Lina a Reno's side, as he struggled to stand she helped him to his feet, letting him lean on her. However, Reno had a sour look, stating, "No."

Lina blinked. "Eh? But..."

"You somehow got out of danger, but he still endangered you and Lino. The two of you could have been killed."

Lina stated, "They tried to capture us and I fought them off! We were fine! And Lino's with Suan now, so they're safe."

"That's still not the kind of person I want calling the shots when it comes to our home!" Lina wasn't happy, but she didn't have a retort either. Giving Lina a somber look, he noted, "You...never used to argue with me before."

Lina looked to him, before saying, "Well, I never thought you were wrong before..."

Reno turned to Chester for a moment, then he pushed Lina away, standing on his own, though he was clearly straining. Standing as tall as he could, he began to walk back to the Azure compound, Lina following after him.

After a few minutes of Reno bleeding his way in, refusing outside help, he reentered Momo's chamber as those less wounded were starting to regain their bearings. Among them were Momo, who visibly flinched upon spotting Chester and Reno, and among the grunts there were a few foreigners, along with some islanders who'd been dragged into the fold. They had tried to recruit Reno those months ago, but he had refused them, and had earned their ire ever since.

"[i]Now[/i] you want to talk," Momo grumbled, patting a wet rag over her swollen face.

"[i]I[/i] want to talk," Reno said. Breathing heavily, he reached down, snatching the black coat off of one of Momo's Lieutenants, throwing it over his shoulders. "Let me join the Azure Company."

"Wh-what!?" Lina gaped.

Reno insisted, "Chester's plan isn't going to solve anything. He's not going to stay here to fight for us the rest of his life, and I'm not strong enough. Even if he beats Cerulean, there's still three other Companies. They play dirty: they'll find some way to win. What then? Even if they're all beaten, how long until another group comes along that I can't beat?"

Lina's face was stern, and she gripped her sword, but Reno silenced her, stating, "I beat the man you had outside. I'm not in good shape but I'm the one standing. I'm at least the level of your lieutenants."

Momo droned, "I suppose I can't argue that." Reno was silent as she pondered for a moment. Momo sighed, "You'll be lobbying for better business practices on our end, won't you? Cerulean won't be happy, but I'm in no position to refuse your offer to join. It's just a shame all your islanders were so weak. Maybe you'd have had more say."

Reno flinched, before saying, "Six years ago...we were the ones who ran, because we were weak. That's why we lived when all our friends, older brothers, fathers..." Standing it bit taller, he said, "But I'm not like that anymore. Never again."

Turning, he had a sharp intake of breath as he looked to Chester, stating, "And I'm making you an honorary member of the Azure Company."

...

"[b][i]WHAT!?[/i][/b]" Lina, Momo, and the Azure Company cried simultaneously.

Reno stated, "And until someone representing the Azure Company beats you, I officially represent Melonberry Island's interests within the Azure Company. No more sugar monopolies, no more forced recruitment." Momo gnashed her teeth, but there was not a word of protest from her lips.

Lina was clearly a bit bewildered. Looking down at her sword, she said, "Then what...am I supposed to do?" Glaring at Reno, she demanded, "Let me join too!"

Shaking his head, Reno began, "You're not joining the Azure Company. You're above that. You're above me. Yesterday was the first time I saw you smile in six years. That's my fault."

Raising a finger, he jabbed it at Chester, remarking, "What kinda pirate do you think you can be without a crew? Lina's better in a fight than I am, and she's a damn good cook to boot."

"Eh? Eh!?" Lina gasped.

"Don't you mess it up," Reno sputtered, before his feet finally gave way, and he crashed to his knees.

While Lina sank to his side, Momo raised her hand. "Get him some medical treatment, along with everyone else." She sighed, "He's one of us, after all."

While the voices of those celebrating were few, cheers from the islanders once oppressed rang out through the building.