Author: Xiao Yifeng
Translator: PapaSmurf0700
"To witness the rise of a legend!"
Upon uttering these words, Bai Ye felt a subtle shift in his Dao Heart. It was as if he was becoming more attuned to this world. However, the sensation was fleeting, so he didn't dwell on it.
"A legend? Really?" Smoker quickly grasped Bai Ye's intentions after hearing his declaration. Bai Ye's grand gestures were all about making a big splash when they officially launched their pirate crew. And what better way to rapidly spread one's name far and wide than a bounty placed by the navy? The navy's bounty, to some extent, had become a symbol of notoriety. Some pirates even resorted to heinous acts, like destroying entire towns, just to amplify their infamy.
Smoker's gaze settled on Bai Ye. The man before him sought fame, but not through malicious means. Smoker felt an odd sense of respect for that. He thought, perhaps it's better for pirates to seek notoriety Bai Ye's way rather than through wicked deeds.
However, he said sternly, "A pirate remains a pirate. They all end up behind bars eventually."
Luffy interjected, raising his arms passionately, "I'll become the Pirate King! I won't ever be imprisoned!"
Smoking his cigar, Smoker retorted, "Proclaiming yourself the Pirate King in the navy's presence? That's bold, young man."
Suddenly, Smoker caught an object tossed by Bai Ye. Inspecting it, he realized it was a Den Den Mushi.
Standing up, Bai Ye addressed Smoker, "My captain doesn't make empty claims. His ambition is the very foundation of the Straw Hat Pirates."
Pointing at the Den Den Mushi in Smoker's grasp, Bai Ye smirked slightly, "This holds the latest on us. The foe might've been weak, but it'll show you our capabilities."
Smoker surmised that the Den Den Mushi likely contained footage of the Straw Hats triumphing over the Arlong Pirates. Observing the crew, particularly Bai Ye, a hint of curiosity and a smirk appeared on Smoker's face.
Smiling, Smoker tucked the Den Den Mushi into his coat pocket. He then casually draped the coat on a nearby table, revealing his well-toned torso.
"I don't care much for gadgets," he drawled, straightening up to face the Straw Hats. "But, if we're talking about gauging your strength," he said, a playful look entering his eyes, "I've got a better idea."
He cracked his neck and announced, "How about a fight?"
With a swift Rokushiki - Shave move, Smoker vanished, only to reappear behind Luffy a split second later. His ten arms, one of which held a large jitte tipped with seastone, moved to strike Luffy.
Had this been the pre-Marrow Cleansing Pill Luffy, Smoker's swift Navy move might have taken him by surprise. But having taken the pill, Luffy's agility and strength now rivaled his second gear in the original tale. Just before Smoker's fingers could touch him, Luffy also disappeared, reappearing behind Smoker.
This unexpected move caught Smoker off guard, making him momentarily doubt his own speed.
Gomu Gomu no Pistol! Luffy wasted no time, displaying impressive power.
Almost simultaneously, the Straw Hats' other two powerhouses, Zoro and Sanji, joined the action. With Zoro's sword technique, Ittoryu Iai: Shishi Sonson, and Sanji's Côtelette kick, they coordinated an attack on Smoker. Luffy targeted Smoker's back, Zoro readied a central strike, and Sanji went for the knees.
For a split second, it looked like Smoker was cornered. But then...
"Wait, what?!"
"Impossible!"
"Is he even human?!"
The trio exclaimed in disbelief as their strikes seemingly passed right through Smoker.
Grinning, Smoker took a drag from his trio of cigars, then unleashed a storm of smoke from his palms. White Gale! Caught off guard, Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji were swiftly caught in the smoke whirlwind, only to be violently thrown to the ground a moment later.
"Luffy! Sanji! Zoro!"
Both Nami and Usopp cried out in unison, unable to fathom how their companions were taken down so effortlessly.
Smoker's recent display of power was truly astonishing, leaving two of them staring in disbelief.
"Did I just punch through a smokey man?" Luffy questioned, getting to his feet with a puzzled look.
"It reminds me a bit of Buggy," Zoro remarked, unsheathing his trio of swords with a grave expression. He recalled the sensation of his blade passing through Smoker without making contact.
"Could he be using the power of a devil fruit?" Sanji pondered aloud, rising to his feet.
Bai Ye approached the group, casting his gaze at Smoker, who had transformed his legs into smoke. "He possesses a Logia devil fruit: the Smoke-Smoke Fruit," Bai Ye explained. "It grants him the ability to convert any body part into smoke. Even if physically attacked, he can swiftly reform using the smoke. When in this 'elemental' form, conventional attacks can't harm him."
While Bai Ye spoke with evident gravity, a hint of calm confidence colored his demeanor. He had anticipated this showdown with Smoker. Bai Ye wasn't concerned. He trusted in his Qi, akin to Haki, and his Daoist techniques, which countered Smoker's abilities well. Additionally, he recalled from the original narrative that the Smoke-Smoke Fruit was somewhat underwhelming.
Bai Ye also believed it crucial for Luffy and the others to understand their vulnerabilities. Their realization would set the stage for the teachings from Buggy's book: Roger's Haki training notes.
Overhearing Bai Ye, Smoker interjected, "You seem to know a lot for someone without notable origins, just as the intel suggested."
He then challenged, "Let's see if your strength matches your knowledge."
With a cry of "White Fist!", a fist, propelled by a smoky arm, hurtled towards Bai Ye. Bai Ye deftly sidestepped, letting the Golden Light Curse surge throughout him. He counterattacked, aiming for the smoky arm.
There was a resonant boom. Contrary to the Straw Hats' earlier attempts, Bai Ye's punch made contact with Smoker's elemental form. The smoke retreated rapidly, eliciting a groan from Smoker, who looked up at Bai Ye, stunned.
"HUH?"