However—
If one wanted to obtain a powerful weapon like the Thunder Spear, simply possessing a Synthesis Scroll wasn't enough. You needed additional, high-grade materials—prizes of sufficient weight—to use as fusion components.
Come to think of it…The demand for Synthesis Scrolls was quite high lately.
Not only did Nami want to upgrade her weapon, but Nojiko also had similar aspirations. During the events in Upper Yard, the fusion of fire and wind had broadened her horizons immensely, igniting in her a genuine desire for growth.
In other words, they would have to wait until the first batch of funds was successfully converted.
Vivi has already gone ahead. Once she returns, she should have completed the task I assigned her, Ren thought, doing a quick mental calculation before tossing both the Rat Talisman Fragment and Synthesis Scroll into his dimensional space.
Then he examined the remaining two prizes.
One of them was a physical object—its design resembled that of a Barracks Module, or rather, an upgraded variant of one.
[Barracks Module · BOSS Unit]
Origin: War Dimension
Type: Rule Artifact
Effect: This module is an add-on created by a high-energy civilization that integrated the knowledge of magic-based worlds. It's designed to produce "quality over quantity" — elite combat strength for decapitation strikes or direct assaults requiring overwhelming power.
Currently in a blank, inactive state and unusable. Due to factory settings, it can absorb the corpse or body part of a powerful creature to record its template, replicate anywhere from 1% to 100% of that creature's power, and then reproduce it through resource consumption.
Recording Limit: 0/10
"From the description, it's part of the Barracks Module series—one that specializes in creating high-power combat units," Ren muttered, rubbing his chin. "But the phrase powerful creature is quite vague… If I used Kaido in his Azure Dragon form—no, no, that's far too insane."
The thought was indeed audacious—but daydreaming wasn't illegal, after all. He blamed the Poké Ball concept for opening his imagination so wide that he could even consider such a blasphemous idea against "Teacher Kaido."
Of course, the main reason he wouldn't try it was simple: He couldn't win. Otherwise, he absolutely would've given it a shot.
"Ten Kaido-level subordinates…" Ren snickered to himself. "Even at partial strength, that would be utterly terrifying."
He tossed the module reward into his space and looked at the final item that appeared on the light screen. It wasn't a skill or a talent—but something far more peculiar.
[Outfit · Angel of Light Wings]
Origin: DNF
Type: Weak-Concept Rewrite Item**
Effect: A dimensionalized artifact from a 2D digital world, faithfully reproducing every detail of the original outfit. Once equipped, the user transforms into an Angel of Light Wings, bearing radiant wings that can be customized in shape and color.
However, the outfit cannot be altered in parts and is entirely immune to interference—it cannot be damaged by attacks or environmental effects. In other words, it's purely cosmetic and offers no divine power—just aesthetic perfection.
Cost: None
"…Looks flashy but pretty useless?" Ren frowned, furrowing his brows. After a moment of thought, he decided to equip it anyway.
With a flicker of thought, his clothes were replaced by the Angel of Light Wings set. Gradient-colored wings unfolded from his back, their feathers transitioning from deep black to silvery white. Large gemstones and golden ornaments lined the wing joints, gleaming brilliantly down to the base where they connected to his spine. The overall appearance was—stunning.
Between the wings floated a golden halo that shimmered like a crown, and beneath its glow, an ornate gold-and-white armor ensemble cascaded elegantly, its long coat hem brushing the tops of gilded boots.
It looked… like this: Almost instantly, Ren revised his earlier opinion. Not only did he find it not useless—he found it absolutely necessary.
Strength might be temporary…But handsomeness was forever!
Though the Angel of Light Wings offered no combat value, it was the ultimate aesthetic masterpiece. Even better, its unique properties prevented any grime or damage—Nojiko's flames couldn't burn it, and Nami's lightning couldn't wrinkle it. It was like an illusion—a moon reflected on water, a flower in a mirror.
Moreover, it allowed for fine-tuning. Ren customized the wings, changing them to a shimmering golden hue.
And thus,the six-winged angel—once achieved through costly mana crystals—appeared again. No need for the Armor of Glory this time.
Even better, he could now activate or dismiss his six-winged angel form with a single thought.
Yeah, definitely worth it.
When Ren showed off the form, Zoro gave a rare comment: "Looks pretty good." Only then did Ren return to the Enlightenment.
