Faced with Krillin's question, Ren explained with a smile, "Pure Gold can drastically slow down the aging process. I'm not sure what the ultimate limit of that lifespan is, but barring any accidents, it should be close enough to immortality for our purposes."
"Captain, Captain! I have a question!" Blu raised his hand. "How exactly does one use Pure Gold to become immortal? Do we eat it?"
"No, the human body can't digest gold. If you swallow it, it'll just come out the other end completely intact," Ren shook his head. "Instead, we just need to make a small ring and set the Pure Gold on the inner side, ensuring it stays in constant contact with our skin. That's enough."
The crew wore expressions of enlightenment. However, a much bigger problem loomed over them.
"Where exactly are we supposed to find this Pure Gold?"
Good question. Ren didn't actually know the current location either. He only remembered from the movie that a little girl was being hunted by a chain-wielding subordinate of Gild Tesoro and eventually ended up on Luffy's ship.
Wait... even if I don't interfere at all, that girl's father will eventually survive and reunite with her. I just need to wait and reap the benefits at the right time!
A spark of realization flashed through Ren's mind. He suddenly saw the path forward. "No rush on the Pure Gold for now. Brothers! It's time for a banquet!"
"Ohh! Banquet! Banquet!" Bonney cheered. She didn't care about immortality; all she wanted was to live a happy life. But since becoming a pirate, she had picked up a new hobby: partying! Aside from her love for food, she had heard that Nika was always throwing banquets and playing with everyone. As a Nika fan, Bonney was determined to have fun every single day.
One can see how important a proper idol is. Look at that blockhead Yamato—her idol was Kozuki Oden, and look how that turned out.
The crew found a nearby island and began a multi-day celebratory binge.
While they were enjoying themselves, the World Government remained abnormally silent. This time, even the news-hungry Morgans was uncharacteristically quiet, failing to report the incidents at Dressrosa.
In the hall of the Five Elders.
Four days had passed since Nusjuro returned. His injuries had fully healed, but he wasn't happy; in fact, he looked deeply troubled.
"So, the moment he ate the fruit, he was recognized and awakened its true power," the bearded Saint Saturn noted.
"It wasn't just awakening; it was total mastery," Nusjuro corrected him. "Within seconds of eating it, he had fully developed the ability. But the worst part is that he noticed the true essence of Devil Fruits! Unlike those other fools, he actually saw it! It won't be long before he possesses an immortal body just like ours."
Their faces darkened. For eight hundred years, they had guarded this secret specifically to prevent the emergence of "gods" like themselves. Yet, despite their vigilance, this anomaly had appeared. If Ren ever leaked the truth, their world order would collapse!
"What if the five of us attack together...?"
"Impossible. Despite his strange abilities, I couldn't even last a second against him. Our strengths are comparable; even together, the outcome wouldn't change much."
After another bout of silence, they decided to consult the King of the World, Imu.
"Imu does not care."
With a single sentence, the Five Elders were dismissed. The noble Imu remained in solitary beauty. Having received Imu's word, the Elders decided to "lie flat." They slapped Ren with the title of "The Deceiver" and stopped bothering with him.
The events at Dressrosa were completely suppressed. Aside from the World Government's high command and Morgans, no one knew what happened that day. The Marines on the scene simply assumed the commotion was a secret government operation.
As for why Ren walked away scot-free? The title "The Deceiver" provided the perfect explanation: he must have tricked the World Government into letting him go.
Ren, still partying on the island, saw the news report. He let out a scoff. He was half-tempted to go to the Red Line and have a "chat" with the Elders. He could handle being called a pirate, but "The Deceiver"? That was a stain on his reputation! A huge one!
Just as they were preparing to set off, a "meteor" streaked across the sky and crashed right in front of Bonney.
Boing~~
A paw-print crater appeared in the ground, and a figure wearing a straw hat materialized before them.
"Straw Hat Luffy?"
Everyone was startled. They remembered seeing news of Luffy punching a Celestial Dragon a few days ago, though it hadn't made as much noise as usual because of Ren's own exploits. Regardless, Uncle Kizaru had taught him a lesson about how big the world really was. Finally, the Straw Hats had been scattered by Kuma to begin their individual training.
But Ren never expected Kuma to send Luffy here. Shouldn't he be going to Amazon Lily?
Blu stepped forward and delivered about a hundred rapid-fire slaps to wake Luffy up.
"Huh? What happened?!" Luffy looked around with a swollen, pig-like face, his eyes full of confusion. He scanned Ren and the others, but his gaze didn't linger. He didn't recognize any of them.
After a quick look-around, Luffy asked, "I'm hungry. Got any meat?"
"No," Ren replied flatly.
He realized what was happening. That bear, Kuma, wanted Ren to train Luffy!
Wait, really? One "Fake Nika" (Bonney) was enough, and now the real Nika was delivered to his doorstep? What did it mean? For him, an Asura, to train Nika?
I'm more likely to beat him to death, Ren thought.
Suddenly, Ren's eyes lit up. He had an idea for a magnificent bit of fun!
"From this day forward, I shall be the greatest teacher in the Pirate World!"
Uncle Grus brought Luffy some food. After devouring it, Luffy smiled at the crew. "Thanks! You guys are great people!"
"Hahaha! No problem!" Grus laughed, patting Luffy on the shoulder. "I didn't expect you to be so polite!"
"Shishishi! By the way, my name is Luffy. Thanks for the treat!" Luffy actually stood up and bowed modestly. If his crew saw this, they would have had a heart attack.
Ren waved his hand and said, "Straw Hat, I understand why Kuma sent you here. From today on, you'll be training with me."
Luffy: "???"
"No thanks. I have to go find my friends. I won't bother you. By the way, do you know the way to Sabaody Archipelago?"