Under Tokikake's (Tea Dolphin's) hopeful, heartfelt gaze, Momousagi approached the bar and sat down gracefully.
Without hesitation, she replied coldly,
"And this is my one-hundredth rejection. We're not suited for each other."
Those few words hit like a dagger to the heart — sharp, merciless, every syllable a stab that cut straight through him.
For a moment, Tokikake just stood there, motionless.
Seconds felt like an eternity.
Then, slowly, he put the ring away. The struggle and confusion in his eyes faded, replaced by quiet acceptance.
Though the pain was crushing, there was a trace of peace in it.
He rose, turned, and walked past Momousagi without looking back.
His coat of justice fluttered behind him, his strides firm, almost heroic in their dignity.
"Mr. Tokikake, your tab isn't paid," Ram's soft, milky voice called out.
The dignified exit stumbled — literally. Tokikake nearly tripped over his own feet.
Seriously? You had to ruin my dramatic exit like that?
"I'll cover his bill." Black Tiger placed two gold ingots on the counter and hurried after him.
"Brother Tokikake," he said, catching up, "the heart is a precious thing. Given to the right person, it's priceless.
"Remember what you said — you and I are the most devoted men in the world. And in this world, only sincerity moves others. Only love — no matter how foolish — deserves respect!"
Ron blinked. Wait… did he just turn simping into philosophy? This guy's rewriting the handbook on delusion.
Still, Tokikake had brought him two new abilities and thirty million Berries, so maybe he did deserve some parting wisdom.
Ron infused his words with Armament Haki, sending them quietly into Tokikake's mind.
"There's a difference between devotion and desperation.
One moves yourself — the other moves others.
Your feelings may be free… but they're never cheap."
Tokikake didn't turn back. "Got it. I owe you both a drink."
He walked away, alone, his back straight.
Ron's words, Black Tiger's encouragement — they hit him harder than he'd expected.
On one hand, he thought simply: I'm a Vice Admiral candidate, damn it. There's a whole ocean of fish — why die over one?
On the other, he understood the deeper truth: he wasn't just letting go of Momousagi — he was freeing the young man inside him who once dreamed of being a hero of justice.
Tears welled up and fell silently.
To give up a love that had lasted over twenty years…
It was like watching your home — the one you built, the one full of memories — burn to the ground.
You can see the ashes, but you know you'll never go back.
Inside the tavern.
Black Tiger returned to the bar, drained his last drink, and set down his remaining gold.
"I didn't meet Master Rayleigh today," he said, "but I met Tokikake. That's worth just as much. I'll visit again."
Ron smiled. "You'll be welcome here anytime."
After Black Tiger left, the tavern fell quiet — until Momousagi propped her chin on one hand and spoke softly.
"Boss, pour me a drink. Anything's fine."
"Then try this," Ron said, retrieving a bottle. "Plum wine — made from bayberries, sugar, and rice wine. It suits women best."
He uncorked it. A gentle, sweet aroma filled the air — notes of fruit, sugar, and a faint trace of lemon.
Pouring the drink, he slid the glass toward her. "Give it a try."
Momousagi raised the glass, her lips brushing the rim. She took a delicate sip — and her eyes brightened.
This wasn't just wine — it was art.
Soft sweetness balanced by a mature, burning finish; innocence and intensity dancing on her tongue.
"It's delicious," she murmured, her voice lower, warmer.
Ron smiled. "Then have another. It's said to nourish the skin — beautifying, even."
"Beautify?" Momousagi chuckled, crossing her long, pale legs and leaning back. The motion drew the pink fabric of her uniform tight across her chest.
"I'm a soldier. Beauty has nothing to do with me. Maybe… when the seas are clean again, I'll start caring about what normal women like."
She raised her glass again and drank deeply.
Ron arched an eyebrow. Pure hawk faction through and through.
"You're Vice Admiral Tsuru's sister," he said curiously, "why live so hard? You could take a desk job, gain merit, climb easily."
Momousagi's lips curved slightly. "Want to hear my story?"
Ron nodded without hesitation — then immediately regretted it. Why do I always agree so fast?
"I'm not her real sister," she said quietly. "She adopted me."
"I was born in a small fishing village in the New World. We survived off the sea — until pirates came demanding a 'sea tax.'
When we couldn't pay, they slaughtered half the village. My parents were among them."
Her eyes darkened, voice steady but cold. "Then Tsuru arrived. She saved me. I was ten."
She downed her drink. "From that day on, my only goal has been to purge this ocean. No matter the cost."
Ron exhaled slowly. No wonder she never reciprocated Tokikake's feelings.
A zealot like her had no room in her heart for anything but "Absolute Justice."
Momousagi poured herself another glass. "That's only part of it," she continued.
"Tokikake once told me that after marriage, he wanted me to retire — live quietly, be a wife, raise children."
She smiled faintly — but her eyes were sharp as blades.
"If that ever happened, and I had to choose between him and justice… even if I had to kill him myself, I would. For the sake of cleansing this sea."
Then she leaned in slightly, her gaze soft but chillingly direct.
"If I did that, you'd understand me… wouldn't you?"
Ron froze. His brain stalled. Wait—what?!
Before he could answer, the beautiful Marine vanished from her seat — and appeared beside him.
A hand, soft and warm, reached up to brush his cheek.
Ron frowned, turning his face away. Do I look like that kind of man? I'm the picture of propriety!
Momousagi only smiled, her voice sultry, laced with the scent of wine.
"If it were you, you'd agree with me… right?"
Her breath — sweet, hot, intoxicating — hit his ear.
Ron's skin prickled. He drew in a deep breath, trying to stop his "second-in-command" from standing at attention.
After a few tense seconds, she giggled.
Her cheeks were flushed, her smile dangerous.
"Relax. I'm kidding. I'd never let you die — you're far too interesting."
She slipped back to her seat, picked up her glass, and sipped again.
Ron finally exhaled.
Holy hell… this woman's gorgeous, but she's a total maniac.
Yep. Absolutely insane.
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