Ren Takashi released Perona's twin tails and walked calmly toward Gecko Moria, his eyes sharp and unwavering.
As soon as she was freed, Perona rushed back to Moria's side and burst into sobs. The sudden movement tugged at Moria's injuries, making him groan in pain, his face contorting.
"Daddy… Daddy…" she whimpered.
Heavy footsteps echoed behind her, rhythmic and foreboding. Perona turned and spread her arms in front of Moria.
"You monster… don't you dare hurt Lord Moria again!"
Her breathing was ragged, nostrils flaring as she tried to hold back her trembling.
Ren's expression remained cold. "Moria is no longer the mighty figure he once was. He's grown arrogant, delusional… hiding in the shadows like a rat."
The girls observing from afar were impressed—but none dared to interrupt.
Ren ignored Perona's protest and advanced on Moria. He raised his demonic blade, Thousand Edge, slowly preparing to strike.
"Please!" Perona suddenly cried out, grabbing Ren's arm with all her strength. "I'll do anything! If you spare Lord Moria, I'll become your servant! I'll follow you like a slave, just… please don't hurt him anymore!"
Ren stared at her for a long moment, his gaze complicated.
He knew how much Moria meant to her.
Moria wasn't Perona's biological father—but he had raised her as if she were his own, shielding her from every danger, spoiling her with affection, holding her close as though afraid she'd break or fall. To Perona, Moria was her real father.
Ren had no desire to humiliate a girl like her. But Moria had tried to attack him—he never showed mercy to his enemies.
He sighed silently.
Perona noticed the hesitation in his grip. She tightened hers, her voice soft yet pleading:
"Ren-sama… please, don't kill Moria…"
Ren exhaled heavily, lowering his blade.
"Fine," he said coldly. "For your sake, I won't kill him. But from this point forward… he belongs to me. If he wants to live, he'll submit."
"P-please… I beg you…" Perona whispered tearfully.
Ren looked speechless at her childlike desperation.
Moria's eyes remained locked on Perona. Then slowly… he shut them.
Perona's eyes widened. "He agrees! Lord Moria… he accepted!"
Ren stepped forward again.
"Moria," he said flatly. "Don't resist. For her sake, I'll spare you—but mark this. Disobey me again, and I won't hesitate."
In Moria's confused daze, Ren pressed a palm against his chest.
A burning slave seal etched itself directly over Moria's heart.
"Urghhh!!" Moria's body convulsed violently, his face twisted in agony. But after a moment, the pain faded.
"…Master…"
"Call me Captain," Ren corrected, raising his hand.
Both Perona and Doctor Hogback stood frozen, stunned by what they had just witnessed.
Without wasting time, Ren channeled healing energy into Moria's body. Within seconds, all visible wounds vanished.
Moria stared at his restored body, speechless, like he had just woken from a dream.
Just like that—Ren had conquered Moonlight Moria.
Far away, a massive sword shadow descended from the heavens, cleaving downward toward Ryuma with unstoppable force!
But Ryuma mirrored the attack, channeling all his strength into one final blow.
With a thunderous clash, Ryuma was defeated.
The zombie samurai's body collapsed, his sword falling beside him.
And at that moment, a beam of light surged out from Ryuma's body—Brook's stolen shadow.
The shadow darted across the battlefield, flying back into Brook's body.
For the first time in decades, his shadow appeared under his feet.
Brook's empty sockets sparkled with joy.
"Hahaha~ It's back. My shadow is finally back!"
He twirled on the spot, dancing as light spilled beneath him.
"I can walk in the sun again… live in the light, not this cursed darkness."
He bowed deeply toward Ren.
"Thank you, Ren-sama… If not for you, I might've rotted here for eternity."
Meanwhile, at the Twin Capes…
Outside the lighthouse, Crocus lounged with a cup of tea and a newspaper. Sandals on his feet, he was enjoying the peace.
Then—
"Yohohohoho~"
A familiar voice echoed out of nowhere, startling Crocus so badly he fell back in his chair.
Ren and Brook appeared out of thin air before him, having teleported straight to the lighthouse.
"Crocus," Ren said with a grin. "I brought Brook. Let's go."
And just like that—they vanished again.