INIIDF-Chapter 278 Bomb Person

''Chapter Header: A Side Story – What Was Forgotten in the Main Text – The Princess in Critical Condition''

South Blue, Magnifique Island, City Town. Workers bustle about, cleaning up the grand tournament venue, both inside and out. On the streets, the air is thick with gossip. 

Rumor has it that the Princess fell gravely ill after the recent chaos during the tournament and is now in critical condition. Not far away, the sound of commotion spills out from a restaurant at the end of the street.

...

South Blue, Karate Island.

This bustling commercial island is renowned for hosting all kinds of competitions, big and small. It's a lively, open place with strong ties to the outside world.

The port is always teeming with activity, countless ships docked at its piers. Many of these vessels belong to professional boxers from across South Blue who've come to compete in the island's boxing tournament. 

Naturally, in such a vibrant environment, it's no surprise that pirates and other unsavory characters have slipped in. And where there are pirates, bounty hunters are never far behind. Over time, this has created a delicate balance in the island's shadowy underbelly...

On the streets of City Town, the lively chatter suddenly quiets as the crowd parts to either side.

"Make way for the King's carriage! Clear the path!"

A lavish, ornate carriage rolls slowly down the center of the street, flanked by several others.

Marines in crisp uniforms march solemnly alongside the procession, acting as escorts. They push through the crowded streets, keeping a sharp eye out for any potential threats.

At the front of the luxurious carriage stands a figure dressed in exquisite princess attire, her hair adorned with glittering gemstones and her face veiled in delicate gauze. With just a simple smile and wave, she draws gasps of admiration from the crowd. "Ah, so beautiful…" "Too beautiful…" "I could die happy…"

The Princess on the carriage feels a surge of pride. These commoners know their place. 

Allowing them to bask in her beauty is an act of great mercy— they should be on their knees, thanking her. But soon, she notices something odd. The cries of "so beautiful" don't seem to be directed at her.

On one side of the street, the crowd naturally parts, creating a gap. Walking through it are the Kuja pirates and their entourage. 

Wherever they go, the surrounding people can't help but stare, especially at the stunning figure leading the group. The onlookers are spellbound, their eyes filled with hearts, and they murmur the most effusive compliments...

"So beautiful…" The Princess on the carriage murmurs as she catches sight of the tall, graceful figure in the distance. But then, a flash of jealousy crosses her face. 

Furious, she yanks the carriage curtain shut and storms back inside. "Father, I want that woman dead! She… she's so beautiful… how dare she!" The Princess's face twists with a mix of longing and hatred as she grits her teeth. "No woman on this island— no woman in this world— can be more beautiful than me."

"Why do you care so much about some commoner?" The King, lounging comfortably in the spacious, opulent carriage, flips through a newspaper and responds casually to his beloved daughter. "Fine, after we return from Levely, you can deal with whoever you want…" 

The King scans the news in the paper. "Hmm… what a disgrace, what happened on Magnifique Island."

The King's procession heads toward the port outside the city, and the crowd in City Town gradually returns to its usual relaxed state.

Sandersonia glances away and smiles. "Elder sister, the Princess on that carriage was staring at you too."

"Why would I care which ant happens to glance at me?" Hancock replies nonchalantly as she continues walking. Suddenly, a bright flash of light erupts behind them, followed by a deafening explosion.

"An explosion?" 

"The King's carriage was attacked!" 

"Oh my!" 

"Well done… huh?"

The crowd erupts into chaos, with all sorts of voices filling the air.

Liam and the others turn to look. In the distance, they see the carriage procession engulfed in flames, clearly the target of the explosion.

"It doesn't seem like many people died," Liam remarks, curious. "Did they miss? How unprofessional…"

Robin suggests, "Perhaps it was a warning attack?"

Marigold, her arms full of snack bags, is too busy eating to comment. Sandersonia laughs, "Looks like being a King is dangerous too!"

But the attack on the King's carriage has nothing to do with them— proper pirates. Let the Marines deal with the headache.

After the pirate ship docks, Liam leaves B.I.B. on the ship and gives all the Kuja warriors a break, letting them go ashore to have some fun… Naturally, as usual, Hancock uses her snake hair's venom to control Bonney, keeping her on the ship. Even Liam and Robin don't know what orders she gave Bonney this time.

After disembarking with Hancock and her two sisters, they head into City Town to explore and enjoy a good meal together.

As soon as they enter the restaurant, the lively atmosphere quiets. The sound of chopsticks dropping, plates breaking, gasps, and murmurs fills the air…

Hancock and the others are used to such reactions and pay no mind. They chat and laugh as they find an empty table.

The moment Hancock sits down, she exudes an imperial aura that feels untouchable. The waiter feels a pang of inferiority and shame, but when he looks up, he sees the untouchable empress's menu being snatched away by the man beside her. 

The empress's usually cold and dignified face flashes with a coyness that no one could have imagined…

"Bang!" 

"Crack…" 

"How wicked!" 

"So envious…" 

Instantly, the restaurant is filled with the sound of people gritting their teeth at Liam.

After ordering, Liam hands the menu to the waiter, who has been waiting patiently. He then glances at a table in the corner of the restaurant.

"Since we came in, it seems like only the people at that table haven't looked at you much, Hancock," Liam says with a smile, pointing to the corner.

Hancock smiles and asks, "What? Do you think I'd be angry?"

Robin, flipping through a conveniently portable book, shakes her head. Soon, the dishes they ordered are served one by one. The others eat gracefully, while Liam devours his food like a whirlwind, quickly finishing his portion. After reaching about 30% fullness, he gets up and heads toward that table.

"Does he really need to care so much?" Hancock wonders, puzzled.

Sandersonia and Marigold are too busy eating to answer their elder sister. Robin, already full, takes out the book she was halfway through and glances at Liam's back as he walks toward the person eating alone at the table. She thinks for a moment and says, "I think he has another reason…"

Sandersonia, mouth full of food, mumbles, "That person over there… seems to have a lot of hair…"

(End Of The Chapter)

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