Chapter 41: Chapter 41: Rhythm Behind the Curtain
This time, with enough team members to meet the requirements, Ethan Chen's application to the Gourmet Tournament was finally accepted.
After paying the 200,000 Berries registration fee, he was officially granted entry to the competition.
With that out of the way, the group went shopping. Their first stop was a specialty store to purchase bartending tools and a variety of base liquors for Tifa.
Alcohol, aside from basic beer, wasn't cheap in this world. Due to strict regulations and heavy taxation not to mention pirates being notoriously fond of drinking a decent bottle could cost upward of 100,000 or even 200,000 Berries.
Still, it was more affordable than some of the outrageously priced top-shelf bottles Tifa used to see in her old world's bars.
They picked out about a dozen high-quality bottles, plus essential syrups, mixers, tools, and a few extras. By the time they were done, the entire bounty reward they had just earned was practically gone.
But Ethan didn't mind. 2B enjoyed drinking, and Tifa was talented at mixing drinks. Just like how he bought books for Mona to support her passion for astrology, this was an investment in his crew.
He asked the shop owner to have the liquor delivered to the ship, then went with Tifa to shop for daily necessities and clothing.
Inside a reasonably priced clothing store, Tifa and Mona were busy browsing through racks of outfits, discussing which pieces were cute or flattering.
Ethan, on the other hand, was growing a little bored. He idly picked up a white sundress and held it up in front of 2B.
"This looks good on you. Want to try it on?"
"Okay," 2B replied simply and took the dress with her toward the changing rooms.
Just as she was about to close the door behind her, she noticed Ethan following her in.
Already well-acquainted with Ethan's... preferences, 2B caught on immediately. She locked the door behind them, leaned forward with her hands against the wall, and arched her back slightly flawless, fluid, and instinctive.
Ethan didn't hesitate. Lifting the skirt, he moved aside the minimal fabric and slipped into the familiar warmth. His hands gripped her hips as he moved with practiced ease.
To keep her quiet, he pulled her upright and kissed her deeply, stifling her sounds with his mouth.
Even so, the sound of skin meeting skin was hard to suppress. He was forced to slow his rhythm less of the usual unrestrained force, and more of a deliberate, teasing pace.
Every few strokes, he'd throw in a deeper thrust, jolting her with controlled intensity.
And curiously, it seemed this shift in tempo pleased 2B even more than their usual passion.
…
Back outside, Mona looked up from the clothing rack toward the now-closed fitting room door. She smirked.
Those two. Always glued together the moment they had a free moment.
It was the same back on the island. Even if she was quietly reading, it wouldn't be long before the sound of crashing waves reached her ears. And when she looked up, she'd see 2B's shapely figure swaying under Ethan's relentless rhythm hips rocking, curves trembling, lost in their own little storm.
They were constantly scheming to distract her from her studies. Or worse tempt her into joining them in that wasteful indulgence.
Absolutely shameless.
"What's the matter?" Tifa's voice broke through her thoughts.
"Huh?" Mona blinked, turning to see Tifa watching her with a look of concern.
"You looked a little off just now. Were you... jealous?"
"J-jealous? As if!" Mona blurted out, cheeks instantly flushed red. She shoved a panda-print tee into Tifa's arms. "Try this on! I think it'll suit you."
"A panda shirt?" Tifa glanced at the design and smiled. "It is cute... but I don't know if it's really my style."
"Why not?"
Tifa leaned in, checking to make sure no one was watching, and whispered near Mona's ear.
"Because I'd probably stretch it out too much."
Mona's eyes followed Tifa's motion as she bent slightly, and her jaw dropped. The movement caused Tifa's ample chest to shift, heavy and full beneath her top. Even through the fabric, the curves seemed to defy gravity, plunging into a mesmerizing cleavage.
They were huge way bigger than they looked under a sports bra.
What on earth is she eating to grow like that?!
Yet strangely, Mona didn't feel envious.
Ever since arriving in this world, whether it was thanks to Ethan's nightly massages, a certain kind of "nourishment," or just better nutrition in general, she had noticed clear growth herself.
It wasn't dramatic, not visible to the eye but the change was definitely there. The shape, the weight, the feel it was different. Fuller.
She didn't expect to reach Tifa's astonishing proportions, but she was confident she could at least rival 2B someday.
Mona held onto that thought with pride.
"Sorry! I wasn't trying to show off," Tifa said quickly, noticing Mona's expression. She straightened up to hide the outline of her chest. "But this panda shirt is really cute. It could work as pajamas on the ship. I'll take it."
After that, Tifa picked out a few more tops, some shorts, and of course, plenty of athletic undergarments.
She walked into one of the changing rooms with a basket full of clothes.
The store had plenty of fitting rooms. Yet somehow, she chose the one right next to where Ethan and 2B were.
Mona wanted to stop her, but hesitated. She didn't want to say something that might make Tifa suspicious.
So all she could do was watch helplessly as Tifa entered and closed the door.
Tifa was in high spirits. After all, what girl doesn't enjoy shopping for new clothes?
In her old life, burdened by debt, she'd learned to be frugal rarely buying anything beyond practical sportswear.
She couldn't even remember the last time she'd shopped like this.
Checking that the partition walls were secure, Tifa relaxed and began undressing.
Removing her tight sports bra was a struggle. As soon as she pulled it off, her chest long bound by compression sprang free, bouncing with sudden energy.
She let out a small sigh of relief. The release felt incredible. She could breathe easier already.
It wasn't that she enjoyed constraining herself, but given her size, it was a necessity. Without support, even light activity would quickly become uncomfortable.
Glancing at the mirror, she saw the pale curves of her figure soft, full, with veins just faintly visible beneath the skin paired with a narrow waist that almost looked unreal.
Her cheeks reddened.
It was a body that looked... too suggestive, somehow. Like the kind flaunted by the women who strolled the red-light districts after dark.
She cupped herself lightly with both hands, then reached for the first shirt in the basket.
But just as she was about to slip it on, a faint smack came from the neighboring stall.
Was that a mosquito?
She tilted her head slightly, puzzled, but didn't think much of it.
Until the second sound came.
Then the third.
Then the fourth.
Each perfectly spaced. Like... a rhythm.
A very deliberate rhythm.
NEXT CHAPTER : The Eavesdropper
(While trying on clothes, Tifa overhears Ethan and 2B getting intimate in the next stall. Though flustered, she pretends not to notice—but her body betrays her reaction. Ethan realizes she knows and respects her silence.
Just as shopping ends, 2B detects an attack on their ship. Before they can act, Mona uses a mysterious spell to teleport the group away, leaving stunned onlookers wondering:
"Was that the power of a Devil Fruit?"
Next: Who dares attack their ship—and why?)
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