Reno drew Wado Ichimonji from his side and gently handed it to Tashigi.
"This sword is yours now," he said softly. "From today onward, it's your job to keep me in check. If I ever stray from the right path, I expect you to stop me."
Tashigi stared at the blade in her hands, eyes wide in disbelief.
"This is… a Great Grade sword… Are you serious?!"
In the world of pirates and swordsmen, the Great Grade (Ō Wazamono) swords ranked just beneath the legendary Supreme Grade blades. They were rare, coveted treasures—far beyond the reach of most.
Reno had given it to her so casually, as if it were nothing.
He reached out and affectionately ruffled her hair.
"We're a crew now—a family. A Great Grade sword is nothing. Someday, I'll get you something even better."
It wasn't just a sweet promise—he meant it.
He already knew where to find even rarer blades. After all, Tashigi loved swords, and Reno knew how to win hearts.
She looked down at the gleaming blade, heart fluttering.
Why… does he feel so different from other pirates?
Could it be… that he's changing because I'm here?
The thought made her head spin.
"Th–then… I'll accept it," she mumbled, flustered.
Reno smiled. He'd struck the right chord. And she really did need a proper weapon—her current katana, Shigure, was merely a Grade blade.
"I'll guide you, Reno. I'll make sure you walk the path of justice," Tashigi said with unshakable resolve, clutching Wado Ichimonji to her chest.
Reno chuckled. "I believe you."
He offered her his hand. "Come on. Let's introduce you to the rest of the crew—err, the other officers."
Several Days Later…
Reno hadn't rushed Tashigi into training.
She was still adjusting to her new life, and he knew from experience that pushing too hard would only backfire. Besides, they had time.
The air journey had been smooth—no storms, no ambushes.
With Nami's meteorological foresight and Reno's cloud island propulsion, the Merry Go remained safely above sea-level dangers.
In the meantime, Tashigi got to know the other crew members better.
Kaya could heal injuries with a mystical fruit power.
Nami, a born navigator, was training daily to master her thunder-based Devil Fruit.
Makino's drinks were dangerously addictive.
And Karumen's cooking? Worthy of the heavens.
Only Nojiko seemed "ordinary," tending to the orange trees and assisting with ship upkeep. But even that simple care radiated warmth.
More than anything, what shocked Tashigi most… was how well they all got along.
There were no arguments, no power struggles—just laughter, shared meals, and daily life filled with cheer.
Her anxious heart began to settle.
Maybe… this pirate ship isn't as bad as I thought...
And yet, one thing puzzled her.
Reno's hands.
They were always wandering.
Sometimes a playful swat on Nami's rear. Other times, he'd sneak a kiss onto Kaya's cheek while she read. Once, she even saw Karumen openly ask for affection.
And the other girls didn't seem to mind at all. In fact, they welcomed it.
But what really broke her brain… was the nighttime.
No matter what she did—earplugs, pillows, blankets—nothing could block the unmistakable rhythmic sounds coming from certain rooms.
Even a novice like her didn't need to guess what was happening.
It was, quite literally, educational—and loud.
She recalled overhearing Marines bragging about their "records"—thirty minutes, maybe forty. It sounded impressive back then.
But Reno?
He seemed to work in hours.
She couldn't help but wonder:
Is this… normal?
Was this part of being a pirate crew?
Would she… be expected to participate someday?
The thought turned her bright red.
At dinner one night, Reno looked up from his plate.
"Tashigi, leave your door open tonight. I'll be stopping by to teach you some navigation skills."
"Eh?! A-alright," she replied reflexively, still deep in thought.
The other girls around the table froze.
Then, in perfect synchronicity, they all exchanged knowing glances—and began to smirk.
Tashigi blinked. "W-why are you all smiling like that?"
Karumen leaned in, whispering with mock seriousness, "Sweetheart, haven't you heard? That's how he teaches us everything."
Tashigi's eyes widened in horror.
Her fork clattered to the floor.
This was the "lesson"?!
The crew giggled.
"Oh, she gets it now," Nami muttered under her breath.
Tashigi's face burned like the sun.
She managed to finish her dinner in silence, poking at her food with shaking chopsticks.
And that night...
Well, she left the door unlocked.