#127 - Chapter 127 A rare leisure time
The port was a bustling hub of activity.
The seawater seemed bluer than usual, and the sky was boundless, with even the clouds too lazy to linger.
The vast sea had its own rhythm, with the shadows of warships appearing and disappearing, drawing white lines between the sea and the sky.
Jin carried a small stool, his footsteps tapping out a rhythm on the wooden pier, and after finding a good spot, he steadily placed it down.
He deftly unfolded the stool, sat down gently, turned his back to the busy dock, and a smile of relief spread across his face.
A cold drink in hand, revealing beads of icy water, was a small comfort in the summer heat.
He took a light sip, and the coldness exploded in his throat, bringing instant refreshment.
"Life should be this comfortable..."
The wind gently blew from the sea, stirring up a few strands of his messy hair, and seemed to carry away the heat from his body.
He closed his eyes, feeling the light and shadows cast through his eyelids by the sun, and the smile on his lips deepened.
In this moment where there was no need for swords, only relaxed enjoyment, even time lazily slowed its pace.
The sea breeze and the cold drink, simple and pure, wove a rare moment of tranquility for Jin.
Beside the dock, the laughter of children, the cries of seagulls, and the sounds of ropes and masts knocking against each other were all playing out in the distance.
And he sat in the center of this small world, enjoying his own little slice of happiness.
Just then, the rumbling of a bell echoed in the silent square.
Like an echo from the horizon, melodious and far-reaching.
The Ox Bell, the lighthouse in the hearts of the navy, rang on time at the first moment of the new year.
Its chimes, again and again, pierced through space, announcing the arrival of the new year to the world.
According to the navy's ancient customs, the Ox Bell rang 16 times in the New Year's chimes.
Each chime seemed to count every important moment of the past year, every bit of hard work and harvest, every difficulty and overcoming.
These 16 chimes were both a thank you to the past year and a hope for the future.
The sailors stood in the square, with scattered clouds overhead.
Facing the Ox Bell, their expressions were solemn and expectant.
Everyone was silently recalling the past, grasping the present, and looking forward to the future.
With each chime, the hearts of the sailors also beat, as if breathing in sync with the bell tower and the entire world.
After the last chime, the square erupted in warm applause and cheers, like a tide resounding through the night sky.
"I hope there will be fewer pirates setting sail in the new year."
"May my family be healthy and safe in the new year."
"..."
Lights instantly lit up, and ribbons and fireworks streaked across the sky, adding a bit of splendor and mystery to the arrival of the new year.
At this moment, sailors and citizens embraced and smiled, jointly praying for a new beginning, new hope, and new happiness in the new year.
The Ox Bell is not only a witness to time but also a bridge connecting the past and the future, connecting the hearts of everyone.
"..."
Just as the sea breeze was gently caressing his face in a moment of tranquility, suddenly, the silence was broken by a burst of hurried footsteps.
A childish figure, like a wild horse, rushed straight towards Jin.
Seeming to possess the power to shatter time and space.
Before Jin could react, the boy threw himself into his arms, a head of bright red hair burying into his chest.
With the chair tilting backward, the two fell back together, raising a cloud of dust.
"Brother!"
A warm and familiar voice echoed softly in Jin's ear, filled with the joy of a long-awaited reunion and a hint of complaint.
Jin, however, smiled, without the slightest hint of blame, and gently, as if afraid of hurting a treasure, rubbed Shanks' hair, his movements full of love and nostalgia.
"Shanks, long time no see."
His voice was filled with a smile.
Shanks' expression changed accordingly, his small face quickly transitioning through all emotions from surprise to dissatisfaction, finally settling on a stubbornness tinged with blame.
Pouting, his words were filled with loneliness and reluctance:
"You know it's been a long time?"
"It's been years, and you still don't go back to the Sorbet Kingdom to see us."
"Big Brother Kuma and the others are also busy with their naval work and can't spend a lot of time with me."
"Today is New Year's Day, and you didn't even think about going back to see me."
"You even made me come find you."
"Hmph..."
Between the words, Jin could feel a hint of a nasal sound that Shanks was trying to suppress, a sign that he was trying not to cry.
That heartbreaking blame was just a child's small protest against the void left in his heart by his brother.
In this sudden collision, the distance between Jin and Shanks, the passage of time, and the sincere feelings between them merged and converged in an instant.
Whether it was the responsibility of being a navy officer or the warmth of family, they were closely connected in this New Year.
The sun lazily shone on the dock, warm but not scorching, and the sea breeze gently blew, bringing a bit of coolness.
Such a leisurely atmosphere was broken by a pair of inseparable figures.
They walked slowly, like a painting slowly unfolding before Jin.
That playful figure was light as the wind, pulling the tall figure beside her.
Like a little bird leading a gentle boy, the scene looked particularly warm in the gentle sunlight.
As the distance shortened, Jin's eyes met theirs, and the corners of his mouth involuntarily sketched a warm and familiar smile.
"Kuma, Ginny, you're here too."
Jin's voice was gentle, containing deep concern and joy for his old friends.
Then, his gaze fell on their tightly clasped hands, his smile deepened, and his tone was playful and blessing:
"When can I drink your wedding wine?"
Ginny's cheeks immediately bloomed with delicate blushes, like the rising sun in the morning, beautiful and shy.
She gently stamped her foot, pretending to be angry but unable to hide the smile at the corner of her mouth.
"You're teasing us like this as soon as we meet, long time no see, big brother."
Her voice was full of complaints, but it also revealed the joy of a long-awaited reunion.
Between Jin and them, there was a deep friendship of many years, and he hoped that they could find happiness.
"Although we haven't met, we've always been in contact."
"Why do I sound like a scumbag in your mouths..."
"..."
In this rare reunion, warm laughter filled the area.
Taking advantage of the relaxed atmosphere brought by the cool breeze, Jin slowly stood up from the ground.
Still holding the playful Shanks in his arms.
Patting Shanks' clothes, gently shaking off the dust that had been stained by the sudden embrace.
While patting, a wry smile appeared on Jin's face, as if lamenting some helplessness in his heart.
"I just came back to headquarters from a mission outside,"
His words carried a hint of fatigue, but also revealed a heavy sense of responsibility.
He bent down slightly to make sure Shanks was standing firmly, and then continued:
"Now I finally have a vacation."
Temporarily relieved of the heavy burden, his voice carried a bit of ease.
After a brief pause, Jin's gaze swept across every familiar face present, and the warmth in his eyes was like the warm sun in winter:
"It's so good to see you here."
...