Now came the real work.
Ren had begun teaching the principles of Qi cultivation to Zoro, Nami, and Nojiko. As core members from the East Blue days, their priority was naturally higher. A crew that wasn't unified in strength could hardly obey their captain's command.
Moreover, Urouge and Vivi were still relatively new—they lacked seniority.
"Qi, huh…" In the training hall aboard the Enlightenment, Zoro sat cross-legged, absorbing Ren's words before closing his eyes to sense the flow of Qi. Having already used the Medical-Martial Infusion Machine, he roughly understood the essence of Purple Qi Rising from the East.
Truly a genius, Ren thought with admiration as he watched Zoro's quick progress.
Meanwhile, Nami had subtly scooted closer to him, and Nojiko mirrored her movement on his other side.The two beauties ended up flanking Ren in perfect unison—though their focus seemed more on him than on the lesson.
"Idiot! Focus on your training!" Ren bonked both of them lightly on the head, exasperated.
"There's no need! I'm already a Devil Fruit user!" Nami pouted, clutching her head. "And Haki training's tiring enough—now you want me to learn Qi too?"
"Nojiko, rein her in!" Ren sighed.
"You're the man here. If you can't control her, what makes you think I can?" Nojiko teased, sticking out her pink tongue in rare playfulness.
"…This is going to be troublesome," Ren muttered.
"Troublesome?" Nojiko blinked, then leaned closer, looping her arms around his. She chuckled softly, warm breath brushing his ear. "How about… a private lesson tonight?"
Hiss—!
Ren froze. Apparently, after crossing the line with Nami, a ripple effect had begun. When everyone was on the same level, no one was in a rush—but now that someone had advanced to the "next stage," the others were getting antsy.
This was dangerous. He wasn't a monk!
Taking a deep breath, Ren pinched Nojiko's tongue lightly and pulled. "No flirting during training."
Nojiko pouted but laughed. "Fine, fine… that's just like you."
Ren coughed, looking straight ahead with mock seriousness. "Well, actually… around ten, I do have some free time."
"Ten?" Nojiko turned to Nami curiously. "Didn't you say after nine it's your time to dominate?"
"…"Nami didn't answer. Her face just turned scarlet as she looked away.
Ren nearly burst out laughing. He could already guess the truth. It wasn't that Nami dominated after nine—It was that he dominated her, usually until one or two in the morning, when she'd be begging for mercy.
"Shut up!" Apparently, his smirk gave him away, because Nami glared daggers at him. "Why are you even talking so much?!"
"Fine, fine, I'll zip it," Ren said, miming a zipper motion across his lips.
Just then, Zoro suddenly opened his eyes. He raised his hand, and from his fingertips emerged a faint purple flame—a flicker of Qi, drawn directly from his own body without external aid.
"Impressive," Ren praised sincerely, applauding. Nami and Nojiko stared in awe, their earlier teasing forgotten.
Part of their lack of progress came from one fact—they didn't receive the same immediate feedback. Qi cultivation relied heavily on physical aptitude, and neither of them specialized in that domain.
Even for Ren, teaching them was more about giving them tools for self-defense than true mastery.
Still, the first lesson concluded successfully with Zoro achieving initial entry. In the following days, Ren forced Nami and Nojiko to continue training—though only Nami received extra lessons at night.
Nojiko's earlier flirtation, in truth, had been just that—a test, not a real offer. After all, when it came to love, women always maintained a measure of restraint.
A week passed in the blink of an eye.
Vivi, who had gone on her mission, finally returned—alongside Weatheria. Her task was simple: use Weatheria as an intermediary to convert Sky Island currency into Beli.
This hadn't been part of the original plan—it was a later adaptation Ren made to meet financial needs, assigning Vivi to gain experience while fulfilling the objective.
And clearly—the former princess had performed splendidly.
The Suna Suna no Mi showed no incompatibility with the Sky Island environment. In fact, its moisture-absorbing properties made it even more devastating there.
When Vivi obliterated an uninhabited Sky Island in front of some would-be aggressors, rumors quickly spread across the cloud seas—of a terrifying figure known as the Island-Devouring Demon Queen.
Thanks to that reputation, everything else proceeded perfectly smoothly.
(End of Chapter)