Ron, taken aback by the unexpected revelation about the 'dog licking' characteristic of the upcoming guests from other worlds, couldn't help but smile wryly. He realized that this trait might signify individuals with unrequited affection or persistent but unsuccessful romantic pursuits.
Recalling Tokikake's ninety nine failed confessions of love to Gion, Ron empathized with the admiral's plight. To him, this wasn't merely dog licking behavior but an expression of unfulfilled desires. However, he mused that a 'licking dog,' if treated with care, might refrain from such actions in the future, displaying a touch of loneliness and sensitivity.
Tokikake, sensing something unusual, turned to glance at Ron, who met his gaze with pity tinged in his eyes, making the military man uncomfortable.
Frustrated by Tokikake's scrutiny, Ron thought, 'Who gave you the right to look at me like that? Do you realize the consequences of provoking me?'
Just as Tokikake was about to inquire, two petite maid clad girls approached him. Rem softly inquired about his drink preference while Ram gestured towards the bar, inviting him to take a seat.
Tokikake scrutinized the twins, recognizing their stunning beauty comparable to Gion. He surveyed the opulent tavern, the sole customer present, an anomaly that struck him as odd even for Mariejois standards.
Sensing something amiss, Tokikake's suspicions grew. Meanwhile, Ron observed the situation with satisfaction, acknowledging the success of his plans.
One hour of daily training was beneficial, but Ron contemplated the need for moderation to prevent wear and tear on the body.
Softly addressing Tokikake, Ron presented a bottle of wine that he thought would satisfy the admiral's taste. Tokikake, surprised by the sudden voice, turned to find Ron at the bar, holding a bottle of Erguotou, a prominent Chinese spirit.
As Ron uncorked the bottle, its rich aroma filled the tavern, even stunning Tokikake, who was no stranger to alcohol. Rem and Ram, affected by the fragrance, blushed slightly.
Regaining composure, Tokikake sat at the bar, complimenting the quality of the wine, comparing it to that stored in the Five Elders' cellar. Ron, pleased with the reaction, slid the glass towards Tokikake, urging him to enjoy the drink.
Despite Ron's familiarity with Erguotou from his previous life, its current fragrant quality surprised him. He pondered whether the wines he'd consumed previously were inferior or counterfeit.
Without hesitation, Tokikake raised the glass and took a sip. The moment the wine touched his lips, his eyes widened. Despite its strength, the drink possessed a delicate balance of flavors—sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy—enveloping his palate in a delightful experience.
As an admiral within the Marines, Tokikake had sampled numerous fine wines in the seas. However, this particular wine...
Compared to any other wines I've had, they don't even deserve to be mentioned in the same breath!
In that moment, Tokikake found himself regretting. How could he possibly enjoy any other alcohol after savoring this drink at Ron's tavern?
Reflecting on this, Tokikake gave a wry smile, acknowledging the wine's exceptional quality. "This glass of wine's taste might stay with me for a lifetime," he praised.
Ron pushed the wine bottle towards him, suggesting, "A single glass of great wine brings happiness to the world. Since it's delightful, why not have more?"
Recognizing that just one glass wouldn't suffice, especially given Tokikake's capacity, Ron contemplated the need to get the admiral sufficiently intoxicated for any meaningful confidences or dealings.
"Then, I won't hold back," Tokikake agreed, consuming most of the bottle within ten minutes. As the alcohol took effect, his tiredness was replaced by a flush of intoxication, accentuated by a newly lit cigarette and a cloud of smoke around his face.
"Boss, have you ever loved a woman?" Tokikake inquired, fixating his gaze on Ron, perhaps prompted by the alcohol or a genuine curiosity.
Ron shook his head lightly, admitting, "Not yet."
Moments later, an air of melancholy filled the tavern. Rem looked at Ron with sadness while Ram and Rem appeared disheartened, their hopes reflected in their eyes.
Ram, envious of the mature woman passing by the tavern, asked when they would grow up like her. Rem comforted her, promising that their time would come.
Witnessing the exchange between the twins, Tokikake felt a sense of envy. He lifted the wine bottle, took a sip, and raised his almost extinguished cigarette.
The conversation took an interesting turn as Tokikake pondered about the taste of his next cigarette. Ron, bemused by the alcohol induced discussions, found Rem and Ram inquiring about Tokikake's state of inebriation.
Ron, drawing from his observations in the animal world, attributed Tokikake's condition to the aftermath of repeated failed courtship attempts. Tokikake, startled by Ron's analysis, internally acknowledged the truth in Ron's words while urging him to refrain from discussing it openly.
As Tokikake continued drinking, his speech became sporadic. He confessed a longstanding love for a girl, his heart unchanged since joining the Marines. Despite making over 90 unsuccessful confessions, he remained resolute in his affections.
Drunk and overwhelmed, Tokikake slumped onto the bar counter, haunted by memories of past rejections. In a haze, he murmured a marriage proposal, emphasizing his enduring love.
Ron, resigned to Tokikake's persistence, remarked on his status as a committed 'licking dog,' suggesting that the girl still remained uninterested despite Tokikake's unwavering dedication. Enraged by this remark, Tokikake abruptly claimed that the rejections were tests and that Gion, the girl in question, actually held affection for him.
As Tokikake's temper flared, alcohol clouded his judgment, fueling a mix of resentment and aggression. Ron, witnessing the escalating situation, lamented the sensitivity of a drunken 'licking dog.'
Moments later, a colossal fist, fueled by Tokikake's inebriated rage, loomed in front of Ron.