Chapter 3

Ren stood on the deck of the "Sweet Vengeance," trying his best to look imposing and admiral-like. He'd practiced his stern face in the mirror for hours, but he still felt like a kid playing dress-up in his father's clothes.

"Grand Admiral on deck!" someone shouted, and the entire crew snapped to attention.

Ren cleared his throat, channeling what he imagined Sanjul would sound like. "At ease, men. Report on our... uh, current nautical... situation?"

Grand Navigator Tessa, a woman who looked to be in her 50s but was actually 235, raised an eyebrow. "You mean our coordinates, sir?"

"Yes! Exactly that. Coordinates. Very important, those."

Tessa exchanged an amused glance with Marlowe, the 245-year-old First Mate. "We're currently at 32 degrees North, 145 degrees West, sir. Just as we have been for the past three hours while anchored at Port Caramel."

Ren felt his face flush. "Of course, of course. Just testing you. Good job, Navigator Tessa. Carry on with your... navigating."

As he retreated to his quarters, Ren could hear muffled laughter behind him. He groaned internally. How was he supposed to live up to 200 years of legendary leadership?

Inside his cabin, he found Galette waiting for him, a mischievous glint in her eye. Despite her silver hair, she looked no older than her early 40s, a testament to the miraculous Sennenryu Life Extension elixir.

"How goes the admiraling, dear?" she asked, barely suppressing a grin.

Ren collapsed into a chair. "It's a disaster. I asked for a report on our 'nautical situation.' Who even talks like that?"

Galette laughed, a sound that sent warmth through Ren despite his embarrassment. "Oh, darling. You'll get the hang of it. Besides," she added, her voice dropping to a sultry purr, "I find your fumbling attempts at authority quite... attractive."

Ren's eyebrows shot up. "Oh? I thought you preferred the confident, experienced Sanjul."

Galette sauntered over, perching herself on his lap. "I loved Sanjul, it's true. But you, my dear Ren, are a delightful new adventure. And speaking of adventures..." She leaned in close, whispering in his ear. "I'm still quite fertile, you know. How about we work on adding to the family tree?"

Ren gulped. "But... but we already have 23 kids! And 287 grandchildren! And thousands of great-grandchildren!"

Galette shrugged. "What's a few more? Besides, we have 50 years of lost time to make up for. Sanjul and I used to make love 14 times a week when he was home."

"F-fourteen times?!" Ren sputtered.

"Mhmm," Galette purred. "Think you can keep up?"

Before Ren could respond, there was a knock at the door. "Come in," he called, grateful for the interruption.

The door swung open to reveal a mountain of a woman - Charlotte Linlin, the original "Big Mom," now in semi-retirement.

"Sanjul, dear!" she boomed, then caught herself. "I mean, Ren! How's my favorite son-in-law doing?"

Ren tried to stand, but Galette was still on his lap. "I'm... uh, I'm fine, thank you, Ma'am."

Linlin waved a massive hand. "None of that 'Ma'am' business. Call me Mama, like you used to!"

"Like Sanjul used to," Ren corrected gently.

Linlin's face fell. "Oh, right. I'm sorry, dear. It's just... well, I feel so guilty about what happened. Getting you killed and all that. But now you're back! And I'm going to make sure you're well taken care of this time."

With that, she produced an enormous basket from behind her back. "I brought you some treats! Homemade soul puffs, life-or-death pudding, and a whole Assassination Attempt Awareness cake!"

Ren blinked, overwhelmed. "That's... very thoughtful of you. Thank you."

As Linlin fussed over him, arranging the treats and fluffing pillows he didn't even know he had, Ren caught Galette's eye. She was shaking with silent laughter.

Just then, another knock came at the door. This time, it was Katakuri, the current "Big Mom" and leader of the Charlotte Empire.

"Ren," he said, his voice serious as always. "I hope I'm not interrupting. I wanted to discuss your training regimen for the next five years."

Ren felt a headache coming on. "Training regimen?"

Katakuri nodded. "Yes. You'll be taking over as Head of Debt Collection and Enforcement for the next five years before resuming your role as Grand Admiral. We need to make sure you're prepared."

"But... but Sanjul got promoted to Admiral in just 1.5 years!" Ren protested.

