"You… What do you want from me?!"
Miss Valentine glared at Reno, though her pale face betrayed her fear.
Just what kind of cursed day is this?
She'd thought this would be an easy assignment—capture or kill the traitor, Princess Vivi. Simple.
Instead, her partner was dead, her opponents were monsters, and she was now completely at their mercy.
She shivered as she caught a glimpse of Mr. 5's charred corpse nearby.
Am I going to end up like that too…?!
Reno stepped closer, looking down at her with a cool and measured gaze.
He gave her a once-over.
Not as gorgeous as Nami or Vivi, sure, but she was attractive enough.
"You're in."
That single sentence shattered her panic.
Miss Valentine blinked in disbelief.
"Wait… you're not going to kill me?"
"I won't," Reno replied casually.
"As long as you do what I say."
She exhaled in relief. As long as she stayed alive, she had a chance to escape—maybe even warn Baroque Works.
"Then… what do you want?"
Reno smirked, voice commanding and unyielding.
"Join my pirate crew."
"Do that, and I'll let the past slide. Otherwise..."
He cast a glance at Mr. 5's smoldering remains.
"Well, you get the idea."
It wasn't a suggestion—it was a threat.
Valentine stiffened.
Sure, she was one of Baroque Works' assassins—but let's be real, she wasn't top tier.
Unlike Vivi, Nami, or Tashigi, Valentine didn't really rank on Reno's personal interest meter.
Still, she was a canon character—and Reno figured he could rehabilitate her.
No more killing civilians, no more dirty hits.
Just pirate life, under his rule.
The killing intent in Reno's aura tightened around her like a noose.
She shrank instinctively.
Join him?!
That... wasn't what she expected.
Maybe he saw potential in her—maybe he was moved by her undeniable talent and charm (she hoped).
But then her thoughts drifted to the boss behind Baroque Works.
Even now, she didn't know his true identity.
All she knew was that he watched everything… and those who crossed him didn't survive.
Caught between two devils.
Reno stood before her now—immense and terrifying.
And her unknown boss lurked behind the shadows.
Her legs began to tremble.
"I-I… actually…" she stammered.
Reno raised a hand.
CRACKLE.
A spear of pure lightning formed in his palm, humming with violent energy.
He lowered it slowly until it touched her forehead.
"I'm sorry—what were you saying?"
The sizzling noise filled her ears.
Valentine's heart nearly stopped.
Forget loyalty. Forget pride. She was just a pawn in someone else's game anyway.
Why should she die for someone she's never even seen?!
"I surrender! I-I'll join your crew!"
She squealed and threw her hands up.
The lightning spear vanished instantly.
The pressure disappeared.
Miss Valentine collapsed onto the ground, panting like a drowning cat.
That was too close.
"Reno-nii, that was amazing!"
Vivi's excited voice rang out behind them, her tone lighter than ever.
Her formality vanished—the way she called him now had changed.
She knew she'd made the right choice.
Reno had crushed Baroque Works' agents—one dead, one turned.
Who else could do that?
Reno reached out and gently ruffled her hair.
"Didn't I say? Your problem is my problem."
"I'll personally skin that crocodile alive if he dares make my Vivi cry."
Vivi's cheeks flushed, and she snuggled up to his side.
Seeing how trusting and attached she'd already become, Reno considered taking things further.
Then he glanced at the disoriented Valentine.
…Maybe later.
Let's get Robin first.
Then he could 'play cards' with both Vivi and Robin.
"Valentine."
His voice snapped her back.
"Give me the Eternal Log Pose for Taikoo Island."
"Y-Yes!"
She instinctively complied, handing over a compass with a softly glowing magnetic needle.
Reno passed it to Nami.
"Here. This is our next destination. Don't lose it."
Nami inspected it.
"The log's still calibrating. How long will it take to finish?"
"Should be done by nightfall," Valentine replied timidly.
Nami nodded. That was fast.
She hated it when some islands took months to log.
Suddenly, Reno's eyes sharpened.
He looked up.
On the rooftop nearby stood… a sea otter with a drawing pad, and a vulture beside it.
"Drawings, huh?"
Reno smirked.
They were good. Real good.
Like award-winning caricature good.
"Those two?! That's the Unluckies!!"
Valentine's face went pale.
It was too late.
The otter had sketched everything—and hopped on the vulture's back, soaring into the skies.
Their betrayal had been recorded. Their faces exposed.
"Robin…"
Reno's smile deepened.
"See you soon."
To be continued...
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