It was a balmy midday on Python Python Aboradge. Standing guard on the beach, Smoker, Tashigi, Vargo and Koby were killing time while the Marines scouted out the venue for the slave auction.
Reaching his hand down, Toma scooped up some sand off the beach, and placed it in his mouth.
"Tasty~ here kid, try some!" Toma pointed down at the sand, then nudged Koby in the side.
"What, no way, I'm not eating sand!" Koby crossed his arms in an X, and vigorously shook his head left and right.
"Relax, and chill out. You're on Python Python Aboradge! Where the trees are made of bubblegum, the dirt is cinnamon, clouds rain chocolate syrup, and the beaches are a mix of sugar, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg!" Toma finished his exclamation by scooping up another handful of beach sand, and happily placing it in his mouth.
"So, Toma, you said a lot of nobles, merchants and other people come to the Aboradge, is this why?" Tashigi pushed up her glasses, and asked in a serious tone.
"Yeah. Yeah! I mean, the island is pretty unique, right? It's not just people coming to buy and sell illicit goods. There are tons of legit business going on! Hunting candied flamingos, fishing steak flavored karp, or smoking whiskey flavored banana leaves, there's lots to do! Besides the slave auction, there's a hunt for rare ingredients that are later used in a cook off. The winner who has the best meal made from the ingredients they gathered wins an incredible prize! One year, some guy wanted to own an island, and instantly became a noble!" Toma's typical dopey face took on a rare look of passion as he described the different activities on Python Python Aboradge.
Toma then leaned in to whisper. "While we're here to bust the slave trading ring, I say we do it stealth like. There's some important toes I wouldn't want to step on between you and me."
"Short of a Celestial Dragon, I don't give a shit if it's a high ranking Marine, Cipher Pol, or a noble." Smoker took a long drag of his cigar, and kept his attention focused on the crowd of gathered nobles and merchants he was here to 'guard.'
Further down the beach, market stalls, fancy restaurants, and large shops lined a small town, leading off onto a massive pier.
"Oh, well, okay then." Toma nodded, his energy left him, and he slumped his shoulders.
"Ahem, just out of curiosity, who are the people you think we should avoid?" Tashigi coughed in her hand, and sweetly smiled at Toma.
"Yeah? Yeah! Well there's usually a few people to look out for!" Toma regained his morale, and began to animatedly explain the situation.
"Well~ usually there's a cook off, and food critique between Gordan Ramses, and Streusen. Ramses is a celebrity chef who frequently cooks for the World Nobles he always has a detachment of Cipher Pol for his safety. And Streusen is the head chef of the Big Mom Pirates! He always has a high level officer guarding him!" Toma lowered his voice, and dropped the tired look from his face to accentuate just how important the people on Python Python Aboradge were.
"Wow, the sand really does taste like sugar!" Koby loudly exclaimed from the side. Sticky sand coated his face.
"Huff huff huff." Vargo pushed Koby down and began to lick the cinnamony sugar off Koby's face.
Smoker pointedly refused to turn around, and kept his eyes locked on the crowd. He observed each of their actions, and made note of his men keeping order and peace over the gathering.
"Go on." Tashigi said firmly.
"Y-yeah." Toma scratched his cheek, and likewise turned away from Koby and Vargo.
"Ahem, anyway, there's a few more notables. Dr. Livesy is a renowned alchemist who sells medicine that can heal the comatose, and regrow limbs. Dubbed the "Miracle Worker" Livsey is considered by many to be the seventh unofficial Underworld Emperor. Double-Oh Zero is an information broker who has knowledge on everyone. Jeffery Beyzeus is the head of the Merchant-Marines, and trades goods between all Four Blues, he has contacts with every nation, pirate and mercenary. Finally, Senator Strongarm from the United Confederation."
"Pwah, pwah, Senator Strongarm?! Isn't he the guy who overthrew the Germa Empire, and freed the North Blue?!" Koby wiped the wolf's slobber off his face, and exclaimed in surprise.
