Reno was still watching the battle in the sky, but his Observation Haki had already detected Shiki's arrival.
He simply chose not to show it.
After all, in front of a legendary pirate like this, pretending not to notice was often safer.
"Devil."
Reno raised his head, his violet eyes calmly meeting Shiki's gaze.
Shiki paused, the cigar in his mouth tilting slightly as ash fell onto the deck.
Then he burst into laughter.
"Jihahahaha! A devil?"
"Is there really such a race in this world?"
He circled Reno, examining the black wings on his back and the curved horns on his head.
"Well, considering how many strange races exist in this sea… I suppose it's not impossible."
Stopping in front of him, Shiki exhaled a puff of smoke.
"Hey, kid. Want to follow me?"
"I'm much stronger than Charlotte Linlin."
"I'm afraid I can't, Mr. Shiki."
"…Hmm?"
"Looking down on me?"
Shiki's eyes turned dangerous.
"Not at all," Reno replied calmly. "It's just that I'm Linlin's husband."
"Pfft—!"
Shiki nearly choked on his cigar.
"Husband?!"
"Jihahahaha! What kind of nonsense are you spouting?!"
He laughed wildly, shaking his head.
"A real man should conquer the seas! Hiding behind a woman—what kind of man is that?! Even if it's Charlotte Linlin!"
Reno simply smiled.
"Mr. Shiki, did you see Linlin's Nine-Tailed Fox ability just now?"
Shiki's laughter abruptly stopped.
"…I was just wondering about that."
"Isn't she supposed to be a Soul-Soul Fruit user?"
"How does she have a second ability?"
"I gave it to her."
"…What?!"
Shiki's expression changed instantly.
A terrifying wave of Conqueror's Haki erupted from him, black lightning crackling as it engulfed the ship.
The pirates on deck collapsed unconscious one after another.
The pressure bore down on Reno like a mountain.
So strong…
Even stronger than Linlin's.
Just then—
"Shiki!"
A furious roar came from above.
BOOM!
A figure slammed down between them.
It was Charlotte Linlin.
She stood protectively in front of Reno, her fox form restored, faint traces of injury already healing.
"He's my man, Shiki!"
Her voice carried both anger and possessiveness.
Shiki raised his hands slightly.
"I mean no harm. I just want answers."
At that moment, more figures descended onto the deck.
Whitebeard Edward Newgate, laughing deeply.
Stussy, watching closely.
Other core members of the Rocks Pirates gathered as well.
Finally—
Rocks D. Xebec himself stepped forward.
The ship seemed to sink slightly under his presence.
"So," Rocks said, voice heavy with authority, "explain it."
"How do you have a second Devil Fruit ability, Charlotte Linlin?"
Linlin didn't answer.
Instead, she looked at Reno.
Reno took a step forward.
His black wings spread slightly, a faint crimson glow surrounding him.
"It's my racial ability."
"Devil Transformation."
His voice was calm, but every word landed clearly.
"With a Devil Fruit as a medium, I can transform someone into a corresponding 'devil.'"
"They gain the fruit's power…"
"And become a true devil race."
He paused.
Then delivered the key point:
"They no longer fear seawater or Seastone."
"Even if they've already eaten a Devil Fruit."
Silence.
Total silence.
"Gurararara…"
Whitebeard laughed—but his grip tightened on his weapon, veins bulging.
Shiki stared at Reno, eyes burning with greed.
Even Rocks showed clear surprise.
Freedom from the sea…
That was every Devil Fruit user's dream.
"Kid…" Shiki's voice lowered. "Is that true?"
Reno didn't answer.
Instead, everyone turned to Linlin.
She grinned, summoning Zeus.
"Of course it's true!"
"I can still use my Soul-Soul powers—and my Nine-Tailed Fox abilities!"
The living cloud Zeus spoke as usual.
Proof.
Undeniable proof.
Everyone's gaze snapped back to Reno.
Shock.
Desire.
Calculation.
All mixed together.
Rocks suddenly moved.
He stepped forward, each footfall heavy with pressure.
Linlin instinctively moved to block him, but he waved her off.
"Relax. I won't harm him."
He stopped in front of Reno, looking down at him.
"Let me introduce myself."
"I am Rocks."
"The man who will become the king of the world."
He paused.
"What's your name?".