"Huh?" Kondre's laughter stopped abruptly.
Under the astonished gazes of everyone, Jerry's body, split in half, quickly healed.
'You can't kill me, even if you try. And you're useless'
'When you're done fighting, it's my turn!'
With a sharp swing of his Western sword, Jerry sliced the massive pirate ship in two with a blinding flash of light.
"Huh!" Tom leapt into the air, swinging his sword downward, creating an abyss in the sea.
The surrounding water rushed into the gap, and with screams, the pirates were swallowed by the ocean.
Jerry and Tom sheathed their swords simultaneously, standing on Lynch's shoulders as they returned to the warship.
They were unstoppable.
After nearly a year at sea, Lynch and his 30,000 Marines finally returned to the royal city. The long-awaited homecoming had them eager to reunite with their families.
It was rumored that Mark had a girlfriend and had even forced Iron Punishmen to check if she was pretty.
Inside and outside the royal city, lights and colorful decorations filled the streets, with bright red couplets posted everywhere. Large red lanterns hung high, creating a festive atmosphere.
Occasionally, the sound of firecrackers echoed through the streets as children, dressed in new clothes, ran around joyfully. Some children from wealthy families held bundles of red candied haws in their hands and small boxes of firecrackers in their pockets. Surrounded by a group of other kids, they became the leaders of the group.
"Strange, what day is it today? Why is it so lively?" Lynch suddenly slapped his head in realization.
"Oh, it's the New Year!" Yes, even this world had a New Year.
The New Year here meant setting off firecrackers, visiting shrines to pray for a good year, exploring unique neighborhoods, and enjoying the famous fireworks display at night.
Lynch hurried to the palace after buying beautiful jewelry as New Year gifts for his wives at a luxury store.
"This is Robin's gemstone ring, Gion-san's platinum necklace, Tsunade's pearl brooch, and Ino's gold bracelet."
"Ah, I almost forgot Garrett's gift!"
Suddenly remembering, Lynch quickly returned to the jewelry store.
Though he could easily take valuable jewelry from the system space, what he truly appreciated was the fine packaging.
Women, after all, are often drawn to romantic gestures, and small surprises help strengthen relationships.
"Forget it, I'll buy gifts for those three girls too, to avoid any jealousy."
Lynch had a feeling that the three "little peacocks"—Kuina, Tashigi, and the others—would be celebrating the New Year at the palace. If everyone else had gifts and they didn't, it would be awkward.
So, Lynch picked up three more gifts, and Tom and Jerry, acting as his assistants, followed behind, carrying large and small packages filled with elegant gift boxes.
"Hey, I already have five wives!" Lynch suddenly realized.
"No, I only have five wives, and I'm such a good man!"
When compared to others, Lynch considered himself a good man. Compared to the concubines and female slaves of other kings, he was truly better.
Take the Celestial Dragons and nobles, for example—some of them have so many women they could form a football team. That's just the way this world works.
Lynch, however, stands out as a breath of fresh air.
Only Lynch has never touched another woman except his wife. He is simply a good man.
The amount of fun people in this world have is beyond the imagination of normal people.
Ginny, the childhood sweetheart of the tyrant Kuma, former revolutionary commander-in-chief, and Pony's nominal mother, was captured by the Celestial Dragons. She was forcibly infected with Jade Scales, an incurable sexually transmitted disease, also known as bluescale.
This highlights the cruel and twisted nature of the world. In a world where sexually transmitted diseases can affect anyone, it's nearly as rare as winning the lottery.
The Celestial Dragons, for some unknown reason, seem to enjoy tormenting people. First, they targeted the Golden Emperor, then the Tyrant Kuma. These two tortured souls likely have a lot to talk about.
As for Lynch, he is a pure warrior, and his favorite pastime is punishing those who deserve it.
Back at the palace, Robin and the others, dressed in exquisite kimonos and cheongsams, sat together, sharing the little secrets that only best friends discuss.
When Lynch returned, everyone greeted him with surprise. "We thought we wouldn't see you back on New Year's Eve this year."
"How come?" Lynch asked.
"I brought gifts for everyone"
"Wow! Thank you!" Tashigi was the first to accept a gift, happily placing the hairpin in her hair.
However, Tsunade's smile faltered when she saw what Lynch had bought her. She grabbed his head and shoved it under her arm, pressing him against her chest.
"What did you buy me? Don't you know I don't like wearing bras?" she said, her voice filled with annoyance as a pleasant scent surrounded them.
"Take it easy! You're going to kill your husband!" Lynch finally managed to pull his head free, whispering a few words into Tsunade's ear.
"Ah?" Tsunade's face turned a deep shade of red. She glanced at the pearl brooch in her hand and mumbled softly, "So that's how it's used..."
Robin stood quietly to the side, smiling gently like a Yamato Nadeshiko, watching the scene with tenderness.
Later that night, after the reunion dinner, everyone gathered on the highest balcony of the palace. Lynch sat in a chair, holding Hina's hand, as they quietly waited for the New Year's bell to ring.
"Dang~"
The sound of the bronze bell from the shrine echoed through the palace city. The melodious, crisp chime spread quickly, its tone almost as if it could cleanse the soul.
"Three!"
As the bell rang, the residents in the city shouted together in unison.
"Dang~"
"Two!"
"Dang~"
"One!"
"Happy New Year!"
The three bell chimes marked midnight, signaling the arrival of the new year.
The old year passed, making way for the new.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Dazzling fireworks soared from the ground, exploding in the air over the royal city, lighting up the sky in a breathtaking display.
As the first firework lit up the night, more and more followed, filling the sky with a sea of colorful lights.
"What a beautiful sight!"
"Such stunning fireworks!"
Kuina and the others leaned over the fence, their eyes wide as the fireworks reflected in their bright, shimmering pupils. They couldn't help but gaze in awe.
No matter how many times they saw it, the display was always just as beautiful.
Everyone watched the dazzling, colorful fireworks display, their eyes captivated by the beauty. A warm, joyful atmosphere filled the air.
Lynch gently wrapped his arms around Robin's slender waist from behind.
"Lynch, what if we have a baby?" Robin suddenly asked.
"Ah?!"
"Pfft~ I'm just teasing you. Look at how scared you are,"
.
.
TO BE CONTINUED
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