On a bright, breezy morning, beneath a blue-and-white European-style domed gazebo.
Several figures sat around a stone table, completely at ease.
"Three Bamboo."
"Four Characters."
"Kong!"
A sudden shout drew everyone's attention.
Haredas rubbed his hands nervously, picked up a smooth, square tile, and hid it in his hand as he carefully peeked at it.
Then he suddenly sprang to his feet and slammed the tile onto the table!
Bang!!
"I got it!!" Haredas shouted excitedly. "Flower! A Kong Drawn Flower!!"
"What?!"
"Damn it!"
"Shit!"
The other three cursed viciously and reluctantly pulled out their wallets.
"I'm done, I'm done. Find someone to take my place. I need to go back and cook." Reiner snorted, pulled out two bills of different denominations, and tossed them down.
"Don't go, Reiner!"
The moment he stood up, the old men on either side grabbed his arms and pleaded tearfully, "Just four more rounds! Only four!"
"It'll only take a little while. It won't hold you up."
"Get lost, get lost. You say that every time." Reiner shook off their hands, completely ignoring the two old men being dragged facedown across the ground.
Ever since he had taught them mahjong, these old gambling addicts had become more hooked than the last.
Win or lose, they refused to stop. Four rounds became another four rounds.
Games ruined ambition.
They were hopeless.
When he returned home, Nami was still in the study.
After entering the seas near Alabasta, the stifling, scorching air had unconsciously begun to make everyone irritable.
At noon, he made a few extra cold dishes.
After eating and drinking their fill, Nami went to take a short nap.
Reiner did not wake her until Weatheria arrived above Alabasta.
"We're here?" Nami rubbed her sleepy eyes, sat up, and stretched.
"Yeah, the old men