Shendu pulled a stool and sat down, patting the bar counter with a smile:
"Boss, give us three glasses of your best wine. We're here to enjoy today!"
Ron nodded and went to get the requested drinks. He poured three glasses of premium wine and placed them in front of Shendu, himself, and Drago.
As they sipped the wine, the atmosphere in the tavern became relaxed. Ron, being the observant host, decided to engage in conversation:
"So, Shendu, what brings you and your son here today? Just for a friendly visit?"
Shendu nodded and chuckled: "Partly for a visit, and partly for my son here to learn some manners. He's been causing quite a ruckus in the demon realm, so I thought exposing him to a more refined environment might do him good."
Drago, now sipping his wine with a sulky expression, grumbled, "Why do I need to learn manners? I'm powerful enough to crush anything in my way!"
Shendu sighed, shaking his head: "Strength alone is not enough, my son. In different realms, you must adapt and understand the rules. This tavern is a unique place, and its owner, Ron, is someone you should respect."
Ron couldn't help but smirk at the interaction between Shendu and his son. It was clear that even powerful beings had their family dynamics.
As the evening progressed, Drago slowly warmed up to the atmosphere. Ron shared stories, and even Drago couldn't resist sharing a few of his own wild adventures. It turned out that despite his rough exterior, he had faced formidable challenges in the demon realm.
Shendu raised his glass towards Ron: "Boss, thanks for accommodating us. I hope my son can learn a thing or two from your tavern."
Ron nodded, appreciating the sentiment: "It's my pleasure. Everyone is welcome here, as long as they follow the rules."
Drago, now more at ease, grinned: "Well, I might not fully understand the 'rules,' but I can appreciate a good drink. Cheers!"
And so, the unlikely trio continued their evening in the tavern, blending their unique energies into the already diverse ambiance of Ron's establishment.
Drago couldn't help but praise, "This wine is quite good. What kind of wine is this?"
Ron smiled, "It's a special wine I brew in this tavern. The ingredients and brewing process are a secret, but I'm glad you like it."
As Shendu and Drago continued to enjoy the wine, Ron noticed Drago's lingering curiosity. He decided to engage in conversation again, trying to understand the demon's perspective.
"By the way, Drago, have you ever been to the human world before? It's quite different from the demon realm, I'm sure."
Drago looked at Ron with a hint of suspicion but nodded, "Yeah, I've been there a couple of times. It's a boring place with weak creatures. What's the point of interacting with them?"
Ron chuckled, "Well, humans may seem weak in comparison, but they have their own strengths and uniqueness. Just like the demon realm has its distinct features, each realm has something special to offer."
Shendu, who had been quietly listening, added, "It's essential to understand and respect the differences among realms. Learning from others can broaden your perspective and make you more powerful in the long run."
Drago snorted, still not fully convinced, but he decided to listen quietly and observe.
As the night went on, the atmosphere in the tavern remained friendly. Rem and Ram occasionally joined the conversation, sharing stories and laughter.
Eventually, Ron decided to lighten the mood with a proposition, "How about a friendly contest? I have a few games in mind. It could be a good way to relax and understand each other better."
Drago's eyes gleamed with interest, "Games? I'm in! What are we playing?"
Ron grinned, "We'll start with a simple one. Let's see who can finish a plate of spicy Devil Fruit wings the fastest. What do you think?"
Drago's eyes lit up at the challenge, "Spicy wings? Sounds interesting. Bring it on!"
And so, the tavern transformed into a lively competition ground as they set up the spicy wing challenge. The night continued with laughter, camaraderie, and the shared joy of friendly competition.
Ron took this opportunity to intervene, "Well, it seems like a good time for a fresh start. Why don't you two focus on building a better relationship rather than dwelling on the past? After all, you're family."
Both Shendu and Drago looked at Ron in surprise. Ron continued, "Life is short, and holding grudges only makes it shorter. Enjoy the good moments, make amends, and cherish the time you have together."
The atmosphere in the tavern turned thoughtful, and for the first time in a long while, the father and son exchanged a genuine smile. Shendu patted Drago on the back, "From now on, no more fighting. Let's make amends and build a better future together."
Drago nodded, genuinely moved by Ron's words. The tension that lingered for years seemed to dissipate in that moment. Ron raised his glass, "To new beginnings and family!"
They clinked their glasses, and Shendu, Drago, and Ron shared a moment of unity. The rest of the night was filled with laughter, shared stories, and a newfound camaraderie.
As the night drew to a close, Ron bid farewell to his guests, "Thank you both for the wonderful company tonight. You're welcome in my tavern anytime."
Shendu smiled, "We'll surely visit more often. Thank you, Ron."
Drago grunted in agreement, still adjusting to the change in dynamics but looking forward to a different future.
With their departure, the tavern returned to its calm atmosphere. Ron sat at the bar, reflecting on the unexpected turn of events. Little did he know that his words had sown the seeds of change in the relationship between Shendu and Drago.
As Ron cleaned up the tavern and prepared to close for the night, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. The tavern had once again become a place where bonds were forged and stories unfolded. Little did he know that more adventures and intriguing characters awaited him in the days to come.
Rayleigh's eyes widened, watching the unexpected scene unfold before him. Ron raised an eyebrow, puzzled by the sudden outburst of violence.
Shendu looked at his rebellious son, who had just flown across the tavern, and sighed deeply, "Reckless child. I'll let you have a taste of the Tiger Talisman's power. Maybe then you'll think twice about challenging me."
Rayleigh chuckled, "Guess that's one way to deal with a rebellious offspring."
Drago struggled to get up, his eyes wide open in shock. Shendu pointed a finger at him, and suddenly, the air around Drago seemed to freeze. He dropped to the ground, unable to move.
"What... what is this?" Rayleigh asked, witnessing the mysterious power of the Tiger Talisman.
Ron explained, "It's one of Shendu's abilities. The Tiger Talisman allows him to exert control over others, temporarily paralyzing them. Quite a handy skill, especially when dealing with unruly children."
Rayleigh nodded, understanding the situation better. Shendu approached his son, who was frozen on the floor, and spoke sternly, "Learn your lesson, and next time, think twice before challenging your father."
Drago nodded vigorously, a mix of fear and regret in his eyes. Ron couldn't help but think that this family reunion was turning out to be more eventful than he had anticipated.
As Shendu released his son from the spell, Drago stood up, a bit more respectful this time. Rayleigh took a sip of his wine, Tohruoughly entertained by the unique dynamics of the tavern.
Shendu turned to Ron, "Sorry about that. It seems our family has a tendency to air its dirty laundry in public."
Ron chuckled, "No need to apologize. Every family has its quirks. As long as you sort them out peacefully, that's what matters."
Rayleigh raised his glass, "To family and its quirks."
They clinked their glasses, and Shendu's family troubles seemed to dissipate momentarily in the warm atmosphere of the tavern. As the night continued, stories were shared, and the unexpected gathering became one for the books in Ron's tavern. Little did they know that more adventures awaited them, and the bonds formed in the tavern would play a significant role in the events to come.