"So, Lord Reno… could you slow down just a little?"
"No, Miss Stussy. This is your test. How could I lower the difficulty?"
Three days later, Reno stepped out of the research laboratory and took a deep breath of fresh air.
Stussy had already completed the first draft of the model blueprint. However, there was still a long road between a design on paper and a product ready for mass production.
If Reno truly wanted to build the toy empire he envisioned, he still needed to solve a series of problems: raw materials, transportation, promotion, sales, and after-sales service.
Promotion, especially the first wave of advertising, would be crucial.
A faint glimmer flashed in Reno's eyes as a name surfaced in his mind.
Morgans.
The future president of the World Economic Times and one of the underground emperors.
Right now, he was probably just an insignificant child. But even at a young age, his instinct for news and future opportunity was exceptionally sharp.
Perhaps it was time to seek out the future king of information.
Lost in thought, Reno spread his black wings and rose into the sky.
He circled above Eight Isles Island, scanning the landscape below before locking onto the executive villa district.
Descending, he headed straight for the largest villa, the one Linlin could freely enter and exit.
He also brought along the women who had remained on the pirate ship and handed Emma and the others a thick stack of berries.
"Emma, take them and buy some new clothes."
Emma accepted the money with confusion.
"Lord Reno, we already have enough clothes."
A wicked smile curled at the corner of Reno's lips.
"I'm not talking about everyday clothing. I mean something special."
"Like maid outfits. Nurse uniforms. You understand?"
At the mention of maid outfits, Emma's cheeks flushed instantly. The sisters behind her lowered their heads shyly, exchanging embarrassed glances.
Still, Emma clutched the berries tightly and nodded.
Yesterday, she had fainted, yet Lord Reno had not blamed her. Today, he had entrusted her with such an important responsibility.
She could not disappoint him again.
"I understand, Lord Reno…"
Reno smiled in satisfaction and pulled Emma into his arms, giving her a firm squeeze.
"When I come back, you all should…"
Before he could finish, the Den Den Mushi in his arms began to ring.
He pulled it out. The snail had two sharp fangs and a pair of fox-like ears.
"Reno, what are you doing in the villa district?"
Linlin's Observation Haki easily covered the entire island, so it was no surprise she knew where he was.
"Linlin, you're back already?"
"Of course. It was just a tribute from the Celestial Dragons."
"Come to Skull Castle. We're in the top-floor conference hall. Rocks wants to see you."
"Alright. I'll be there immediately."
Reno looked genuinely surprised. He hadn't expected them to return so soon.
If Rocks wanted to see him, it likely meant another demon transformation.
He wondered how much his strength would increase this time.
Without hesitation, Reno released Emma, left the villa, spread his wings, and flew toward Skull Castle.
A crimson streak cut across the sky above Eight Isles. Reno quickly arrived at Skull Castle, located at the island's center.
The castle had three levels.
The first floor housed the main hall, reception area, and storage rooms. It was the same hall where the banquet had been held two days earlier.
The second floor consisted of guest rooms, arranged like luxury hotel suites.
The third floor, the top level, contained Rocks' private quarters and the executive meeting chamber.
As soon as Reno entered, he saw the conference room doors wide open. Everyone was present except Stussy.
Rocks.
Whitebeard.
Shiki.
Wang Zhi.
Ganzou.
Marlon.
And Linlin.
The moment Reno stepped inside, one of Linlin's tails suddenly extended, wrapping around him and pulling him into her embrace.
"My Reno! Did you miss me?"
The words sounded affectionate, but coming from Charlotte Linlin, they carried unmistakable dominance.
"Of course I did, my Linlin."
That was a lie.
Yet Linlin nodded in satisfaction.
"And did you miss me?" Reno asked.
Linlin burst into laughter.
"Of course not, my Reno!"
"Why would an old woman like me miss a little brat like you?"
Reno's expression darkened slightly. He did not bother pointing out that he was actually three years older than her.
That would only make things more awkward.
Rocks watched their exchange and roared with laughter.
"Enough, Charlotte. Let's talk business."
He gestured for Reno to sit.
"Reno, from this raid on the Celestial tribute, we obtained two Devil Fruits."
Rocks pointed to a treasure chest nearby.
Reno stood and opened it.
Inside were two fruits.
A Logia-type Swamp-Swamp Fruit.
And a Paramecia-type Bomb-Bomb Fruit.
"Only two?" Reno asked calmly. "How do you plan to distribute them?"
Wang Zhi was the first to leap up, excitement blazing in his eyes.
"Haha! Brother Reno, turn me into the Swamp Demon!"
"I can't wait any longer!"
Ganzou adjusted his glasses, his expression burning with fanatic anticipation as he pointed to the Bomb Fruit.
"Mr. Reno, please transform me into the Bomb Demon."
Reno glanced at Ganzou, then at the Bomb Fruit. So this was the fruit Ganzou had originally eaten.
Seeing their eagerness, Reno did not rush.
"In that case, let's sign a Demon Contract first. I will send the invitation. You only need to agree to it silently in your heart."
Wang Zhi frowned immediately, his gaze sharpening.
"What Demon Contract? Reno, you'd better explain clearly. We are partners."
Ganzou also looked uncertain.
"'Demon Contract' doesn't sound very friendly."
Reno smiled calmly, meeting their eyes without hesitation.
"The Demon Contract is one of my innate abilities."
"It exists to ensure my safety and prevent betrayal."
"If you violate the contract, you will be punished."
"But as long as you do not break our agreement, it will never activate."
"Of course, if you do not trust me, you may refuse."
He paused deliberately, letting silence settle over the room.
"Will you trust your partner and gain the power you desire, or let suspicion hold you back?"
"Wang Zhi. Ganzou. Surely you're not lacking that bit of courage?"
The two men exchanged a glance.
The temptation of becoming demons stood right before them.
More importantly, if they hesitated now in front of Rocks and the other executives, they would lose face forever.
Reno, you're ruthless.
"Hmph. Fine! I, Wang Zhi, will go first!"
Ganzou followed without delay.
Reno wasted no time and finalized the contracts.
Executor: Reno
Targets: Wang Zhi, Ganzou
Contract Content: The executor will perform demon transformation. The targets will respond to one future summons from Reno.
Note: Violation results in demonic punishment.
The two saw nothing unfair in the visible terms and accepted immediately.
What they could not see was the hidden clause.
Demon Contract Content: The targets will harbor no malice toward the executor, will risk their lives to save him in times of crisis, and will gradually develop admiration and obedience toward him.
Note: Standard contract terms are visible to both parties. Demon Contract terms are visible only to the executor.
The Demon Contract has taken effect. Executor, please fulfill the contract promptly.
A faint smile spread across Reno's face.
Everything was proceeding exactly as planned.
Whether ordinary or demonic, the contract was entirely under Reno's control. Rocks would never easily allow him to transform everyone freely, so Reno had subtly adjusted the terms to prevent suspicion.
Without hesitation, Reno picked up the Swamp-Swamp Fruit and the Bomb-Bomb Fruit.
"Wang Zhi. Ganzou. Come."
The two stepped forward eagerly.
Reno pressed a fruit against each of their foreheads.
"System. Begin transformation."
Ding.
Target detected: Wang Zhi.
Target strength: Low Commander level.