Chapter 83: The Old Blind Man (Please vote and support)

Early the next morning, as soon as the Rain Banquet Casino opened its doors, it was packed to the brim with people seeking Bufon’s medical expertise. Yet, with the attendants’ careful arrangements and the intimidating reputation of Sand Crocodile, the chaos quickly gave way to order.

At that moment, inside a restaurant in Rainbase, Smoker and Tashigi were enjoying breakfast together. Tashigi glanced at Smoker’s stern expression and asked, “Colonel, why do you think Straw Hat and his crew will come to Rainbase?”

“Just a hunch,” Smoker replied curtly.

“And what about that magician doctor, Bufon?” Tashigi pressed.

“Pirates are pirates. No matter how much good he does, healing and saving lives, it can never cover up the crimes they’ve committed on the seas! When we finish eating, we’ll head to the Rain Banquet Casino and keep an eye on him. If he slips up even a little, I’ll drag him back, even if the reputation of Moria and the Seven Warlords protects him!”

Tashigi’s spirit soared at Smoker’s impassioned words. It seemed both had entirely forgotten how Bufon had dispatched Smoker with a single blow not long ago.

After their meal, the two headed straight for the Rain Banquet Casino. Shortly after they left, two figures burst into the restaurant like a whirlwind, sitting right where Smoker and Tashigi had been moments ago.

“Boss, bring me a large portion of roast meat!” Luffy’s hysterical shout startled not only the owner but drew curious glances from every diner.

It was no wonder, really. In the original story, Vivi had been their guide, and even then their journey was fraught with difficulty. Without Vivi now, their travels were the very picture of a ragtag band compared to Bufon’s luxurious entourage.

After meeting Ace at Canola Port, they learned from him where Bufon and Vivi had gone. Bidding Ace farewell, the group rushed toward Rainbase. Along the way, Luffy was tricked by a fraud bird, drank poisoned water, and ate a toxic cactus—if not for Chopper’s presence, he might never have reached Rainbase.

Zoro got lost in the desert, fought a giant Sandora lizard, and was eventually found by Sanji, who’d gone out searching for food. Usopp, meanwhile, was taught a lesson by a Kung Fu Dugong!

By the time they finally made it to Rainbase, hunger and cold plagued them, though the others managed to hold onto a shred of dignity.

...

Inside the Rain Banquet Casino, Smoker and Tashigi’s attention was drawn by a commotion.

At a roulette table, a gambler was shouting, “You old blind man, you must be in league with the casino! I lost every round, and then when I went all in, you won!”

Smoker listened briefly and understood: the man had assumed the old blind gambler would always lose, so he’d bet against the colors the elder chose. But the old man won the final round, and the gambler lost everything. Now, his shattered composure drove him to provoke trouble.

The old man, eyes tightly shut and bearing a massive scar across his face, spoke slowly, “There are far too many greedy souls in this world, too shameful to bear.”

Smoker, about to leave, was suddenly stirred by these words and instinctively moved closer.

The loser reached to grab the old man’s hair, shouting, “You blind old fool, I’m a VIP at the Rain Banquet Casino…”

Before he could finish, Smoker’s Sea Prism Stone jitte intercepted his hand.

Seeing someone interfere, the gambler’s two bodyguards prepared to act.

“Do you really want to cause trouble in Mr. Sand Crocodile’s territory?” The casino’s security stepped in.

“I’m a VIP here! Can’t I even teach a cheating gambler, who’s colluding with the dealer, a lesson?” the man raged.

“Sir, this concerns our casino’s reputation. Unless you have proof, please refrain from such claims,” the guard replied, moving to intervene.

Still, the gambler refused to back down, continuing to shout, “You’re just a security guard, what are you—”

Before the sentence was finished, he and his bodyguards collapsed unconscious on the floor, sparking fresh chaos.

At that moment, the blind old man turned his head toward the VIP room where Bufon was, and mused to himself, “Such precise control of Conqueror’s Haki—what’s someone like that doing in Alabasta?”

With this thought, the old man rose and made his way toward the VIP room.

Smoker noticed, though he wasn’t as certain as the old man.

“To have the same instincts as me—just how strong is this elder? Is he here for more than just gambling?” Smoker muttered, then followed.

Though the blind old man leaned on his cane, he moved as easily as any ordinary person.

As he entered the VIP room, Bufon looked up.

Their eyes met. Though Bufon’s expression remained unchanged, a ripple stirred within him.

“Fujitora! How has this future admiral ended up here?”

After only a glance, Bufon resumed his medical work.

When Smoker followed, Bufon didn’t even alter the rhythm of his breathing.

Smoker was the first to speak. “Bufon, I’ll be watching you closely. If you commit even the slightest crime, I swear on my name as a Marine Colonel—I’ll drag you back myself.”

Bufon ignored him, focusing on his task.

“Marine, are you blind? Dr. Bufon is a good man, pirate or not! You’re not welcome here!” One of the patients spoke up, and others quickly joined in, ready to drive Smoker out.

Smoker, furious, could only fall silent and watch Bufon intently.

Then the blind old man spoke quietly. “You’re a Marine. What does justice mean to you?”

Smoker didn’t hesitate. “A pirate is a pirate. No matter what disguise they wear, it doesn’t change who they are. Just like the boss here, Crocodile—he was once a ruthless, mad pirate. He’ll never truly obey the government!”

“Seems you know a great deal. What brings you to Alabasta?” Fujitora nodded, a hint of admiration in his tone.

“To capture Straw Hat Luffy and his crew!” Smoker snarled, taking a deep drag from his cigar.

Fujitora shook his head, then fell silent, simply “watching” Bufon.

Though blind, his powerful Observation Haki allowed him to sense Bufon’s every movement—even the slightest vibration from his heartbeat.

From the start of their exchange, Fujitora had been locked in on Bufon. He noticed that Bufon’s stitches were perfectly even, his speed unwavering from start to finish. He doubted Bufon hadn’t heard their conversation, but it seemed to have no effect on him—even his breathing never faltered.

If sewing skill is honed through years of practice, then such calm and composure can’t be achieved through training alone. Without extraordinary strength, such serenity is impossible.

As Fujitora pondered this, Baggio, who’d been missing all morning, returned.

He whispered something in Bufon’s ear, and Bufon looked up and quietly told Vivi, “Luffy and his crew have entered the city.”

Suppressing her excitement, Vivi replied loudly, “Thank you, Dr. Bufon. I’ll go buy everything you asked for right away.” With that, she followed Baggio out.

Meanwhile, Tashigi, stationed at the entrance, didn’t wait for Smoker’s orders—she followed after them of her own accord.