The confused group followed Reno's gaze. Approaching were two men. One wore a red vest, a seemingly ordinary straw hat perched on his head. He grinned widely, showing two rows of pearly teeth, radiating an air of carefree idiocy. The other had distinctive green hair, but what stood out most were the three swords at his waist. Three-Sword Style—quite rare.
They were none other than the Straw Hat Pirates' captain, Straw Hat Luffy, and swordsman Zoro.
Reno narrowed his eyes slightly. He'd thought he'd miss Luffy, but here they were, face to face.
Seeing Luffy, Makino's pupils contracted, her nerves tightening. She vividly remembered Reno's words back at her tavern. Clenching her fists, she silently prayed there wouldn't be a conflict.
Luffy and Zoro were chatting and laughing as they approached. When they were just a few meters away, Luffy noticed Makino in the crowd.
"Makino, what are you doing here?!" he asked, surprised.
Makino glanced at Reno before smiling back. "Luffy, long time no see. Like you, I've gone to sea."
What?!
Luffy tilted his head, his face a giant question mark. "Makino, you became a pirate?!"
Even with his carefree nature, Luffy was shocked to hear Makino had gone to sea. What was going on? He vaguely recalled her warning him about the dangers of the outside world and urging him not to become a pirate. And now…
Makino nodded silently in confirmation.
"Makino, we should get going," Reno said, his face expressionless, striding toward the village exit.
Nami and Kaya, uninterested in Luffy and Zoro, followed closely behind. Makino glanced at Luffy, then hurried to catch up. Knowing Luffy was safe was enough; she didn't want to linger.
Luffy scratched his head, puzzled. When had Makino become so strange? Determined to get answers, he dashed in front of her. "Makino, what's going on with you?!"
"Get lost!"
A cold, impatient voice cut through the air. Reno glared at Luffy.
Luffy turned to him, frowning. "Hey, what's your problem?! I just want to—"
Buzz!
Words were cut short. A terrifying aura erupted from Reno, instantly enveloping Luffy. A mountain-like pressure descended, making Luffy's body sink, his face twisting in strain.
"Luffy!" Zoro's expression changed, his hand reaching for his swords. But before he could draw, an invisible force swept over him. Like Luffy, his movements froze, struggling against the overwhelming pressure.
Buzz!
The escalating aura seemed to dim the sky itself. Usopp, horrified, collapsed to the ground, his face pale. What the… I've been here the whole time—did I miss something?!
Luffy and Zoro's minds went blank, their heads buzzing.
Reno stared at Luffy coldly. He wasn't thrilled about the guy but had no intention of bothering with him. Yet here Luffy was, sticking to them like glue. If he didn't teach him a lesson, who would?
His gaze shifted to Zoro—or rather, to the prized sword at his waist, Wado Ichimonji. Reno was in need of a proper weapon. While Wado Ichimonji might not be perfect for him, it was leagues better than the junk blade he'd scavenged from a pirate ship. Poor quality, barely usable.
At that moment, a surge of aura burst from both Luffy and Zoro. Especially Luffy—something within him seemed on the verge of awakening.
"Hm?" Reno glanced at him. Bursting with potential at any moment? Not on his watch.
His eyes sharpened, and with a long blade in hand, he swung.
Swish, swish!
Several sword slashes tore through the air, striking both men. Cross-shaped gashes appeared on Luffy and Zoro's chests, the force sending them flying. Blood splattered across the ground.
Before they hit the ground, Reno vanished, reappearing to deliver heavy palm strikes. Luffy and Zoro's eyes rolled back, and they passed out cold.
Reno looked at them impassively, storing Wado Ichimonji in his system inventory.
He had no intent to kill Zoro. As for sparing Luffy, it was entirely for Makino's sake. She might care for Reno more now, but she'd watched Luffy grow up. Killing him in front of her would break her, and that wasn't what Reno wanted.
Besides, he never saw Luffy as a threat. These injuries would keep them sidelined for a while. No chance of crossing paths again anytime soon.
Makino sighed softly, turning to the still-shocked Usopp. "Please take care of them for a bit."
"Okay," Usopp replied instinctively.
Makino then linked arms with Reno, her voice gentle. "Let's go."
Reno nodded with a smile. Nami and Kaya, holding hands, quickly followed.
Only after Reno's group left did Usopp snap out of his fear. He slapped his forehead, regretting his words. "Wait, why am I stuck with them? I didn't sign up for this!"
Damn it. Kaya was gone, his request to join was rejected, and now he had two burdens to deal with.
Usopp grumbled internally but couldn't bring himself to abandon the unconscious Luffy and Zoro. He carried them to his home, tending to them carefully.
…