Inside the Navy's main headquarters, the atmosphere was heavy with tension. Everyone knew that the upcoming meeting would be crucial—the great war was on the horizon, and the Summit War could determine the fate of the world itself. High-ranking Navy officers, from vice admirals to the three admirals, had gathered in the vast conference hall, where they would discuss the strategy to face Whitebeard and bring an end to his era.
Amidst the murmurs and anticipation, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed at the entrance of the hall, resonating through the walls, making everyone turn towards the door. No one had expected to see him here, but there he was, walking in calmly and confidently, wearing his long Marine coat. Smoke from his cigar rose slowly, and his eyes carried a cold, unwavering gaze.
Smoker… had finally returned.
He paused for a moment at the entrance, his eyes scanning the long table where the leaders were seated, before striding directly to the front of the hall, where an extra chair had been placed… a white chair, positioned beside the three admirals.
Shock was evident on the faces of some officers, while the three admirals exchanged glances. Akainu's expression remained unreadable, Aokiji merely raised an eyebrow, and Kizaru smirked in his usual amused manner. Sengoku, sitting at the head of the table, simply observed him in silence.
"I didn't expect to see you here, Smoker," Sengoku said in a calm yet firm tone.
Smoker did not reply immediately. Instead, he walked steadily toward the white chair before sitting down with confidence, casting his gaze across the room as if his presence there was the most natural thing in the world.
"The Summit War is about to begin, isn't it?" he finally said, his voice calm but carrying a firm undertone.
Akainu spoke in his deep, authoritative voice, his eyes fixed on Smoker as if analyzing him: "We haven't seen you in a long time, and now you return to sit among the admirals? What does this mean?"
Smoker's expression remained unchanged as he replied with quiet confidence: "It means I won't be a spectator this time."
A heavy silence filled the room for a few moments before Sengoku broke it with a light tap on the table. "Very well, since you're here, listen carefully… this war will change everything."
The serious discussions began—tasks were assigned, battle formations were determined, and strategies were laid out. Smoker listened intently, but he knew one thing for certain… this war was not just a battle between the Navy and Whitebeard. Something greater was looming on the horizon, something most had yet to realize.
And in the midst of this critical meeting, where war plans were being drawn and strategies devised, Smoker sat quietly on the white chair, which had now become a symbol of his return… and his declaration that his era had b
egun.
— End of Chapter —