This time, Reno's "navigation instruction" went far beyond expectations.
Teaching Karumen gave him an entirely different experience compared to the four other girls.
With Nami and the others, he had always sensed a similar pattern—passive learners, following instructions but rarely taking initiative. Even when they tried to extrapolate, it always felt a bit forced.
But Karumen was different.
Before long, she entered the zone—shifting from passive to proactive, applying knowledge flexibly, even sparking ideas Reno hadn't considered.
It suited her fiery, untamed personality perfectly.
And for Reno, it was a refreshing change.
When Karumen finally absorbed the last of the lessons, Reno called it a night.
Even so, she still looked unsatisfied.
Checking the time—nearing dawn—Reno reluctantly ended the session.
But the real reason he stopped?
He was dying to claim his new reward.
—In the next room—
"Claim reward," Reno commanded.
[Reward successfully claimed: Navigation Support Skill — Tidal Hand!]
Description: Once activated, this skill conjures overwhelming tidal surges, granting the host the ultimate sailing experience.
Friendly reminder: Waterproofing recommended.
Reno stared at the system message.
Lips twitching.
He almost choked on his own breath.
Too considerate.
The system knew him too well.
So far, every girl he had taught—Nami, Kaya, Nojiko, Makino, and now Karumen—lacked natural talent in this "discipline."
The learning curve? Brutal.
Frankly, it had been disappointing.
But this new skill… Tidal Hand?
It filled that gap perfectly.
Regardless of each girl's individual learning ability, once he activated the skill—they'd all get it.
No exceptions.
"All right… let's test it out."
The skill was ready.
The student? Still here.
Timing? Perfect.
Without hesitation, Reno went to find Karumen again.
He activated Regeneration, sweeping away all of Karumen's residual fatigue.
Full HP restored.
Karumen blinked in confusion.
Captain… can do that too?!
—Morning—
The sun had risen.
At the breakfast table, four groggy women sat with earplugs in and black circles under their eyes.
Even the ever-gentle Kaya and Makino were radiating quiet frustration.
What the hell?!
Normally, Reno's "lessons" for new recruits lasted about four hours max.
They had left the Baratie around 11 PM.
It was now 7 AM.
And… they were still going.
New flavors, huh?!
Trying to finish all the chapters in one go, were they?!
Nojiko groaned and gave up on breakfast.
"I'm going to bed."
Makino followed with a yawn, drained her milk, and slipped away.
"Hey! Where are you all going?!" Nami called after them.
She bit her lip, hesitating.
Reno was still teaching. Couldn't interrupt that.
"…Let's wait, Nami," Kaya sighed, massaging her temples.
The sounds from last night were still echoing in her head.
She was certain Reno had used regeneration.
Otherwise, no one could—
"Fine." Nami sulked, picking at her toast.
—Inside the room—
Puddles covered the floor.
It couldn't be helped. The system didn't miss.
Reno sat in silent awe.
All he could say was:
"Dominant."
It was like a roaring sea crashing into a parched desert.
Eventually, Reno retracted his "Tidal Hand."
Karumen lay face down, head buried in the sheets.
She was done.
Utterly done.
Satisfied, Reno walked out into the common room—only to find it completely empty.
A sweep of Observation Haki confirmed—everyone was asleep.
"Seriously?" He chuckled.
Well, let them sleep.
He'd grab breakfast, then rest too.
You shouldn't always rely on regeneration to remove fatigue.
Some experiences… deserve to be felt.
—That Evening—
At dinner, the girls looked at Karumen strangely.
Karumen knew why.
And so, she kept her head down, quietly stuffing her face.
No words. Just chopsticks.
Nothing needed to be said.
Last night replayed in her mind on loop.
Every time someone glanced her way, she wanted to crawl into a hole.
Reno couldn't help but laugh.
Who would've thought the bold and brash Karumen could be this bashful?
More flustered than Makino.
More timid than Kaya.
That grin was the final straw.
"Reno," Nami growled.
"You think this is funny?"
The chill in her voice was enough to drop the room's temperature.
The other three women said nothing.
But their eyes?
Pure judgment.
Reno broke into a cold sweat.
Dead man walking.
Three bites. Two gulps.
Escape successful.
As he disappeared down the hall, his voice drifted back—
"Karumen, after you finish that cook-off with Sanji, we're leaving."
Karumen had chased Sanji across the seas for ten years.
Now that she had finally found him—Reno would let her settle that score.
—Next Day—
With Reno, Nami, and the entire Baratie staff as witnesses—
Karumen and Sanji's long-awaited cook-off began.
Wearing her chef's uniform, Karumen looked like a completely different person.
Every dish she prepared felt like performance art—mesmerizing to watch, breathtaking to smell.
The girls were left speechless.
This was her true domain.
Compared to the wild, uninhibited woman they knew—this Karumen exuded calm, grace, and a quiet confidence.
It was magnetic.
Even so… her opponent was Sanji.
When the final dish was judged, Karumen lost.
But she walked away with pride.
Even Sanji and the rest of the Baratie chefs recognized her skills.
It wasn't victory—but her ten-year pursuit had found closure.
With that chapter complete…
The Going Merry rose back into the sky.
Drifting ever forward, toward the Grand Line.