Familiar face

Rei slowly awoke, his senses gradually adjusting to the dappled light filtering through the thick canopy of the forest.

As he blinked away the remnants of sleep, he realized he had fallen into a peaceful slumber amid the embrace of nature.

Lying on a bed of moss and fallen leaves, Rei took in the sights and sounds of the enchanting woodland surrounding him.

Towering trees stretched toward the sky, their branches reaching out like ancient guardians of the forest.

Rei walked forward to the stream, Reagan showed him a long time ago. From there he finished cleaning himself, looking through the reflection in the clean water, Rei touched his hair.

' I spent more time in this forest than at home. I need to cut my hair as well. ' He noted to himself.

Although this forest didn't have any beasts or animals that can threaten his life, the condition here allow him to adapt.

And sparing with Reagan even pushed his strength to another step. He clenched his fist, feeling a burst of energy through his body.

Rei smiled. " Great. "

He stood up and ran toward his home.

He can feel the absence around his home. No more kids playing around. No grandma talking. It was kind of peaceful and creepy. It felt like this whole section is empty.

' The celebration must be huge. ' Rei thought. He opened the door greeting the dusty environment.

He coughed a few dusts out of his lungs. He walked toward his room. A piece of fresh paper was stuck to the door.

He took it and read it. ' So all three of them left. '

His parents and Reagan all left for the new world.

He scratched his head. He can understand his father and Reagan going to the new world but his mother is just an officer in the navy. She didn't even have a high-ranking position on the job.

Nevermind.

It said his mother picked up an outfit for him.

He opened the door and entered his room. His gaze landed upon the fixed place, the bed. There, carefully laid out on the crisp sheets, was a uniform, pristine and vibrant in its white and blue hues.

His fingers brushed against the fabric, feeling its smooth texture against his skin.

As he fastened the buttons and adjusted the collar, he can feel the freshness of the uniform. It was not like a regular Marine uniform.

There is his style added to the uniform.

He liked it a lot.

Closing the house, he walked his way to the celebration area.

He can hear the wave of the crowd from afar. Soon people began to catch his attention. A lot of people, he had never seen before. Not that he knew that many in the first place.

He walked passed all of them. It lights up to the name, there are many stores and people.

The soft music of people singing was floating around in the air. Rei smiled at the sight of this. In his life, he entered many celebrations, parties and events but he never enjoyed any of those.

There was a constant threat but now it is all gone. ' Look like the tension of pirates had relief a little bit. ' Rei observed the surrounding.

The smell of fresh meat caught his attention. He walked other the store and order a meat stick.

' Wait. Where did the competition begin? ' He didn't know.

He tapped the man who was wearing a navy coat and asked. " Sir, where did the competition start? "

The man replied while pointing in the distance. " Over there. "

Rei nodded and thanked the man. He rushed toward the competition. If this start before he could apply.

Suddenly his body shivered. ' Better not thinking about this. ' Rei had experienced the angry Reagan before.

There is a long line waiting for Rei. Unable to see what is going on in front of him, Rei decided to sneak in.

Taking advantage of his short height and age, he managed to avoid a few gazes. But he was immediately caught by a Navy officer.

Rei looked up at the man who was carrying him in one hand.

He sported a short-cropped mop of white hair that framed his face, adding to his rugged and weathered appearance. Two tufts of haistickingck up at the front, reminiscent of devil horns, giving him an almost intimidating aura.

' Smoker. ' Rei smiled. He didn't forget to act.

" Who are you, kid? " Smoker looked up and down, 'This is uniform from the competition. Do they forfeit their mind by letting a kid fight an adult? '

" Rei. This is my name. " Rei made a peace sign and strike the hand that was grabbing him. He didn't intend to hurt Smoker. His hand phased through the smoke.

' Oh. He always had a devil fruit. ' Rei noted, landing on the ground gracefully.

" My grandpa said I am going to participate in this competition so if you want to talk, just speak to him. " Rei said.

Smoker looked at Rei for a brief moment and nodded. " No need. Follow me, I will show you the place. "

Rei offed and followed behind Smoker. ' He seems a bit young compared to what I see but looks like he is Smoker. No cigarettes though. '

" You said your name is Rei. Are you, the kid of Vice-Admiral Richard? " Smoker asked.

" Yeah. "

" I see. So Sir Reagan ordered you to precipitate this competition. "

" You know about him? " Rei said. His eyes fixed upon the back of Smoker, a grey stick.

" He saved me. I would have become a pirate if not for Reagan bringing me to this place. " Smoked said.

" If don't like being a pirate, why would you become one? " Rei asked.

Smoker chuckled. " Sometimes Life is unpredictable. "

To those words, Rei agreed. Smoker stopped his footsteps and pointed at the counter. " Over there. They would bring you to the ring. "

" Thank. "

Smoker waved his hand and walked away. " No need, just show me what you are made of. "

Rei laughed. " You will see. "

***

Author's words.

I don't know if this story is AU since I will add a backstory to the smoker and why he was known by Ace when he was just guarding Lounge Town.

It didn't make sense Logia would guard east blue when there are numerous pirates in the Grand Line.

Those are just my thought.