Although the captain asked the question, he already knew the answer and didn't like it one bit.
"I think you've figured it out already," Luffy nodded slightly. "Roronoa Zoro has taken an interest in your lieutenant, and if she's not hidden away somewhere, the consequences for her will be catastrophic. If she falls into his hands… you should understand," Luffy glanced away and shrugged. "From what I've gathered, he probably won't kill her, but she will never be the same again."
At this moment, Tashigi literally trembled, and not from fear. All signs of respect and awe Smoker and the girl had felt for the 'Pirate Slayers,' and Roronoa Zoro in particular, evaporated instantly. For Tashigi, Zoro's reputation had plummeted to a new low, plunging even further into disdain.
"He… he… what… me… I…" The girl couldn't even properly articulate her anger.
"I need to leave," Luffy said without waiting for Tashigi to calm down. "I've already stayed here long enough, and I'm afraid you need to hurry as well. If even half of what I know about you is true, your first priority should have been to send your men to check the local brothel. If you did that, your men should have already found the 'Butcher' and 'Beheader'. If your men start fighting them without your presence, I can say with full confidence that you'll spend the entire next month organizing funerals for your subordinates and delivering their bodies to their families.
Smoker knew this well. Fortunately, their conversation was finally coming to an end. Despite how productive it was, the captain was deeply concerned about his men. Although he had warned them not to engage with 'The Butcher' and 'Beheader', no one could guarantee that unforeseen circumstances wouldn't arise. And if 'The Butcher' and 'Beheader' attacked his subordinates themselves, his orders would be meaningless.
Taking the note with Smoker's Den-Den Mushi number, Luffy decided to "cheer up" his listeners one last time:
"I should also warn you that the 'Pirate Slayers' captain is planning something large-scale and showy in Loguetown."
"Do you know the details?" Smoker asked.
"It doesn't seem to be related to the trap you set, but for details, you'll need to talk to the main 'Pirate Slayer,'" Luffy replied, returning the note. "I've noted the number, but don't count on frequent reports; I'll contact you when I can."
"Tashigi will help you leave the base unnoticed," Smoker said, taking back the note.
It was notable that the captain didn't once again assure Luffy of the inevitable capture of the 'Pirate Slayers'. The information Smoker had gathered from their conversation had clearly diminished his confidence in his own strength. While he still didn't believe in the need for an admiral or vice-admirals, he certainly wouldn't refuse additional help at this point. Smoker couldn't help feeling regret. If he had known everything in advance, he would have called for Hina's help without hesitation. If she and her unit had been in Loguetown, he wouldn't be facing these troubles. By now, they would have already captured all the 'Pirate Slayers,' and most importantly, without any casualties.
"Lieutenant," Luffy looked at the girl, "I sincerely advise you to find the safest place on the island and not…"
"I'm not going to hide!" Tashigi interrupted sharply, waving her hand dismissively, as if to brush off Luffy's arguments. "Let Roronoa Zoro try to come near me, and we'll see who laughs last!"
"I can tell you right now that the last one laughing will be the 'Pirate Slayers' captain," Luffy looked at her with sad eyes, as if she were doomed.
Tashigi's face flushed noticeably from the remark and Luffy's expression. Half from embarrassment, half from anger. She was visibly disturbed by the fact that Luffy was so certain of Roronoa Zoro's absolute victory over her. He may be the best swordsman in East Blue, with a terrifying reputation and undeniable strength, but that didn't matter to her! A strong opponent was not a reason to flee but a great opportunity to surpass herself!
"Let's go, I'll show you an inconspicuous exit," Tashigi turned sharply and left the office.
"Good luck, Captain!" Luffy nodded to Smoker. "I can guarantee you'll need it."
Under the captain's dark gaze, Luffy left the office and followed Tashigi, who had already gone ahead. After passing through several corridors, climbing and descending a few staircases, and going through a good number of doors, Luffy, Lieutenant Tashigi, and their two accompanying soldiers found themselves in the back area of the local Marine base. A narrow, dark alley, with no passersby, was exactly what Luffy needed.
"That's it," the girl said, stopping in the middle of the alley and turning to face the boy. "From here, you're on your own. Once you leave the alley, turn right immediately, then keep going straight without turning. In about five minutes, you'll be at the city's central square."
"Thanks, Lieutenant," Luffy thanked her. "I still advise you to be careful, otherwise…"
"I'll decide for myself whether to be careful or not!" Tashigi cut him off again.
"Well then… good luck."
With a slight smile, Luffy turned and walked toward the alley's exit, but, under Tashigi's and the two soldiers' watchful eyes, he suddenly froze in place.
"N-no…" After a moment, Luffy whispered with a trembling voice. "No!" he exclaimed a bit hysterically, shaking all over. "I… I didn't manage to tell them anything! I… I didn't betray you! I didn't betray! Forgive me! Forgive me!" Dropping to his knees and covering his head with his hands, Luffy began to beg for forgiveness from his invisible interlocutor under the stunned and confused gazes of the lieutenant and her subordinates.
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(the Loguetown arc is finished in there, and next one will start soon explaining part of Luffy's past...)