After their discussion, Captain Brogy began teaching Renaud both combat techniques and the secret method of wielding dominion over a nation.
All of Renaud's beautiful crewmates, including Nami, sat behind him in a semicircle, quietly watching.
"Brother Renaud, you've got this!" Kaya cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted supportively.
The other girls followed her lead and joined in cheering.
As captains of the Giant Warrior Pirates, Brogy and Dorry each possessed their own techniques for dominating the battlefield—and if the two combined their power, their dominion could shake the heavens.
Brogy grasped his great sword and turned his eyes toward a towering mountain, hundreds of meters tall.
Then, channeling all his strength into one explosive surge—
"Dominion!!!"
Wherever the technique passed, the air howled and the ground roared.
A colossal shockwave ripped outward, demolishing the massive mountain in one strike.
Countless boulders tumbled, and the land shook violently.
The force continued far into the distance before finally dissipating.
Shhh—
The women behind Renaud collectively gasped.
One swing to flatten a mountain?!
It was too powerful. All of them silently swore that they would ask Renaud to teach them this skill later, no matter what.
"That power… is truly incredible," Renaud said with admiration, gazing at the collapsed mountain.
"Renaud, this technique…" Brogy began explaining the key points—how to channel power, where to focus the force, and how to time it precisely.
Within less than an hour, Renaud had already grasped the entire technique.
"Renaud, you've got a great grasp of it. But whether you can unleash it properly is what matters most," Brogy reminded him.
"Brogy's right," Dorry chimed in.
"Then I'll give it a try."
Renaud took a deep breath, accepted the Wado Ichimonji sword from Tashigi, and assumed the stance.
"This move…" Brogy and Dorry looked at each other in surprise. That stance—was he really about to?!
"Dominion!!!"
A shockwave erupted directly from Renaud's strike.
The massive blast tore through the air, toppling ancient trees hundreds of meters tall like brittle twigs, instantly reduced to splinters.
The ground was ripped apart, leaving a massive trench over ten meters deep.
"Captain… you're incredible!!!" Tashigi exclaimed in awe.
The other girls had their mouths hanging open in disbelief.
Weiwei said nothing, but the gentle smile on her lips said enough—her instincts were right. Brother Renaud was strong. Strong enough to defeat Crocodile, without a doubt.
"Feels good…" Renaud nodded in satisfaction as he looked out over the wide canyon he had carved.
With more practice, the force he could generate would only grow stronger.
Brogy and Dorry exchanged wry smiles.
"Kapapapa… Renaud, you pick things up way too fast. Even among giant warriors, this technique isn't something easily learned."
"Gagagaga… My friend, we've nothing left to teach you."
The two captains were both proud and slightly wounded. Even with their innate gifts, it had taken them months to master this move.
But Renaud—already a masterful swordsman—had learned it in a single hour.
Renaud handed the Wado Ichimonji back to Tashigi and turned to face the two giant warriors.
"Brogy, Dorry—thank you for teaching me. But I have an urgent matter. I have to leave now."
Brogy grinned. "It's hard parting ways with you."
Renaud chuckled. "It won't be long. I'll bring Kashi and Oimo back. We'll meet again soon."
"Farewell, both of you."
He led the girls back toward the Going Merry, waving goodbye.
Before leaving, Renaud gave the last of their wine to the giants as a parting gift.
As they continued their voyage, Renaud felt no interest in stopping at the Drum Kingdom.
There were no cute girls there, and with Kaya already onboard, there was no need for another doctor.
Even Mr. 13, the assassin sent by Crocodile to Drum Kingdom, had long fled.
Onward they sailed toward Alabasta.
Renaud spent his days training, playing with the girls, and living a relaxed life—completely unfazed by the looming confrontation with Crocodile.
One day, as Renaud stepped out of his room, he noticed something strange about Weiwei, who stood outside, seemingly flustered.
"What's wrong, Weiwei?" he asked, confused.
Was she nervous about the upcoming battle with Crocodile?
Weiwei quickly dragged him into a quiet corner and put on an angry expression.
"Brother Renaud, do you not like me or something?!"
Renaud: …
"Why would you say that?"
"It's just… you've been spending all your time with Valentine and Golden Week…"
Weiwei blushed, unable to finish.
Realization dawned on Renaud. He gave her a teasing smile.
"So?"
Weiwei transformed into a little angry lioness, placing her hands on her hips and leaning forward.
