She had initially planned to visit Smoker after hearing about his injuries.

Unexpectedly, she'd encountered the rumored new trainee, who was so amusing and endearing, standing out completely from the solemn, stoic atmosphere of Marineford.

It was like a splash of vibrant green amidst a dull, gray background—full of life, naturally drawing the attention of someone as independent and bold as Hina.

"Lieutenant Hina, should we set off now?" her assistant called from behind her.

"Yes, let's go," Hina replied.

Goodbye for now, little Ron.