"True," Katakuri acknowledged. "But that was 200 years ago when we were just managing 12.25 million people, 35 islands, and 570 ships. Now we're an empire of 382 million people, 149 islands, and over 17,000 ships. The job's a bit more complex these days."

Ren's head was spinning. "Right. Of course. More complex. Naturally."

Katakuri's eyes softened slightly. "Don't worry. We have a whole support network set up for you. We know about Sanjul's struggles with mild depression, so we want to make sure you have all the help you need."

"That's... very considerate," Ren managed.

As Katakuri launched into a detailed explanation of the training schedule, Ren's mind wandered. How had he gone from captain of a small crew of 86 to this? He was now expected to lead an empire that had survived for over 250 years, outlasting the World Government, the Revolutionary Army, and all the other Yonko crews.

His thoughts were interrupted by yet another knock. This time, it was a group of Sanjul's old crewmates from the Spectral Pirates.

"Cap'n!" one of them called cheerfully. "We brought you some of your old favorite snacks! You know, the ones you liked before you even joined the Big Mom Pirates!"

Ren stared at the array of foods he'd never seen before. "Oh... thank you. That's very... nostalgic of you."

As the day wore on, more and more people stopped by to check on him, offer advice, or reminisce about "old times" he had no memory of. By evening, Ren felt like his head might explode.

Collapsing onto his bed, he looked up at Galette. "Is it always going to be like this?"

She sat beside him, running a hand through his hair. "It'll get easier, love. You'll find your footing. And remember, you don't have to be exactly like Sanjul. You're your own person."

Ren sighed. "A person with very big shoes to fill. Did you know they've given me 45,000 pages of Sanjul's life story and history to read? The man led the empire through five major wars, 50 smaller wars, thousands of skirmishes... How am I supposed to live up to that?"

Galette smiled softly. "One day at a time, dear. One day at a time."

As Ren drifted off to sleep, his dreams were a chaotic mix of naval battles, family reunions, and mountains of paperwork. In one particularly vivid dream, he stood at the helm of a massive ship, confidently shouting orders.

"Hard to starboard!" Dream-Ren commanded. "Prepare the port cannons! And someone bring me my reading glasses - I need to review the trade agreements with the East Blue territories!"

He woke with a start, momentarily confused about where and who he was. As reality settled back in, he couldn't help but laugh at the absurd the situation was.

XXX

Ren awoke to the now-familiar sensation of Galette's lips on his neck. He groaned, both from pleasure and exhaustion.

"Good morning, my love," Galette purred. "Ready to start the day right?"

Ren's eyes widened in panic. "But... but we just went to sleep three hours ago!"

Galette grinned mischievously. "And now we're awake. No time like the present!"

An hour later, Ren stumbled onto the deck, his hair disheveled and dark circles under his eyes. His crew exchanged knowing glances.

"Rough night, Cap'n?" First Mate Marlowe asked, barely suppressing a smirk.

Ren collapsed into a chair. "You have no idea. I thought I was in good shape, but Galette... she's insatiable!"

Tessa, the Grand Navigator, chuckled. "Ah, young love. Or should I say, reincarnated centuries-old love?"

"It's not funny," Ren groaned. "She's trying to make up for 50 years of lost time. Do you know how many times that is?"

The crew began calculating in their heads, but Ren waved them off. "Don't bother. I did the math. It's terrifying."

Just then, Galette sauntered onto the deck, looking fresh and energized. "Good morning, everyone! Isn't it a beautiful day?"

The crew murmured in agreement, shooting amused glances at their exhausted captain.

"Darling," Galette said, turning to Ren. "Don't forget our lunch date in your quarters. I've got a special surprise planned!"

Ren's eyes widened in a mix of anticipation and fear. "Y-yes, dear. Looking forward to it."

As Galette sashayed away, Marlowe leaned in. "Cap'n, if you need us to create a distraction..."

Ren shook his head. "No use. She'd find a way. She always finds a way."

The morning passed in a blur of reports and strategy meetings. As lunch approached, Ren found himself both dreading and eagerly anticipating his "date" with Galette.

He entered his quarters to find Galette waiting, a picnic spread out on the floor. "I thought we could relive our first date," she said with a wink. "Remember? On the shores of Whole Cake Island?"

