Starting as a pirate, he rose to become the strongest Shinigami in Soul Society.

Chapter 11 Smoker: I wanted to refuse him outright, but he was offering just too much!

Although he felt that Smoker's words were more of a polite remark, Bane decided to raise his demands, just to see if he could get away with it.

"If there's anything I can do to help with, I do have a few small requests," Bane said, sitting up straight and looking at Smoker expectantly.

Smoker was also taken aback. "No, you really want to?"

However, considering what the Sengoku period marshal had said earlier, Smoker responded, "I wonder in what ways I can help you?"

"That's right. As I said before, I have great admiration and longing for our navy, and I hope to be able to devote myself to this just cause in the future. However, due to the current situation, I can't for the time being," Bane said, adding a few flattering words.

He then changed the subject, saying, "I'm not very confident in my own abilities and hope to grow more during the next two years of training. I've heard that the Navy has a very powerful basic martial art called the Six Styles. If possible, well, I'd like to learn it. Colonel Smoker, would that be convenient for you?"

"Huh?" Smoker looked at Bane with some surprise, feeling quite puzzled.

He had previously estimated that Bane was capable of defeating Thatch, so his strength must be considerable. Why did he suddenly want to learn their Navy's Six Powers?

However, while the Six Styles is a powerful physical technique, it is also a relatively basic skill. More importantly, the Six Styles is not very well kept secret and is widely circulated at sea. The reason for this is that the Navy teaches it as a basic physical skill for officers. Perhaps not everyone is proficient in it, but they all basically know it.

As the base number increases, the level of secrecy naturally decreases. Over the years, the Navy has had many corrupt members who, after betraying the Navy and venturing out to sea, have spread the Six Styles to some extent.

As things stand, as long as you're willing to spend the money, you can buy a complete tutorial on the Six Styles on the black market.

So although Smoker had some doubts, he didn't think Bane's request was too outrageous.

After a brief moment of thought, Smoker nodded and said, "Normally, we only teach the Six Powers to members of the Navy, but I can make the decision to pass them on to you, Lord Bane. I hope that after you further enhance your strength, you will rid the seas of a few more scourges."

Upon hearing this, Bane happily replied, "No problem! I'll also be traveling through the East Blue during this time. If I encounter any pirates or villains, I certainly won't stand idly by!"

Smoker nodded in satisfaction upon seeing this, and then asked, "And Your Excellency?"

He thought that was about right, but before he could even speak, Bane looked at Smoker expectantly and said, "Speaking of which, I also greatly admire the power of Haki. I wonder if Colonel Smoker could offer some guidance?"

Smoker hadn't heard the word "Haki" in the East Blue for many years, and for a moment he even felt a little nostalgic. In the past few years, he had only encountered some small-time pirates in the East Blue. In addition, as the base commander, he had to deal with many trivial matters on a daily basis, which also distracted him. As a result, Smoker had almost forgotten when he last used Haki to train.

Thinking of this situation, Smoker touched his nose somewhat embarrassedly and said, "You haven't mastered the power of Haki yet?"

This really puzzled him. You said you didn't know the Six Styles, and it's one thing to say you were curious, but if you don't even know Haki, how did you manage to defeat Sachi?

Bane knew he had given himself away in this area, which aroused some suspicion in Smoker.

But he didn't care. He could keep this secret for a while, but not forever. Sooner or later, people would find out. Instead of trying to cover it up, he might as well seize the opportunity to gain more benefits.

"I can only say I have some insights," Bane said, feigning shyness. "I do know that the cultivation of domineering power is one kind."

He recounted some information he knew from his previous life, mixed with his own understanding, before finally speaking: "But ultimately, these are all unorthodox methods, so I also want to compare them with the Haki power wielded by the Navy, and verify them against each other."

After listening to Bane's insights on Overpower, Smoker felt somewhat moved. According to Bane's own explanation, it was indeed an unorthodox approach, mixed with many chaotic ideas.

Considering Bane's age and the fact that he doesn't seem to have any formal training, it's truly remarkable that he has stumbled his way to this point on the high seas. Under such circumstances, it's quite difficult for him to maintain a sense of justice.

"I understand your difficulties very well, but unlike the Six Powers, I am indeed not very comfortable with Haki." Although Smoker thought highly of Bane, he could not just teach him Haki casually, so he was prepared to politely decline Bane's request.

Upon hearing this, Bane understood what Smoker meant. He wasn't disappointed, as it was just a casual remark. It would be best if he got it, but he could accept it if he didn't.

Anyway, we can always try going to Koushirou's place later; it's not like we have no other options.

However, after a moment's thought, he released a dark aura from his hand, and soon, a briefcase that had just been stored in the dark space reappeared on the table.

"Regarding the matter of Haki, I don't want to take advantage of our navy for nothing. There should be 100 million Berries in this box. I'm willing to donate it to the navy in Loguetown as a token of my appreciation. I hope you won't refuse, Colonel Smoker," Bane said sincerely to Smoker.

Smoker?

Good grief, you're spending my money to do your thing, huh?

However, despite Smoker's generous handing over of the bounty to Bane, the reality is that the Loguetown Navy is short of money. What army doesn't need money?

However, the Navy's accounts are very clear, with each item clearly defined. They cannot arbitrarily divert military funds from other projects for other purposes. Smoker is a very honest person, and he would never resort to any underhanded tactics.

So sometimes Smoker also has headaches when it comes to funding.

Now, he has given the bounty due to Bane, but if Bane is willing to give back to the Loguetown Navy, that would be excellent. It would mean that he would have a sum of cash that he could use at will, and it would not be against the rules at all.

The military budget for this quarter has not yet been allocated, but the sailors and their families who were injured or even killed in the line of duty at the base are anxiously waiting. Smoker has also been looking to replace a batch of old firearms, and he also wants to expand the base's manpower. All of these things require money.

Not a single mistake, not a single poem, not a single post, not a single piece of content, not a single look!

However, Smoker felt a little embarrassed by his long-standing principles; he wanted to accept the gift but was too shy to ask.

When Bane saw Smoker's hesitant expression, he knew that this was going to work!

Before Smoker could even speak, Bane waved his hand again, and another briefcase full of cash appeared on the table.

"What?" Smoker looked at Bane in surprise.

"I've heard that since Captain Smoker took office in Loguetown, not a single pirate has escaped your grasp. I imagine the Marines of Loguetown must have paid a heavy price for the cause of justice. As an ordinary person with a conscience, I also hope to do my part for our Marines and contribute to the cause of justice. I believe that as long as everyone is willing to contribute, this chaotic era of pirates will surely be quelled!" Bane said with a righteous expression.

Before Smoker could speak, Bane patted the box and said, "These two hundred million Berries are Berries of Justice. I believe that under Colonel Smoker's leadership, they will surely become bullets and blades aimed at the evil party, and they will surely become high walls and fortresses protecting the people. Whether for justice or for the people, I hope you will not refuse!"

Bane elevated the matter to such a level in one go that Smoker truly felt he couldn't refuse.

A moment later, Smoker spoke sincerely, "Your sense of justice is admirable, and I am very grateful for your support of our navy. In that case, I will accept your kindness on behalf of the Loguetown navy!"

Then, before Bane could speak, Smoker continued, "Speaking of which, I have my own understanding and insights into Haki. As a friend, I can give it to you privately, Lord Bane, and I hope it will be of some help to you."

"I am so grateful, so grateful!" Bane said repeatedly upon seeing this.

Who said Smoker is so stubborn? He's got it figured out now.

(End of this chapter)