That line sounds familiar!The Law of True Fragrance?!
Reno flashed to Smoker's side.
"Ah!" Tashigi let out a sharp squeal, instinctively backing away.
Reno pinned Smoker's head to the ground with his foot, forcing an intimate meeting between his face and the dirt.
"You…!" Smoker's face twisted in pain as he frantically tried to activate his Smoke-Smoke Fruit, attempting to turn into smoke. To his horror, his prized ability wouldn't work.
How is this possible?!Can a Devil Fruit just… fail?!
"Stop wasting your energy," Reno said, barely hiding his amusement at Smoker's struggles.
It was all Oda's fault—early appearances in the story meant bad luck. In the East Blue, where people didn't even know what Haki was, this scene was beyond Smoker's comprehension, throwing him into a panic.
"What… what do you want?!" Tashigi cried, her voice trembling with fear. Though her hand shook as she gripped Shigure, her cute, determined face was resolute.
Reno pressed harder, deforming Smoker's face as blood trickled from his mouth.
"Please… stop hurting Captain Smoker!" Tashigi's voice broke, tears streaming down her cheeks.
As Smoker's loyal subordinate, she'd followed him on every mission. Whenever danger arose, Smoker always shielded her without hesitation. Seeing him beaten so badly, her heart couldn't take it.
"I already told you—join my pirate crew. Become one of my crewmates," Reno said, his expression cold.
Tears blurred Tashigi's vision as she stared at him, her lips trembling.
"Tashigi, don't…" Bang! Smoker barely got a few words out before Reno's foot slammed down again. The hard ground cracked, spiderweb-like fissures spreading outward.
"I'll join you! Just don't hurt Captain Smoker anymore!"
Clang!Shigure fell to the ground as Tashigi sank to her knees, helpless.
"That's more like it." Reno nodded, satisfied, lifting his foot from Smoker's head. He stepped forward, gently helping Tashigi to her feet.
Her body stiffened, but she didn't dare resist.
"Don't worry, he's just a bit banged up. A few days' rest, and he'll be fine." Reno hadn't planned to kill Smoker anyway.
"Reno, let her go—"
"Enough!" Reno's face darkened, his voice icy. "Smoker, I'm sparing you for Tashigi's sake. One more word, and it won't just be injuries."
Tashigi's expression shifted, and she quickly stepped in front of Reno, not looking back. "Captain Smoker, please stop! He'll really hurt you!"
"Tashigi!!" Smoker's voice rose sharply, laced with frustration.
"Lord Reno, let's leave," Tashigi urged, anxious.
Having followed Smoker for years, she knew his stubborn nature. He'd defy even Navy Headquarters' orders, let alone bow to a pirate. But she couldn't bear to watch him die in front of her.
Seeing Tashigi grab his arm willingly, Reno decided to ignore Smoker. He led her toward the port. It was about time to regroup with the girls anyway.
Smoker, gravely injured, could only watch helplessly as Reno took Tashigi away. Burning humiliation surged within him. Clenching his fists, he swore to himself he'd rescue her.
Tashigi followed Reno closely, her mind racing. Smoker was likely safe now—she needed to plan her escape from this devil.
"What're you thinking about?" Reno asked with a half-smile, noticing her glances around.
"Ah… nothing, I… I…" Caught off guard, Tashigi stammered, flustered.
Reno suppressed a laugh. How can there be such an adorably clueless Navy officer? Her moods flipped fast—one moment crying her eyes out, the next plotting an escape.
His face turned stern. "If you don't want Smoker dead, don't even think about running."
Boom! The casual words hit Tashigi like a thunderbolt. Grief overwhelmed her, and she started sobbing again. This time, she was truly despairing.
Seeing her reaction, Reno awkwardly rubbed his nose. Did I go too far? Whatever, he'd explain to Tashigi later.
Reno brought her to where the Going Merry was docked. Everyone except Nami had returned, their shopping lists fulfilled and loaded onto the ship.
"Big brother Reno, you're back! Huh?!" Kaya waved happily from the deck, then noticed the dejected Tashigi.
"Captain, who's this?" Makino asked, curious.
"Her name's Tashigi, a Navy officer. But as of now, she's a member of the Reno Pirates," Reno explained.
The girls rolled their eyes and smirked, already used to this. No need to ask—she was obviously "taken." Poor girl, looking so pitiful.
Having spent time with Reno, they'd noticed a pattern. Everywhere he went, he brought back a beauty. Looking at the miserable Tashigi, they saw their own past selves.
"Tashigi-chan, don't be scared. The captain won't hurt you," Makino said, slipping into her big-sister role. She gently helped the disheveled Tashigi into a cabin. Best to comfort her first.
"Hey, wait for me!" Nami called, rushing over, arms full of bags.
"Nami, you bought that much?!" Nojiko gaped at the dozen-plus bags in her hands.
"Hehe… couldn't help it," Nami said, scratching her head awkwardly. All those gorgeous clothes and jewelry—she had decision paralysis. So she bought everything she liked.
"Everyone's here. Let's set sail!" Reno conjured a small island cloud, lifting the Going Merry into the air.
"Reno, you stop right there!!"
Suddenly, a booming voice roared from the sea. Vice Admiral Garp, arriving late!
…