"No! That was his ancestor, Senator Steven Strongarm! This is Senator Washington Strongarm. However, he does look exactly like the statue of Steven…" Toma rubbed his chin in thought at the peculiarity.
"Germa Empire? That's just a fable told in comics to scare children." Tashigi crossed her arms with a huff.
"What?! No way, Sora is a great Marine hero! He was one of my inspirations to join the Marines! You've gotta know him Tashigi! He's the one responsible for saving the town of Risky Port from all those bandits! Or putting down the Germa Rebellions in North Blue!" Koby interjected passionately. He raised his voice, and was practically bouncing up and down in excitement as he described the exploits of Sora, Warrior of the Seas.
"Get a grip on reality Koby. Comic books wouldn't detail the exploits of real life. The Germa 66 are nothing more than some stupid author's flights of fancy. He draws these epic storylines for money, it's just a marketing gimmick Koby. Every storyteller says 'based on a true story' these days." Tashigi had a sour expression on her face as she degraded the comics.
"Tashigi, Koby." Smoker directed a side eyed glare at the pair, shutting them up.
Noticing the awkward atmosphere, Toma was quick to pick up his role as narrator, and keep talking.
"An-anyway, the point is, Senator Strongarm is the representative of the United Confederation! That's North Blue's strongest nation! The Marines recruit over 50,000 men from the Confederation every year! The Confederation is responsible for producing 25% of all weapons used by the Marines, and is the fifth highest tax paying nation in the World Government. Seriously guys, don't mess with Senator Strongarm! Not only is he leader of this powerful nation, but he's also a retired Admiral!" Toma's voice kept on getting lower and lower till only the faintest of whispers escaped his mouth.
"Nonsense! My Captain said he would take on anyone short of a Celestial Dragon, we're not scared of Senator Strongarm!" Koby swiftly turned around in a hurry and faced Smoker. His brand new Marine officer great coat fluttered in the wind with his abrupt action. "Right, Captain?!"
*puff puff puff*
"Captain?" Koby questioned.
"And here's the hero of the hour himself, Vice-Admiral Smoker!" A baritone, gravelly voiced man reached toward Smoker for a handshake.
Walking up to Smoker and company was an exceptionally buff man in a suit. He had short slicked back brown hair, and wore a fancy gold watch, and somewhat nerdy looking glasses. His bright red tie, gold cufflinks and fancy dress shoes wouldn't be out of place in a bank, fancy party, or political function. Standing two heads taller than Smoker, he was quite the site.
"S-senator Strongarm! No wait, behind him…!" Toma stuttered.
"His hair, his fashion, his smile, the way he swings his shoulders and walks like not even a mountain could stop him…it's Dr. Livsey!" Toma's eyes widened at the approaching legends.
Flanking Strongarm was Dr. Livsey. He was a barrel chested man who stood as tall as Strongarm. His nose was hooked, and his face was frozen in a perpetual, manic grin. Livsey wore a green naval coat with gold buttons, and a powdered wig. At his side was a rapier with a well worn grip, indicating it had seen much use. Every step of his, he stuck his chest out, shifted his shoulders back and forth, and walked with as much machismo and exaggerated swagger as possible.
"Senator Strongarm. And you've misheard, it's Commodore Smoker." Smoker gripped Strongarm's hand in a firm handshake.
"Fuckin 'higher ups!' A man like you took out a Shichibukai! A Shichibukai, one of the toughest sons of bitches in all the Blues! A mere Marine Captain took destiny into his own two hands! When faced against a powerful opponent, did you stand down? Did you flee or cower?! No! You said 'to hell with this! I'm getting shit done!' Taking out one of those noble's play toys without giving a damn. That's a real man! Unlike those sissy yes men back at Marine Headquarters!" Strongarm clapped Smoker on the shoulder, and complimented him with a wild grin.
"Then why'd you leave the Marines? Someone like you could've done a lot of change from the inside." Smoker questioned, smoke from his cigar lazily wafted up between the two men.
