This session of "navigation lessons" far exceeded Reno's expectations. Carmen gave him a completely different experience compared to Nami and the other three girls. The four learned navigation passively, struggling to take initiative and often seeming clumsy even when grasping concepts. But Carmen was different. In no time, she dove in headfirst. From passive to proactive, her creative thinking left Reno in awe. It perfectly matched her bold, unconventional personality, giving him a fresh thrill.
Once Carmen absorbed the final bits of knowledge, Reno called it quits. Even then, she seemed reluctant to stop.
Reno checked the time—nearly dawn—and decided to wrap up. More importantly, he was eager to claim his reward.
…
Next Room
"Claim reward."
[Congratulations, Host, for obtaining the navigation support skill—Wave's Grasp!] Description: Activate this skill to effortlessly summon towering waves, granting the host the ultimate sailing experience. Friendly Tip: Watch out for water damage!
This…
Reno pursed his lips, nearly blurting out something poetic. Too perfect. The system really knew him too well.
So far, none of his five conquests—Nami, Kaya, Nojiko, Makino, or Carmen—had a knack for this. Their learning was dry and lackluster, much to Reno's regret. But Wave's Grasp perfectly filled that gap. Regardless of their aptitude, they could all master it.
"Let's test Wave's Grasp."
Skill acquired, target ready, perfect timing. No time like the present.
Reno sought out Carmen again, using his Healing Fruit to clear her negative effects. Fully restored, Carmen was baffled. The Captain can do that too?!
The sun rose as usual.
The four girls, earplugs in, ate breakfast with dark circles under their eyes. Even gentle Kaya and Makino felt a twinge of resentment. What was this?! Was Carmen's "freshness" that appealing?!
By tradition, Reno's lessons for newcomers lasted about four hours. They'd left Baratie around 11 p.m. last night. Now it was 7 a.m.—and he wasn't done?! Obsessed with a new flavor, huh? Trying to teach all navigation in one go?! Damn it! Jerk!
"You guys eat. I'm resting," Nojiko said, eyelids drooping, abandoning her half-eaten breakfast to head to her room.
Makino yawned, downed her last sip of milk, and left the table listlessly.
"Hey, where's everyone going?!" Nami called after them. "Are we staying here today?"
Nami was torn but didn't dare interrupt Reno's "teaching."
"Forget it, Nami. Let's wait for big brother Reno," Kaya said, exasperated, rubbing her forehead. The sounds had echoed in her mind all day. She was certain Reno used the Healing Fruit—nobody could last that long otherwise.
"Fine," Nami grumbled, resuming her breakfast.
…
Inside the room, the floor was soaked with water stains. No surprise—system products were top-tier. Reno marveled, calling it nothing short of domineering. It was like the sea itself flooding a parched desert.
"Let's stop for today."
Reno stowed the tool that triggered Wave's Grasp.
Carmen buried her face in the blankets, mortified. She'd lost all dignity.
Satisfied, Reno headed to the lounge, finding it empty. His Observation Haki revealed the girls sleeping in their rooms.
"So lazy?" Reno shook his head.
Oh well, let them sleep. After breakfast, he'd rest too. Constantly using his abilities to negate side effects took away from life's experiences.
…
Dinner Time
Nami and the others eyed Carmen strangely. Knowing why, Carmen kept her head down, picking at her food, too embarrassed to speak. What could she say? Last night was humiliating just to think about. Every glance made her want to crawl into a hole.
Reno couldn't help but chuckle. Who'd have thought bold, carefree Carmen could have such a spotlight moment? Shyer than Makino, more bashful than Kaya.
His laugh drew the four girls' ire.
"Reno, what's so funny?!" Nami snapped, her words icy.
Kaya, Nojiko, and Makino said nothing, but their judgmental stares made Reno's skin crawl.
Oops, pissed them off.
He scarfed down dinner and bolted. As he left, his voice drifted back. "Carmen, after your cooking duel with Sanji, we're setting sail."
Carmen had chased Sanji for a decade—she was so close now. Reno would let her fulfill that wish.
…
The Next Day
Under the watchful eyes of Reno, Nami, and Baratie's chefs, Carmen and Sanji finally faced off in their decade-long awaited cooking duel.
In her chef's uniform, Carmen was transformed. Her cooking was a performance, captivating and graceful. Nami and the girls were in awe. Talk about mastery of her craft—she was a different person from that night.
Carmen's confidence while cooking was mesmerizing, leaving the girls spellbound. Sadly, her opponent was Sanji.
The duel ended with Carmen's defeat. Still, her exceptional skill earned the respect of Sanji and Baratie's chefs. Though she lost, Carmen fulfilled her lifelong goal.
With a hint of regret, the Going Merry took to the skies, drifting away.
…