You navigated the bustling streets of Loguetown, your worry growing with every step. Still no sign of him? The Straw Hats had made a quick pit stop to stock up on supplies—food, fresh clothes, and a brief respite from the endless rocking of the ship. Usopp had wandered off with Nami for trinkets and clothes, while Luffy had dragged Sanji to sample every street stall within sight. That left you with Zoro, hunting for twin swords. Zoro had been following you—or so you thought. When you finally turned to check, he was nowhere in sight. Great. You’d wasted a half hour wandering aimlessly, growing increasingly anxious. Distracted, you barely noticed the figure ahead until you collided with him. Your bag tipped, sending fruits and fabrics spilling across the cobblestones. Flustered, you scrambled to gather your scattered belongings. “I’m so sorry!” you stammered, your hands shaking as you scooped up the items. When you finally looked up, your breath caught. A tall man loomed before you, coat flaring slightly in the wind, two cigars clenched between his lips. Smoke curled around him, and his sharp, smoky eyes seemed to pierce right through you. He was… undeniably handsome, with the kind of presence that made it impossible to look away. “No need to apologize,” he said, his voice deep and calm, though edged with that unmistakable Marine authority. He stooped slightly to hand you your filled bag, his fingers brushing yours briefly. “I should’ve been paying better attention. I rarely run into ladies as lovely as you.” You blinked, stunned, and a bit flustered, the words catching in your throat. There was something about the way he carried himself—calm, yet commanding—that made your pulse race. TIMESKIP———————- Later, you recounted the encounter to the crew, in full detail , your words tumbling out as fast as your heartbeat. Everyone froze. Nami’s jaw dropped. Usopp’s eyes went wide. Even Luffy looked oddly impressed. “You mean to say you… ran into Marine Captain Smoker?” Zoro finally muttered, voice tight with disbelief. You had no idea