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"Your so-called 'dignity' means nothing.
Nothing is more important than maintaining world stability."
The Five Elders' voices were cold and commanding.
"Remember this, Sengoku.
The Marines only have power because we allow it.
Even your title as Fleet Admiral was granted by our approval.
You have no right to bargain with us—only to obey."
Sengoku clenched his jaw.
"Then why call me here at all?
You might as well just make the announcement yourselves!"
He was no hothead like Garp, but even he had his limits.
The blatant disrespect boiled his blood.
He turned to leave.
But before he could step out, another Elder spoke.
"This is a warning.
Tell your Marines not to provoke him.
If one of your Admirals falls to a pirate, it won't just be your disgrace—
it will be ours."
"And if that happens—
you can forget about being Fleet Admiral."
Sengoku stopped.
His fists clenched.
But he said nothing.
A moment later, he walked away from Mary Geoise.
---
Loguetown—The Town of Beginnings and Ends
While the World Government scrambled to contact Alex, his ship had already arrived in Loguetown.
Loguetown—the place where Pirate King Gol D. Roger was executed.
A Marine stronghold.
The moment the Red Force sailed into the harbor, reports flooded the local Marine base.
The officer in charge?
Captain Smoker.
A Marine known for his strong sense of justice.
A Logia-type Devil Fruit user.
Yet, in Alex's eyes?
"Mediocre."
"Other than beating up rookie Luffy, he hasn't accomplished much."
Alex wasn't here for him.
Inside the Marine base, Smoker sat at his desk, frowning at the reports.
"Contact Admiral Sakazuki.
Tell him to get here immediately.
And assemble all available Marines in the town square."
"Yes, sir!"
The soldier saluted and ran off.
---
Loguetown's Streets
As Alex, Bullet, and Crocodile stepped onto the streets, they found Loguetown as lively as ever.
Shops lined the streets, their entrances sheltered by wooden porches.
People bustled about, unaware that Loguetown was about to witness a battle.
At the same time…
Loguetown's Execution Platform
Hundreds of Marines stood in formation.
Smoker had gathered them at this historic site.
To him, the execution platform was a place of fate.
The place where the greatest pirate was executed.
A symbol of Marine justice.
Whenever he faced a major battle, he came here first—believing it would bring him luck.
The townspeople watched curiously.
They had no idea what was about to unfold.
Soon, over a hundred Marines stood ready.
Then—
A three-wheeled vehicle burst into the square, smoke billowing from its exhaust.
Smoker's personal Sea-Wheel Motorcycle.
The Marines near the vehicle paled as it barreled straight toward them.
At the last second, Smoker slammed the brakes.
The vehicle skidded to a stop.
The Marines breathed heavily, sweat dripping down their faces.
Smoker scoffed.
"What kind of Marine gets scared so easily?"
His cold glare sent a shiver down their spines.
They quickly bowed their heads.
Smoker was notorious for his attitude.
Even towards higher-ups, he rarely followed orders.
It was why—despite being a Logia user—he was still only a Captain.
While others with Logia powers became Admirals, he remained stuck at this rank.
---
Alex's Arrival
At that moment—
Alex and his crew stepped into the square.
Bullet's expression darkened.
Returning here… felt strange.
He had stood here before.
The day Gol D. Roger died…
He had witnessed it with his own eyes.
Now, standing here again, memories surged through him.
Alex glanced at the gathered Marines.
He smirked.
"Alright, Captain.
Mind telling us what we're here for?
As far as I know, there's no one in this town stronger than me."
Crocodile crossed his arms.
His voice was laced with annoyance.
"You always act like I'm weak.
Who the hell do you think is worth recruiting here?"
Alex chuckled.
He pointed ahead.
"See that guy?
Silver hair. Long white coat with 'Justice' on the back. Goggles around his neck."
Crocodile narrowed his eyes.
"That's Captain Smoker.
A Logia-type Devil Fruit user.
You want him?"
Alex smirked.
"I want to see if he's worth it.
Go fight him.
If you win, I'll admit you're strong."
At that moment—
Smoker locked eyes with Alex.
A sense of tension filled the air.
Bullet scoffed.
"A Logia user… and he's just a Captain?
Logia fruits must not be as valuable as I thought."