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Although Light felt that Smoker’s tone had become more polite, he still chose to raise his request with a nothing to lose mindset.
“If there is anything the Marine can assist me with, I do have a small personal request,” Light said, sitting upright as he looked at Smoker with clear expectation.
Smoker paused, slightly caught off guard.
He had not expected Light to actually ask for something.
Still, recalling the words of Fleet Admiral Sengoku, Smoker replied, “How can I help you, sir?”
“It’s like this.
As I mentioned before, I truly admire the Marine and hope to join in the future.
I want to dedicate myself to justice.
However, due to my current circumstances, I cannot do so just yet.” Light spoke smoothly, adding a few polite compliments before shifting his tone.
“I am not very confident in my strength.
Over the next two years, I plan to travel and grow stronger.
I have heard that the Marine possesses a powerful foundational technique known as the Six Styles.
If possible, I would like to learn it.
Colonel Smoker, would that be convenient?”
Smoker looked at Light in surprise, confusion flickering in his eyes.
From his earlier judgment, anyone capable of defeating Thatch should not be weak.
Yet now Light was asking to learn the Six Styles.
Still, while the Six Styles were powerful, they were considered a foundational skill within the Marine.
Their secrecy was not particularly strict.
Many officers knew them, and over time, information had spread across the seas.
Even on the black market, complete training methods could sometimes be purchased with enough Berries.
After a brief moment of thought, Smoker nodded.
“Normally, the Six Styles are only taught to Marine personnel.
However, I can make an exception and teach you, Mr.
Light.
I hope that once your strength improves, you will help eliminate more threats from the seas.”
Light smiled.
“That will not be a problem.
I will be traveling through the East Blue.
If I encounter pirates or criminals, I will not ignore them.”
“And you, sir…”
Before he could finish, Light leaned forward slightly, his gaze sharpening.
“On that note, I am also very interested in Haki.
I wonder if Colonel Smoker could offer some guidance?”
Smoker froze for a moment.
The word Haki had not been spoken much in the East Blue in recent years.
For a brief instant, a sense of nostalgia surfaced within him.
Most of the enemies he faced here were insignificant, and his duties as a base commander kept him occupied.
It had been a long time since he last used Haki seriously in training.
He rubbed his nose, a rare hint of awkwardness appearing.
“You have not mastered Haki yet, sir?”
This genuinely puzzled him.
It was understandable to be curious about the Six Styles, but not knowing Haki raised a serious question.
How had Light defeated Thatch?
Light noticed the doubt but showed no concern.
“I only have a slight understanding,” he said, adopting a modest tone.
He proceeded to explain, blending fragments of knowledge with his own interpretations.
His explanation was rough and unconventional, lacking proper structure.
“In the end, these are incomplete methods,” Light concluded.
“That is why I wish to compare them with the Marine’s understanding and verify them.”
Smoker listened carefully.
Despite the flaws, he could tell Light had reached this point through his own efforts.
For someone so young, without guidance, to achieve this level was not easy.
It also made Smoker view him more favorably.
“I understand your situation,” Smoker said.
“However, unlike the Six Styles, I cannot casually teach Haki.”
Light had already expected this.
He was not disappointed.
It was only a test.
If it worked, good.
If not, he had other options, such as seeking out Koushirou later.
Still, after a brief pause, Light raised his hand.
A faint dark aura flickered, and a briefcase appeared on the table.
“There are one hundred million Berries in this case.
Consider it a donation to the Loguetown Marine, as a token of my sincerity.
I hope you will not refuse.”
Smoker stared at the case, momentarily speechless.
Even though he had just handed over the bounty to Light, the reality was that the Loguetown base was not wealthy.
Military funds were strictly regulated, and he could not freely redirect resources.
Many needs within the base remained unmet.
This money could solve several pressing issues.
Yet Smoker’s integrity made him hesitate.
Light noticed immediately.
Without giving Smoker time to respond, he waved his hand again.
A second briefcase appeared beside the first.
Smoker’s eyes widened slightly.
“I have heard that since you took command of Loguetown, not a single pirate has escaped your grasp,” Light continued.
“Behind that record, there must have been sacrifices.
Marines injured, families affected.
As an ordinary person with a conscience, I want to contribute in my own way.”
He placed a hand on the cases.
“These two hundred million Berries are meant for justice.
Under your leadership, they will become bullets that strike down evil and defenses that protect the people.
Whether for justice or for the civilians, I hope you will accept them.”
Light’s words left little room for refusal.
After a moment of silence, Smoker spoke with a serious expression.
“Your sense of justice is commendable, Mr.
Light.
I will accept this on behalf of the Loguetown Marine.
Thank you for your support.”
Then he continued without pause.
“As for Haki, I can share my personal insights with you as a friend.
I hope they will be of some use.”
Light’s lips curved into a faint smile.
“I am truly grateful.”