Inside the luxurious room.
Baccarat and Carina were naked, their faces and necks still flushed with a lingering blush.
Only after experiencing it themselves did they realize how well the women in the Reno Pirates were usually treated.
"Get some good rest."
Reno considerately covered the two women with blankets, then left, feeling satisfied.
In the adjacent room.
[Congratulations, Host, for successfully recruiting crew member Carina. Would you like to claim the reward?]
[Congratulations, Host, for successfully recruiting crew member Baccarat. Would you like to claim the reward?]
In his mind, the system prompt sounded again.
"Claim rewards." Reno responded indifferently.
For him, who had claimed seven rewards at once before, two rewards could no longer stir any ripples in him.
[Congratulations, Host, for successfully obtaining the reward — Imperial Arms: Transformation of the Beast King!]
[Congratulations, Host, for successfully obtaining the reward — Imperial Arms: Moonlight Dance!]
King of All Beasts Transformation:
One of the forty-eight Imperial Arms, a belt-type Imperial Arm.
Effect: The user can transform into a beast, dramatically increasing physical strength and various abilities.
Effect: Greatly enhances recovery power; even if limbs are severed, they can self-stop bleeding and reattach.
"A half-combination of a Zoan Devil Fruit and the Healing Power??"
Looking at the system's explanation, Reno made a connection in his mind.
As for why it was a half-combination, it was because King of All Beasts Transformation only had partial effects of these two.
However, it was still a good item to enhance strength, so he accepted it!
Moonlight Dance:
One of the forty-eight Imperial Arms, a scimitar-type Imperial Arm.
Features:
Can unleash vacuum blades, and its performance changes according to the lunar phase.
It is at its strongest during the full moon.
"Full moon?"
Seeing this familiar term, a beautiful figure instantly appeared in Reno's mind.
The rabbit-eared girl, Carrot!
As a Mink Tribe member who could transform into a Sulong form on a full moon night, reaching peak strength.
Undoubtedly, Carrot was the most suitable candidate for Moonlight Dance.
With their complementary effects, it would surely achieve a result greater than 1+1.
Reno wasn't in a hurry; he had already notified Morgans, asking him to help find Zunesha.
Morgans' News Coo were spread all over the world, and with Zunesha's height of over ten thousand meters, finding it wouldn't be difficult.
He just needed to sit back and wait for the news.
"Open personal panel."
Collecting his thoughts, Reno whispered again.
As his voice fell, a virtual panel, visible only to him, appeared.
[Host: Reno]
[System 980: Beauty Collection System]
[Physique: Steel Balloon Talent]
[Devil Fruit Ability: Weather-Weather Fruit, Healing-Healing Fruit, Tremor-Tremor Fruit]
[Swordsmanship: Golden Lion Shiki-level Top Grand Swordsman]
[Observation Haki: Observation Kill, Voice of All Things]
[Armament Haki: Internal Destruction]
[Conqueror's Haki: Conqueror's Haki Coating, Observation Kill]
[Special Ability: Teleportation]
[Successfully Recruited Beauties: Makino, Nojiko, Carmen, Marianne, Conis, Laki, Maya, Shirahoshi, Camie, Shyarly, Little Sadie, Domino, Iska, Charlotte Flampe, Kalifa, Nami, Kaya, Tashigi, Vivi, Mikita, Sara, Robin, Doll, Perona, Bonney, Hancock, Marguerite, Hina, Charlotte Galette, Vinsmoke Reiju, Stussy, Rebecca, Viola, Sugar, Baby-5, Monet, Koala, Moda, Carina, Baccarat] (40 Women)
[system warehouse: ark maxim, going merry, blank fruit * 5, Haki Fruit, Three Types of Haki Cultivation Manual, Six Powers Cultivation Manual, Eight-Level Heaven First Two Forms Cultivation Manual, Massive Gold, Pure Gold, gold den den mushi, ancient weapon pluton Blueprint, breast enhancement underwear, storage ring, gravity training room, beginner time room, Seven Star Sword, magic blade thousand blades, subordinate tool: tou ichimonji, Drone Swarm, Large Fixed Laser Cannon, dragon level monster cells, Teigu: Mastema, Imperial Arms: Moonlight Dance, Imperial Arms: Transformation of the Beast King, hellflame axe, Zoan Type: Ox-Ox Fruit, Giraffe Form, Human-Human Fruit, Mythical Zoan: Nika Fruit, Zoan Type: Bee-Bee Fruit, Ancient Species: Murder Hornet Form, Paramecia: Combination Fruit, Paramecia: Momo Fruit (Momo-Momo no Mi), Paramecia: Soul-Soul Fruit... Other miscellaneous items.]
"Forty of them?"
Looking at the note in the [Successfully Recruited Beauties] section, Reno was somewhat lost in thought.
Starting from the East Blue, he had unknowingly collected so many beauties along the way.
A full forty, almost reaching 80% of the plot beauties.
Only a dozen or so 'wild' beauties remained.