*click click puff*
Taking his hand off of Smoker's shoulder, Strongarm lit a cigar, and stared off into the horizon.
"Son, there comes a time in every Marine's life when he questions what he's fighting for. Protecting the weak? Fighting for your country? Saving the world? Justice? It's all bullshit built upon a pile of lies." Strongarm slowly exhaled the cigar smoke through his nose.
"What, no way! Without the Marines, the world would be thrown into anarchy! Wonton thievery, endless murder, slavery in every corner, without the Marines, the world would be worse off!" Koby fathered his courage, and shouted at the ex-Admiral.
"Hahahahaha!" Livsey laughed uproariously in response.
Strongarm flicked the cigar away, and for the first time pit his attention on someone else other than Smoker.
Koby was quick to hide behind Smoker's back rather than face Strongarm's glare.
"Thievery? Murder? Slavery? Go to any island, and you'll find traces of it in every corner. The world is ruled by corrupt, greedy officials who only seek pleasure. Pleasure in putting man down! I have a dream! That it is every man and woman's God given right to pursue strength, and determine their own destiny. To empower everyone with the opportunity to become strong! Self-determination! I joined the Marines in pursuit of that dream, but they showed themselves to be nothing more than a poor reflection of this cancerous administration!
I'm a man of principles…of conviction! As proud as I am, I know one man alone a movement does not make! Think of me when you start questioning the Marines, Smoker. I know you're on the right path just by being here. A man like you randomly showing up on this island? At this time? Hah! The United Confederacy could use men of integrity like you." Strongarm ground his foot into his discarded cigar, and walked off.
"Hahahaha! Strongarm likes you! Here, a gift! To you, this rum means death!" Dr. Livsey spoke in an accent reminiscent of the Rus. Reaching into a black bag, Livsey handed Smoker a vial containing black sludge before he left to follow Strongarm. Where the label for a brand would be, there was an imprint of a skull and crossbones.
Smoker took a long drag on his cigar, and considered what Strongarm had to say. In general, he wasn't exactly wrong. When Smoker thought about the world of One Piece, people seemed to try to kill Luffy and his crew out of nowhere for seemingly little reason. Arlong, Don Krieg, Bellamy. These were three random low tier threats responsible for terrorizing hundreds of people. People like them were everywhere Smoker looked.
Big names like Boa Hancock, Kaido, Big Mom, Doflamingo, Gecko Moria, and Capone Bege. Those six forces probably terrorized the most people in the sea in terms of numbers. But ultimately, they were only six forces. For every six of these powerful people, there were probably a hundred or a thousand weak menaces like Arlong, Don Krieg, or Bellamy roaming the seas.
Hell, every year, a new set of Supernova would meet up at Saboady. EVERY. YEAR.
"You don't really think he's right…right Captain?" Koby asked with a finger on his lip. He was really curious what Smoker had to say.
Toma looked like he wanted to say something, but let out a tired defeated sigh. Putting his hands in his pockets, Toma slouched, and prepared himself to tune out whatever Marine propaganda Smoker was about to spout.
Meanwhile, Tashigi took a deep breath, and tried to calm her mind so she wouldn't go mad from the ravings of her cursed sword.
'Strongarm is trying to take him from us. ONLY I CAN GIVE YOU THE POWER TO KEEP SMOKER BY OUR SIDE.'
'You don't scare me Shichikeisen, my faith in Smoker is firm. He will never abandon me.' Tashigi's face was one of calm.
'Hueh hueh hueh. We shall see little one. We shall see.'
"It all comes down to Justice. Every Marine is free to find and follow their own path. Strongarm's convictions have led him to become the man he is today. Whether he is right or wrong. This is something you must conclude on your own Koby. Regardless, your bravery in overcoming your fear of Alvida, taking on the 'Demon Child' and infiltrating that corrupt Marine base is a good enough start. Don't worry about things like Justice or whatever, and just keep being you." Smoker took one more puff before striding toward the market.
