"Gion, you didn't depart?"
Ron expressed his surprise. Wasn't this vice admiral transferred out of Marine HQ to the G-14 Marine branch? Why return now?
However, Gion remained silent. In the quiet room, Ron could only discern the rustling sound of garments hitting the floor. Soon, a sleek, plump figure slipped into the bed.
Cutting straight to the point, the night progressed with the bed creaking and groaning until darkness engulfed them, and then the sounds ceased.
...
Early the following morning, despite a night of intense activity, Ron was still in the embrace of sleep. Rem's insistent voice echoed outside the door:
"Master, it's time for breakfast."
"Hmm?"
Ron slowly opened his eyes and, with sudden vigor, rose from the bed.
"You've got quite the energy," remarked Gion in her husky voice, fully dressed and casting a meaningful glance toward Ron's lower abdomen.
"It's fine, it's fine." Ron smiled awkwardly, hastily dressing. The resilience of a dragon's physique was remarkable! Despite the night's exertions, there was no longer any soreness in his waist or pain in his legs, and he still had abundant energy.
Gion, on the other hand, seemed to exhibit signs of fatigue with the slightest movement, her body stiff as though recovering from a substantial ordeal.
Well, last night could indeed be likened to a significant battle.
"I'm heading out. Until next time," Gion grinned Charmingly, scattered a handful of berries on the bed from her pocket, and leapt out of the window, much like the last time.
What did this audacious woman think of him?
"Pffft... nausea!" Ron vehemently criticized the audacious behavior in his thoughts, all the while happily counting the money.
"System, produce the Ice Teigu." Following the money count, Ron softly instructed the system.
As his voice subsided, a golden cup filled with a liquid of ice-blue hue materialized in Ron's hand. The liquid purportedly hailed from a highly perilous species residing in the far north. Everyone, save Esdeath, who imbibed it reportedly went mad.
Without hesitation, Ron downed the entire concoction.
*Gulp...*
As the liquid slid down his throat, an intense cold spread through Ron's limbs, an almost instantaneous, ultimate cold. Not only did Ron's entire body become encased in ice, but the room also bore witness to a thick layer of frost.
This sensation persisted only briefly, dissipating after a few minutes. Ron promptly extended his palm, and an ice crystal instantly formed. A swift "swish" later, the ice projectile embedded itself directly into the wall.
"Satisfactory." Ron nodded, whispering to himself, "I wonder, though, which is mightier: the ice magic of the three dragon clans, Frozen Fruit, or the Ice Teigu?"
Having freshened up, Ron made his way to the pub from the backyard, preparing for breakfast. A casual glance backward revealed Rem, Ram, and Tohru sporting severe dark circles under their eyes, as if they had a sleepless night.
Lucoa yawned, appearing listless, and even Yoruichi, in her black cat form, lowered her eyebrows, shooting Ron a disdainful look as she passed by.
"Did you sleep well?" Ron inquired softly.
Rem, Ram, and Tohru blushed, shaking their heads. "What do you think?" Lucoa replied with a smile.
Ron seemed to recall something, and his aged face immediately reddened. He lowered his head, silently sipping his porridge.
Last night...
It was indeed a bit unsettling.
The fact that the five of them didn't come knocking on the door spoke volumes about true feelings!
After breakfast, Ron resumed his usual routine, sitting at the bar and perusing today's delivered newspaper. Dry goods were scarce, with mostly sensational news.
"Four Emperors Kaido actually has a daughter, with unreliable rumors suggesting BIG MOM as the mother!"
"That's really unreliable. BIG MOM can't have such a filial daughter," Ron murmured with a smile.
"Exclusive reveal: Golden Lion caused a commotion at Marine Headquarters because of Roger!"
"Not to mention they seem to have a passion..." Ron turned the page with a serious expression.
"Shock! Akainu Admiral beaten by Roger?!"
Under this news, there was a detailed account with a photo of Akainu's injuries. The authority's signature below read: a daily paddler who loves to wear yellow suits.
Ron raised his eyebrows. "Kizaru really isn't afraid of getting beaten by Akainu."
But after reading this news, Ron finally understood why Kizaru was willing to pay such a high price for the pills that could change his size.
The story was relayed by Rayleigh and leaked by Kizaru from Intelligence. In the end, Kizaru didn't pay anything, enjoying the benefits of the size-changing pills without cost.
"Rayleigh would be furious if he found out," Ron chuckled.
As he spoke, the tavern doorbell rang.
Jingle...
The door opened, and You Tanzhi walked in with an excited expression.
"Boss!"
"Ah Zi's eyes are healed, thank you."
As he spoke, You Tanzhi approached the bar counter, seemingly about to kneel down. Suddenly, a piece of ice materialized and pressed against You Tanzhi's knee. Lucoa and Tohru, engaged in conversation, froze momentarily.
Is this the ice magic of the Dragon Clan? But it doesn't seem hostile!
"There's no need for that; it's just a deal, and now it's officially done," Ron smiled, instructing, "Sit down."
After a moment of hesitation, You Tanzhi stood up straight, moved to the bar, and took a seat.
Soon, Tohru placed a bottle of wine in front of him, stating, "Your wine, savor it slowly."
"Thank you," You Tanzhi replied softly.
"I don't think your mood matches your tone," Ron observed, puzzled.
Despite You Tanzhi's excited voice, a hint of sadness lingered in his eyes.
"Actually, I'm used to it," You Tanzhi sighed wryly, continuing, "After Ah Zi's eyesight improved, I became that dispensable person again. She always only has that 'brother-in-law' in her heart!"
As he spoke, he took a sip of his drink. The sweetness brought by the alcohol provided a momentary relief for You Tanzhi's weary mind. These days, he felt exhausted—not physically, but mentally.
It's because You Tanzhi couldn't bear to hear Ah Zi say "brother-in-law" every day. That person indirectly caused the demise of his entire family!
Sure enough, there's nothing left after groveling... Ron sighed helplessly in his heart.
At this moment, Lucoa approached the bar and whispered softly, "I have a way to change the relationship between you."
"Really?!" You Tanzhi's eyes gleamed, and he eagerly lowered his head.