Reno took out Wado Ichimonji and handed it to Tashigi. "This sword's for you." "From now on, you need to keep a close eye on me. If I do anything wrong, call me out."
Tashigi stared at Wado Ichimonji in shock, overwhelmed. "This is a Great Grade Sword! You're really giving it to me?!"
In the world of pirates, the twelve Supreme Grade Swords were the rarest. Next came the Great Grade Swords. For their first meeting, Reno was handing her a Great Grade Sword. It completely threw her off.
Reno gently touched her forehead, his tone indulgent. "Join my pirate crew, and we're family. It's just a Great Grade Sword. I'll get you an even better one later."
This wasn't an empty promise. He knew where to find higher-quality blades. For Tashigi, who loved collecting famous swords, Wado Ichimonji was irresistible. Its quality far surpassed her current Skillful Grade Sword, Shigure.
Why do I suddenly feel… cherished?Reno… he's not like other pirates.Could my joining really be changing him?
Tashigi's head spun, unable to process it all.
"Tch… then I'll accept it," she mumbled, her voice barely audible, head lowered.
Reno nodded with a smile. Sure, he was playing to her interests, but Tashigi did need a better sword. He already planned to train her into the Reno Pirates' great swordmaster. Shigure just wasn't up to par.
"Don't worry, I'll guide you onto the path of justice," Tashigi said, sheathing Wado Ichimonji and looking at Reno earnestly.
Reno stifled a laugh. "I believe you." "Come on, let me introduce you to the other… crewmates."
Reno took Tashigi's hand and led her out of the cabin. After brief introductions, Tashigi was amazed. This pirate crew was nothing like the others she'd seen! Especially the crew composition. Aside from Reno, every member was a beautiful woman.
Reno held back a grin, staying silent. Just stay with this crew, and in a few days, you won't want to leave.
…
Days passed quickly. Flying through the air had its perks—safety first and foremost. With Nami's genius navigation skills, they could avoid natural hazards in advance. Most importantly, no one bothered them. After all, besides Reno, only Golden Lion could fly in the sky.
In these few days, Reno didn't rush to "teach" Tashigi. Her emotions were still settling, and forcing lessons now would backfire. There was plenty of time.
But over these days, Tashigi grew to know the others better. Kaya had the ability to heal any injury. Nami, a genius navigator, trained daily to master the Weather Fruit. Makino-nee's wine was the best Tashigi had ever tasted. Carue's cooking was unparalleled, conquering her taste buds with every meal.
Nojiko seemed the most ordinary, tending to the orange trees on the deck. What surprised Tashigi most was how harmoniously these beautiful women coexisted. They chatted and laughed constantly, always finding something to talk about. In this warm environment, Tashigi's anxious heart gradually calmed, and she began to adapt to life here.
But one thing… Every time Reno finished training, he'd tease one of the girls. For example: Nami watering the orange trees? Reno would casually pass by and give her rear a playful smack. Kaya reading a medical book? Reno would pop up out of nowhere and plant a kiss on her cheek.
Tashigi had witnessed dozens of these moments in just a few days. The girls seemed used to it. Except for Nami, who'd stomp her foot in mock anger, the others would smile and eagerly reciprocate. Carue even initiated, seeking his affection.
It left Tashigi dumbfounded. If she could handle that, what drove her crazy was… The Going Merry had zero soundproofing! Even with earplugs and her head buried under a blanket, the rhythmic sounds still found their way into her ears. No escaping it.
Though inexperienced, Tashigi wasn't clueless about such things. Those repetitive noises—she knew exactly what was happening. And… they went on for so long.
Back in the Navy, she'd overheard soldiers bragging about such topics. One had boasted about a "forty-minute unbeaten record," earning envy from the others. But Reno? He seemed to go by the hour. Wasn't that a bit too exaggerated?!
Thinking of Reno's actions, she wondered if that was just romantic flirting. Tashigi felt lost, avoiding his gaze and lowering her head whenever he was near.
Is this part of the crew's duties?! Will I have to… Tashigi's hands twisted together. This question had plagued her for days. She'd promised to correct Reno's mistakes, but thinking it over… wasn't this just human nature? Unless something was wrong with the body. But if Reno really wanted to… with her… what would she do?!
Tashigi was lost in confusion again.
…
At the Dining Table
"Tashigi, leave your door open tonight. I'll come by to teach you some navigation knowledge," Reno said suddenly.
"Huh?! Okay," Tashigi replied instinctively, still lost in thought.
Nami and the others exchanged odd looks with her. What a clueless cutie. Answering so quickly—she had no idea what awaited her tonight.
The girls shared a knowing glance, stifling giggles.
Their laughter snapped Tashigi back to reality, her big dark eyes full of confusion. "What are you laughing at?"
Carue looked at her, exasperated. "Goodness, sister, don't you hear the noises at night?" "That's the captain teaching us 'knowledge.'"
"What?!" Tashigi gasped, her fork and knife clattering to the table. Her face turned apple-red.
Is this teaching legit?!
The girls nodded in realization: Oh, she gets it now. Easy enough.
"Got… got it, Captain," Tashigi mumbled, head down, struggling through the rest of the meal amid their laughter.
…