Three out of the four prominent sycophants had already arrived.
Ron couldn't help but wonder if the last one among them was Otherworld Tom or someone else entirely.
"Am I interrupting?" the two-faced turtle cautiously entered the tavern and inquired.
Turning to look, Rayleigh was both surprised and disheartened.
The surprise stemmed from encountering a turtle-like species that walked upright and spoke—something entirely unfamiliar to him.
The disappointment, however, arose because this double-sided turtle wasn't actually a turtle; otherwise, it would have made a substantial addition to a hearty soup.
With wolfberry turtle soup and tonic wine, Rayleigh would transform into an emotional powerhouse in the dead of night!
"No, please have a seat," Ron greeted with a smile.
The two-faced turtle, still vigilant against sudden threats, made his way to the bar and sat down, glancing around anxiously.
Ron inquired, "What would you like to drink?"
After a brief pause, the two-faced turtle replied softly, "I usually don't drink, just observe."
Shortly after, following Ron's suggestion, Rem presented a bottle of wine and placed it before the two-faced turtle.
"This is Xifeng wine, give it a try," Ron introduced.
As soon as the bottle was opened, the rich aroma of the wine enveloped the turtle's senses, leaving him somewhat intoxicated.
Despite its strength, Xifeng wine was colorless and transparent, possessing a robust yet not overpowering fragrance, with a lingering aftertaste.
Filling his glass, the two-faced turtle took a sip. The moment the wine caressed his throat, it enlivened every cell in his body, its sweetness and mellowness accentuated.
Combining fruity aromas with a hint of spice, the wine left the turtle struggling for words. After much contemplation, all he could manage was, "It tastes incredibly good."
"I'm glad you enjoyed it. You're welcome to visit here more often in the future," Ron replied with a smile.
The two-faced turtle nodded quietly, opting to remain silent. He continued to sip one cup after another, though his countenance appeared composed, a hint of sorrow lingered in his expression.
Within a span of less than thirty minutes, the wine bottle was nearing its end.
Observing this, Rayleigh utilized Haki to convey his thoughts discreetly to Ron, "Aren't you going to intervene? Perhaps, letting him continue might lead to something?"
"It's fine. Based on his demeanor, he seems to be grappling with a sense of failed connections," Ron shook his head.
Suddenly...
A loud "bang" resonated as the two-faced turtle slammed his claws onto the table. Under the influence of alcohol, his mind grew increasingly dizzy, forming double visions before him, eventually morphing into the image of Xiao Meimei.
"You were clearly saved by me. Why did you call out their names upon waking up?" murmured the two-faced turtle, unwillingly, tears involuntarily streaming down his cheeks.
In an instant, memories flooded his mind like a vivid slideshow.
Two-faced Turtle: "If you cry, your eyes will swell, and you won't be able to see me. If you can't see me, you'll feel even more uncomfortable."
Little Meimei: "I'd rather cry my eyes out than not see Bubbles and Aku!"
Two-Faced Turtle: "Your voice will surely recover, don't worry."
Little Meimei: "I'm not worried for myself, I'm worried for Bubbles. Two-faced Turtle, go make him happy."
Xiao Meimei: "I'm so tired."
Two-faced Turtle: "Climb on my back."
Xiao Meimei: "Your sorrow is so heavy; it could crush someone."
Two-faced Turtle: "It's okay; add some aquatic plants, and it'll soften."
Recalling these moments, the two-faced turtle broke down in tears.
"Ah, the sea is salty because of the tears shed by the two-faced turtle," Ron lamented internally.
"Are you considering giving up?" Rayleigh inquired calmly.
The two-faced turtle shook his head. "No... I'm just reluctant. Why does she always think about Bubbles?"
There came a moment when he, too, wished to take Xiao Meimei away. However, Xiao Meimei had rejected him, expressing her desire to find the real dragon with Bubbles. This left Rayleigh momentarily perplexed, unsure how to offer advice.
Hei Xiaohu was a villain, wielding power and wealth, enabling actions beyond the reach of ordinary people. The two-faced turtle, on the other hand, was different. Despite lacking strength, he was timid and shy. How could he pursue a woman?
At this point, Ron interjected with a smile. "Having a love rival isn't daunting. What's truly alarming is giving up, rendering all prior efforts futile."
"What should I do?" the two-faced turtle's eyes brightened.
"Change your timid demeanor, become braver and stronger than Bubbles!" Ron suggested calmly.
The turtle nodded fervently. "I'll change!"
But as soon as he voiced his determination, his countenance faltered again. "Forget it, I'll maintain the status quo. If I heed your advice, I might end up risking my life."
Rayleigh, hearing this, shook his head in helpless understanding.
Indeed, altering one's country is easier than changing one's nature.
"In that case, you'll only watch as Bubbles finds the real dragon, defeats the impostor, and wins the maiden," Ron didn't press further, smiling knowingly.
The two-faced turtle's eyes contracted sharply.
In the next instant, triangular scales surfaced on his forehead, flames enveloped his body, erupting with incredible force. As the flames surged, the alcohol within him evaporated.
Regaining composure, he declared in a resolute tone, "No! From today onward, I'll lead every battle against rogues!"
Observing this, Ron raised an eyebrow.
What a peculiar revelation!
Initially, Ron had little hope for the Two-Faced Turtle's capabilities. At most, it amounted to what could be called a tortoise punch. Unexpectedly, in this altered timeline, the Two-Faced Turtle acquired the Fire Dragon Scale, a delightful surprise.
"It should have been like this from the start. Girls admire heroes, not timid individuals," Ron remarked with a smile.
"Thank you, boss. I'll surely succeed," the Two-Faced Turtle affirmed, continually boosting his morale.
"Here's to your success," Rayleigh smiled, raising his glass.
"It's a definite success. Xiao Meimei is the rising sun, brightening my dark life," the turtle declared, finishing the remaining wine in one gulp.
"She shines in your eyes, yet you remain dim in hers," Ron silently shook his head.
"It's time for me to head back. Xiao Meimei and the others might worry if they realize I'm not around," the turtle said after leaving payment, slowly standing up.
"Visit again anytime," Ron stood up, bidding farewell.
With resolute eyes, the Two-Faced Turtle nodded and strode out of the tavern, returning to his own world.
"Why do such peculiar creatures frequent your tavern?" Rayleigh asked, a touch perplexed.
"I'm focused on business; who comes in doesn't concern me much," Ron casually evaded, secretly content.
Thankfully, it wasn't Tom Cat visiting today; otherwise, explanations would have been even more perplexing.
"It's too much for me to inquire," Rayleigh sighed. "Oh... I should go check on that reckless kid, Ace."
With those words, he left a stack of berries on the counter and departed the tavern slowly.
Shortly after Rayleigh's departure, the tavern door creaked open again. Hearing the sound, Ron looked up, offering a smile. "Welcome, Mr. Akainu."
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