Ren didn't remember, of course, but he played along. "Of course, dear. How could I forget?"

What followed was a whirlwind of food, wine, and passion that left Ren wondering if he'd ever be able to look at a picnic basket the same way again.

As the afternoon wore on, Ren struggled to focus on his duties. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Galette's mischievous smile.

"Ren?" Katakuri's voice snapped him back to reality. "Are you alright? You seem distracted."

Ren straightened up, trying to look alert. "Yes, of course. Just... thinking about strategic maneuvers."

Katakuri raised an eyebrow. "I see. And do these 'strategic maneuvers' have anything to do with why you've been walking funny all day?"

Ren felt his face turn bright red. "I... that is... um..."

Katakuri held up a hand. "No need to explain. Just remember, a leader must always be prepared for... unexpected engagements."

As evening approached, Ren found Galette waiting for him on the ship's bow. "I thought we could watch the sunset together," she said innocently.

Ren smiled nervously. "That sounds lovely, dear."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in vibrant hues, Galette leaned in close. "You know," she whispered, "I've always wanted to see how the sunset's shadows play across the captain's quarters."

Ren gulped. "The captain's quarters? But... but that's where I work!"

Galette's grin turned predatory. "Exactly. Time for some... overtime."

Later that night, as Ren lay in bed, thoroughly exhausted but oddly satisfied, he couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of his situation. He was a 30-year-old man with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren older than him, married to a woman who was technically over 200 years his senior, and expected to lead an empire that had outlasted governments and rival powers alike.

And yet, as Galette snuggled up to him, already plotting their morning "exercise routine," Ren realized he wouldn't have it any other way. Life as the reincarnation of a legendary pirate was exhausting, confusing, and often hilarious - but it was never, ever boring.

XXX

Ren stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his gothic vampire-inspired outfit for the umpteenth time. He squinted at his reflection, trying to channel the gravitas of a 180-year-old Grand Admiral.

"You look fine, dear," Galette's voice came from behind him, amusement clear in her tone. "Although I must say, seeing you in Sanjul's old clothes is... quite the sight."

Ren turned to face his wife - a concept he was still getting used to. Galette, with her silver hair and timeless beauty, looked more like a movie star playing a sexy grandma than an actual great-great-grandmother.

"Are you sure this is necessary?" Ren asked, tugging at the high collar. "I feel like I'm cosplaying as myself. Or... not myself. You know what I mean."

Galette chuckled, approaching to straighten his cravat. "The crew expects a certain image, darling. Besides, you look dashing."

As if on cue, there was a knock at the door. "Enter," Ren called, trying to sound authoritative.

Tessa, the 235-year-old Grand Navigator, poked her head in. Her eyes widened at the sight of Ren. "Well, don't you look... familiar."

Ren felt his face heat up. "Is it too much? It's too much, isn't it?"

Tessa shook her head, a bemused smile on her face. "No, no, it's... perfect. Just like old times. Except, you know, you're about 150 years younger and look like you're playing dress-up in your dad's closet."

"Tessa!" Galette admonished, but there was no heat in her voice.

"Sorry, sorry," Tessa said, not sounding sorry at all. "Anyway, Captain - I mean, Grand Admiral - I mean, future Grand Admiral - oh, whatever. Ren. The crew's assembled on deck. They're eager to see you in your new... old... getup."

Ren took a deep breath, squaring his shoulders. "Right. Let's do this."

As they made their way to the deck of the Sweet Vengeance, Ren couldn't help but marvel at the absurdity of his situation. Here he was, a 30-year-old man, trying to fill the shoes of a legendary pirate who had helped build an empire. An empire that, by all rights, shouldn't even exist anymore.

The deck fell silent as Ren emerged. Hundreds of eyes turned to him, a mix of awe, amusement, and confusion on their faces. Marlowe, the 245-year-old First Mate, stepped forward.

"Crew of the Sweet Vengeance," Marlowe announced, his voice carrying across the deck. "I present to you... uh... Grand Admiral Sanjul Rahmuro. Sort of."

A ripple of laughter went through the crowd. Ren felt his face burning again but managed to keep his composure.

"Thank you, Marlowe," Ren said, trying to project confidence. "As you all know, I'm not exactly Sanjul. But I do have his soul, apparently. And his fashion sense, evidently."