"Why am I less than them?! Is it because I'm not as pretty? Or not as curvy?!"
"Uh…"
Renaud rubbed his nose awkwardly, a bit impressed by her boldness.
Was this really the same Weiwei he knew?
In truth, he had planned to speak to her about this after resolving Alabasta's crisis.
He hadn't expected her to confront him so directly.
"It's okay, Brother Renaud," Weiwei interrupted, shaking her head before he could say more.
...
"You've received a reward."
[Congratulations on acquiring: Iron Balloon Physique (Weakened Transfer Mode)]
Renaud's eyes narrowed slightly.
This talent... could it be?
Note: While not as potent as the host's own Iron Balloon Physique, it allows for passive enhancement of others' constitutions when "shared."
Renaud understood—though he was speechless.
In short, as long as the girls stayed close to him, their bodies would slowly strengthen, potentially gaining a variant of his own defensive talent.
The effects would differ by individual and wouldn't happen overnight—but still, it was a massive advantage.
"This is quite the reward." Renaud nodded, satisfied.
Having a strong body was never a bad thing—especially for battle-ready girls like Nami and Tashigi.
For Nami, it meant no longer being physically limited, which would let her evolve her weather-based techniques further.
And for Tashigi, it meant she could someday wield the Dominion Technique he'd learned.
Without a powerful body, she would've never had the stamina for it.
"Looks like I'll need to look after Nami and Tashigi even more." Renaud rubbed his chin, his eyes glinting mischievously.
Why wait for a better day, when today will do?
With a thought, Renaud teleported directly into Nami's room.
Startled from her rest, Nami opened her eyes—lightning sparking across the air from her aura.
Thanks to her Conqueror's Haki development manual, her aura had become far more refined.
When she sensed it was Renaud, she relaxed slightly—but still pouted.
"It's so late. What are you doing here?"
She grumbled sleepily but then suddenly blinked awake.
"Wait, weren't you with Weiwei tonight? Don't tell me you're already done with her?"
"Tch."
She rolled her eyes.
"But really," she mumbled, lowering her gaze, "lately you've been spending so much time with Valentine and Golden Week... looking for someone new again?"
Seeing Renaud spacing out, Nami huffed, "Why are you just standing there?!"
The next morning, the girls were already up, finishing breakfast at the table, chatting and laughing.
When Renaud walked in, he felt every pair of eyes land on him like laser beams.
What now?
Was it the sound from last night? Surely they were used to it by now…
Tashigi, mustering her courage, said:
"Captain, Nami mentioned she felt… different after last night."
"My body feels stronger. You can't see it, but I know it's true," Nami added.
As the strongest crew member besides Renaud, her words carried weight.
So if she said it was real, it was.
Could the transformation already be starting?
"Renaud, that… that thing really had such an effect?" Nami rarely blushed.
"What… what are you looking at?!"
Renaud flinched under their sparkling gazes.
Who wouldn't want to grow stronger through such an easy method?
And it's not like it hadn't happened before.
"Brother Renaud, I can help you recover with my healing abilities," Kaya said sweetly, stabbing him through the heart.
Even Kaya has been corrupted?!
Renaud stood up with a heavy sigh and walked toward the largest room on the ship.
The girls exchanged glances—then followed after him with eager anticipation.
Outside, the Going Merry soared through the sky, scaring away flocks of birds.
At that moment, Renaud realized—without a doubt—the Healing Fruit was the most dangerous reward of all.
He would have to "punish" the girls for their rebellion last night.
"Captain, there are two women in Baroque Works named Miss Vice President and Miss Sarah. They're supposed to be gorgeous. Interested?" Valentine said with a wicked grin.
"Valentine! Are you serious?" Before Renaud could speak, Nochigo interrupted.
"I don't know them personally, but if they're beautiful, they're probably already on the captain's shortlist."
Wherever Renaud went, women gathered around him.
Such was his destiny.
"I knew it!" Weiwei suddenly yelled. "Brother Renaud… did you come here just for us?!"
Looking at the beauties gathered around him, Weiwei finally pieced things together.
Renaud's face turned serious again.
"No… but eliminating Crocodile is still part of my plan."
"Well, I believe in you, Brother Renaud." Weiwei leaned against his arm, her eyes dreamy.
She had waited so long for this day—to shatter Crocodile's schemes and save Alabasta.