[The denial is unconvincing--Lupin's well aware that he wouldn't even be tolerated if there wasn't a little fondness, and that Smoker would never have agreed to the lessons. He's just teasing~]

Oh, you met Li already? Shouldn't be surprised. She's friendly enough that I'm a little concerned about a brigade of lawdogs messing up my plans around here.

Course, I'd give 'em a run for their money. Sounds like your pirates though...heh. They're not playing games, are they?