"Broken!"
Ron's eyelids twitched suddenly, filled with regret.
"I should pack my bedroll and head to Rem's room, or maybe Rayleigh's... Today, Lucoa Tiger Tank mentioned attacking my room at night. I didn't expect her to actually show up?!"
Suddenly...
The windows were pushed open.
A graceful figure leaped in, maintaining the familiar posture of jumping out of the window—familiar cheeks, familiar attire...
On the other side...
The gap in the open room door widened progressively, and a figure managed to squeeze in.
"Ron~"
"I keep my promise~" Lucoa's lazy, mature female voice echoed in the small room.
It was all very tempting.
But also perilous!
Gion, who had just leaped in through the window, suddenly halted.
Yet, several more figures entered through the door one after the other.
Ron's eyes widened instantly.
Click!
Someone unknown flicked the light switch.
The soft light dispersed the nighttime darkness, illuminating the entire room.
Simultaneously, Tohru, Lucoa, Rem, Ram, and Yoruichi, nestled in his arms, all came into Ron's view.
It was chaos, utter chaos
"Did I come at the wrong time?" Gion asked with a smile.
"Ron!"
"Owner!"
"Meow..."
Tohru, Rem, and the rest chimed in together, eyeing Gion warily.
Instantly, Ron, lying on the bed, knew that the most challenging choice in life had presented itself.
Ultimately, should he let this woman, with whom he conversed nightly, depart?
Let's escort Tohru, Lucoa, Rem, and the others back to their respective rooms. It's impossible to accommodate everyone.
"But I can ask them all..." Ron smiled, "It's a beautiful night tonight, let's take a walk on the beach."
Regardless of their agreement...
Snap!
Ron raised his hand and snapped his fingers, creating a sharp sound.
In the next moment, a crimson magic circle enveloped everyone in the room. This was the Dragon Clan's teleportation magic capable of transporting multiple individuals over short distances.
When they reopened their eyes, they found themselves amid the beautiful scene of the salty sea breeze and crashing waves.
"Look at the stunning scenery..."
Before Ron could finish his sentence, he was abruptly taken away, vanishing instantly.
Gion, Rem, and the rest merely nodded, only to realize that everyone had vanished.
Tohru clenched his teeth, icy breaths emitting from his mouth. "It's Lucoa!"
...
On the other side...
As Ron opened his eyes, he found himself lying on a desolate plain.
Silence prevailed, with only the gentle breeze and nearby breaths audible.
Suddenly...
Darkness enveloped Ron's vision, a feeling of suffocation engulfing him instantly.
"Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu..."
Ron's cries of "pain" echoed across the plains. However, no one responded as Lucoa had placed a barrier around the area.
The following morning...
Ron slowly opened his eyes and rose from the bed.
Last night... could only be described as quite eventful.
Despite the exhaustion of driving a tank, the thrill and experience were still enjoyable.
"Are you awake?" Lucoa's husky voice echoed in the room, tinged with a hint of sorrow.
Ron followed the sound and saw that Lucoa was dressed and prepared to leave.
Thankfully, there wasn't a scene of tossing money.
"Yeah, I'm awake," Ron replied softly.
"Let's go out for breakfast. Rem should have it prepared," Ron suggested.
Lucoa shook her head tiredly, "You guys eat, I'm a bit fatigued. I'm going to catch up on some sleep~"
As Ron observed, she yawned and exited the room.
It felt a bit different this time. Lucoa's demeanor seemed a touch more outgoing, with her hands frequently rubbing her waist.
After freshening up, Ron headed to the tavern from the backyard and found Tohru, Rem, and Ram had already laid out breakfast.
As if they had silently agreed, they refrained from discussing what had occurred the previous night. However, there was a resolute glint in their beautiful eyes, suggesting a sense of determination in their hearts.
Ron sensed an ominous feeling at this sight.
"Master, breakfast is ready," Rem greeted Ron with a sweet smile.
"Okay." Ron smiled, tousled her hair, and then settled down to eat.
The breakfast spread was still sumptuous – omelettes, toast, bacon, porridge...
As usual, Ron ate while perusing the freshly delivered newspaper.
"Beasts Pirates and Red Hair Pirates to encounter in the New World the day after tomorrow. Stay tuned for further updates!" the headline read.
"Sources reveal Akainu Admiral was violently attacked by an unknown powerful individual in Sabaody Archipelago. The Marines refute rumors and vow severe punishment for rumor-mongers!" another headline reported.
"Shocking: A civilian stabbed Celestial Dragons in the street, later shot dead by them. Shocked witnesses present!" the next article detailed, accompanied by an image of civilians kneeling before the Celestial Dragons, a middle-aged man lying lifeless in a pool of blood, unarmed.
"Tsk tsk tsk... Morgans is quite daring this time, I suppose he received numerous favors," Ron muttered.
With a sneer, he rose, heading to the bar, a sense of curiosity lingering.
If justice, represented by Akainu, triumphs over Doflamingo's corruption, will the existence of Celestial Dragons still be tolerated?
In the event of a war, what distinguishes it from the ongoing activities of the Revolutionary Army?
Or would it merely perpetuate his status as a puppet of the Celestial Dragons?
Just as Ron was lost in thought, the tavern's door suddenly swung open, and Shendu and his son stormed in, both expressing their frustration.
Drago looked menacing, his eyes filled with a sense of imminent danger. "Old man, hand over that thing now, or I'll end you!"
The mere recollection of hugging and crying with Shendu yesterday made Ron nauseous. If it weren't for the Heart-Softening Spray's expired, Drago would likely continue playing the role of a dutiful son. How revolting!
"Dear son, I gave you the softening spray, and my time is running short," Shendu said, smiling as he proceeded to the bar, handing a book to Ron.
"Boss, this is the promised compendium of witchcraft," he informed.
Ron perused the book, finding comprehensive and detailed records, some of which bordered on extraordinary levels. It included the ability to expedite recovery for the injured using Qi and blood, prediction of celestial events, and even a resurrection technique capable of granting immortality.
"Yes, I'll experiment with it when I have the time," Ron acknowledged, pleased with the find.
"Boss, while you may like it, some of these practices should not be taken lightly. Their costs are too high," Shendu cautioned, hesitating.
Inquisitive, Drago interjected, "What costs?"
"Of course, I want you to become my good son!" Shendu blurted out abruptly.
Instantly activating the Rabbit Talisman, he brandished the Softening Spray, aiming it at Drago's face and triggering it.
Swoosh...
Drago's eyes widened suddenly, transitioning from dullness to anger, and finally to a sense of murderous intent. Curse it, this old guy had no sense of martial ethics!
Just as Drago was about to retaliate, Shendu cried out, "Son, it's my fault. I only want you to be more filial."
The effects of the Heart-Softening Spray began to take hold.
The murderous countenance on Drago shifted into one of heartache. "Father, it's not your fault."
In an unexpected turn of events, the two monsters embraced each other, shedding tears once again.