The Most Important Qualification Of A Marine Is Not The Military Rank! Yes……

"Are you serious? If you're going to refuse, then refuse outright."

Smoker stood firm, his voice edged with frustration. "Is this a resolute disagreement, or are you just trying to be difficult, Finn?"

Finn, clearly agitated, fired back, "You smoky guy, what's your problem? What gives you the right to talk down to me like that?"

Smoker was visibly upset. "Vice Admiral Garp is a Marine hero, someone I respect deeply! But you, Finn—you're just a recruit. What gives you the right to be assigned an assistant?"

Smoker's voice was stern as he turned to Garp, saluting him sharply. "I believe Vice Admiral Garp is fair and just. He would never do something so absurd!"

Smoker's words seemed overly flattering, almost as if he were trying to morally corner Garp. It was clear to anyone watching that Smoker was attempting to use Garp's sense of justice against him. Garp, known for his kindness, found himself at a loss for words, momentarily embarrassed by the situation. He awkwardly reached for some senbei to ease the tension.

Seeing his grandfather's hesitation, Finn seized the opportunity. "Absurd? My grandfather is offering this young lady a platform for greater development. What's absurd about that? Going to Naval Headquarters isn't just about being an assistant—it's about studying at the Marine Academy! That's a dream come true for so many!"

Finn continued, his tone sharp. "And now you want to snuff out this young woman's hope? What's your real motive?"

Finn didn't hold back, piling the pressure on Smoker. "The Marine Academy is the Holy Land for Marines! Today's Admirals and veteran Vice Admirals all graduated from there. It's like a carp leaping over the dragon's gate—once you're in, you've practically got one foot in the officer ranks!"

"Does Tashigi want to enter the Marine Academy? Of course she does!" Finn's voice softened as he mentioned her. "Her dream is to collect all the famous swords in the world that have fallen into the wrong hands. If she graduates from the Marine Academy, she'll become a key player in hunting down pirates, with a great chance of finding those famous swords!"

He contrasted this with their current station. "Here in Loguetown, it's just small-time crooks—there's not even a hint of a famous sword."

Smoker's stern demeanor wavered as Tashigi silently reflected on Finn's words.

"Hmph! You, with smoke coming out of your nostrils, you're just jealous! Right now, Tashigi is your subordinate, but once she graduates from the Marine Academy, she might outrank you. That's why you're upset, isn't it?"

Finn wasn't about to back down, nor was he going to show Smoker any respect. Smoker, already on edge, snapped. "That's nonsense!"

While Finn's words weren't entirely on target, Smoker couldn't deny the truth in them. His frustration boiled over, and he stood up, anger flashing in his eyes. "Master Finn! Stop with the nonsense! If you're truly qualified to have an assistant, then I'll hand Tashigi over without another word!"

"Hand her over?" Finn sneered. "Let me correct you—this young lady isn't some object to be handed over. She's a person, not a commodity! Show some respect and stop using language like 'hand over.'"

Garp and Bogart exchanged glances, both recognizing the irony. After all, Finn had forcibly taken Nami back not long ago. They were only giving her a better opportunity, but Finn was acting like the moral high ground was his to claim.

Tashigi, unaware of these details, felt a warm surge of respect towards Finn for his words. It was the first time she felt truly acknowledged.

Smoker, however, was incensed. Finn's words only added fuel to the fire. "That's not the point! The point is, you're just a recruit—you have no qualifications or right to be assigned an assistant!"

Smoker's focus on rank over respect only deepened Tashigi's growing dissatisfaction with him.

Finn, unfazed, countered, "Number one! Respect is crucial!"

"And number two! You want qualifications? My grandfather is a Vice Admiral, and the highest military rank eligible for direct appointment is Captain. If I want, I can become a Captain right now. Is that enough qualification for you?"

Tashigi's gratitude towards Finn grew even more. But Smoker, unimpressed, responded with a smirk. "Wrong! Marine's most important qualification isn't rank."

"Oh? And what is it, then?" Finn challenged.

Smoker replied, his voice cold and steady, "Strength."