When it came to Rogue Town, there was no place more famous than the execution platform of Gol D. Roger.
It was here, years ago, that the Pirate King surrendered himself—and was publicly executed.
His death ignited the flames of the Great Pirate Era.
Since then, countless people of various backgrounds and races had visited Rogue Town just to catch a glimpse of the place where history changed forever. In a way, it had become the world's most notorious "check-in spot."
Reno, however, only gave it a passing glance.
The man's been dead for decades. What's there to see?
Instead, he continued wandering through the streets of Rogue Town. After two hours of walking, his stomach began to rumble.
Following the faint aroma of food, Reno turned into a narrow alley.
In his experience, the best meals often came from these hidden hole-in-the-wall taverns. They lacked prestige, but their flavors could easily rival the fanciest banquet halls.
Soon, he found a small tavern tucked between old stone buildings. The smell of simmering meat and aged liquor wafted through the air.
As he entered, a hunched-over old innkeeper greeted him warmly.
"Welcome, good sir. What would you like today?"
"Bring me your best dishes and strongest liquor," Reno said, settling into a quiet corner.
"At once," the innkeeper replied, shuffling off into the kitchen.
The tavern was nearly empty, with just a few patrons scattered about. It felt like a world apart from the bustling streets just outside.
Reno leaned back, glancing at the clock. He'd been out for three hours.
After this meal, I'll start looking for Tashigi. Hopefully she's at the Marine base today.
But fate had other plans.
Just as the aroma of hot food filled the tavern, the door creaked open.
A wave of white smoke rolled in before the man himself stepped through—Captain Smoker, three cigars clenched between his teeth.
His sharp eyes locked immediately onto Reno.
"There you are, Reno—Captain of the Reno Pirates."
A thick killing intent surged through the air as smoke began pouring from Smoker's body.
"You've made it far," Smoker said coldly. "But this is where your pirate journey ends."
His confidence wasn't baseless.
The jitte in his hand—Ten Hands—was tipped with Seastone, a natural counter to all Logia-type Devil Fruit users.
In Smoker's eyes, Reno stood no chance.
The atmosphere in the tavern froze.
But Reno only smiled. "Is that so?"
"You'll be eating those words," Smoker growled.
Not willing to waste another second, Smoker's lower body turned to smoke and he flew out of the tavern in pursuit.
The old innkeeper shivered. "Please, sirs, not in here…"
"I'm not the type to dine and dash," Reno chuckled, tossing some Berries on the counter before casually following Smoker outside.
They met in an open square.
Without a word, Smoker attacked first—hoping to capture Reno before his crew could intervene.
White Smoke Bomb!
A dense cloud of smoke exploded outward, enveloping the entire area and cutting off all escape routes.
"Nice move," Reno said, eyes gleaming. "Too bad you're all smoke and no substance."
Tempest Kick!
Reno's foot lashed out in a slicing arc, coated in Armament Haki.
Boom!
The Haki-infused kick pierced the swirling mist, landing squarely on Smoker's chest.
"ARGHH!"
With a cry of pain, Smoker was hurled backward, a deep gash ripped through his chest.
He hit the ground hard, blood seeping through his coat.
Cough. Cough. "Y-You… how did you hit me?!"
It had been years since Smoker had taken a serious wound.
His Logia powers usually guaranteed invincibility—especially in a place like East Blue.
But this wasn't the fight he'd imagined.
Just then, a panicked voice called out:
"Captain Smoker!"
A girl with short hair, round glasses, and a fluttering navy uniform ran into the clearing—Tashigi.
The moment she saw Smoker injured and bleeding, her eyes widened in shock.
Her chest—generously proportioned—bounced with every step.
Reno narrowed his eyes, then grinned.
Well, well. Talk about perfect timing.
He had planned to storm the Marine base to find her—turns out, fate brought her to him.
Tashigi knelt beside her superior. "Captain, are you okay?!"
"Idiot! I told you to stay away!" Smoker barked.
Even he wasn't a match for Reno—Tashigi rushing in would only mean disaster.
Reno, meanwhile, was sizing her up.
Cute. Clumsy. And those glasses?
He chuckled.
Tashigi, the sword-loving airhead... finally found you.
Tashigi noticed the pirate's stare and instinctively drew her katana—Shigure.
"D-Don't come any closer!"
Reno raised both hands, his tone playful yet serious.
"Relax. I won't hurt you."
"On the contrary, I'm here to offer you something."
Tashigi blinked, confused.
Reno gave her a warm smile. "I, Reno, Captain of the Reno Pirates, hereby officially welcome you aboard my crew."
"…Huh?"
Tashigi froze.
She looked behind her, expecting someone else.
But Reno waved a hand.
"Nope. Not a joke. I'm talking to you, Miss Glasses."
"Wh—Who are you calling Miss Glasses?!" Tashigi snapped, pushing her spectacles up in frustration.
"I'm a Marine! I'd never—ever—join a pirate crew!"
She shouted the words with firm resolve.
"There's no way I'd ever betray justice. Not even if it killed me!"