A jingle echoed through the air as the doorbell chimed, and with a gentle push, the door swung open.
Entering slowly, adorned in a cloak of justice, was a Tokikake, moving gracefully, followed closely by a gaunt and stern T-bone.
To Ron's surprise, there was a noticeable change in Tokikake. Despite not having seen him for a few days, his demeanor had shifted significantly. His gaze was resolute, steps measured and composed, and his countenance held the strength of a determined soul. Yet, Ron couldn't shake off a feeling of something amiss.
Did this truly align with the phrase, "There is no woman in the heart, and the sword is natural"? Ron pondered skeptically.
"Tsk tsk... Eldest brother, don't try to deceive me!" he mused silently.
However, as they witnessed Akainu's dire condition, the mood swiftly altered. Tokikake, who had just entered the tavern alongside T-bone, instinctively moved to assist him.
But before they could act, a clear voice resonated from the bar, halting their movements abruptly:
"Don't touch him. His wounds will heal in due time."
Tokikake's gaze shifted towards the source of the voice, revealing a blond woman exuding grace and possessing flawless composure.
"Listen to Guysha... the queen," Akainu struggled to articulate, speaking in intervals.
"Guysha Queen?" Tokikake and T-bone exchanged perplexed glances.
Akainu, known for his fiery temperament, dared confront even the Five Elders. Yet, now, he addressed an ordinary woman as 'Queen.' Was this a peculiar turn of events or a misunderstanding?
While Tokikake remained in a daze, Colonel T-bone, wearing a look of astonishment, exclaimed, "Mr. Akainu's injuries are healing..."
Suddenly alert, Tokikake spun around, scanning the room swiftly.
Gradually, Akainu's breathing steadied. Not only were his wounds visibly mending, but the bruises on his skin were also fading at an observable rate.
The rate of recovery was unparalleled, even for Zoan or Devil Fruit users!
"Since you both seem alright, why not take a seat and join us for a drink instead of standing?" Ron greeted them warmly with a smile.
Upon hearing his words, Colonel T-bone silently reassured Tokikake with a nod, then made his way slowly to the bar, taking a seat.
Immediately noticeable in their field of vision were two creatures, embracing each other and shedding tears. When Shendu and his son noticed the gaze directed at them, they responded with their customary grins, expressing their amiable nature.
Tokikake and T-bone remained seated, momentarily hesitant.
"Don't worry, both of them are harmless," Ron explained helplessly.
"What in the world..." Tokikake muttered to himself, silently seeking an explanation.
"I hope so," Tokikake nodded wryly, a smile on his face, though his vigilance remained steadfast.
At that moment, Tohru arrived with two bottles of wine, placing them in front of the duo. "Here's your wine, take your time," he offered.
Tokikake and Colonel T-bone nodded in acknowledgment, filling their glasses.
Tokikake, having frequented the tavern before, indulged in one cup after another, feeling the tension in his nerves ease gradually. Colonel T-bone, however, maintained a slight frown, unaffected by the alluring aroma of the wine.
"Colonel T-Bone, if a Marine were to perish at the hands of civilians rather than on the battlefield, how would you feel about that?" Ron asked softly.
Years down the line, Colonel T-Bone would ascend to the position of Marine Vice Admiral, while this very Marine General would meet his demise at the hands of the civilians he had dedicated his life to protecting. The reason behind this grim fate was distressingly simple: a commoner, on the brink of starvation, choosing to trade Colonel T-Bone's head for a bounty to survive.
"Poverty" and "money" have an uncanny ability to distort the hearts of individuals. It's an ironic yet poignant reality.
Upon hearing this, Colonel T-Bone remained composed, his expression unwavering.
"How can one protect civilians while fearing an attack from them?" he questioned. "How does one safeguard these seas?"
"Our pursuit of justice leads us to turn our backs on civilians, yet wield blades to shield them," he continued. "Even in a world rife with inequality, I aspire to exemplify the justice they deserve."
"Even in these tempestuous seas, I vow to protect the innocent's future!" T-bone's voice resonated with unwavering determination, and the justice cloak behind him swayed without a breath of wind.
In the present moment, every patron in the tavern turned their gaze toward this weary-looking man. A range of emotions—surprise, agreement, admiration—flitted across the faces of onlookers.
Knowing it seems impossible, yet striving to achieve it—this embodies the courage of a Marine and their unwavering belief in justice. It's a resolve that no one can deride.
"You possess integrity and an unyielding dedication to safeguarding civilians. Marines like you aren't easily felled," Ron toasted, raising his wine glass in a gesture of respect.
"I'd like to offer some encouraging words," T-bone responded, raising a glass filled with water instead of alcohol.
Clang...
The glasses met, producing a clear, melodious sound.
However, Tokikake, observing from the side, furrowed his brow. There was an underlying implication in Ron's words. He made a mental note to pay closer attention to T-bone in the future.
"If it's as you say, then I entrust this to you," Tokikake spoke softly. "This brand of justice doesn't perish with biological death. Its ideals will persist in another realm."
"It's premature to say that now," Ron remarked. T-bone still had at least two and a half years before his demise. Before that time arrived, the conflict between corruption represented by Doflamingo and justice embodied by Akainu would conclude, reshaping the seas and potentially altering many facets—including, perhaps, T-bone's fate.
Guysha nodded in silence before rising to leave. "I'm departing now. See you tomorrow."
"Wait, you haven't settled your bill," Ron interjected.
"I don't carry money; I can only settle it through Bichi's method," Guysha replied, grinning brightly. With a gentle tap on Ron's cheek, she vanished from the tavern.
For a moment, everyone stood in stunned silence. Slowly, as they regained their senses, they realized that Guysha's captivating presence had departed, leaving behind a lingering essence of her fragrance that enveloped Ron.
The edges of the mouths of Rem and Ram's two siblings twitched, giving the impression of discontent.
Lucoa also narrowed her eyes, confirming her earlier suspicions.
Yoruichi's claws retracted repeatedly from the pink flesh pad.
In contrast, Tohru remained composed, smiling as he spoke, "Ron, let's have grilled dragon tail for dinner tonight."
Ron remained silent.
If you wish to confront someone, simply express it.