The succulent smells of open grills were tempting him greatly. When sailing, all he had to eat was hardtack which was a type of cracker that had the properties of both hard and tack and tasted like cardboard. And whatever fish was caught along the way. Which wasn't bad, except after the fifth week of nothing but fish…Smoker came to the realization that he was spoiled by his modern palate, and craved varied and diverse flavors.
As he was walking away, Smoker snuck a small handful of candied sand into his mouth.
'Wow!' Smoker raised his eyebrows in surprise.
Smoker licked his lips craving more, but upon seeing the undivided attention of his crew, he let out a sigh, and refrained from dipping his hand back down on the beach. He had an image to maintain after all.
"I see. I'll have to come to my own decision…" Koby looked down at his hands, and clenched his fists in resolve.
"I won't let you down Captain!" Koby lifted his head, and cried out in jubilation.
Koby looked around, only to spot Smoker, Toma, Vargo and Tashigi in the distance.
"Wai-wait for me guys!"
Sitting behind a judges table were two men. The tall blonde man with a weathered face filled with frown lines in a white chefs outfit, and speaking in a British accent was Gordan Ramses. Beside Ramses was a short man with a long white moustache, and bright pink clothes, speaking in a French accent, he was Streusen. And standing guard behind Streusen was a bored out of his mind Sweet Commander and younger triplet to Katakuri, Daifuku!
On the table was a pin used as a reward for successful cooks. It would signify that they had evolved from mere cooks into successful chefs recognized by the Chefs Association. The pin read 1 Star Chef.
Placing a plate of food before the two judges, a nervous cook began to wring his hat. He occasionally dabbed sweat off his forehead while he waited in place.
"Where's the lamb sauce?!" Ramses flipped the plate off the table onto the floor.
"Indeed, not even my Kuku Kuku no Mi could make this edible!" Streusen picked up a dish full of boiling hot gravy, and splattered it all over the would be chef.
"Tell you wot. Pack your bags, call yer mum, and see yourself out. Because the Chefs Association has no place for wimps like you. Next!"
"I sneer at you! Even my waste is better than theece gar-baage!" Streusen blew his nose, stabbed it with his sword into the snot, and turned it into food.
"Mn mmn, wow, so good!" The disqualified cook ate the foodified boogers with relish, utterly ignoring the unkind words, and steaming hot gravy that had seeped into his clothes.
"Yes, yes, oui! Out with you! Au revoir!" Streusen shooed the cook off dismissively.
Approaching the table carrying a steaming tray was a red haired buxom vixen. She wore a long crimson gown, and wore her hair spiky, reminiscent of a certain Saiyan Prince.
A whole host of fans, and attendees began to mutter to each other about the newest entry.
"It's 'Fiery' Carmen, I heard she became a One Star Chef at the age of sixteen!"
"That's old news, she upgraded to a Two Star five years ago at twenty-one. It's rumored to be that she can cook five different dishes at once! People have started to call her, 'Five Alarm' Carmen!"
"The hunt for rare ingredients is over! I didn't expect someone to challenge for a higher rank! If she wins, will she win the reward?! How exciting!"
"Carmen, have my babies!"
"We love you Carmen!"
Walking into the crowd, Smoker and company were just in time to witness them go crazy over Carmen.
"Captain, Captain, that's Carmen! She's the second most famous chef in all of East Blue! When I was a prisoner on Alvida's ship, she would do nothing but go on and on about how great her cooking is!"
"That's right Koby, her food is divine. Not only that, but she has a temper to match the look. She's not known as 'Fiery' Carmen for nothing." Tashigi smiled.
"Woah Tashigi, you know Carmen? She's a total babe!" Toma had hearts coming out of his eyes as he took in Carmen's bountiful figure.
"Yeah, she's a native of Loguetown. She had the hots for Smoker, but he turned her down every time." Tashigi's smile morphed into a gleeful grin as she put Carmen down.
'Where she belongs.' Shichiseiken whispered.
At that, everyone was staring at Smoker.
