Nami knew what this would mean. Her sister Nojiko would definitely get "tormented" by Reno. But aside from that, Reno treated his women well—thoughtful, protective, never letting them come to harm. Most importantly, she couldn't bear leaving Nojiko alone at home. Joining Reno's crew meant they could look out for each other.
Seeing Nami bring it up, Reno wasn't about to sit idly by. He promptly extended an invitation for Nojiko to join the ship. With Kaya and Makino, the two beauties, chiming in to support him, Nojiko couldn't resist and finally agreed.
Still, something felt off to her. Was Reno really that great? All three women were singing his praises.
…
That night, Cocoyasi Village was ablaze with lights. Firecrackers popped from one end of the village to the other. The villagers gathered for a grand feast, celebrating Arlong's downfall.
During the event, Ajiken came to Nami's house, inviting her and the others to join, as Nami was the hero who defeated Arlong. She deserved the seat of honor! But Nami politely declined. Disappointed, Ajiken left.
…
After dinner, Reno followed Nami and Nojiko to Bellmer's grave. The sisters wanted to share the news of Arlong's defeat with their foster mother.
Reno kept his distance, watching quietly to give them privacy. He knew they had a lot of personal things to say to Bellmer.
Nami and Nojiko sat at the grave for a long time, talking at length. At first, they wept with joy, sharing the good news. But as the conversation went on, it seemed to shift topics.
Reno didn't know what they were discussing. He only noticed Nami and Nojiko occasionally glancing his way—Nami clenching her fists in playful frustration, Nojiko covering her mouth in shock.
Reno rubbed his chin. Are they talking about me?
A few minutes later, the sisters' smiles faded, and Nami took Reno's hand, leading him to the grave. Her expression was more relaxed than ever. "Mother, do you see him? This is my man. He treats me so well." "Arlong's dead, your daughter has found her place, and your spirit can rest in peace."
Nojiko's eyes reddened.
Reno gripped Nami's hand tightly, then took Nojiko's, promising, "Rest assured, I'll take care of Nami and Nojiko. They'll never be hurt."
After this heartfelt moment, the three left the graveyard.
…
Back at Nami's house, the atmosphere in the room was awkward, thick with the scent of hormones. Nojiko kept her head down, her fingers fidgeting nervously. She stole glances at Reno, then quickly looked away, her heart racing like a startled deer.
Tonight… will it really happen like Nami said? If it did, what should she do? Go along willingly? Or play coy? So frustrating!
Kaya and Makino leaned against each other, smiling lightly, ready to watch the show.
Nami didn't know how to start. With any other woman, she wouldn't care. But this was her sister.
Ahem. Reno broke the silence first. "So, tonight—do you three go to the Going Merry, or do we stay here?"
"You! You go!" Nami blurted out, raising her hand. She couldn't let Reno find her hidden stash.
Kaya and Makino shrugged, fine with either option.
Nojiko, realizing what he meant, buried her head deeper. The "you" means me, right?
Reno didn't hesitate. He grabbed Nojiko and vanished from the room instantly.
Whenever he "recruited" a new beauty to the crew, Reno always gave her personal "navigation lessons." It was tradition. After that, it didn't matter—group study sessions were lively and fun.
Just as Nami sighed in relief, secretly pleased, an authoritative voice drifted from the air. "Nami, dig up the money from the tangerine grove. It'll fund the crew's future activities." "Kaya, Makino, you're in charge of supervising."
Nami froze, then stomped her foot in frustration, shouting outside, "Reno, that's my money!"
…
On the Going Merry, Nojiko was still reeling. How did I get here?
Before she could ask, Reno began her "navigation lessons."
… Ten thousand words of the process omitted.
The lessons continued late into the night until Nojiko finally stopped for the day.
"Rest well. We leave Cocoyasi Village tomorrow," Reno said, tucking her in gently before heading to another room.
Time for the routine after recruiting a beauty!
"Claim," Reno said, too lazy to even say "reward."
[Reward being distributed…] [Congratulations, Host, for obtaining Golden Lion's current-stage Dual-Sword Style swordsmanship!]
…