In an uninhabited island of the New World…
As usual, the Red-Haired Pirates held a grand banquet. This was their longstanding tradition—every time they passed through a new island, they celebrated with a feast.
But tonight, an unexpected storm brewed.
"...Over 10 billion Berries?!"
Hawkeye Mihawk stared at Ren Takashi's new bounty, momentarily stunned.
Shanks laughed heartily and clapped Mihawk on the shoulder. "Jealous, Mihawk? Don't worry, if you weren't one of the Warlords of the Sea, your bounty would easily surpass his."
"That's right," Lucky Roo chimed in while gnawing on a chicken leg. "The world's greatest swordsman should have a bounty worthy of the title."
Mihawk shot them a cold glance—but somewhere deep inside, he appreciated their sentiment.
"That kid Ren Takashi… daring enough to destroy Enies Lobby? That's madness!" Yasopp furrowed his brows, trying to make sense of the news.
"Unfortunately, things aren't that simple," Ben Beckman murmured, his wise eyes scanning the article. "There's more to this than what the papers reveal."
The crew fell silent. After all, Ren Takashi had nothing to do with them. His soaring bounty was, at most, entertainment.
Still…
"I once crossed swords with Ren in the East Blue," Mihawk finally said, eyes fixed on the dazzling bounty poster. "And I believe… that amount is no exaggeration."
The Red-Haired Pirates fell into a contemplative silence.
——
Elsewhere on the Grand Line…
A Marine battleship surged across the waves, the mast bearing the distinct dog-head insignia.
On the bow, Garp clutched a crumpled newspaper, his face dark with worry.
He alone knew the full weight behind Ren Takashi's bounty.
Damn brat!
If Ren had found Luffy before him, if he had learned the truth about their connection… the consequences would've been disastrous.
"Search every island nearby," Garp barked. "Find Straw Hat Luffy!"
"Yes, Vice Admiral Garp!!"
——
Banaro Island.
"Hahahahaha!! Ren Takashi really blew up Enies Lobby, huh?"
The rowdy laughter of Blackbeard echoed through the tavern as he passed the paper around.
"Look at this, boys! This is what a true pirate looks like!"
Though his words rang with pride, in his heart he was anxious.
Chasing a Devil Fruit from the New World all the way to the Grand Line… was that not overkill?
He needed to develop the Yami Yami no Mi fully—then deal with Ace himself.
——
The Florian Triangle.
"Fufufu… Has bounty inflation really gotten this out of hand?!" Moria's grotesquely disproportionate body leaned back as he laughed, holding the paper. "A rookie worth that much?!"
"Crocodile? Hmph. He's a mere housecat."
"If I move… he'll be crushed like an ant."
From the shadows, Absalom stayed quiet, though he couldn't help but grumble inwardly.
Meanwhile, floating lazily in midair, Perona clapped with delight. "Moria-sama, you're amazing! Crocodile is nothing, and neither is Ren Takashi!"
"Of course," Moria grinned. "That brat dares come into my territory? I'll beat him to dust."
——
Above the clouds, at 10,000 meters.
Their next destination? Naturally—the haunted waters of the Florian Triangle.
They had gained much from their last encounters: the Superhuman-type Bubble-Bubble Fruit, the Animal-type Kirin Fruit, the golden Den Den Mushi, and a sword infused with an Elephant-type Devil Fruit.
Ren Takashi had never seen a blade that had eaten a Devil Fruit. It was strange, but intriguing.
As for the golden Den Den Mushi, he had tucked it away. It might come in handy someday.
Inside the spaceship's luxurious cabin, the girls lounged freely.
Most of them had resumed their routines. Karifa had already integrated well with the group—perhaps because the others had become "immune" to the idea of Ren charming new women into the crew.
Once a girl caught Ren's eye, escape was unlikely… and at night, she'd be expected to serve him. Better to live in harmony.
"Nghh… Ren, you're too fast!"
Nami hopped off the treadmill, panting as she wiped sweat from her brow.
"Huh?" Ren blinked, mid-bite on a fruit. "Too fast?"
He clearly didn't get it.
Makino and Kaya, also from the East Blue, exchanged understanding glances.
"I mean the crew, Ren! There are already too many girls! Have you forgotten my dream?!"
"You promised—"
Ren raised his hands quickly in surrender. "I didn't forget! You want to map the whole world. Once we've gathered all the beauties, I'll guide you. Plenty of time, I swear."
"Weiwei," Nami turned to the blonde beside her, "this ship is overflowing with pretty girls. And he still wants more?"
Weiwei blinked innocently. "I can't even remember everyone's names anymore… It's embarrassing when I get it wrong."
"Captain," Robin said sweetly, cupping her cheeks. "We passed so many beautiful islands without stopping. Is there a secret reason why?"
Her warm smile hid a sharp curiosity.
Even Kaya joined in. "Ren, I want to know too!"
Encircled by their curious gazes and soft perfume, Ren broke into a cold sweat.
Thanks to the slave seal, Doll and Karifa had become especially bold.
Their combined presence made even Ren, now used to women, flinch a little.
"Captain~ tell us~" they cooed, their eyes shimmering.
The others stared in stunned silence. In the next moment, both women blushed crimson.
Ren nearly choked on his water. What the hell?!
Even Doll, the no-nonsense Vice Admiral, had caved?!
Just then, the sultry Sarah burst in with a newspaper in hand.
"The latest bounty update, Captain!"
Everyone turned to look—some still half-naked.
"Put some clothes on!" she snapped at Doll and Karifa.
"Ren, how many zeroes is that?!" Kaya gasped at the long row of digits behind his bounty.
"That's insane!" Noch pointed out. "Most pirates would never even dream of a number that high!"
"Pfft. These newspapers are always full of lies," Conis pouted. "They report only what they want."
Ren tossed the paper in the trash. "Let them talk. We've got more important things. Tomorrow, we head into the Triangle… and meet Brook."
He was done with the Navy.
"Be warned," he said. "Brook… isn't quite 'alive.' Try not to freak out when you see his skeleton body."
The girls nodded seriously.
They had, after all, taken down Mihawk… then Crocodile… and now were heading toward Gecko Moria.
Was it fate? That they kept running into the Warlords of the Sea?
"Nami," Ren said, "once we get there, Moria is yours to defeat."
"Tashigi," he turned to the serious swordswoman, "there's a Grade-21 Black Blade hidden in the Triangle. Whether you get it or not… is up to you."
"A Black Blade?!" Tashigi's eyes gleamed. Until now, she had only known Mihawk's blade to be that rare.
But there was another?
"I'll do my best, Captain." Her tone was firm. No matter who she faced, she would claim that sword.
"Robin, Doll, Karifa—you three scout the enemy. Make sure no one interferes."
The three nodded.
As for the others…
They would get their own surprises tomorrow.
After all, Ren still had a twin-tailed Perona waiting to be subdued.