Ren shook his head regretfully, then took out the items he had prepared in advance.
A Silver Scale Chestplate, a Ruyi Staff, a pair of Golden Bracelets with dual enchantments, and a golden pistol almost indistinguishable from a Desert Eagle.
He patiently explained to Nami how to use each one.
"You're amazing. I didn't know Devil Fruit users could do things like this!"Nami's eyes sparkled with delight as her fair hand gently caressed the Desert Eagle. (GS Magna was too complicated to modify—this one would do.)
"Every Devil Fruit is a miracle in its own right," Ren said with a faint smile. "But I suppose mine is rather unique. At the very least, I don't fear the sea."
He patched his words together awkwardly, then cleared his throat, looking at her with a hint of anticipation. "So, what do you think? Satisfied?"
"Of course. Thank you, Ren."
After thanking him, Nami narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "But why do I feel like that's not what you were really asking?"
"Hah, maybe you're right. I was just wondering if you'd be willing to give me a little… tip?"
"There was one, but not anymore. You've already gotten more than enough."
Nami pouted, recalling what had happened earlier.
She had been changing clothes—and he had seen everything!Even if she wasn't the type to fuss over such things, she still felt she'd been ripped off big time.
"Fine, fine. How far are we from Quint Island?"
Ren switched back to business, his tone turning serious.
"That kid's hometown isn't far from Mys Island."Nami stood up and went to the table, picking up the nautical chart. "Which means we might encounter them by tomorrow morning—or even at midnight tonight—if they're still there."
"They should be," Ren said after a moment of thought. "From that little guy's description, the Buggy Pirates set up their base there to work on some kind of bomb. Research like that requires proper facilities—they won't move easily."
He glanced at her. "This time, I'll let you all take the lead. Think you can handle it? I mean in the colder sense of the word."
Nami snorted. "What do you take me for—a spotless little flower?"
She caught his implication, but her gaze softened as she looked toward the next cabin. "I'm just worried about my sister. She's always been content growing tangerines at home… I don't even know why she insisted on coming."
"When someone's been trapped in one place too long, it's only natural they want to see the world. Still, keep an eye on her."
Ren chuckled, then stood up and left the room.
It was late at night. Zoro's watch shift wouldn't begin for a few more hours.
That meant Ren was on guard for the first half of the night.
The hours passed quietly.
Quint Island – Base of the Buggy Pirates
The pirates who had taken over the native village were indulging in yet another wild celebration.
They had just returned from a successful raid.
With enough supplies to party for two full days and nights, the camp was bursting with laughter.
At the front of the feast, Buggy leaned back against a circus tent, laughing heartily."Hahaha! Party on, boys!"
"Long live Captain Buggy!"
"Captain's incredible—he blew those fools to pieces with a single cannon shot!"
"Next time, let's hit Orange Town! I heard they're swimming in money!"
"Yeah! I didn't even get to enjoy myself enough this time!"
The pirates roared with laughter, their voices overlapping like waves crashing against the shore.
But then—
A commotion erupted outside.Their chief of staff, Cabaji, burst into the scene riding his unicycle, wind and rain at his back.
He pushed straight through the crowd, skidding to a halt in front of Buggy, panting heavily.
"What the hell, Cabaji? Didn't the boss send you out to bring back some cash? Why're you back empty-handed?"
The shirtless Mohji, wearing a fur vest and with his lion Richie crouched beside him, frowned in irritation.
"Shut it, you beast-taming idiot!" Cabaji snapped. "This is important! That pirate crew—what were they called again—yeah, the Demon Pirates! The ones who robbed the Marines and made off with a billion Beli! They've been spotted!"
The words immediately caught everyone's attention. The drunken chatter faded into silence.
"What?! You found those fat sheep?!"
Buggy raised a hand, his palm detaching at the wrist and flying over to grab Cabaji by the collar, yanking him closer."You were supposed to be shaking down the Shell Company! How'd you run into them? Every pirate in East Blue's been searching, and no one's figured out which direction they went!"
"It's true, Boss Buggy!" Cabaji said eagerly, recounting everything that had happened. "I interrogated some folks on Mys Island—a man with black hair, a strange-looking dog, a green-haired swordsman carrying three blades, and a beautiful orange-haired woman. They match the bounty posters perfectly!"
"Wait a second," Mohji said, skeptical. "If you found them, why didn't you just capture them? Didn't you take a few dozen men with you?"
"You moron! Those guys riled up the people of Mys Island and wiped out the Shell Company completely. I only had a few dozen men, but there are thousands on Mys Island!"
Cabaji rolled his eyes. "If you think you can sic your beasts on them and wipe out the whole island—including the targets—I'll gladly admit I was wrong!"
"So then?" Buggy interrupted. "You just came back? Did nothing?"
"Of course not! I'm the chief of staff!" Cabaji sneered. "On the way back, I sent our men out to keep watch on the nearby islands."
He leaned forward, eyes gleaming."Those guys are still celebrating their little victory. If we leave now, we can intercept them before they move.And even if they've already left, our scouts can track their direction.That means we'll reach them before anyone else!"
"Hmm… but we just finished a raid," Buggy muttered, tempted. Researching bombs took money—and lots of it.
"Boss Buggy, give the order! We're ready to go anytime!"Several impatient pirates shouted, stirring up a wave of excitement.
"Yeah! Let's go!"
"The Shell Company's loaded—let's rob them all while we're at it!"
"Well then," Buggy grinned, his detached head flying into the air, "since everyone's so fired up—let's do it! Pack up! We set sail immediately! Hahahahaha!"
"Yeah! Captain Buggy!"
The pirates roared in unison, unfazed by their captain's bizarre antics. They were pirates—demons of the sea!
BOOM!
A sudden clap of thunder drowned their cheers.White clouds vanished as dark storm clouds swallowed the sky.
Within seconds, cold raindrops began to fall—then poured into a violent downpour.
A biting wind howled through the camp, carrying with it a chill that sank to the bone.
The heavens turned dark and grim, as if the gods themselves had scowled in warning.
(End of Chapter)