Under the affectionate gaze of Tokikake, Gion slowly made her way to the bar and took a seat, promptly declining without hesitation:
"This marks my hundredth rejection; the two of us are not compatible."
Tokikake, upon hearing her response, froze in place.
Those few words felt like a dagger piercing directly into his heart, drawing blood with ruthless precision.
Though the stunned moments were brief, Tokikake seemed to have concluded everything with that single statement.
He discreetly stowed away the ring, the previous inner turmoil vanishing from his eyes.
Despite the pain, a sense of relief seemed to accompany it.
Rising slowly, he turned away from Gion as if resolved, not looking back.
With graceful steps akin to that of a dragon and tiger, the Justice Cloak fluttered in the breeze behind him.
"Mr. Tokikake, you haven't settled your bill," Ram's gentle voice echoed suddenly as Tokikake was leaving the tavern, causing him to nearly stumble.
Did you have to be this dedicated? You're ruining my carefree image!
"I'll cover his tab." Hei Xiaohu produced two gold ingots, handing them to the bar counter before following swiftly.
"Brother Tokikake, a heart may be costly, but it's invaluable when given to the right person."
"Remember what I just said. You and I might be among the most devoted, but devotion is the most touching yet least understood emotion," Hei Xiaohu imparted.
Ron gave Hei Xiaohu an odd glance.
Did you misinterpret the concept of "Dog Licker" like this? I don't know how to lick while I'm licking, and now I'm just another dog among dogs.
Ron contemplated heading to the theater but reconsidered.
On another note, Tokikake had brought along two abilities and a substantial sum of 30 million Berry for himself.
Using Armament Haki to transmit his thoughts directly to Tokikake, Ron offered a poignant message:
"There's a distinction between being subservient and being affectionate."
"One touched me, and the other moved others. Though your affections and persistence are free, they are in no way insignificant."
"Understood, I owe you a drink!" Tokikake didn't turn back, walking silently into the distance.
Ron's watchfulness and Hei Xiaohu's counsel left Tokikake contemplating a lot in that moment, a lot...
Thinking traditionally...
He's just a vice Admiral, a candidate of an Admiral in the Marines. Obviously, there are many opportunities out there. Why fixate on a single opportunity?
And if he ponders righteousness, it's about fulfilling Gion. She wasn't wrong; she consistently refused from start to finish. Similarly, it also fulfills the younger self who joined the Marines, aspiring to be a Marine hero!
Upon reflection, tears unconsciously slipped down Tokikake's cheeks.
It appears this is what it feels like to relinquish feelings for someone you've adored for over 20 years. It's akin to watching a fire reduce the house you've lived in for years to ashes. He gazes into the distance, sensing the despair of seeing the wreckage and the dust—knowing it was home but unable to return.
Inside the tavern, Hei Xiaohu, after returning to the bar, didn't linger. After a drink, he placed the only two gold ingots left in his pocket on the counter.
"Although I didn't meet old Mr. Rayleigh today, I met Tokikake. That's a blessing," he expressed.
"Visit another time," Ron bid farewell with a smile. "You're always welcome."
Once Hei Xiaohu departed, Gion, who had been silent, lightly tapped her cheeks.
"Boss i will have a glass of wine, just serve it casually," she suggested.
"That's the Plum Bar," Ron replied, turning and retrieving a bottle of wine from the liquor cabinet. "It's a fruit wine made from red bayberry, rock sugar, and rice wine—quite suitable for women."
Uncorking the bottle, a sweet, elegant scent of bayberry wafted out. If one paid attention, a hint of lemon fragrance mingled within it.
Pouring the wine into a glass, Ron pushed it towards Gion.
"Give it a try."
"I hope it lives up to your description." Gion lifted the wine glass, parting her lips slightly and taking a sip.
Gulp...
As the wine flowed down her throat, a gleam flickered in Gion's eyes.
This is truly unlike any fruit wine she's tasted before. The taste, amplified with fruity sweetness, coupled with the robust alcohol content, blended in a way that was particularly intoxicating.
"This wine is truly exquisite," she nodded approvingly. Drinking seemed to add a languid quality to her otherwise clear voice.
Ron grinned. "If you like it, drink more. This wine can enhance your skin."
"Enhance, huh?" Gion shook her head, crossing her long legs like a graceful white python as she leaned back in her chair, the pink shirt stretched tightly over her ample chest.
"I am a soldier. What you're talking about has no relevance to me. Perhaps... when this sea is finally rid of its troubles, I might develop a taste for such things that a regular woman would enjoy."
With those words, Gion raised her glass and downed its contents in one go.
This woman is a genuine hawk-eyed general... Ron arched an eyebrow curiously and asked:
"You're Vice Admiral Tsuru little sister. Why subject yourself to such a strenuous life?"
Despite Tsuru being just a Vice Admiral, she's not only a formidable figure from the old era but also holds another position as a Marine General Staff Officer. Even Sengoku often considers her opinions.
With such a strong background, she could easily secure a high position and accumulate achievements that are hard for ordinary folks to attain in their lifetime. Moreover, being a woman, it's odd for her to speak of cleansing the sea.
"Interested in my story?" Gion twirled a strand of hair with verdant fingers, her eyes narrowed.
Ron nodded subtly, while internally complaining:
I always agree to everything without much thought.
"I'm not Tsuru biological sister; she adopted me," Gion explained slowly, finishing her glass of wine.
"I've lived in a New World fishing village since childhood, making a living through year-round fishing."
"Because we couldn't afford the 'sea tac' imposed by the pirates, the fishing village was pillaged. Most villagers were killed, including my parents."
"Finally, Sister Tsuru came, rescued me, and took me away. I was only ten years old at that time."
As Gion concluded her story, a hint of scarlet flashed in her otherwise clear and bright eyes. "Since then, cleansing the sea has been my greatest ambition."
"No matter the method, there's always a price to pay!" Ron realized, "No wonder you haven't pursued Tokikake."
Consider Gion: she's a dedicated hawk, unwavering in her pursuit of absolute justice. In the same vein, hawks disdain moderates like Tokikake.
"That's just part of the reason," Gion poured herself another glass of wine, speaking calmly. "After he proposed to marry me, he suggested I take a step back and lead a life focused on being a wife and raising children."
"But in my view, even if I were to marry Tokikake and have children, as long as the is not in peace, even if he were to stop me, I'd still become soemone that will cleanse the sea"
After a pause, Gion sipped her wine and gazed at Ron with captivating eyes. "He would understand me, don't you think?"
Ron was momentarily stunned, almost uttering a curse.
The Marine beauty seated opposite him suddenly vanished. Next, a pair of gentle hands reached out from his side, attempting to touch Ron's cheek.
Slightly perturbed, Ron frowned and turned his face away. Did he appear casual? The four big words for "gentleman" apply to me, Ron!
Observing Ron's reaction, Gion smiled lazily, her voice soft in his ears. "You would definitely agree with my actions, wouldn't you?"
As she spoke, she gently exhaled, emitting a mature woman's distinctive breath—moist, warm, fragrant, but not frivolous.
Ron shivered involuntarily, attempting to keep his composure. The situation teetered on a standoff.
Suddenly, Gion laughed coyly, a hint of blush from the wine appearing on her delicate face. "I'm just kidding. Don't take it seriously. I wouldn't bear to see you meet your demise."
With that said, she settled back into her seat and resumed drinking.
Ron sighed deeply, inwardly cursing.
"Unpredictable—she's absolutely unpredictable!"