Nami knew exactly what would happen next.
Once her sister joined the crew, Makino would definitely get "bullied" by Reno.
Mercilessly.
But aside from that... Reno really treated his women well.
He was gentle, protective, and never let anyone harm them.
Most importantly, Nami didn't want her sister staying alone in the village with no one to watch over her.
With Reno, they could look after each other.
Since Nami brought it up herself, Reno naturally didn't hesitate.
He extended the invitation to Nojiko right away.
With a few well-placed words from Kaya and Makino backing him up,
Nojiko was overwhelmed—
And eventually agreed.
Though something still felt... off.
All three girls were praising Reno?
Was he really that great?
That night, Cocoyasi Village was bathed in light.
The sound of firecrackers rang from one end of the village to the other.
The townspeople had gathered for a massive celebration to mark Arlong's downfall.
Ajian even came by the house to personally invite Nami and the others to attend—
He wanted her to sit at the seat of honor.
After all, she was the one who killed Arlong.
But Nami gently declined.
Ajian had no choice but to leave, disappointed.
Later, after dinner,
Reno accompanied Nami and Nojiko to Bell-mère's grave.
The sisters wanted to share the good news with their late mother.
Reno didn't intrude.
He stood at a distance, giving them space to speak in private.
He knew they had a lot to say to Bell-mère.
The two sisters knelt in front of the tombstone, talking for a long, long time.
At first, they tearfully delivered the triumphant news—
But gradually, the topic seemed to shift.
Reno couldn't hear what they were saying,
But he could see them glancing his way now and then.
Nami looked particularly annoyed.
Clenched fists, red cheeks.
Meanwhile, Nojiko had one hand covering her mouth in stunned disbelief.
Reno rubbed his chin.
"...Are they talking about me?"
After a while, the two sisters walked over, Nami holding Reno's hand.
She looked peaceful—happier than ever.
"Mom... can you see him? This is my man. He treats me so well."
"Arlong is dead, and your daughter has finally found her place. Rest in peace."
Nojiko's eyes grew red with emotion.
Reno reached over and took her hand too, gently squeezing both sisters' palms.
"Don't worry," he said quietly to Bell-mère's grave.
"I'll protect both your daughters. I won't let anything harm them."
With those heartfelt words, the three of them left the cemetery.
Back at Nami's home.
The air inside the room was thick.
Too thick.
Heavy with hormones.
And tension.
Nojiko sat with her head bowed, nervously fidgeting with her fingers.
She peeked at Reno now and then—
Then quickly looked away, cheeks flushing.
Her heart was pounding in her chest.
Is it really going to happen? What Nami said...?
If it does... how should I react? Go along with it? Resist a little?
Ugh, this is so awkward...
Across the room, Kaya and Makino leaned against each other, quietly watching the scene unfold.
Smiling, relaxed—like they were waiting for the show to begin.
Nami, meanwhile, didn't know how to bring it up.
If it were anyone else, she wouldn't have cared.
But this was her sister.
"Ahem."
Reno finally broke the silence.
"So, what's the plan? You three going to the Merry, or should we bring the Merry to you?"
"You come here!!" Nami blurted, hand shooting up.
No way was she letting Reno wander around her house unsupervised.
She had... stuff hidden.
Kaya and Makino shrugged.
Either option worked for them.
Nojiko buried her face deeper in her hands.
Her whole body burning.
"Them"... he meant me, didn't he?!
Before she could overthink it more—
Zzt—!
In a flash of light, Reno whisked her away.
As always, whenever Reno gained a new female crewmate,
he would personally instruct her in the art of sailing.
A one-on-one session.
That was the tradition.
Group lessons could come later.
With more... excitement.
Just as Nami breathed a sigh of relief and began to relax,
Reno's voice echoed down from the sky:
"Nami, dig up the cash you buried in the orange grove. That'll be our crew fund from now on."
"Kaya, Makino—you're in charge of watching her."
Nami froze.
Then stomped her foot in fury.
"Reno! That's my money!!!"
Aboard the Going Merry
Nojiko was still reeling.
How did I even get here?!
Before she could ask, Reno had already begun his "navigation training."
[Details omitted: 10,000 words of advanced maritime instruction]
The lesson continued until well past midnight.
Finally, Reno tucked Nojiko into bed with utmost care.
"Get some rest. Tomorrow, we leave Cocoyasi Village."
He gently pulled the blanket over her, then walked into the next room.
Daily routine: complete.
"Claim reward."
He didn't even bother saying the full phrase anymore.
[Reward processing...]
[Congratulations! You've acquired Golden Lion's current Twin Blade Sword Style!]