Caught off guard by Tashigi's intervention, Bai Yu and Smoker exchanged a knowing look.
Bai Yu sheathed his blade and stepped back.
Smoker dispersed his Logia form, retracting both his extended fist and the seastone-tipped jitte.
His body returned to its solid state.
"I lost."
Smoker paused for a few seconds before speaking to Bai Yu.
"I owe you an apology for earlier."
"You really are capable of defeating Crocodile."
Smoker was never one to mince words. His straightforward apology signaled sincere acknowledgment.
After the brief exchange of blows, Bai Yu's strength had been proven.
His refined swordsmanship, along with his apparent mastery of Haki that countered Logia types, was more than enough.
"Don't worry about it. I'm not the petty type," Bai Yu replied, waving dismissively.
Truth be told, Bai Yu felt he owed Smoker—this spar had conveniently given him the 'combat experience' needed to level up his sword through the system.
"Hey, hey, hey! You still haven't answered my question!" Tashigi suddenly cut in with a loud protest.
"..." Bai Yu fell silent, slightly embarrassed.
This woman really was a sword fanatic. She wasn't going to drop the subject until she got answers.
"My sword was crafted by a reclusive swordsmith."
"It's not registered among the famous blades, so it's normal you haven't seen it before."
"As for why it changed mid-battle..."
"No comment."
Bai Yu offered a half-truth, deliberately leaving out any mention of the system.
"I see," Tashigi said, adjusting her glasses with interest.
"No wonder I couldn't place it. But hey—could you give me the location of that swordsmith?"
"..." Bai Yu mentally sighed. Once swords were involved, Tashigi had no off switch.
"Colonel Smoker, it's getting late."
"We should finalize the transfer and hand Crocodile over to you," Bai Yu said, ignoring Tashigi.
"No problem," Smoker replied. "And I'll report the truth—that you took down Crocodile solo."
"I hope you're okay with that."
Smoker understood full well how troublesome Tashigi could be and didn't want to prolong this.
Bai Yu nodded in agreement.
Soon after, he ordered several Marine soldiers to bring out the bound Crocodile.
Crocodile, unconscious and defeated, was officially handed over to Smoker.
Within moments, the transfer was complete.
Smoker and his team began heading back to their warship.
"Bai Yu! Next time we meet, I'll be stronger!" Smoker called out before boarding.
"And we'll fight again!"
"Don't forget about me!" Tashigi shouted, waving energetically.
"Next time, promise you'll tell me where that swordsmith lives!"
With that, the group left the port, heading toward Impel Down with Crocodile in tow.
"Phew… finally saw them off," Bai Yu exhaled deeply.
"Alright, time to head to the rendezvous point," he commanded.
They departed at once, racing toward the designated meeting location with Garp.
From day into night, Bai Yu and his crew sailed at full speed.
Eventually, they arrived at a small island shore—Garp's temporary base of operations.
It looked like Garp had already completed his assignment and was busy preparing for departure.
"Old man Garp! Come out already!" Bai Yu shouted as soon as he stepped onto the deck of Garp's warship.
"Who dares yell at me like that?!"
Garp emerged lazily from the cabin, a bag of rice crackers in hand, munching away.
"Yo! If it isn't Bai Yu!"
"Not bad, kid. You really took down Crocodile!"
"As expected of my pick—didn't let me down!"
He grinned broadly, as if assuming the role of Bai Yu's mentor.
"Save me the flattery," Bai Yu scoffed. "You remember our deal, right?"
"Hmph. I'm a man of my word!"
"Speak. What do you want? As long as it's within reason."
Apparently, Garp had anticipated this and was ready.
Seeing how easily Garp agreed, Bai Yu narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
"Simple. I don't want to join the recruit training."
"I want the freedom to train independently."
From the start, Bai Yu's goal had been this: skip the rigid, ineffective recruit curriculum and use his time to sharpen his sword skills—and complete system missions.
"Of course, if a mission needs me, I won't turn it down," he added.
More time swinging his sword meant more rewards. And sometimes, system missions popped up during field work.
"Actually, I've already thought it through," Garp said.
"Here's what we'll do—become my disciple."
"I'll submit your record of defeating Crocodile to HQ under my recommendation."
"With that, you can receive a special promotion."
Clearly, Garp had been plotting this.
So that's your angle, Bai Yu thought.
Even with all the theatrics, Garp still wanted Bai Yu to train under him—just calling it a "nominal disciple" relationship instead.
"I can't change the whole Navy structure by myself," Garp continued.
"But with a rank, you'll have more authority—and more freedom."
"Once you're officially under me, your rise will be fast."
A personal recommendation from Hero Garp was no small thing.
Even the World Government wouldn't ignore it.
After a moment's thought, Bai Yu nodded.
"Fine. Let's go with your plan."
Military rank meant more freedom, less bureaucracy, and fewer orders from random higher-ups.
Bai Yu had his own path to walk.
With that, the agreement was sealed.
Garp personally wrote the letter to Marine HQ, formally submitting Bai Yu's exceptional promotion request.
---
The Next Morning.
Bai Yu stepped onto the deck early, ready to begin his daily sword practice.
Before he could even start swinging, Garp appeared behind him.
"What's this? You just brought down a Warlord, and you're back to training already?"
Garp half-joked, munching on another rice cracker.
"Do you need something?" Bai Yu asked flatly, not even turning around.
"We're heading back to Branch 188 for the recruit program soon," Garp explained.
"But since you didn't want to go, I've applied for a week-long vacation on your behalf."
"You never did say what you planned to do with that time."
That was quick!
Bai Yu blinked, caught off guard by Garp's efficiency.
After all, he'd only brought it up last night.
His destination? The Water 7, of course.
According to the timeline he knew, the ancient weapon blueprint—Pluton—should currently be in the hands of Franky, the shipwright in Water 7!