Even while traveling, Zhang Da Ye refused to slack off on his training. That was a rule he set for himself before leaving.
These past days he had stuck to it. Though staying inside Ryugu Palace meant he couldn't train too loudly, fortunately the rooms were spacious enough for him to bring out Tom's fitness equipment he'd won from the lottery.
Of course, the truth was that being able to beat up Wadatsumi after just a little training had nothing to do with the equipment—it was entirely Tom's own doing.
In Zhang Da Ye's hands, those dumbbells and bars were just ordinary gear. At most, maybe they'd make decent weapons if thrown at someone.
Still, he had gotten used to the exercise. Working up a sweat every day really did feel great, especially since training always gave him a chance to spin the lottery afterward.
Most of the time he only got ordinary junk, but at least it added variety to his inventory.
"Exhausted… Tom, come step on my back for me, will you?" After a shower, Zhang Da Ye threw himself onto the bed in his bathrobe, not wanting to move.
Tom didn't refuse—back-stepping sounded like an interesting experience.
So Tom climbed on with all four paws and started pressing experimentally.
"Mmm…" Zhang Da Ye groaned in comfort as the soft pads kneaded his back. "This feels good, but isn't this more like a massage?"
Tom's technique was his own creation—using his feet instead of hands, like a piano duet turned into a four-foot press. The result was surprisingly heavenly.
But thinking it over, Tom realized that back-stepping should probably be done standing upright, with all weight pressed through two feet.
"Forget it, just massage me instead. You're too light, Tom, I can't feel anything." Zhang Da Ye figured it was asking too much for a cat's weight to really work.
But Tom refused to give up so easily. When something caught his interest, he had to see it through. So he pulled out a bowling ball from behind him and hugged it tight to add more weight.
"Ah, now that's a bit better. Heavier still would be perfect." Zhang Da Ye noticed the ball seemed far heavier than a normal bowling ball.
Still not enough? Tom tilted his head, put the bowling ball away, then pulled out a solid iron ingot. Struggling, he hoisted it above his head and lifted a leg for the first stomp.
"AHHHH—my back, my back, my back!" Zhang Da Ye screamed, sure his waist was about to snap.
A loud crack followed. The luxurious bed, specially prepared by Ryugu Palace for guests, collapsed in the middle. Sheets and blankets sank with Zhang Da Ye and Tom into a gaping human-shaped hole.
Three seconds later, the two of them poked their heads out from the wreckage, staring at each other in stunned silence.
Looking at the ruined bed, Zhang Da Ye groaned, "Tom… what the hell did you just pull out?"
Tom sheepishly lifted the iron ingot to show him, smiling guiltily. He already knew he had messed up.
The black ingot had "10T" written clearly on it. Zhang Da Ye slapped his forehead. "I, Zhang, am lucky to still be alive today."
Tom hurriedly patched up the hole with a nervous laugh, sparing them both the shame of sleeping on the floor.
Zhang Da Ye sighed. He figured he should probably explain this to the palace later—but then again, whether he confessed or not, it was going to be awkward. After all, who sleeps so hard they leave a human-shaped crater in a bed? Ridiculous.
…
The next day's banquet was grand. Beyond the endless food and drink, Neptune had arranged for the island's most famous singer, the best orchestra, and the most beautiful dance troupe.
It wasn't just a farewell feast—it was clearly Neptune's way of showing his gratitude.
Jinbe and Camie had been invited as well. Wadatsumi stayed outside; the hall wasn't large enough for him, though he wouldn't miss out on the food. The poor chefs were probably collapsing in the kitchen.
Once everyone was seated, Neptune waved a hand. Music filled the hall as mermaids twirled gracefully. The atmosphere instantly brightened.
To be fair, the orchestra was excellent—together they were almost on par with Tom alone.
The mermaids' dance was even more dazzling. If there was one regret, it was that none of them had long legs.
In such a setting, Zhang Da Ye finally understood the kind of feelings behind the phrase: "After a lifetime of fighting, can't I enjoy myself just once?"
But even the grandest banquet had to end. Eventually, Neptune ordered soldiers to carry in covered trays.
When Queen Otohime and her children lifted the cloths, Zhang Da Ye almost went blind from the glare. Gold. All gold. And not just ordinary gold, either.
Before Tom sat a life-sized golden statue of himself, hands on his hips.
For Shark Chili, a giant golden toothbrush.
For Rui Meng Meng, a golden sword studded with jewels.
For Artoria, a golden armor dress, in the same style as her silver-and-blue one.
And for Zhang Da Ye… a golden folding stool.
The idea came from Neptune's memory of Tom lovingly holding Van der Decken's golden bracelet. To show sincerity, he'd even asked Camie about everyone's preferences before having the craftsmen prepare the gifts.
"Wow!" Rui Meng Meng gasped.
Tom was even more direct—he threw himself onto his statue, circling it in delight.
Only Shark Chili and Artoria managed to keep their composure.
Zhang Da Ye, still staring at the folding stool, forced out, "Isn't this a little too much? It doesn't feel right accepting something so valuable."
But Neptune shook his head. "Compared to what you have done for Fishman Island, these gifts hardly measure up. I only regret not thinking of something better. I hope you won't turn them down."
Queen Otohime added, "For us, the friendship we've gained is far more precious than gold. Please, accept them."
Exchanging glances, Zhang Da Ye and his companions finally said, "Then we thank you for your generosity."
Because Camie already knew about it, she wasn't shocked by the gold. After the others had received their gifts, she shyly presented hers as well: necklaces made from beautiful seashells, one for each of them.
Everyone happily accepted them. Though far less valuable than gold, the sincerity behind them was just as priceless.
After farewells were said, Jinbe spoke up. "Megalo is too exhausted from yesterday and cannot move today. If you don't mind, you may ride on the Sun Pirates' ship instead. I will personally escort you."
Of course they didn't mind. At sea, there was no one safer to travel with than Jinbe. To be escorted by him was a blessing. Still, Megalo's exhaustion was probably their fault.
Zhang Da Ye bowed slightly. "We don't mind at all. In fact, we'd be honored. And… sorry about Megalo. We pushed him too hard yesterday."
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