Reno hesitated but eventually gave a vague explanation:
"Objects can merge with Devil Fruits, but it requires countless coincidences and specific conditions. Simply put, people in this era cannot meet those requirements."
Toki and Whitebeard simultaneously rolled their eyes, silently grumbling: You might as well admit that you're the only one capable of this fusion process. Why waste so many words on nonsense?
Both of them knew Reno had the ability to foresee the future. The method for merging objects with Devil Fruits was likely a technology developed in the future.
Reno didn't care whether they believed him or not; he simply wanted an excuse to end the topic. Their skepticism had nothing to do with him.
Having delivered his explanation, Reno added, "This knife can create a portal, allowing people near me to instantly travel to its location."
Toki's eyes widened in shock, and she exclaimed, "This knife's power... Is it from a spatial-type Devil Fruit?!"
A spatial Devil Fruit, akin to her own time-space abilities such a rare and powerful ability bound to a mere knife left her both astonished and regretful.
Reno rolled his eyes at her exaggerated reaction and complained, "Can you stop freaking out? I'm just a kid. If you scare my soul out of my body and I turn into an idiot, are you going to replace it?"
Toki regained her composure and teased with a sly grin, "If you become an idiot, I'll just give you Hiyori as compensation. How about that?"
Hearing this, Reno shot her a look of utter disdain: You're recycling promises now, huh?
Hiyori was already his fiancée, and her mother had agreed earlier that day. Was she trying to profit off the same promise twice?
Annoyed, Reno decided not to entertain her further. He stood up and declared, "I've said all I need to say. The rest is up to you and Uncle Whitebeard."
"I'm heading to Udon to scout the area. When the time comes, it'll make the rescue operation easier. Going in blind is a bad idea."
Without waiting for approval, Reno floated out the door.
Once outside, he flew up to the clouds and accelerated toward Udon at full speed.
In mere minutes, Reno arrived above Udon and peered down from the clouds. Below, he saw laborers digging away, covered in dirt and sweat. Reno pondered: Are they mining Seastone here?
If so, he'd need to grab some for himself. Without Armament Haki, Seastone would be invaluable for dealing with Logia-type Devil Fruit users. With his telekinesis, he could weaponize the Seastone against them.
Having marked Udon as a key location, Reno turned back and began flying toward Kuri. It was better to finalize his preparations and then return for the rescue operation. Besides, teasing his little fiancée sounded like a good way to kill time.
[Ding!]
[New Check-In Mission Available]
[Details: Please open the mission panel for more information.]
Mid-flight, Reno's system chimed in. Curious, he stopped in the clouds and ordered, "System, show me the mission. Let's see what it is this time!"
He silently prayed: Please don't let it be some crazy mission like spending half a month with the Beasts Pirates.
Everything was ready for the rescue, and a lengthy mission would undo all his efforts.
[Mission Objective:
Locate Kaido, Captain of the Beasts Pirates, and stay in his presence for one minute. Completion will fulfill the check-in requirement.]
Seeing the mission details, Reno sighed in relief it wasn't a long-term task. But his expression soon darkened as he muttered, "You want me to stand in front of Kaido for a whole minute? Are you sure I won't get KO'd by him in a single punch?"
Reno was confident in his ability to escape from someone like Marco, but Kaido was an entirely different beast. Escaping unscathed from a future Yonko seemed near impossible.
[Only fools face challenges head-on. The clever rely on strategy. You're a man with unlimited mental power and a highly developed brain. Surely you're not a fool, are you?]
The system's snark made Reno's eyes twitch. If it had a physical form, he'd have dragged it out and beaten it.
With no other choice, Reno considered his options. He needed a plan to approach Kaido, stand before him, and survive.
He wasn't worried about escaping once he was prepared, but he dreaded the possibility of Kaido attacking immediately, leaving him no time to react.
As he mulled over strategies, Reno reached Kuri and floated down toward Oden Castle.
Still brainstorming, Reno smirked to himself: If all else fails, I'll just have Uncle Whitebeard tie up Kaido. Then I can safely complete the mission. Sounds like a solid backup plan… hehe.
But Reno quickly dismissed the thought. Relying on Whitebeard for such a favor would mean owing him a significant debt, and Reno preferred to avoid such entanglements.
During his time with the Whitebeard Pirates, Reno had taken a hands-off approach, similar to his experience with Roger's crew. He didn't want to get too attached, knowing it might make leaving difficult in the future.
After all, people are emotional creatures, Reno thought as he landed at the castle, ready to continue plotting his next move.
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