"The food is ready!"
Carmen lifted the pot lid, and in an instant, a rich aroma wafted out.
Grumble.
Grumble.
Mixed with the sound of swallowing saliva, the grandfather and granddaughter's stomachs rumbled again, uncontrollably.
"This is braised pork ribs, twice-cooked pork, braised pork, Mapo tofu, and stir-fried potato, eggplant, and green pepper."
Carmen recited the names of the dishes like a treasure, opening all the pot lids one by one.
These were all specialty dishes from Reno's original hometown.
Not only did they not have as many complicated procedures, but their taste was also no less inferior to those luxurious dishes.
Made by Carmen, the great chef, the taste was even more exquisite.
"Although I haven't heard of these dishes, they smell so good!"
Tama sniffed, and saliva involuntarily drooled from the corners of her mouth.
The girls looked at Tama with smiles and said softly, "Tama, eat quickly. Sister Carmen's Culinary Arts are very good."
"Mhm! I'm going to eat!"
"Master, you eat too."
After greeting Sukiyaki, Tama immediately began to feast.
"Wow! It's so delicious!!!"
"Sister Carmen, you're amazing!"
As a piece of reddish, soft, and tender braised pork was put into her mouth, a rich aroma instantly filled her oral cavity.
A look of infatuation gradually appeared on Tama's small face.
"It's indeed very good."
Sukiyaki nodded slightly, also giving high praise to Carmen's Culinary Arts.
Carmen smiled without speaking at their compliments.
Everyone had their own specialty.
After everyone served themselves a bowl of rice, this everyday family meal began amidst laughter and joy.
"Burp! I'm full!"
Tama rubbed her round little belly and let out a comfortable burp.
After eating and drinking to her heart's content, she remembered her ungraceful behavior just now and couldn't help but blush.
"Tama, if you follow Reno from now on, you can eat the meals Sister Carmen cooks every day."
Robin stroked Tama's forehead and said with a smile.
"Really??"
Tama's large, gem-like eyes constantly sparkled with brilliance.
The food Carmen cooked was the most delicious she had ever eaten.
If she could really eat it every day...
Grumble.
"But Master..."
Remembering something, Tama looked at Sukiyaki with some difficulty.
Following Reno, wouldn't that mean leaving her master?
"Tama."
Sukiyaki looked at Tama with complex emotions.
"Sukiyaki, consider my suggestion."
"Tama following me is the best choice."
Reno wiped the oil from the corners of his mouth and urged again.
Sukiyaki pondered for a moment, and after a while, finally nodded and said, "You can take Tama, but you must treat her well."
In fact, he didn't want Reno to take Tama away.
But he knew very well that Reno was only telling him all this because he was considering Tama's feelings.
Otherwise, with his strength, there would be no need to ask for his opinion.
"And swords," Reno added.
Don't think he'd forgotten.
"Sigh."
Sukiyaki let out a long sigh, his face bitter.
He shuffled on his wooden clogs, walking with difficulty towards the room.
The short distance took him over a minute to cover.
Sukiyaki, with a pained expression, placed the swords in front of Reno, then turned and hugged a large tree, crying bitterly.
Reno smiled and ignored him.
Before him now were three swords.
The first sword.
Its guard was cross-shaped, the blade was long, the curve of the edge was pronounced, and it had no blood groove. The hamon was a typical flame pattern forged steel.
One of the twenty-one great grade swords, second generation kotetsu, the legendary demon blade.
The second sword.
Its scabbard had floral carvings, and its tsuba was three-lobed.
One of the twenty-one great grade swords, ama no habakiri.
Once one of Kozuki Oden's personal swords, it was known as the famous sword that could "cut down even the sky."
The third sword.
Its design was similar to ama no habakiri, and it was also one of the twenty-one great grade swords.
One of Kozuki Oden's personal swords, known as the sword that could "destroy even hell."
Unlike the former, Enma would spontaneously release the user's Haki, unleashing immense power.
If the user couldn't control Enma, they would be drained of their Haki and perish.
But if used correctly, this would be an extremely formidable famous sword.
Back then, Kozuki Oden used Enma to leave an X-shaped scar on Kaido's abdomen that remains to this day.
"Tashigi, they're all yours."
Reno glanced at them, then casually handed the three famous swords to Tashigi, who was standing nearby.
As of now, he had acquired a total of twelve famous swords and demon blades!
They were Wado Ichimonji, black blade shuusui, Enma, ama no habakiri, second generation kotetsu, magic blade thousand blades, Seven Star Sword, subordinate tool: tou ichimonji, kogarasu, sakura ten, Kashu, and elephant sword.
His personal swords were magic blade thousand blades, Seven Star Sword, and subordinate tool: tou ichimonji.
As for the other famous swords, Reno gave them all to Tashigi.
Who told her she had a little hobby of collecting famous swords?
"Thank you, Captain."
Tashigi's beautiful eyes curved, and her voice was sickly sweet.
Her expression when she saw the famous swords was as exaggerated as Nami's when she saw money.
"Wah!"
