"Congratulations, host. You've successfully subdued Maya of Kururu. Reward incoming..."
With the support of Robin and the other women, Ren Takashi finally subdued Maya after ten days of effort. It wasn't until a full hour later that Maya truly grasped what the "bounty" meant. She couldn't help but regret it—Had I known earlier, I wouldn't have asked that question during the party...
In just one night, she had transformed from an innocent girl into a woman acquainted with the madness of passion. She felt deeply embarrassed.
Ren chuckled to himself. "Time to collect the reward."
Among the rewards was a brand-new feature: the Gravity Training Room—a miraculous tool that could adjust gravitational force from 1x to 100x depending on the user's need. Ren's eyes lit up reading the description. With such a feature, the girls' physical strength would now improve far faster than ever before.
Now that his pirate crew had taken shape, every beautiful crew member had a clearly defined role.
So far, Ren Takashi's combat team included: Nami, Robin, Dashigi, Dole, Kalifa, and Perona.
Nami had awakened all three types of Haki and possessed natural mastery over the Weather Fruit.
Robin had awakened her Devil Fruit, the Hana Hana no Mi, and all three Haki as well.
Kalifa had mastered Rokushiki and both Observation and Armament Haki.
With the newly added Gravity Room, their strength would soon leap to a new level. Once they entered the New World, these women would be Ren's most reliable support.
"This system really knows how to deliver... Power and beauty both—what more can I ask for?" Ren grinned to himself.
After these short events on Asuka Island, Ren resumed his journey. Three days later, he finally reached Sabaody Archipelago, the final stop before the New World.
The archipelago was not only the most prosperous location in the first half of the Grand Line, but also the only gateway for those seeking to enter the New World.
Of course, the Marines were already aware that Ren Takashi had arrived.
A place as packed and chaotic as Sabaody was undoubtedly crawling with spies from the Navy and World Government.
As for Rayleigh—he was allowed to live peacefully here not only because of his old age, but also because he never caused trouble. The Navy turned a blind eye.
But now, Ren Takashi's track record spoke volumes:
He had destroyed the Arlong Pirates and executed Captain Nezumi. Reward: 30 million berries.
He had slain Crocodile, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. Reward: 1 billion berries.
He had leveled Enies Lobby. Reward: 1 billion berries.
Rayleigh, once the right hand of the Pirate King, sat quietly reading the paper with Ren's latest bounty announcement. When Crocodile was killed, he had already heard Ren's name—but hadn't cared. As Roger's former crewmate, he had seen storms far greater.
"Do you think I can defeat Ren Takashi?" he asked the woman beside him—Shakky, former captain of the Kuja Pirates.
She exhaled a puff of smoke. "Rayleigh, little Hachi is already dead. What's the point of fighting? If you go, both of you might suffer."
Rayleigh's expression didn't waver. "Hachi saved my life. If he's gone, I can't just sit here."
Shakky sighed. Nothing could sway Rayleigh's mind now.
"Hmm?" Rayleigh's brow suddenly lifted, his gaze turning toward the window.
"What is it?" Shakky asked, confused.
Rayleigh could feel that overwhelming presence approaching... Only two people he knew had this kind of aura: the Golden Lion and Ren Takashi.
If the Golden Lion had been defeated, then the identity of the one approaching was self-evident.
Down on the streets, the people were in chaos.
"It's him! That's the captain of the Ren Takashi Pirates!!"
"Damn it, he killed Crocodile and destroyed Enies Lobby?!"
Even in ordinary attire, the women in Ren's crew—Nami, Robin, Vivi, Dashigi—were unmistakably beautiful. Eyes couldn't help but linger.
"Get out of the way!!" Ren growled coldly. A massive wave of intimidating Haki erupted from him, sweeping across the streets like a tsunami. People nearby collapsed like cut wheat.
Kalifa shrugged. "Being famous isn't always a good thing."
Ren waved a hand. "Forget it. Sabaody is the most luxurious island in the first half. Let's go shopping. Whatever you want, I'll pay."
He knew the chaos had soured the girls' mood—but shopping always worked.
Dashigi grabbed one of Ren's arms. Dole quickly claimed the other, giving Dashigi a smug look. Dashigi pouted and grabbed Robin's hand.
Because Sabaody was too close to Marine HQ, Ren decided to accompany the girls instead of letting them explore alone.
"Ren, you haven't bought me a gift in ages. I want the best, most expensive dress on this island!" Nami purred, clinging to him.
"Sure. Anything you want," Ren smiled.
"Captain," Dole whispered shyly, "Last night didn't satisfy me... Can we look for a new collar this time?"
All the girls stared, surprised and curious. Wow, they must be having fun in private...
Despite their shyness, many started to feel a strange anticipation. Shopping in Sabaody's luxury zone, no one dared approach them after witnessing Ren's overwhelming presence.
Just when things were finally settling, Ren's expression suddenly darkened. The girls immediately picked up on it.
"Be careful," Nami warned. "That man is dangerous."
"Who is he?" Kaya growled.
"Silvers Rayleigh," Ren said coldly.
"What?! Roger's vice-captain?!"
The girls turned, looking at the older man before them.
"Captain, we have no ties with him. What does he want?" Dashigi frowned.
Ren didn't answer. He summoned his spaceship. "Get on. I'll deal with him."
Though the girls stared Rayleigh down with hostility, they obediently boarded the ship. While they were usually playful and affectionate, they would never disobey Ren when things turned serious.
Rayleigh stood quietly, watching the girls leave. His only target was Ren.
Ren lifted off in the spaceship, not out of fear, but caution. If the Marines showed up mid-fight—say, Akainu or Aokiji—his girls wouldn't stand a chance. He couldn't protect everyone.
Once the ship was out of range, he landed again.
"If I'm right, you're here for Hachi, aren't you?"
Rayleigh looked at him with a serene smile. "Boy, don't make it sound so complicated. Hachi owed me. I can't sit idle after his death."
What a double standard.
For a moment, Ren detected a flicker of awkwardness in Rayleigh's face. But the old man recovered and continued calmly.
"I've lived longer than you, Ren. Don't preach to me about fairness. The world has always been unfair. But I cannot let this pass."
"You'll pay the price for killing Hachi."
Ren smirked. A glowing green blade appeared in his hand—the Seven Star Sword!
Since obtaining it, he hadn't used it to kill anyone... until now.
Today, it would taste Rayleigh's blood.