A small dinghy stealthily approached the Going Merry.
Two agile figures climbed aboard under the cover of silence.
"Miss Wednesday, looks like luck's finally on our side," whispered a man in a ridiculous frog-themed outfit, complete with a crown.
"Yes, Mr. 9," replied the ponytailed woman beside him, flashing a smirk. "Stealing food from these pirates will be a lot easier than hunting that whale."
They crept along the deck like ghosts, their eyes alert.
Their mission was desperate—if they couldn't find food soon, the people of Whisky Peak would go hungry.
As hunger gnawed at her belly, Miss Wednesday's instincts led her straight to the storage room. She flung open the door to reveal piles of vegetables and meats neatly stacked within.
Her eyes lit up.
"Jackpot."
She turned to call for Mr. 9 to start hauling supplies—
Only to freeze.
Standing not far away, arms crossed and smiling faintly, was a tall, imposing man.
Reno.
"AHHH!!" she shrieked, the words of warning dying in her throat.
"Keep it down, Miss Wednesday," Mr. 9 called from the next room. "You'll get us caught!"
"You're already dead," Reno said coolly.
His face darkened the instant he recognized Mr. 9.
No other man was permitted on board his ship.
Without hesitation, Reno grabbed Mr. 9 and flung him from the deck like trash.
Before he could even hit the water, a bolt of lightning, thick as a pillar, streaked down from the sky and struck him midair—instantly vaporizing him.
Gone. Completely.
"You… you killed Mr. 9?!" Vivi—aka Miss Wednesday—trembled, her face pale.
"Yes," Reno said cheerfully, his expression softening. "But don't worry, Princess Vivi. I only kill members of Baroque Works."
What?!
Her identity… had been exposed!
"I-I don't know what you're talking about!" Vivi stammered, stepping backward. "Please… don't kill me…"
But Reno ignored her pleading.
In one swift motion, he grabbed her shoulder—
And vanished.
"AHHHHH—!!"
In the blink of an eye, Vivi reappeared with Reno in front of a group of stunning women.
"Captain, who's the girl?" asked Makino, clearly confused.
"She's gorgeous!" Karumen chimed in, curious. "Captain, did you steal this one too?"
Vivi nearly fainted.
Did she just say steal?!
"I found her snooping around our supplies," Reno said casually. "She's a new crewmate now. Keep an eye on her. Don't let her run."
With that, he stepped onto a floating island cloud and soared off toward Laboon.
Leaving Vivi… frozen, surrounded, and terrified.
"You've got the wrong idea! I swear I didn't mean to steal anything!" Vivi said quickly, putting on her best pitiful expression. "I'm sorry! I was just desperate—please let me go!"
The women glanced at one another, then nodded in silent understanding.
So she tried to rob us, huh?
And with a face like that? Of course Reno picked her up.
"My dear, you heard the Captain," Makino said gently. "We'll take good care of you."
She smiled sweetly.
Vivi shivered.
Like hell I believe that!
She had seen Reno toss Mr. 9 into the sea like garbage. She knew exactly what kind of man he was.
If she stayed here, she was next.
She began subtly inching away—when suddenly:
Shing!
A blade flashed.
Daschi stood in her path, calm but firm, her katana already drawn.
"Don't move," she warned.
Around her, the other women stepped closer, arms darkening with Armament Haki.
Even Crocus, watching from the side, was surprised.
"All of them… have Haki?!" he muttered, wide-eyed.
"You're out of your league, kid," he said to Vivi. "Don't waste your energy. Just behave."
Feeling their overwhelming pressure, Vivi's legs gave out.
She dropped her head in defeat.
Soon after, a floating cloud returned—carrying Reno, Kaya, and Nami.
After hours of effort, they had finally treated all the wounds on Laboon's massive head.
The great whale was fully healed.
"WOOOOOOOH—!"
Laboon's cry was deep and powerful—filled with joy, not sorrow.
Pain no longer clouded his mind. And now, he knew: Brook was alive.
Today was a day he would never forget.
"Thank you, Reno," Crocus said, sincerely. "I… truly mean that."
"Don't mention it." Reno waved him off with a smile. "Laboon, stay here and rest. Don't go smashing your head into the wall again."
"I'll bring Brook back to you. I promise."
"WOOOOOH—!"
Laboon answered with another heartfelt cry.
Everyone laughed.
"Well then, Crocus. It's time for us to go," Reno announced.
With the still-stunned Vivi in tow, the crew returned to the Merry.
Crocus stood on the shore, waving as the ship slowly rose into the sky.
"Ha… Reno," he murmured, a grin tugging at his lips. "I hope one day your name echoes across the seas."
Behind him, Laboon chirped in agreement.
"Wooooooh—!"