Just then, another old man's cry came from not far away.
The women glanced at Sukiyaki, who was peeking over, and all covered their mouths, stifling laughs.
Tashigi took the three great grade swords, fondling them with adoration.
In the One Piece World, swords have clear classifications.
The rarest are the Supreme great grade swords, of which there are twelve.
Like Mihawk's Black Sword Night, Red-Haired Shanks's gryphon, the bald Five Elders's first generation kotetsu, and Fujitora's cane sword, the Gambler's Fire Line.
Next are the twenty-one great grade swords.
Like Enma and ama no habakiri.
Tashigi possessed five swords of this quality.
Below that are the fifty fine grade swords.
Like the Kashu in Tashigi's hand.
Further down are various great grade swords, as well as demon blades, rapiers, and the like.
Like Golden Lion Shiki's kogarasu and sakura ten.
Law's demon blade ghost cry.
Flower Sword Vista and Cavendish's rapiers, and so on.
Finally, there are various famous swords.
In Reno's understanding, these are simply swords that have a name.
Like Shigure, which Tashigi used at first.
Besides the above, there are also some even more special swords in the One Piece World.
For example, the elephant sword Funkfreed.
It was originally Spandam's sword, which later ate the Elephant-Elephant Devil Fruit.
And Figarando Shamrock of the God's Knights.
Who is Red-Haired Shanks's biological brother.
The rapier in his hand ate the Animal-type Mythical Zoan, Dog-Dog Fruit, Model: Cerberus, allowing it to transform into a three-headed hellhound, with formidable combat power.
It just goes to show how wealthy the Celestial Dragons are, even their personal swords eat Mythical Zoan Devil Fruits.
"Stop crying, I'm not taking them for free."
Reno watched Sukiyaki crying while hugging the tree, speechless. He was such an old man, yet he cried like a child.
He just took his swords and took Tama away.
Was there any need to cry so heartbreakingly?
Reno walked up to Sukiyaki and waved his hand.
The next second, a dazzling golden light illuminated half the area.
In front of Sukiyaki, gold was spread out everywhere.
If converted to Berries, it would be worth about 100 million berries.
"Hiss!"
Sukiyaki gasped, his expression dazed as he looked at the gold before him.
Even if he wasn't greedy, with so much gold laid out in front of him, it would be a lie to say he wasn't tempted.
Gulp.
"Ahem," Sukiyaki cleared his throat, then tentatively asked, "Reno, is all this gold for this old man?"
"Of course," Reno shrugged.
The other party had given up three twenty-one great grade swords, and Tama.
This much gold wasn't a lot.
"Alright then, this old man will accept it," Sukiyaki said as a matter of course.
Fearing that Reno would go back on his word, Sukiyaki quickly moved all the gold into the house.
"Reno, are you really planning to deal with Kaido?"
After hiding the gold, Sukiyaki composed himself and brought up the serious matter.
"That's right, one of the reasons I came to Wano Country is to defeat Kaido."
Reno nodded slightly.
"You... do you have the confidence to defeat him??"
Sukiyaki hesitated for a long time before continuing to ask.
He had seen reports and knew that Reno was powerful.
But Kaido's title was the World's Strongest Creature.
And he wasn't like Whitebeard, old and frail, plagued by old injuries.
The current Kaido was truly in his peak condition!
With a Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit, top-tier Three Types of Haki, top-tier defense, and top-tier recovery—he was a true hexagonal warrior!
"Our Captain never fights a battle he's not confident in winning."
Stussy chuckled and shook her head at Sukiyaki's doubt.
Although she didn't know exactly how strong Reno was, she was certain that once a battle broke out, Kaido would definitely be the one to lose.
"That's right, Reno is the best!"
Beside them, Shirahoshi, with her fishtail coiled, puffed out her cheeks and clenched her fists, also affirming him.
"Do you see? That's the answer."
Reno gave Sukiyaki a faint glance, then returned a gentle smile to the women.
"Alright."
Seeing this, Sukiyaki didn't ask any more questions.
He naturally hoped that Reno could defeat Kaido and liberate Wano Country.
At least from their interactions so far, he felt that Reno was not as bad as the rumors suggested.
"Don't worry, it won't be long before someone reorganizes Wano Country, and then there will be a continuous supply of food.
"All the residents of Wano Country will no longer worry about food and water sources."
"Your good days are not far off."
As he spoke, Reno had already stood up.
He had taken the swords and taken the person.
It was time to go to the Flower Capital and meet that ugly Orochi.
And of course, to recruit the last of the three beauties of the pirates.
Kozuki Hiyori.
"Master, then I'm leaving."
Tama was reluctant to part, looking back every few steps.
The smile on her face had vanished without a trace due to her separation from Sukiyaki.
There was even a slight sob in her voice as she spoke.
"Tama!"
Sukiyaki's old tears flowed freely.
Reno lightly patted his forehead; another touching scene between grandfather and granddaughter was about to unfold.
"Alright, stop hugging."
"After I defeat Kaido, I'll let Tama live in the Shogun's Mansion. If you want to see her, you can move to the Flower Capital then."