"She was to clingy, but damn can she cook. After this, I'll see about getting you a meal Koby." Smoker nodded.
"Wow, for real?!" Koby practically bounced up and down with boyish glee.
"For real." Smoker's lip turned upward like it was going to grin, before Smoker was quick to reign in his emotions, and simply nodded again.
All the while the Marine's were chatting, Carmen faced the two elite chefs.
"Carmen luv, what have you got for us today? Not going to mess up your third star again like last time?" Ramses smirked.
"Bonjour mademoiselle, indeed, I'm curious as my colleague, what have you brought before us today? Perhaps a fillet sugar plum antelope? Ohh, it will be a challenge to gain your Third Star. The Chefs Association has changed its rules due to you. The majeur muck up last time was très repugnante!"
"As if! For the last time, the Vinsmoke's ruined my dish so that Cosette could win! Hmph. I'll let my cooking do the talking." Carmen slammed her tray down, and opened it up.
Golden light reflected off the food as it was revealed.
"A glazed flamingo~ The skin has a full color, the smell is sweet, as is the sauce. Perhaps it is a little too sweet." Streusen remarked, and scribbled something down on a notepad.
Ramses withheld any comment, and began to take small bites here and there.
"Mn, mnn, the skin is flakey, however, the meat is moist, and tender. Not to firm, not to soft. I must agree with Chef Streusen, the sauce is a little too sweet. Alright, next dish what have you got for us now?" Ramses finished his critique, and was ready to move on to the next dish.
"Peru Peru Peru~"
"The next dish is-"
"Peru Peru Peru~"
"The next dish is-"
"Peru Peru Peru~"
"Ai, oo iiiz calling?! Thees iz an important event! I'll gut you and turn you into sausage pudding!" Streusen drew his rapier, and looked around menacingly.
"Ah, Captain, it's Igloo and Bors, they found the sla-mnff!" Koby said in a loud voice, before his mouth was covered by Smoker's gloved hand.
Dragging Koby away from the crowd of onlookers, Smoker threw him into an alleyway.
"Time and place boy, time and place. Now out with it, what did Igloo and Bors have to report."
"Uhh, they said that they found the auction being set up! It's supposed to be held later tonight!"
Smoker took a moment to ponder. People like Strongarm, Livsey, and Daifuku are on this island. Even if they were potential buyers, it was in his best interest to apprehend the ring leader while they were still setting up shop.
As much as he would've loved to have waited for night to fall, and take out the scum who made any purchases, he had to be realistic with where he stood. Stoic Justice was a mantra of his to live by. Do what you could, when you could, with what you could. He wasn't someone like Luffy who had unrelenting stamina or plot armor. And he wasn't an idiotic saint blinded by doing 'the right thing.' He could only mete out Justice within his means.
"Give me a description. What do the guards look like, is there any central authority figure?" Smoker questioned Koby.
"Mhm mhm, yeah." Koby concentrated on the den den mushi as he took the call.
"Okay Captain, there aren't many guards, but they keep answering to this and I quote, 'hot bird girl.' Apparently, the leader of this operation is a green haired woman with wings for arms, bird legs, and talon feet.
*puff puff puff*
Smoker closed his eyes, and did some quick calculations in his head.
"Okay, have the men rest on standby. They have orders to secure the prisoners as soon as we make an entrance. After that, order them to get the prisoners to the ship, sail a little way out to sea, and leave us a rowboat. This situation could massively blow up in our faces. I want to take care of this quick and I want it clean. Do I make myself understood?"
"Crystal sir!" Koby saluted, and conveyed Smoker's orders.
After Koby was done, Smoker motioned for his officers to huddle so he could share his plan of attack.
"Listen up, I have a good idea of what we're going to be facing out there. Here's what we're going to do."
AN: Some of you may realize Hina isn't here, I have an explanation, it just didn't flow well in this chapter. So, an explanation in 1-3 chapters.
Yeah, Carmen is a non-canon Loguetown character. Google her if u want pics.
And I'm aware I butchered French, lmao!
