Light followed Smoker into his office at the Marine base.
Smoker had already sent his men to retrieve the bounty money.
Just as Light had expected, Smoker handled things fairly.
He showed no intention of keeping the reward for himself, nor did he make things difficult by asking for proof.
This alone gave Light a clearer sense of the Marines’ current attitude toward him, one that leaned toward goodwill.
Smoker’s next actions confirmed it.
With three cigars clenched in his mouth, Smoker poured a cup of tea for Light before sitting down across from him in a relaxed manner.
“Speaking of which, I’m a bit curious,” Smoker began, choosing his words carefully while probing for information.
“That darkness ability you used earlier, is it from a Devil Fruit you took from the Whitebeard Pirates?”
Light took a sip of tea, showing no intention of hiding the truth.
Sooner or later, the nature of his ability would become known.
Given the Marines’ current attitude, showing some openness could be beneficial for future dealings.
“That’s right,” Light replied.
“I took it from the Whitebeard Pirates.
It’s a Logia-type, the Dark-Dark Fruit.”
“Logia-type?” Smoker’s eyes narrowed slightly in surprise.
As a Logia user himself, he understood how rare such powers were.
This revelation raised Light’s value even further in his mind.
Smoker did not press further.
Asking too much would be impolite.
Instead, he shifted the topic.
“We’ve never heard of you before,” Smoker said.
“From what I can tell, you weren’t causing trouble in the past.
Did you only recently become a pirate hunter?”
Light set his cup down.
“To be precise, Thatch was my first target.”
Smoker paused, then gave a stiff nod.
He was not someone skilled with words, especially compliments.
After a brief silence, he decided to speak plainly.
“To be honest, the Marines have always welcomed individuals like you.
People with strength, discipline, and a clear sense of justice.
Being a pirate hunter isn’t a bad path, but it can’t compare to what the Marines can offer.
With your ability and your achievement against a commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, if you’re willing to join us, Marine Headquarters would offer you a very sincere opportunity.”
Light had not expected such a direct invitation.
Was he interested in the Marines?
Of course.
They held immense power, controlled vast resources, and had influence across the seas.
Joining them would provide protection, especially against threats like the Whitebeard Pirates.
More importantly, the Marines had a structured system for training, including mastery of Rokushiki, swordsmanship, and Haki.
All of it could accelerate his growth.
Even so, Light had no intention of joining right now.
The Marines represented justice, but they were also bound by the World Government.
Behind that justice lay shadows, and at the top stood the Celestial Dragons.
The Marines might dominate the seas, but they still answered to those above them.
There was also the matter of timing.
Smoker spoke of sincerity, but how far could that sincerity go?
Would they grant him the position of a Vice Admiral?
Impossible.
And even if they did, would he truly deserve it at his current level?
The world believed he had defeated Thatch, a commander of the Whitebeard Pirates.
Whether through strategy or direct combat, the result was what mattered.
In their eyes, he possessed strength worthy of that achievement.
But Light knew the truth.
With his current ability, even a Marine Rear Admiral could overpower him with ease.
His victory had not come from overwhelming strength.
Still, his potential was undeniable.
More importantly, Light was already looking ahead.
In the near future, when the era shifted and the Marines expanded their forces through a global draft, opportunities would appear that far surpassed anything available now.
Powerful outsiders would rise through sheer strength, even reaching the rank of Admiral.
That was true opportunity.
Joining now would mean starting from the bottom, climbing slowly through ranks.
But waiting for the right moment could allow him to skip the entire process.
Smoker watched Light in silence, noticing the subtle changes in his expression.
At times, Light seemed thoughtful, even excited, which gave Smoker the impression that he was seriously considering the offer.
For a moment, Smoker believed he might succeed.
Then Light spoke.
“I appreciate the offer, Captain Smoker,” he said in a steady voice.
“But I don’t plan to join the Marines right now.
I’m only twenty, and I’ve just begun my journey.
There’s still too much I haven’t seen.
I can’t commit myself fully to the cause of justice yet.”
He paused briefly before continuing.
“Maybe in a couple of years.
When the time comes, I will seriously consider joining.
I do have a favorable impression of the Marines.”
Smoker exhaled slowly, disappointment flickering across his face.
Still, he could hear the sincerity in Light’s words.
He nodded.
“There’s no need to apologize.
I understand your decision.
As long as you continue to stand against pirates and uphold justice, the Marines will always welcome you.”
Light gave a faint smile.
“Thank you for understanding.”