Vice Admiral Tokikake seethed with anger. The revelation of Gion's disinterest felt like exposing a long guarded secret. He likened himself to a vain emperor exposed by a child shouting about the lack of clothes. While the immediate conflict ended there, Tokikake's Minksy brewed, imagining himself as the emperor seeking retribution against the child.
Eager to attack Ron, Tokikake lunged forward with a forceful punch, intending to unleash Armament Haki. However, Ron, unfazed, readied himself and delivered a counter punch, skillfully deflecting the incoming blow.
The collision of fists sent Tokikake crashing backward, shattering tables and chairs before being expelled from the tavern. Rem and Ram, astonished by Ron's unexpected strength, paused, questioning the true extent of Ron's abilities.
Intrigued by Rem's meteor hammer, still seemingly hidden within her maid's outfit, Ron mused about its concealment, planning to delve deeper into this mystery later.
As Ron stepped out of the tavern, Tokikake, inebriated and with a slurred voice, persisted in his delusion that Gion must harbor affection for him. He rationalized her lack of marriage as a sign of waiting for him, believing in the more than decade long commitment (or rather, "licking" for over a decade).
Amidst Tokikake's rise from a lowly marine to a vice Admiral, hearing a stranger claim Gion didn't like him struck a his nerve, causing immense emotional pain. Ron, murmuring about Tokikake's prolonged and relentless pursuit, half joked about his commendable dedication in the realm of 'dog licking,' unknowingly pricking the vice Admiral's sensitive feelings.
Tokikake, though inebriated, caught Ron's words sharply through Observation Haki, fueling his growing anger. Rejecting the notion of being called a 'dog licker,' he harnessed his Armament Haki, embodying a shift from a submissive persona to that of a fierce combatant.
As Tokikake's rage peaked, a sudden mechanical prompt interrupted the tense atmosphere. It indicated that Gion, the subject of Tokikake's affections, would soon visit the tavern. Additionally, the system presented Ron with a choice of abilities—Armament Haki, Observation Haki, or Marine Six Styles.
Choosing Armament Haki, Ron felt a chilling sensation coursing through his body. Swiftly employing the newfound ability, he collided with Tokikake's attack, unleashing an explosive force akin to multiple cannonballs, causing rampant destruction and creating a crack on the ground.
The sheer impact of their clash reverberated, leaving behind a trail of chaos and destruction in their wake.
The intense clash brought a moment of clarity to Tokikake, realizing the tavern owner's strength was on par with his own, despite Ron being entangled in Armament Haki. However, before he could process this revelation, an explosive shockwave erupted outward, causing both to recoil from the impact.
While Tokikake took a defensive stance, demanding Ron's identity and threatening to take him to Marine Headquarters, Ron, in a surprising turn, initiated a sudden move. He swiftly grabbed Tokikake, propelling both of them forward.
Caught off guard, Tokikake found himself hoisted on Ron's shoulders, then forcibly driven into the ground with tremendous force. The resulting impact tore the ground below, resonating throughout Area 13 with a violent tremor.
Meanwhile...
In that moment, the chaos subsided, and Tokikake succumbed to an unceremonious slumber. Ron stood over him, his words echoing in the quiet aftermath of their clash, delivering a poignant truth to the drunken Marine.
The sense of romantic yearning was nothing compared to the steadfast duty of protecting the seas. Ron's words were a profound revelation to the slumbering Tokikake, resonating deeply within his unconscious mind.
Meanwhile, Rayleigh appeared at the edge of the scene, watching the aftermath of the clash between Ron and Tokikake. He observed silently, his wise eyes reflecting an understanding of the gravity behind the tavern owner's words.
As Tokikake lay unconscious in the deep pit, Ron glanced at the fallen Marine, nodding faintly. Then, he turned and headed back to his tavern.
But...
The silence in the area was suddenly interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps.
Rayleigh, having approached the scene, bent over Tokikake and checked his condition. A thoughtful expression crossed his face, contemplating the situation before gently lifting Tokikake over his shoulders.
Rayleigh took a moment to glance at Ron, a faint but meaningful smile on his face before he turned to leave, carrying the unconscious Marine backup Admiral away from the scene.
Meanwhile, inside the [Tavern]...
Rem and Ram were cleaning the bar counter. Ron came in and patted the dust off his clothes, sighing lightly.
"A storm always brews in this sea..."
He murmured under his breath, preparing to resume the normal operations of his tavern after the dramatic events that had unfolded.