Reno really couldn't stand the tearful scene before him.
"Huh???"
Sukiyaki was startled at first, then overjoyed.
"Hahahahaha... If that's the case, this old man will gladly accept."
"Tama, you go with Reno, and in a few days, after your master receives good news, I'll come to the Flower Capital to find you."
The old man's expression changed rapidly.
"Mhm mhm."
Tama nodded repeatedly.
"Tama, let's go."
Shirahoshi carefully placed Tama inside her collarbone, then boarded the airship.
Watching the airship depart, Sukiyaki excitedly rubbed his old hands together, then turned and walked towards his room.
There were too many people just now; he hadn't felt comfortable counting.
Now, Wano Country, as a very special region in the New World, has no outer sea coast; it is surrounded only by cliff waterfalls.
Beyond that lies the inner sea.
The inner sea consists of Onigashima and the main island of Wano Country.
The main island is divided into six regions: Kuri, Kibi, Udon, Ringo, Hakumai, and the Flower Capital.
Among them, the most prosperous area is the Flower Capital.
This is not only the capital of Wano Country but also the residence of the Shogun, Orochi.
When the airship landed and Reno emerged with The girls, countless curious gazes immediately fell upon them.
The next second, everyone's pupils suddenly constricted.
"Reno, it's Reno!"
"Holy crap, how did the Reno Pirates get here??"
"Something bad is happening, quickly inform Shogun Orochi!"
"Reno is attacking Wano Country!"
"..."
Reno's appearance immediately caused a commotion.
Compared to other regions, news in the Flower Capital circulates particularly well.
Furthermore, the people living here are either rich or noble.
They often pay attention to outside news.
So, the moment they saw Reno, they recognized his identity.
All of Reno's established labels instantly flashed in everyone's minds.
The residents shouted loudly, fleeing in disarray.
Reno watched the scattering residents helplessly; was he really that terrifying?
It seems he must have Morgans publish a separate report to salvage his image.
"Captain, you're so hated."
"Hahahahaha, Reno, did you see? Those vendors didn't even want their stalls."
"That's reputation."
"..."
Looking at the empty streets, The girls all laughed and teased him.
Just then, a lonely, cool breeze blew through, perfectly timed.
Black lines immediately appeared on Reno's face.
"To the Shogun's Mansion!"
He said expressionlessly, then walked directly in a certain direction.
The Shogun's Mansion, the residence of Wano Country's Shogun, Orochi.
At this moment, inside the main hall.
Wisps of incense smoke drifted from the censer.
A graceful figure sat kneeling in the center, gently plucking the strings of a zither.
Around her, several lithe figures danced gracefully to the rhythm of the string music.
On the left, closest to the main seat.
Sat a tall samurai with long, narrow eyes and long, narrow ears.
He wore a dark blue kimono and had an airplane hairstyle.
Kyoshiro!
Orochi's guard.
His true identity is Denjiro, one of the Nine Red Scabbards, a subordinate of Kozuki Oden!
After Kozuki Oden's death, he concealed his identity and infiltrated Orochi's side.
At this moment, he was casually reclining, eyes narrowed, seemingly half-asleep.
On the right, closest to the main seat.
Sat a bald man wearing square sunglasses and a purple kimono.
Most striking were his extremely long earlobes and skull.
Fukurokuju.
Captain of the Oniwabanshu.
He is specifically responsible for protecting Orochi's safety and is fiercely loyal to him.
The person in the main seat.
This person was burly, with a square face and a bald head, wearing a crown on the left side of his head and a topknot on the right.
He wore a yellow kimono with black crescent-shaped pentagonal patterns and a black cloak behind him.
He is the current Shogun of Wano Country, Orochi.
A brutal, autocratic monarch.
He is the owner of the Mythical Zoan, Snake-Snake Fruit, Yamata no Orochi form.
At this moment.
Orochi was staring at the graceful figure in the center with a lecherous expression, vulgarly drooling.
The woman was his most infatuated courtesan, Komurasaki.
Every time he held a banquet, he would invite Komurasaki to perform a song for him.
Orochi was in a joyous mood, his fingers rhythmically tapping the armrest beside him.
Tap, tap, tap.
Tap, tap, tap.
Just then, the urgent sound of wooden clogs clattering on the ground suddenly echoed from outside.
The zither music abruptly ceased.
The man who was dozing off instantly opened his eyes.
"Bastard!"
Orochi was furious, his mood completely ruined.
He had strictly forbidden anyone from disturbing him when Komurasaki was playing.
Who had the audacity to defy his orders?
"Shogun Orochi, something terrible has happened!"
Soon, a samurai rushed in, looking flustered.
Orochi's face completely darkened.
"Guards, execute this detestable fellow for me!"
---------------------------------
I hope you're enjoying the fanfiction so far! If the story has you hooked and you can't wait to see what happens next, you can unlock 30 chapters in advance over on my Patreon: patreon.com/TLHimejima1
Every bit of support means the world to me so if you're loving the ride, don't forget to drop a Power Stone and let me know.