"If you have a taste and find it to your liking, you'll turn your back and ignore me, won't you?"
In that moment, Gion finally grasped why Sister Tsuru warned her of potential losses. If Ron were to receive such a gift today, he would likely strut around without respecting anyone, and neither Gion nor the Marine could rein him in.
Rather than getting upset, Gion asked with a smile, "So, who do you think is more beautiful, me or the women you've encountered?"
Ron, feeling the lingering warmth in his palm, was about to reply when he noticed Gion's right hand on the hilt of the sword at her waist.
Prick...
The renowned sword Kimpira was partially unsheathed, and Ron could discern the faint sound of metal meeting Cambridge, an echoing discord in the tavern.
Damn, this is a dilemma. If I answer incorrectly, is she really going to kill me?
"Hmm... Beauty is all about appearance. A woman is like a piece of candy. You have to peel off the sugar coating to see the essence inside," Ron quipped, looking provocatively at Gion. "Can you peel off the icing?"
"Alright, I'll come to find you tonight," Gion responded simply.
Ron was taken aback. The intention behind his words was to dissuade Gion from pursuing the idea of recruiting him into the Marines. Instead, she seemed unfazed and ready to take him up on the offer.
"Are you afraid?" Gion held her cheek with one hand, gazing at Ron with captivating eyes. "I'm just a helpless woman. I don't know how to devour people."
Despite her seemingly innocent words, Ron couldn't shake off the feeling that this woman was far from helpless and that dealing with her might be more challenging than he anticipated.
Ron's expression darkened at Gion's claim.
"Nonsense! Since when do Marine Vice Admirals abstain from such things? And you, a Marine vice Admiral, claiming weak?" he retorted.
"Are you truly helpless?" Ron questioned, unimpressed.
Gion, with a smile, met Ron's gaze, saying, "Why not let me practice my skills? It's my first time, after all."
Snap! Ron reacted swiftly, slapping her face. "Sister, don't be like this; I'm still a child."
Seeing that Ron had given up, Gion ceased the topic and silently started drinking. The tavern descended into a contemplative silence until Gion, having finished the osmanthus wine, left without a word.
"What is she thinking?" Ron muttered as he watched her departing figure. The events of the day, especially Gion's unexpected kiss, had caught him off guard.
The unresolved issue lingered in Ron's mind: Gion hadn't paid for the drinks.
"Forget it, consider it a farewell to the bar," Ron sighed. If Gion went to the G-14 Marine branch in the New World, it might be a long time before he saw her again.
Just then, Rem's voice came from the kitchen, "Master, dinner is ready."
"Coming."
After dinner, Ron sat at the bar, opened the window, and enjoyed the cool breeze while observing the hustle and bustle of merchants and pirates in the port.
Um...
There was no denying that the women in the One Piece world were truly enigmatic!
Surveying the room, Ron noticed the presence of women who couldn't be easily tamed with just one hand. His excitement was interrupted when he picked up a razor to shave some stiff stubble.
As he brought the razor close to his chin and flicked the switch, a peculiar fishy smell filled the air. "Did you two use it?" Ron questioned, looking at Rem and Ram.
Both Rem and Ram shook their heads in confusion. Ron then turned his attention to Yoruichi, who was lounging on the bar. Their eyes met, and Yoruichi's demeanor immediately turned furious. "Meow!"
"Did you use the razor while I was sleeping?" Ron sighed, suggesting, "I could have done it for you."
The intent to cut was unmistakable in Yoruichi's eyes. Her golden pupils narrowed, and a faint red light flashed. As her sharp claws extended, seemingly ready to leave marks on Ron's face, the tavern doorbell rang.
Though no one had entered yet, a cold and sinister aura swept through the tavern arrogantly. The door creaked open slowly, revealing a tall figure with a dragon's body and head—a monster with a ferocious, flame-shaped face covered in barbs.
In response, Yoruichi glanced at the newcomer, retracted her claws, and curled up to resume her nap. Ron, rather than chasing the newcomer away, welcomed him with a smile. "Welcome, Mr. Holy Lord."
The Holy Lord—the primary antagonist in The Adventures of Cheng Long and one of the former rulers of that world.(Editor here: i think this is Shendu From Jackie Chan Adventures)
Even though the Holy Lord was a villain, Ron adhered to the principle that anyone who could afford to drink was welcome in his tavern, as long as they caused no trouble. With more villains expected to visit, maintaining peace was Ron's minimum requirement for his guests.
Intrigued by the Twelve Talismans of the Holy Lord, Ron greeted him warmly. "The voice that guided me here mentioned you appreciate good wine. You won't be disappointed. Please, have a seat."
The Holy Lord approached the bar and sat down, displaying an unexpected calmness. Rem then presented a bottle of wine, placing it in front of him. "Enjoy your wine at your own pace," she said, standing behind the Holy Lord with Ram, both vigilant.
The Holy Lord, appearing less surly than in the original work, received the wine gracefully. Ron, mindful of the dangerous aura surrounding the guest, and guided by his first rule of intestinal training—be cautious with dangerous guests—smiled and announced, "I'll be closing the shop today. Feel free to rest early."
Rem and Ram nodded, taking the black cat from the bar and heading to the backyard. Ron then introduced the wine to the Holy Lord, named Bawangzui. The Holy Lord, expressing an unusual gentleness, assured Ron, "Don't worry; I'm just here to enjoy the drink. I won't cause any trouble."
Smiling, Ron handed him another bottle and inquired, "Is something bothering you?"
The Holy Lord nodded, his voice carrying a tone of helplessness and bitterness. "Though not human, I am a father. In the past two years... I've come to realize that nothing in this world is more devastating than having a son."(Yup The Holy Lord might be Shendu and his son is Drago)