Just Wait Until You’re Old—I'll Get Back at You

[New World, Uncharted Waters]

A massive pirate ship sails leisurely across the sea. Some crew members are busy with their duties, while others are gathered, drinking and chatting without a care.

This ship belongs to none other than the Roger Pirates, who are returning from Laugh Tale.

It's been five days since Reno boarded the ship after being rescued by Roger.

During these five days, the ship hasn't docked at any islands nor encountered other pirate crews.

Although Reno was saved and his life is no longer in danger, his days on board have been anything but pleasant—"miserable" doesn't even begin to describe it.

"Reno, once you've cleaned the cabins, remember to scrub the deck, too!" Roger called out cheerfully as he spotted Reno walking out of a cabin.

Reno's face darkened as black lines seemed to rise from his forehead. Grinding his teeth, he spat angrily, "You're a bunch of scoundrels! You're exploiting child labor—and an injured child, no less! Don't your consciences hurt?"

"Bwahahaha!"

Reno's frustrated, childishly fierce reaction, coupled with his high-pitched voice, sent the entire crew into fits of laughter. Every pirate on deck was bent over, clutching their sides.

"Did he just ask us if our consciences hurt?" Jaba roared with laughter.

"Conscience?" Roger chuckled. "Kid, do you even know what that means?"

"Reno," Oden added, grinning, "ask us that again after you've weaned off milk!"

The senior crew members on deck joined in, laughing uproariously while taking turns teasing Reno.

Three days ago, when Reno's injuries stabilized enough for him to walk, this group of grown men had wasted no time assigning him all sorts of chores.

It was obvious the ship hadn't been cleaned in ages, probably because Shanks and Buggy, the usual chore-doers, weren't on board. With Buggy out sick, there was no one else to take up the task, so Reno, the new "recruit," became their target.

As the crew continued to jeer, Reno's patience snapped. He shouted, "Fine! I'll let you off the hook for now because I can't beat you. But just wait until you're old and frail—I'll make sure you regret this!"

"Bwahahaha!"

"This kid is too much!"

Reno's indignant outburst only fueled the crew's amusement further.

"Good spirit, Reno! I'm rooting for you!" Rayleigh laughed, though his shaking shoulders and reddened face betrayed how hard he was trying to suppress more laughter.

Reno shot him an angry glare. If you weren't laughing, I might've believed you were sincere!

Deciding he'd had enough, Reno turned his back on the mocking pirates and got back to scrubbing the deck.

Fine, laugh it up while you can. Once I complete my tasks and leave, I'll take my revenge. I may not be able to fight you now, but when the time comes, I'll make you regret this... Reno smirked mischievously. First step? Emptying your treasury. I've got a system space—carrying off all your loot will be a piece of cake.

As Reno scrubbed away, he began devising his plan. I'll scout out the treasure room while I'm doing these chores. When it's time to leave, I'll clean it out completely. Not a single coin will be left behind. Let's see how smug they'll be then—serves them right!

With his scheme forming, Reno got back to his chores, darting around the ship, his small figure busying itself in every corner.

When he finally finished scrubbing the deck, Reno plopped down against the railing, drenched in sweat and panting heavily.

As he gazed out at the ocean, lost in thought, Rayleigh approached and perched casually on the railing beside him.

"So, Reno," Rayleigh asked, "what's your plan for the future?"

The crew had learned by now that Reno was the sole survivor of a shipwreck that claimed his entire family.

Feigning contemplation, Reno eventually replied, "I don't really have a plan right now. I'll just take things one step at a time."

Of course, he wanted to stay on the ship to complete his punch-in tasks, but he couldn't reveal his true intentions outright. Doing so would seem too calculated, and given the crew's current sensitivities after their journey to Laugh Tale, that could raise unnecessary suspicions.

Rayleigh studied Reno for a moment before nodding. "For now, you can stay aboard. But remember, this ship won't sail forever—you should start planning for what's next."

Without waiting for a response, Rayleigh turned and walked away, rejoining the others for another round of drinks.

Watching him leave, Reno thought, Rayleigh must already know Roger plans to disband the crew. But judging by the others' carefree attitudes, they're still in the dark.

"Reno, come over here so I can check your injuries!" the ship's doctor, Crocus, called out, snapping Reno from his thoughts.

"Coming!" Reno jogged over obediently.

Crocus inspected Reno's wounds thoroughly. Despite the heavy workload, his injuries hadn't worsened, much to Crocus's relief.

"The external wounds are healing well, but your ribs haven't fully mended yet," Crocus warned sternly. "Avoid heavy lifting—leave those chores to the idiots who keep bothering you."

Reno nodded dutifully. "Got it. Thanks, Doctor Crocus!"

As Reno left the room, he sighed inwardly. It's not that I don't want to take it easy, Doctor. It's just that these jerks never give me a break.

The relentless teasing, the constant chores—how could Reno not want revenge?

But don't worry, Reno thought darkly, payback is coming.

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T/N:

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