It also meant that he would face stronger enemies next.
The World's Strongest Creature, the Governor of the Beasts Pirates, Yonko Kaido!
Yonko Red-Haired Shanks!
Revolutionary Army Leader, Dragon!
Naval Headquarters!
World Government!
The remaining plot beauties were almost all gathered within these behemoths.
To snatch food from the tiger's mouth, he would inevitably clash with them.
"Let's start with Kaido."
Reno narrowed his eyes slightly, making a decision in his heart.
Among all the forces, Wano Country had the most plot beauties.
Besides Kaido's daughter Yamato, there were also Black Maria and Ulti from the Tobi Roppo.
And Princess Komurasaki, who was hiding her identity in the Shogun's Mansion, constantly seeking revenge.
Finally, there was the little girl living in Kuri's Amigasa Village, Tama.
A full five plot beauties were naturally Reno's primary targets.
After counting all his gains, Reno left the room and walked in a certain direction.
Another day of supervising Shirahoshi's training.
The next day.
Reno first went to see Momonosuke.
Due to the special nature of Momonosuke's work, Tesoro ordered a unique mark to be branded on his back.
As Reno approached the prison door, he happened to hear a bone-chilling sound.
"Sizzle!"
"Ah ah ah ah!!!"
The sizzling sound of a red-hot iron touching tender skin, and Momonosuke's heart-wrenching wails, rang out simultaneously.
After all, he was just a child; once the pain swept through his entire body, Momonosuke immediately fainted.
The guard didn't hesitate, immediately splashing a basin of cold water to wake him up.
The boss had specifically instructed that as soon as the brand was applied, the brat should start working immediately.
"Kid, get up quickly, don't play dead."
A fierce-looking strongman grabbed Momonosuke, dragged him out of the prison, and threw him into a certain room.
"Hahahaha… This brat is going to suffer a lot from now on."
The strongman clapped his hands twice, a schadenfreude smile on his face.
In all his years in Gold City, this was the first time he had seen someone so miserable.
Although this form of punishment wasn't as direct and cruel as flogging, waterboarding, or burning…
But just thinking about Momonosuke having to endure impacts from different sized rods every moment.
The strongman felt his own anus clench and shivered involuntarily.
"You can't say that."
As soon as he finished speaking, his companion next to him immediately shook his head and retorted:
"To keep this brat alive, the boss prepared all sorts of delicacies and fine dishes for him."
"There were also various tonics and excellent medicines to heal his injuries."
"He even specifically assigned a doctor to him, just in case."
"Compared to other prisoners, who gets such treatment?"
Hearing his companion's well-reasoned analysis, the burly man thought about it and nodded in agreement, "No problem."
"I've never eaten those delicacies in my life; it's really a waste on that brat."
"Come, come, all of you!"
Feeling a sense of disparity, the burly man waved his hand unhappily.
A dozen men quickly stepped forward.
They were all gamblers who owed huge debts.
If nothing unexpected happened, they would spend the rest of their lives paying off their debts.
"Sir."
"Sir."
"…"
Humble as dogs, even when facing a guard, they would bow and scrape with utmost respect.
The burly man was very satisfied with their obsequious attitude. He nodded and glanced at the room, saying:
"Do you all remember what I told you yesterday?"
"Yes, Sir, we remember."
"Sir, we guarantee no one will die."
"Don't worry, we will definitely 'entertain' that brat well."
"…"
The gamblers' eyes lit up, and they rubbed their hands excitedly.
To repay their huge debts, they went hungry and cold every day.
Satisfying their physical needs was an enormous luxury.
Now it was good; not only was it free, but each time could offset 2000 Berries.
Although it was a drop in the bucket, for them, it was pure profit!
They could enjoy themselves and pay off debts; why not?
Some GAYs even drooled with excitement when they heard it was a tender-skinned child.
This was simply their gospel.
"One by one."
"Remember, if that brat inside dies, you should know what your fate will be."
The burly man, understanding the nature of these gamblers, sternly warned them again.
Once Momonosuke had an accident, let alone these gamblers, even he would bear serious responsibility.
"Yes, Sir!"
"Understood!"
The gamblers nodded like pecking rice.
Being in prison, they naturally knew what was important.
Unless they wanted to die.
"I'll go first!!"
Among the gamblers, a burly man with a full beard took the lead, pushed open the door, and walked in.
Reno observed from the shadows the entire time.
Before long, a pig-like shriek came from inside.
It was one of the most agonizing sounds Reno had ever heard.
Anyone could hear the despair and pain mixed in the sound.
And this was just the beginning.
Inside Gold City, a large number of indebted gamblers emerged every day.
Momonosuke's future life was imaginable.
"Good." Reno nodded slightly, leaving with satisfaction.
Anyway, he had given a death order: Momonosuke must live.
As for the rest, he would let Tesoro handle it.
He wondered if Momonosuke would still be in human form the next time he came here.
When Reno returned to the castle, Monet, who had been waiting for a long time, handed him a newspaper.
