When witnessing a dog licker itself, do you see it with teary eyes?
This is quite a revelation!
Ron was having his meal when he glanced at two individuals exchanging what seemed like affectionate looks, suddenly feeling a chill.
"Boss, I've going to buy a drink for this fellow here," Tokikake proclaimed grandly.
"No need," Hei Xiaohu shook his head slightly.
Despite the refusal, there were subtle differences. Hei Xiaohu not only shed the indifference he initially displayed but also promptly took a seat beside Tokikake.
"What would you both like to drink?" Ram asked softly.
Hei Xiaohu and Tokikake simultaneously responded, "The same as last time."
Ron thought to himself, "...Is this the unspoken understanding between flatterers?"
Meanwhile, Ram walked over to the wine cabinet, retrieved two bottles of Maotai, and placed them before the pair, stating, "Take your time with these drinks."
Following that, Ram served some more food, offering it to Tokikake.
Tokikake, without hesitation, devoured the food, leaving the bowl appearing as though it had just been cleaned.
It was evident that he had been truly exhausted these past few days.
However, hard work consistently pays off. Ace and Blackbeard's gang were displaying signs of weariness, indicating that the Marine would soon close in on them.
Thinking about forgiving the debt of 30 million Berry, Tokikake felt a sense of relief.
At that moment, Ron, now content with food and wine, strolled to the bar and smilingly inquired of Hei Xiaohu, "Did you make any progress?"
Hei Xiaohu nodded silently and after contemplating for a while, slowly revealed, "I instructed my friend to enlist an prostitute and harass Hongmao throughout the journey."
"Blue Rabbit seemed to have caught wind of something and wanted to chase away the prostitute, but Rainbow Cat intervened."
"This morning, news arrived that the prostitute had sneaked into Hongmao's sleeping quarters last night. Blue Rabbit found out about of this. Despite her lack of visible emotion, it was clear she was extremely furious."
Although their plan didn't achieve instant success, this small triumph greatly exhilarated Hei Xiaohu.
"A true villain indeed..." Ron's eyelids twitched. "You certainly have a knack for this."
Rayleigh had only intended to stir up a bit of trouble.
Unexpectedly, Hei Xiaohu was able to deduce from a single incident and get an prostitute involved.
It's quite impressive!
Regardless of whether he's good or bad, I really admire him...
However, if Hei Xiaohu hadn't taken this action, the story would have still progressed. He might have met his end in a minefield shortly after.
The tavern would have lost more than just one affluent patron.
I can't acquire other abilities from Hei Xiaohu any longer, which is truly a shame.
"Can you still manage this?" Tokikake also appeared puzzled.
If this had happened to Gion,
The prostitute would have unquestionably been dragged out and subjected to a half-hour punishment.
"Thanks to the old man named Rayleigh and Ron, I simply followed their instructions," Hei Xiaohu remarked casually.
He understands.
The revolution hasn't succeeded yet; this is merely a small step towards success.
"So, it was the old man."
Tokikake showed no surprise. Sengoku had already briefed everyone yesterday about everything that had occurred since he arrived at the tavern.
It could be overlooked.
"That's..." Tokikake's eyes suddenly widened, pointing at the longsword on the wall resembling a Western blade.
"Roger's saber, why is it here?!"
Initially, Tokikake thought he had been mistaken.
But the intimidating aura unintentionally emanating from the unsheathed blade bore such resemblance to the like of the Five Elders!
"Rayleigh gave it to me. What, does the Marine want it?" Ron quipped, "The friend price is 30 billion Berry, you can have it now."
Cha Dou looked embarrassed. "Forget it, 30 billion is the Marine's annual military budget."
You could clearly seize it, yet you handed me a knife.
For 30 billion, you could buy the lives of the Four Emperors and receive a Golden Lion as a bonus!
"Don't take it seriously; it's merely a decoration and not for sale," Ron chuckled.
Tokikake: "!!!"
You truly deserve to perish.
If I had the power to defeat you, you'd be facing the same fate!
