A small boat stealthily approached the Going Merry, and two agile figures swiftly climbed onto the deck.
"Miss Wednesday, looks like we hit the jackpot today," said a man wearing a crown and frog-themed clothing, whispering to his partner.
"Indeed, Mr. 9. Stealing this pirate crew's food is way easier than hunting that whale," replied a beautiful woman with a ponytail, her demeanor that of a cunning villain.
They'd been scavenging for food for days. If they didn't find something soon, the people at Whisky Peak would starve.
Keeping a wary eye on their surroundings, the two crept into the ship's cabin. Miss Wednesday, her stomach growling, seemed to have a sixth sense for food, quickly locating the storage room. Opening the door, she found it packed with vegetables and meat.
Overjoyed, she was about to call Mr. 9 to pack it all up when she froze in terror. A tall man stood nearby, arms crossed, watching her with amusement.
"Ah!" Miss Wednesday yelped instinctively.
"Quiet, Miss Wednesday! Don't let them hear us!" Mr. 9 poked his head out from the next room, whispering a warning.
"Courting death!"
Recognizing Mr. 9, Reno's face darkened. No man but him was allowed on the Going Merry. Without a word, he grabbed Mr. 9 and hurled him overboard. Before he hit the water, a bolt of lightning as thick as a bowl struck him, leaving him thoroughly dead.
"You… you killed Mr. 9?!" Miss Wednesday stammered, watching his body drift away in the current, trembling with fear.
Reno's expression softened instantly. "Don't worry, Princess Vivi. I only kill Baroque Works agents." "Once I finish healing Laboon, we'll have a nice chat."
Her identity exposed, Vivi panicked. Not only did this man know her true identity, but his strength was terrifying.
"Don't… don't kill me," she pleaded, shaking like a frightened rabbit.
Ignoring her pleas, Reno grabbed her shoulder and teleported. With Vivi's piercing scream, they reappeared before the girls.
"Captain, who's this?" Makino asked, confused.
"Such a pretty girl! Captain, where'd you snatch her from?" Carue eyed the pale-faced Vivi curiously.
This pirate kidnaps people?! Vivi grew even more terrified.
Reno grinned. "She's a new member of the Reno Pirates. Keep an eye on her—don't let her run." With that, he flew off on an island cloud toward Laboon.
The girls and Vivi stared at each other, dumbfounded.
Once Reno was gone, Vivi, quick on her feet, put on a pitiful expression. "Sisters, I know I was wrong. I shouldn't have tried to steal your food. Please forgive me just this once."
The girls exchanged glances, realization dawning. Well, well, a thief targeting us. More importantly, with Reno always on the hunt for beauties, and Vivi being so gorgeous, she'd practically delivered herself to him.
"Little sister, you heard the captain. We're to keep you here," Makino said gently, soothing her. "But don't worry—I can promise he won't hurt you."
Since Reno had declared Vivi a crew member, Makino knew what came next.
Yeah, right. Vivi grumbled inwardly. She'd just seen Reno toss Mr. 9 into the sea. She was probably next. No way she'd sit and wait for that.
Glancing subtly toward Reno, who was busy with the whale, she thought, Now's my chance. Run!
But as she moved, Tashigi was faster. Wado Ichimonji flashed from its sheath, its blade glinting coldly. "Don't move!"
The other girls closed in, their fair arms coated in pitch-black Armament Haki.
"They all know Armament Haki?!" Crocus gasped, startled.
"Little one, you're no match for them. Don't make trouble—stay put," he advised.
Feeling their aura, Vivi deflated, lowering her head in resignation.
…
Soon, the island cloud returned, carrying Reno, Kaya, and Nami. Through their efforts, Laboon's years of accumulated scars were fully healed. It was back to full health!
Roar~ Free of pain and learning Brook was alive, Laboon let out an excited, grateful bellow. For it, today was unforgettable.
"Reno, thank you so much," Crocus said, genuinely happy as he saw Laboon's joy.
"Just a small favor," Reno waved it off, unbothered. "Laboon, stay here and stop ramming the Red Line. It won't be long before I bring Brook back."
He made a promise to the whale.
Roar~ Laboon responded with another low cry.
Reno and the girls shared a knowing smile.
"Well, Crocus, until we meet again. We're setting off."
Reno led the despairing Vivi and the girls back to the Going Merry.
"Hahahaha, Reno, I hope to hear your name across the seas one day!"
From the shore, Crocus waved as the Going Merry rose into the sky. "Laboon, today's a happy day, isn't it?"
Roar~