"Not at all."
"For me, the Paper-Paper Fruit is actually a perfect fit."
"It doesn't matter if it doesn't boost combat strength much—I'm just an ordinary person to begin with."
"But if I can really live for eight thousand years, then with this ability, I can record all my experiments and research."
"And the paper can remain stored inside my body indefinitely."
"This fruit can greatly improve my research efficiency."
"Of course, if I can find the Brain-Brain Fruit in the future, that would be even better. But for now… let me become a Paper Devil."
After hearing her explanation, Reno immediately understood.
For someone like Stussy, the ability to permanently store knowledge was far more valuable than raw combat power.
As for the Brain-Brain Fruit she mentioned… Reno wasn't sure when Vegapunk would obtain it. For now, this was already a solid choice.
"Alright. Let's begin."
Reno took the fruit from her. There was no need for any contract—after all, she was already his woman.
"System, how long will the transformation take?"
[Ding!]
[Target detected: Buckingham Stussy]
[strength: Ordinary human]
[Devil Fruit: Paramecia – Paper-Paper Fruit]
[Estimated time: 1 second]
"One second?"
Reno paused, slightly surprised—but it made sense. She was an ordinary person.
"Close your eyes."
Stussy obeyed, anticipation written all over her face.
Reno placed the fruit against her forehead.
"System, begin transformation."
Buzz—
The fruit dissolved into white light and merged into her body.
A second later, Stussy opened her eyes.
The next moment, her body scattered into countless sheets of paper, fluttering through the air before reassembling behind Reno.
She returned to her original form—but different.
Her skin appeared even smoother, her blonde hair now adorned with a white paper rose. A flowing paper garment formed around her, while loose sheets drifted gently around her body.
Reno blinked.
This ability… reminded him of Konan from Naruto.
"This… is incredible…"
Stussy stared at her hands in amazement, then waved them—paper flew out, forming shapes midair.
Some resembled her, some resembled Reno, and others even mimicked experimental tools.
More importantly, she could feel the powerful vitality within her.
Perfect.
She quickly immersed herself in testing her new abilities.
Reno watched but didn't absorb any strength from her—there was little to gain right now. It was better to let her grow first.
Then, a strange idea crossed his mind.
"Stussy, I have a business idea. I'll need your help."
She turned, curious.
"What kind of idea?"
Reno explained his concept—creating a specialized product and turning it into a large-scale industry.
At first, Stussy was shocked and embarrassed.
But as he broke down the market—long separations, unmet demand across the seas, scalability—her expression gradually changed.
From disbelief… to realization… to excitement.
"Reno… this idea…"
"If mass production is possible, this could spread across the entire world."
"Our wealth could rival entire nations."
Reno smiled.
"Exactly. A brand-new product always spreads fast."
Stussy nodded slowly, already thinking through the logistics—materials, manufacturing, distribution, promotion.
"It's ambitious… but feasible."
"I'll help you."
Three days later, Reno stepped out of the lab, stretching.
Stussy had already completed the first prototype design, though mass production would take much more work.
As for promotion, one name came to mind:
Morgans.
The future president of the World Economy News and one of the underworld emperors.
Right now, he was still insignificant—but his potential was enormous.
Definitely worth finding.
Reno then headed to the villa district on Hachinosu and selected a large residence—big enough even for Linlin.
He brought over the women from his ship and handed Emma a stack of Beli.
"Take them shopping."
Emma looked confused.
"But we still have clothes…"
Reno smirked.
"Not everyday clothes. Something… more special."
Emma instantly understood, her face flushing. The others behind her exchanged shy glances.
Still, she nodded firmly.
"Understood, Reno-sama…"
Just then, a Den Den Mushi rang.
It had fox-like ears and small fangs—clearly Linlin's.
"My Reno, what are you doing in the villa district?"
Her Observation Haki covered the entire island, so it wasn't surprising she knew.
"You're back already?"
"Of course. It was just Heavenly Tribute."
"Come to Skull Castle. Top floor—Rocks want to see you."
Reno's eyes lit up.
"On my way."
If Rocks was calling him, it could only mean one thing—
Devil transformation.
And that meant power.
Without hesitation, Reno spread his black wings and flew straight toward Skull Castle.