Frustrated by Ron, Tokikake had no choice but to steer the conversation towards Hei Xiaohu, who was deeply engrossed in drinking.
"Hey, little brother."
"From what you're saying, it seems like we're in the same boat. You love a woman, but you can't help it, right?"
Hei Xiaohu took a gulp of wine and smiled wryly.
"Ever since Blue Rabbit saved me, she's been in my heart."
"Since then, I've expressed my feelings and taken actions, but all I've received is rejection."
"Haha... the sunset will always fall upon her, but I am not her light."
As he spoke, he tapped his chest hard.
"A lot has happened since then, and gradually... I found myself becoming less and less like my usual self."
"Becoming what I originally despised."
"I don't understand, how can I be inferior to Hongmao? Family background, power, wealth, sincerity, character... how can I fall short?"
After expressing this, Hei Xiaohu's expression grew more and more pained, as if his fiancée had eloped with Mr. Wang from next door.
That kind of anger and despair was deeply moving.
Tokikake also chuckled bitterly. In comparison, his own situation was much better.
At least...
I don't have a love rival.
"We're pretty much alike. The woman I adore went from being an innocent little flower to the current successor, a vice Admiral."
Tokikake lit a cigarette and smoked half of it in one breath, as though he had reached a significant decision.
"I've confessed my love ninety-nine times. If the hundredth attempt still fails, I'll... give up!"
It's not that Tokikake is disheartened, but rather, he's exhausted.
Over twenty years of waiting.
From the time Gion was a pure and naive girl to the present successor vice Admiral.
The bitterness of rejection each time, as well as the emotional investment, have left Tokikake physically and mentally drained.
And Ron's words had such a profound impact on him that they still reverberated in his mind.
"Women will only affect your Haki strength... Don't dwell on any romantic nonsense; your mission is to save this sea!"
So... one last try!
Success, and everyone's happy.
Failure, then it's time to train diligently from now on and rekindle the ambition you once held!
"I hope you find success," Hei Xiaohu raised his glass.
"Here's to us, two of the most devoted men in the world!" Tokikake also raised his wine glass and proclaimed loudly.
Ding...
The clinking of wine glasses created a crisp and delightful sound.
After downing a few glasses of wine, Tokikake and Hei Xiaohu engaged in extensive conversation.
From their enlistment in the Marines to their current positions as vice Admirals.
From a naive boy to Hei Xiaohu's five-year seclusion, evolving into an unparalleled martial arts master!
Ron didn't interrupt this exchange and simply observed the two conversing quietly.
Indeed...
Individuals of similar backgrounds are naturally drawn to each other, and cliques like dog lickers are no exception.
Suddenly, the mechanical voice of the system resonated in Ron's mind:
[Ding, customer Tokikake, Hei Xiaohu has finished speaking.]
[Customer Hei Xiaohu: Black Heart Palm, Star Absorbing Technique... Host can choose an ability.]
"The names are quite awkward," Ron muttered, covering his face. "Choose the star-absorbing technique."
As for Tokikake's ability, Ron deliberated and finally settled on "Marine Six Styles," an ability he didn't possess.
At that moment, the door slowly creaked open, and Gion entered, catching Ron's attention with her long, porcelain-white legs.
Today, she wore a justice cloak that accentuated her already tall figure, her long black hair adding allure.
Her almond-shaped phoenix eyes were bright and enchanting.
Not only were the epaulets on her justice cloak and the lining of her shirt pink, but her lips also sported pink lip gloss, adding a raw allure to her appearance.
Her high heels clicked on the floor, creating a familiar melody for Tokikake, causing him to instinctively turn his head to look.
Their eyes met.
Under the influence of alcohol, Tokikake found himself half-kneeling on the ground without hesitation.
Swiftly, he retrieved another ring from his pocket and declared affectionately:
"Gion, this marks my hundredth confession of love."
"I intended to wait, but the moment I turned my head and saw you just now, I knew I couldn't delay any longer."