"The woman of the world's king? That's impressive," Renault nodded with clear satisfaction after Robin's comment.
Then, with a faint and teasing smile, Robin gazed at him. "Captain, you have so many women… but where do I rank in your heart?"
She didn't say it outright, but—who wouldn't want to know the answer to that?
Renault was caught off guard. This was a question of life and death.
"Captain, is that so hard to answer?" Robin asked sweetly, brushing her slender leg against his.
Renault raised a hand to gently stop her playful teasing and responded with a smile, "Of course, it's you."
Snap—
With a click, Robin's hips gave an almost celebratory sway.
Her face flushed instantly, and she shyly fell silent, ceasing her mischief.
Renault found the contrast in her personality amusing. Who would've thought the usually aloof and composed Robin had such a charming side? He liked her even more for it. He'd definitely need to "teach" her more properly in the future.
"Alright, time for business." Dropping the flirtation, Renault turned to focus on the golden clock before him.
A powerful Haki radiated from it.
In the next instant—clang! A deep, resonant chime echoed in the air.
"The Golden Bell's toll… It's the real sound of the Golden Bell!"
"Our ancestors were right. Sky Island really exists!!!"
Tears welled in the eyes of Jaya's islanders. Their long wait was finally validated.
The moment became sacred.
Gradually, the bell's peal faded into silence.
"You must be moved," Robin teased.
"Maybe," Renault shrugged. "But for now, it's ours."
When Renault and Robin returned, the girls were busily hauling bags of gold coins onto the ship.
Watching them work up a sweat, Renault smiled. "Pack it up, everyone. Time to go."
"Roger, Captain!"
"Renault, get over here and help!"
The girls called out one after another.
Renault casually stored the gold into the system's warehouse.
Just then—
"Renault!!!"
A deafening crash of thunder and lightning tore through the sky as a golden ark descended rapidly toward them.
"Where's the gold!? Renault, you said this was the land of gold!"
"Where are the coins?!"
"Where did my treasure go?!"
Nami rushed off the ark, scanning the ruins frantically. But there was nothing but a broken city.
The girls exchanged glances, giggling into their palms.
"Let's go. I'll explain on the way."
Unbothered, Renault dismissed the ark and ushered the girls back aboard the ship.
On their next journey, Renault truly felt the benefits of having so many female crew members.
With Conis and Raki now aboard, Renault no longer needed to personally do any persuading. The other girls eagerly took the lead and quickly broke through the newcomers' emotional defenses.
Their confidence was sky-high—they were sure they could satisfy all of Renault's… expectations.
The result? Renault was completely drained within hours.
"Claim your reward," the system prompted as he lounged in the ship's luxury suite.
[Navy Six-Style Training Manual Acquired.]
Renault shot up from the sofa in an instant.
Another system message followed:
[Host, congratulations on capturing Raki. You've received the coordinates to Pure Gold.]
Pure Gold! The real deal!
It slows aging and preserves youth simply by wearing it.
Among all treasures in the pirate world, none compared.
Even the Celestial Dragons would kill for it.
Renault took a moment to calm down and recall the legend of Pure Gold.
Over 200 years ago, the daughter of scientist Misina Hie, Olga, was terminally ill. To save her, Hie and his wife extracted a mysterious metal—Pure Gold.
Olga recovered and lived for centuries, maintaining the appearance of a young girl.
Sadly, news of the miraculous metal spread, attracting greedy pirates. Olga's mother was murdered, and much of the island was swallowed by Lord Lantern.
To Renault, Pure Gold meant more than eternal youth—it meant preserving his peak power.
Every strong warrior in the world of pirates has their prime. After a certain point, strength, reflexes, and stamina decline.
But Pure Gold could freeze that moment. Let one remain eternally at their peak.
Renault had originally planned to head for Water Seven… but that would wait.
The system projected a virtual map in his mind. A blinking red dot indicated the Pure Gold's ever-changing location—on the Grand Line.
No doubt, it was with Lord Lantern.
"Lord Lantern, you won't escape this time." Renault smirked at the pulsing red marker.
The spaceship rerouted, soaring toward a new destination.
It would take two days at most.
Renault spent the time bonding with the girls.
Outside the training room, the lounge was their favorite hangout. Kaya and Robin relaxed in rocking chairs, immersed in books. Conis and Raki practiced mixing coffee with Golden Week, Valentine, and Sara.
Others were busy with their own tasks. Everything was peaceful.
Renault gazed at them one by one.
Vivi, Nami, Tashigi, Makino, Robin, Kalmaron, Kaya, Nojiko, Golden Week, Valentine, Sara, Conis, Raki…
Without realizing it, he had already "conquered" 14 dazzling beauties.
Renault couldn't even imagine what they'd look like decades later.
Would they age like Big Mom, former Empress of Amazon Lily, Ba Jin… all of whom were once great beauties but now…
No. That mustn't happen.
Once he obtained Pure Gold, he'd give each of them a piece.
Two days flew by.
During that time, they visited several islands. Now flush with gold, the girls went on wild shopping sprees.
Renault used the Pure Gold to forge rings, gifting each girl a personalized band.
On the morning of the third day, Renault—fresh from training and a warm shower—stepped into the cafe.
All the girls were huddled together, whispering animatedly.
As he approached, their eyes met his—blushing, sparkling.
"What are you all talking about? I think I heard my name," he asked, dropping into a seat.
The girls turned toward him, their faces redder than ever.
"What's going on?" he asked, confused.
That many girls… at once? Could it be?
Kaya was the first to leap into his arms. "Renault, stop hiding it. We all know."
"Yeah," Nami added playfully. "We saw the rings you bought. Were you… planning to propose?"
A collective gasp.
All the girls cupped their cheeks, dreamy expressions blooming on their faces.
"Is it true, Renault?" Wide-eyed, Kaya stared at him in awe.
All eyes locked onto him.
The rings were made of Pure Gold.
And now—just as Nami said—the girls held their breath, waiting for the moment.
"Captain, I want mine~"
"Me too!"
"Renault, give me mine first!"
The moment the rings left his hands, the girls slipped them on, holding them up with pride.
"Thank you, Captain! It's so beautiful!"
"Renault, look! It fits perfectly~"
Seeing their joy, Renault felt every coin was well spent.
"Renault~" Kaya clung to him, eyes full of light.
Some girls were bold—Sara, Kalmaron, Nami, Makino.
Others—like Kaya, Vivi, and Tashigi—were shyer, but their emotions were just as clear.
Hormones spiked in the cafe. The girls' conversation fell quiet.
Outside the ship, the destination drew closer.
"Captain, what are we looking for here?" Tashigi asked, staring out over the desolate sea.
Even the others noticed Renault's unusual intensity.
Was there a treasure greater than gold hidden beneath?
"You'll find out soon enough," Renault replied with a soft smile.
On his invisible virtual map, the red dot marking Pure Gold's location glowed brighter.
The distance was shrinking, but the dot still moved.
"This guy still wants to play hide-and-seek?" Renault muttered to himself. "Don't worry, I'll deal with you soon."