[Congratulations, Host, for obtaining Golden Lion's current-stage Dual-Sword Style swordsmanship!]
Hm?!
Reno's eyes lit up. Another reward that directly boosted his strength.
As the mechanical voice faded, a surge of power awakened within him. Golden Lion's Dual-Sword Style!
As a man who once rivaled the world's strongest, Whitebeard, and the Pirate King, Roger, Golden Lion's swordsmanship was undeniably top-tier. Even if not the world's best, it was at least Great Swordsman level.
The only downside was that Reno received Golden Lion's current swordsmanship, not his peak. The gap between the two was significant.
At his prime, Golden Lion roared across the seas, brimming with ambition. After being rejected by Roger, he dared to wage war! Back then, Roger's crew included not just the Pirate King himself but peak Rayleigh, Jabba, and the Demon Heir, Barrett—four top-tier fighters. Yet Golden Lion didn't hesitate.
If not for a freak storm, who would've won was anyone's guess. Fate played a cruel trick. During that battle, a random ship's rudder lodged in Golden Lion's head, nearly killing him. That single rudder caused his strength to plummet.
Later, he was defeated by Sengoku and Garp, imprisoned in the "impenetrable" Impel Down, and escaped only by severing his own legs. After such blows, his strength had fallen drastically, his swordsmanship a shadow of its former glory.
"Where's that sick lion hiding these days?" Reno mused, rubbing his chin.
He knew Golden Lion wasn't dead—just lingering somewhere, barely surviving.
"Whatever. First, I'll head to Baratie to test my blade on that guy."
Reno had planned to skip Baratie and go straight to Loguetown to recruit the glasses girl. But with this new reward, his hands itched to try it out. More importantly, he wanted to gauge his strength against the world's top fighters.
…
The next day, Nojiko and Nami uprooted a few high-quality tangerine trees before leaving Cocoyasi Village with Reno.
There was nothing to linger for. Reno had set a teleportation coordinate here, so he could bring Nami and Nojiko back anytime.
"Nojiko, from now on, you're the Reno Pirates' cook, working with Makino on meals," Reno said. He'd found last night's dinner delicious—her culinary skills rivaled Makino's.
"Yes, Captain," Nojiko replied seriously, holding a spatula.
She knew she was just an ordinary person, unlike Nami with her navigation talent or Kaya with medical skills. But she was determined to excel in logistics and support.
Reno nodded, satisfied. As the crew grew with more beauties, one cook like Makino wouldn't be enough. Making meals for dozens would be exhausting. Better to have multiple cooks ready.
Nami sidled up to Nojiko with a mischievous grin, nudging her arm. "Sis, how was last night? Felt like a blur, huh?"
Nojiko froze, then realized what she meant. Feigning anger, she playfully swatted Nami. This girl—when did she get so cheeky after a few days apart?
Nojiko hadn't noticed that, before, she wouldn't have understood "blur" in this context. Now, she got it instantly. Fast and intense. Ugh, Reno's corrupted me too.
…
Meanwhile, the Navy discovered Colonel Mouse's death and launched an investigation. It didn't take long to identify Reno as the killer. The villagers had witnessed it—undeniable proof. Witnesses… a ton of them.
The report climbed the ranks to Navy Headquarters.
In Fleet Admiral Sengoku's office, the Den Den Mushi's mouth moved as he listened, frowning. When the report ended, the call disconnected.
Sengoku rubbed his temples, annoyed. These damned pirates. Killing a Navy colonel today, storming Headquarters tomorrow.
He glanced at Garp, who was coolly munching senbei, and snapped, "Garp, how many times have I told you not to eat in my office?"
Garp laughed carelessly. "Hahaha, Sengoku, it's not me ticking you off. Don't take it out on me!" He kept eating, unbothered.
"Garp, the East Blue's been restless lately. Two pirate crews have caused quite a stir," Sengoku said, calming down to discuss business.
"Tell me about it," Garp mumbled through a mouthful of senbei. He cared about his home sea.
Sengoku pushed up his glasses, explaining, "The first is the Reno Pirates, led by Reno, suspected Cloud-Cloud Fruit user. His crew is all women. The only known member is the navigator, Nami, suspected Rumble-Rumble Fruit user." "The others' identities are unknown for now." "Their photos are coming soon." "According to intel, Colonel Mouse died by Reno's hand—brutally."
Garp nodded calmly.
"The second crew is the Straw Hat Pirates, led by Monkey D. Luffy, suspected Rubber-Rubber Fruit user. His crewmate, Roronoa Zoro, is a swordsman." "They defeated Colonel Morgan in Shells Town and Buggy the Clown in Orange Town." "But witnesses saw them clash with the Reno Pirates in Syrup Village. Both were severely injured by Reno and their whereabouts are unknown."
Boom!
Garp's aura erupted.
Sengoku, quick to react, pinned him down, scolding, "Garp, what's gotten into you?! Calm down!"
Garp: Calm down? Not a chance. Luffy was his grandson, and he'd been gravely wounded?! Damn it!
Wait.
Garp's face darkened as it hit him. That brat Luffy had really gone and become a pirate behind his back. He'd bragged about "dominating the seas" before leaving, only to get crushed right out the gate. What a disgrace to the Monkey D. family.
Sengoku sensed something off. Why was Garp reacting so strongly to Luffy and Zoro's injuries?
Hold on. Monkey D. Luffy. Monkey D. Garp.
Sengoku slapped his forehead. Son of a—!
…