genessia | [Video]

[Smoker's not sure how much he believes any of this, it all could be an elaborate plot by one of the pirate emperors on one of their islands further on the Grand Line, though, he very much doubts any of them would be foolhardy enough to kidnap him, and still leave him a pair of seastone cuffs and his jitte. And if it was Kaidou, there's no way X Drake would leave Smoker running free and unhindered. But any of the Emperors usually felt most secure on their own islands, surrounded by their own people, so it could just be arrogance to sell the illusion. Still, whether fake or not, best to play along for now until he could prove otherwise.]

[And the best way to get information? Was to ask as bluntly as Smoker ever did. You'd be amazed at what pirates would give away if you just asked.]

Three things. [He holds up 3 fingers.] One, where can I get an endless supply of good cigars? [And he means good. And endless. He's smoking two at a time, they'll go quickly.] Secondly, what's the nearest bar? And thirdly, what is there for law enforcement or bounty hunting opportunities around here? [Because if he was kidnapped to play toy hunter for someone....]

[Might as well see what or who they wanted him to hunt, really.]

[And the idea that he might just be announcing to all the criminals that he was coming? Yeah, he knows, he prefers it that way.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

What what?

[he's confused too, so, you know]

Go get a dog or something. [or hang out with Red. Or something. It's healthier than weird friendships with pirates. Really]

Portgas, I'm not trying to befriend you, jackass.

I was trying to insult your pride so you'd stop being a jerk to your own friend. [He's dropped all pretense of bluffing now because fuck it, he knows your brother and grandfather, blunt is the way to go.]

[oh was that it? laame. He was kind of looking forward to it too]

It's not your business.

[Sidelong glance.]

If I did befriend you, could I tell you to stop sabotaging yourself?

[... Oh wait :| That would require befriending a pirate. Even a dead one.]

[If his pride refuses to let Ace pay for him, just quadruple it on the friendship thing.]

Don't befriend me for a stupid reason like that.

[especially since he can't figure out why the hell Smoker would want to]

Don't you have any pride as a Marine?

[Flicks him in the forehead.]

Don't tell me what to do.

[GOD THAT ANNOYS HIM SO MUCH IT MAKES HIM WANT TO BEFRIEND ACE JUST OUT OF SPITE.]

[AND HE KNOWS HE DOESN'T WANT TO DO THAT.]

[Not really.]

Of course I have my pride as a marine, but my justice is more important.

[leans away from that flick]

Well I don't give a damn about your justice. [except for admiring the strength of his conviction] So save it.

Bullshit.

Why did you come out here to make sure your nakama wouldn't, then?

Don't confuse justice for the law, Portgas. Even you Whitebeard pirates have your own sense of justice. I've seen it in action.

Yeah I said I don't give a damn about your justice. I don't give a shit what you want.

[Eyeroll.]

Care about your own then.

You really think you're protecting anyone like this? With your whole 'woe is me, can't get close to civilians' act?

[he hates you.

He really does.

Why do you have to make it sound so cheap and worthless?

But he understands his own justice better than you do so he's not about to be swayed by what you think he should do]

Uh huh. Let me know if you're going to keep lecturing me. I want to get comfortable first.

[No, Smoker is 100% sure he understands Ace's justice better than Ace does, if just because Ace is 20, reckless, and a confused punk who was cornered by all factions of the world.]

[And he gives Ace an actually softer expression.] She likes you, Portgas. Don't throw that away to wallow in misery. She spent five minutes talking you up.

Pirates are all about freedom aren't they? So don't make her choices for her before you even let her make her her own.

[Lights a pair of cigars and starts trying to follow his instincts to take him to a beach. He wants to calm down and stack rocks. Don't judge.]

Tashigi's a woman like that. She's clutzy, and ditzy, and three hairs breadth from getting herself killed with her own sword. But she's loyal to a fault. If I didn't take her with me to the Grand Line, she would have tried to do it all alone and would have been in more danger.

[Over his shoulder back at Ace.] I know a pirate like that too.

[don't give him that soft faced look.

Not you.

Asshole.

Don't say things like that either. What do you know? Why do you know it? He hates you.

He doesn't want to let her make her own because he's afraid of what they'd be.

But isn't that the same as running away?

He wants to talk to Marco but Marco would expect him to be stronger than that.

Anyway Marco's got someone else to look after now.

Why'd have to get married anyway? Tch.]

Go to hell.

[which is lame but at least means he's thinking about it. Because he can't think of anything other to say]

[YOU KNOW WHAT ACE?]

[Smoker tosses a SMIRK back over his shoulder.]

[Remember your stupid shit earlier? WELL NOW YOU ARE THE UNBALANCED ONE.]

Only if you come with me.

So you do want to be friends!

[Accusing finger point]

I knew it! I Knew it was all an act! You asshole!

[Smoker doesn't know what he was expecting, but that was just too funny to him.]

[And he cracks up.]

I don't.

[It's true mostly, but he thinks of Luffy and Law. Maybe they already are.]

[Ace narrows his eyes.

He's not sure whether to believe Smoker or not but either way]

I'm out of here.

[so you just keep your weird maybe befriending Marine cooties to yourself]

[Waves.] Thanks for showing me your favorite bar, punk-gas. [That was the worst ever attempt to fuse Portgas with something.]

[WORST EVER.]

[It sounds too much like he's talking about Caesar.]

[He'll call Ace fire-punk or something next time jeez.]

[.... Not there there will be a next time.]

[Comes back and wails him with a right cross]

Any time.

[you don't get to make fun of that name]

[Laughs though...]

[It was a good retort.]

[And less clumsy than any of Luffy's attempts.]

[...]

[Smoker has problems.]

[See ya around loser.]

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