"Captain, this is the latest news."
"Is there anything about us?"
Reno took the newspaper and asked casually.
"No, it's about the Marine."
"Marine?!"
Reno opened the newspaper with a puzzled expression, and the clear, prominent headline immediately caught his eye.
"Shocking! Former Naval Headquarters Admiral Black Arm Zephyr Quits the Marine!"
Below the headline, some details about Black Arm Zephyr were introduced.
Zephyr not only openly announced his resignation from the Marine but also took with him a group of Marine Generals and elite soldiers loyal to him.
"Because of Whitebeard Jr.?"
Reno scanned the news and couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
If he remembered correctly, in the Marine report a while ago,
all the positions of the Seven Warlords of the Sea had been filled.
This included Whitebeard Jr.
In his opinion, Whitebeard Jr. was the fuse for Zephyr's departure from the Marine, but his disappointment with the Marine had been long-standing.
When Zephyr was 42, his family was killed by pirates, and the seed of hatred was planted in his heart.
From then on, Zephyr began to loathe pirates and offered to resign but was retained by Marine high-ranking officials.
Still holding a glimmer of hope for the Marine, he retained his Admiral rank and transferred to an instructor position.
Until Zephyr was 65 years old.
A group of Marine recruits he led was ambushed by a pirate. Except for Ain and Binz, all his other students were killed.
Now, Zephyr, 74 years old, learned that the pirate who had killed many of his students had transformed and become one of the Shichibukai recruited by the Marine.
How could he not be enraged?
After learning this news, Zephyr developed strong doubts and distrust towards the Marine's internal affairs.
He resolutely withdrew from the Marine and formed the "NEO Marine" with the goal of annihilating pirates worldwide.
"Captain, are you interested in Zephyr?"
Looking at Reno, who was lost in thought, Reiju keenly noticed something unusual.
"He's not interested in Zephyr; he's interested in that person."
Robin smiled slightly and gestured towards another photo in the newspaper.
Reiju looked closely.
The photo showed a beautiful woman with long, wavy sea-blue hair, wearing a purple vest and black hot pants.
Ain, Black Arm Zephyr's student.
A female swordswoman, a Paramecia-type Time-Time Fruit user.
Reiju, realizing it belatedly, rolled her eyes speechlessly.
She should have thought of it earlier.
When had her Captain ever been interested in men?
What could make him pause must be a beautiful woman.
"Everyone, pack up. We'll depart shortly."
Reno came back to his senses slightly and put the newspaper aside.
He had decided to find Zephyr before going to Onigashima.
His target was indeed beautiful women, and Ain was on his list of personnel.
But this time, Zephyr was an exception.
The current Zephyr was disheartened and no longer had any faith in the Marine.
He harbored an even more extreme killing intent towards pirates than Akainu.
If his guess was correct, Zephyr had most likely already stolen the gunpowder rocks.
In the movie, the gunpowder rocks were a large-scale weapon of mass destruction that exploded upon contact with air, with astonishing power.
Zephyr intended to destroy three ENDPOINTs with the terrifying power of the gunpowder rocks to end the Great Pirate Era.
It was not an exaggeration to call the current Zephyr a madman.
His desire to destroy the world put him in opposition to all races and all people.
In the original story, the Straw Hat Pirates appeared in time to thwart Zephyr's plot.
Finally, Admiral Kizaru personally intervened and ended his life.
But now.
With Kizaru's death and the Straw Hat Pirates' disintegration, all trajectories had changed.
Reno could not place his hope in the Marine; he had to act personally.
He had to stop Zephyr before he detonated the gunpowder rocks.
An hour later.
"Tesoro, remember what I told you."
On the airship's deck, Reno sternly reminded him again.
"Master, don't worry, Momonosuke will absolutely not die."
"And no Celestial Dragons will ever step foot in Gold City again!"
Tesoro patted his chest and guaranteed righteously.
"Also, if Kin'emon and Kanjuro come to rescue Momonosuke again, just kill them directly." Reno added.
Kanjuro, as an undercover agent, might not risk his life to do so.
But Kin'emon, who was fiercely loyal to Kozuki Oden, might be different.
After all, Momonosuke carried the heavy responsibility of restoring Wano Country, and he would not stand by and watch Momonosuke remain imprisoned.
"Master, don't worry, I will keep a close eye on Momonosuke. If I find Kin'emon and Kanjuro, I will eliminate them to prevent future troubles and make them stay in Gold City forever!"
Tesoro guaranteed again.
"Let's go."
After confirming that nothing was missed, the airship ascended, disappearing without a trace with a roar.
"Reno, did you ask Tesoro for money?!"
In the living room, Nami looked at Reno with a cheerful smile.
"I did."
Reno casually replied while enjoying a massage from Monet and Rebecca.
He took a full thirty percent of the 20% Berries that Tesoro controlled.
The rest was needed to maintain the operation of Gold City.
What Reno wanted was a goose that laid golden eggs.
"Re…no…"
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