OPTC Chapter 245 Poor Tom
Handing Diamante and Buffalo over to Vice Admiral Gion had already been two days ago. Yesterday, they spent the whole day enjoying themselves at Saint White Poplar, and today they finally returned to Water Seven.
Saint White Poplar was also called the City of the Spring Queen. No one knew the origin of the name, only that it was a spring island with a pleasant climate. It truly felt like spring all year round, unlike certain cities where every season felt like spring.
It was a prosperous little town with hospitals, shops, restaurants, and inns—everything one might need. The only downside was that it didn't have much that stood out.
After asking around, they learned that the local specialty was its many lumber mills producing high-quality wood. For travelers like Zhang Da Ye and his group, though, that didn't feel very special.
What left the strongest impression was the fact that the town even had a bowling alley. Everyone went in with great interest to try it out.
"Bowling, huh? Isn't it just throwing a ball to knock down as many pins as possible?" Zhang Da Ye had never played before, but he had watched it and even tried the mobile game. With his current strength and stamina, he felt full of confidence.
Holding the ball in his right hand, he threw it with flair. The ball traced a neat arc through the air, landed with a heavy thud, and ended up knocking down three pins.
"Yohohoho~ So that's how bowling is played?"
"No way, I think Boss just slipped." Rui Meng Meng exposed the truth mercilessly.
"It was an accident. The first time is always unfamiliar." Zhang Da Ye awkwardly picked up another ball, and with two more tries managed to knock down all the pins. "Not bad for a beginner, right?"
"Let me try." Ye Yan grabbed a ball, tested its weight, then threw it confidently. It hit straight and knocked down the pins.
"You're cheating!" Zhang Da Ye realized Ye Yan's ball didn't even roll down the lane—it was just a straight throw, probably using skills honed from his years as a night watchman.
"Does the rulebook say the ball has to roll down the lane?"
Zhang Da Ye was left speechless. He had no clue about the rules anyway, so he let it go. They weren't here for a competition, just some fun.
Rui Meng Meng and Brook each tried their own lanes, and even Perona chose a lighter ball to join in.
Meanwhile, Liyah invited Tom to compete against her. Among them, only Tom's movements looked practiced and graceful, so she figured he might be the best bowler in the group.
Tom happily agreed, throwing strike after strike, going head-to-head with Liyah.
Finally, it came down to Tom's last ball. He cracked his knuckles, stretched his wrists and ankles, then slid his fingers into the ball's holes, twisting to secure his grip.
Confidently, Tom charged forward and released the ball.
The throw was perfect—except his fingers didn't come loose. The ball yanked his arm long, his face twisted in horror, and then he went flying along with it.
Both Zhang Da Ye and Liyah reached out, but even with their reflexes, they caught nothing.
Clang! Bang! Crash!
The pins were all knocked down, the machine reset, and standing in their place were ten Tom-shaped pins blinking innocently.
"Tom!"
"Mr. Tom!"
Perona and Brook, who weren't as used to Tom's antics, screamed and dropped their balls as they rushed over.
…
While everyone was playing heatedly, Shark Chili stood staring at the three little finger holes in the bowling balls, then at his own hands. For him, this sport was truly unfriendly.
"No choice. Time to activate Super Transformation Mode!"
"Ohhh!!" The cheers inside the bowling alley were even louder than when someone scored a strike. Perfect games were common, but seeing a robot transform was a first.
Naturally, a crowd gathered to watch.
Shark Chili was used to this sort of attention. Ignoring them, he happily enjoyed his precious fifteen minutes.
"Transformation time is almost up. One last throw!" He prepared his stance, but just as he released the ball, he reverted back to normal. "Crap, my strength—"
The ball shot forward like a cannonball—right toward the Tom-shaped pins.
All ten Toms sucked in a sharp breath, leaping into the air before merging back into one panicked Tom, who dove frantically into Zhang Da Ye's arms.
Boom! The ball smashed into the machinery, leaving a smoking hole. Brook and Perona both flinched in shock.
Especially Brook, who felt the ball pass right by his afro. "Yoho… yohohoho! I thought I was going to be killed. Although I'm already dead, yohohoho~"
"Is everyone okay? I'm so sorry! I really didn't mean for that to happen!" Shark Chili rushed over, apologizing over and over.
"Yohohoho~ I'm fine."
"I'm fine too," Perona shook her head, "but Tom looks pretty shaken up."
Tom tilted his head, then raised one finger and used his hands to show a certain length.
Shark Chili waved firmly. "No problem. Tonight I'll catch a fish this big to make it up to you."
At that moment, the bowling alley owner came over to inspect the damage. Zhang Da Ye quickly joined Shark Chili in apologizing and paying compensation. He hadn't expected such a normally steady guy to cause this kind of trouble.
Despite the little accidents, their day in Saint White Poplar was still fun overall.
And now, after returning to Water Seven on the sea train, it was time to prepare for their next voyage.
Their next destination was already set—Alabasta. Along with the usual supplies, they also needed to buy desert robes to protect against sandstorms.
Ye Yan's earlier investigation turned out useful, saving them some time while shopping.
Ye Yan and Perona went together to pick up the clothes and toys they had ordered earlier.
Shark Chili and Brook stayed behind to watch the ship and, just in case, visited Tom's workshop to confirm the ship's condition one last time.
Meanwhile, Zhang Da Ye, Tom, Artoria, and Rui Meng Meng went out to buy essential goods. It was a rare reunion of their old supply team from Sabaody Archipelago.
The four rented a large cargo-type bull specially for shopping, weaving through the waterways of Water Seven. Along the way, Tom suddenly recalled a bold idea he'd had a few days earlier.
Artoria pulled out a map and pointed to a circle. "Da Ye, this place is nearby."
Zhang Da Ye looked over—it was one of the specialty restaurants Suifeng Er had recommended earlier, one they hadn't visited yet.
Seeing the expectation in Artoria's eyes, Zhang Da Ye felt his wallet shiver in fear.
[Powerstones plz...
patreon.com/GuessMyName33 for 50 chapters ahead
If you like this novel, check out my other novels in my profile!]