Reno didn't go to Kuri to find Kozuki Oden, because by now, Oden was probably no longer in Kuri.
Not long after his return, Oden had gone to take account with Kaido, and was later threatened by Kaido using hostages, leading him to foolishly reach a ridiculous agreement.
Now, half a month had passed, and Oden had likely already returned to Wano Country. He was probably in the Flower Capital, dancing under the Great Serpent Castle in a humiliating L-shaped dance that completely abandoned his dignity.
Reno landed in Wano Country at Shimetsu Village and did not linger. He flew straight towards the Flower Capital, soaring from thousands of meters in the air, bypassing Shimetsu and heading straight for the city.
It didn't take long for Reno to arrive at the Flower Capital. He landed in a quiet spot with few people around before heading towards the city center.
"Look, that bastard Oden is dancing again!"
"He's dancing in broad daylight like this? Doesn't he have any shame?"
"I heard he became a fool after returning from the sea. That's why he's dancing like this every day!"
"Hurry, take the children away, don't let them be influenced by such a person!"
As soon as Reno approached the center of the Flower Capital, he overheard people talking in the bustling streets.
Some even hurriedly took their children away, as if they were afraid their kids might see something inappropriate.
Reno pushed through the crowd and got closer. He saw Kozuki Oden, looking like a fool, wearing only a small cloth to cover his shame. He was walking in the street, dancing with every step. Anyone who saw him would definitely consider him a fool.
Reno, thinking about this, immediately put on a pure and innocent look and walked up to Oden, asking, "Uncle, why aren't you wearing any clothes? You really have no shame!"
"Whose child is this? Quickly take him away! How can a child be around someone like this?"
"I don't think I've seen this kid before. Does anyone know whose kid he is? Someone go and tell his parents to take him away!"
"Kids are curious, so make sure you keep an eye on them and don't let them go near this shameless person!"
Reno's innocent and curious expression immediately caused a stir among the crowd. Everyone started looking around, trying to figure out who his parents were, and hoping to get him taken away.
But no one recognized Reno, which caused a bit of a panic among the well-meaning pedestrians.
When Kozuki Oden saw Reno, a brief moment of awkwardness flashed across his face, but he quickly returned to his normal demeanor, ignoring Reno as though he didn't know him, and continued dancing.
Reno knew what Oden was concerned about, so he directly used sign language to say, "You were tricked by Kaido. He won't let the hostages go. Also, I've brought Whitebeard. You better figure things out on your own!"
After finishing his sign, Reno turned and left, heading towards Kuri.
Kozuki Oden, after seeing Reno's signs, froze in place, his face flickering between blue and white. After a while, he resumed dancing in the streets like a fool again.
No one knew what he was thinking, but if there had been any masters around, they would have surely sensed the brief flash of killing intent.
Reno quickly disappeared into the sea of people, leaving everyone wondering who he was and what he had said to Kozuki Oden, causing Oden to freeze like that.
Using his speed, Reno made his way towards Kuri, walking when he encountered people and flying at low altitude when no one was around. His speed was lightning fast, and in the blink of an eye, he was already ten meters ahead.
[Half an Hour Later — Beneath Oden Castle]
Reno looked at Oden Castle, a small mountain-like structure in front of him, and after a brief glance, continued walking, thinking to himself: His future wife, Hiyori, should be here, right?
"Stop! Who are you?"
As soon as Reno approached the high walls of Oden Castle, he was immediately stopped by a swordsman with twin swords at his waist.
Reno glanced at him and immediately recognized who he was—Kin'emon, the leader of the Nine Red Scabbards and one of Kozuki Oden's retainers. He must be guarding here, likely to prevent Kaido or Orochi from attacking the castle.
Thinking about this, Reno directly introduced himself to Kin'emon, "I'm Reno, I met Uncle Oden back in the Roger Pirates. I came to discuss something with Lady Taimatsu, please go inform her."
Oden had left for Wano Country long before Reno, so he was sure that he had mentioned the Roger Pirates to Taimatsu. As someone who often argued with Oden, he was certain that Oden had spoken about him, and possibly even the entire Red Scabbards had heard his name by now.
Just as Reno had guessed, when Oden returned, he had talked about the Roger Pirates, mentioning most frequently how Reno had stolen the entire Roger Pirates' treasure, often gritting his teeth when speaking of him.
Kin'emon, hearing Reno's introduction, looked at the little boy in front of him with a strange expression. Internally, he was surprised: This is the kid who managed to steal from the Pirate King's treasure vault before leaving?
Although Kin'emon had always seen Oden gritting his teeth when talking about Reno, the words he spoke about him were filled with praise, which indicated that Reno was a friend, not an enemy.
Understanding this, Kin'emon, though surprised by Reno's theft of the Pirate King's treasure at such a young age, only sighed inwardly before saying, "I'll go inform Lady Taimatsu, but whether she agrees to meet you or not is not up to me."
"Alright, please let her know!" Reno replied.
Kin'emon didn't waste any more words and directly entered the castle to inform Taimatsu. After a while, he disappeared around the corner.
Reno, standing in front of the multi-story building, thought to himself: Soon I'll meet Hiyori, but she's probably still just a little girl, younger than me even. I wonder if Oden and Taimatsu will agree to let me take her away.
Thinking about this, Reno shook his head, knowing it was unlikely. Having parents always complicates things.
If it turns out that I can't take her, I'll just leave a space coordinate here, pop in occasionally to brush up on my presence, and with a little persuasion, she'll likely be mine for sure.
Sighing to himself, Reno thought: It's always easier to deal with a girl who's without attachments, but the timing isn't right yet. Those people won't appear until after Roger's death. I guess I'll just have to take it slow.
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