More laughter. Ren relaxed a bit, encouraged by the positive response.

"I know this is weird for all of us," he continued. "Trust me, it's weird for me too. One day I'm captain of a small crew, the next I'm expected to lead an empire. But I promise you this: I will do my best to honor Sanjul's legacy while also being true to who I am now."

As he finished his speech, an old woman's voice called out from the back of the crowd. "That's all well and good, dearie, but can you still do that thing with the gravity fruit?"

Ren blinked, caught off guard. "Uh... what thing?"

The old woman cackled. "You know, where you made all the young ladies float around you like a harem of angels!"

The deck erupted in laughter. Ren looked helplessly at Galette, who was trying (and failing) to hide her own amusement.

"I, uh, I'm not sure that would be appropriate," Ren stammered.

"Oh, pish posh," the old woman waved her hand. "It was all in good fun. Besides, I'm sure your wife here wouldn't mind. She always did enjoy a good show."

Galette's face turned as red as Ren's. "Granny Moscato!" she exclaimed. "That's quite enough!"

As the laughter died down, Ren found himself surrounded by Sanjul's old crew members. They regaled him with stories of their past adventures, each tale more outlandish than the last.

"Remember that time we raided the World Noble's pleasure yacht?" one old pirate chuckled. "You used your gravity powers to make all their fancy wigs float off their heads!"

Ren nodded along, trying to look like he remembered. "Ah, yes. That was... quite the day."

Another pirate chimed in. "Or how about when we snuck into Mariejois disguised as a traveling circus? You juggled cannonballs with your gravity powers!"

"Juggled... cannonballs," Ren repeated weakly. "Of course. How could I forget?"

As the day wore on, Ren found himself being pulled in a dozen different directions. There were strategy meetings to attend, reports to review, and an endless parade of family members wanting to reconnect with their long-lost patriarch.

By evening, Ren was exhausted. He collapsed into a chair in his new office, surrounded by towering stacks of documents.

"Rough day, dear?" Galette asked, entering with a tray of tea.

Ren groaned. "I don't know how Sanjul did it. There's so much to learn, so much to remember. Did you know we have trade agreements with 47 different nations? And that's just the tip of the iceberg!"

Galette set down the tray and began massaging Ren's shoulders. "Sanjul had 150 years to learn all that, darling. You've had a week. Give yourself some time."

Just then, there was a knock at the door. Before Ren could respond, it burst open, revealing the massive form of Linlin, the former Big Mom.

"There's my favorite son-in-law!" Linlin boomed, striding into the room. "How's the empire treating you, boy?"

Ren stood up quickly, nearly knocking over his chair. "Ah, Lady Linlin. It's... going well. I think."

Linlin laughed, a sound that seemed to shake the very foundations of the chateau. "No need to be so formal, Sanjul. Or Ren. Whatever you're calling yourself these days. Here, I brought you a little something to help you settle in."

She produced a massive cake from seemingly nowhere, setting it down on Ren's desk with a thud. Several important-looking documents went flying.

"It's your favorite!" Linlin declared proudly. "Devil's food cake with soul cream frosting. Always perked you up after a long day of empire-building."

Ren stared at the cake, which was easily the size of a small car. "Thank you, Lady Linlin. That's very... thoughtful."

Linlin beamed, then her expression turned serious. "Now, listen here, boy. I know I got you killed last time with all my crazy campaigns. But this time, we're gonna do things different. You just say the word, and I'll flatten anyone who gives you trouble. Retired or not, I've still got it!"

To demonstrate, she punched the air, creating a shockwave that sent more papers flying and nearly knocked Ren off his feet.

"That's... very kind of you," Ren managed, trying to keep the panic out of his voice. "But I'm sure that won't be necessary."

Linlin nodded sagely. "Good, good. You always were the diplomatic one. Now, eat up! Can't have you wasting away. You've got an empire to run!"

With that, she swept out of the room as suddenly as she had entered, leaving Ren and Galette staring at the mountain of cake.

"Well," Galette said after a moment, "at least we know what we're having for dessert"

Then she got a very dark look in her eyes "Or you can have me for desert"

Ren gulped when he saw that look.