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"Princess Vivi, why didn't you try to escape?" the man with the scornful sneer remarked, his nostrils flaring as he gestured toward Ron's table. "The boss has ordered your demise. Do you still harbor any illusions of escaping our grasp?"
"Yes. Why bother running, Your Highness?" Miss Valentine's Day chimed in with a grin. "You cannot outrun us, so why prolong the inevitable?"
"Enough!" Vivi knew she could no longer hide. Slowly rising from her seat, she turned to confront the two approaching threats, her complexion drained of color.
"What's the point?" Miss Valentine's Day twirled her umbrella. "Do you think these people surrounding you can protect you?"
"Hmph, being an enemy of baroque works means certain doom," the man added, dismissing Ron and his entourage as insignificant.
Meanwhile, Ron remained seated with his back to the intruders, hiding his identity. Only Makino and the other girls were visible to the newcomers, and Ron took the opportunity to assess the situation.
Observing the nonchalant demeanor of the two adversaries, Vivi felt a surge of indignation, but realized she had no choice. After evading pursuit across numerous islands and losing her escort captain, Igaram, Vivi's chances of escape were slim without Ron's intervention.
"Who are you people?" Kaya stood and confronted the intruders, clutching Vivi's hand tightly. "Vivi is our friend. What business do you have with her?"
"How dare you interfere?" sneered the man with disdain. "Do you not understand, Princess Vivi, that you have no one here to protect you, not even your kingdom of Alabasta?"
Miss Valentine's Day remained silent, wearing a knowing smile.
"Princess?" The girls around Ron were surprised to learn of Vivi's royal status. They hadn't expected their encounter with the blue-haired girl to involve royalty.
"Wow, Vivi, you're really a princess?" Kaya exclaimed in amazement.
"Yes," Vivi reluctantly confirmed, "I am the princess of the Kingdom of Alabasta. Unfortunately, I am now being relentlessly pursued, which must be amusing to you."
"It's okay, but why are they after you?" Kaya inquired.
"Because..." Vivi glared at the two intruders. "Because our country was almost decimated by the boss of the Baroque Works. I infiltrated the organization to gather information, but I was discovered sooner than I expected."
As she apologized to Kaya, Ron, and the others, Vivi felt torn. She didn't want to burden them, but hoped they could help her fight off her pursuers.
"Vivi, there's nothing to be afraid of," Kaya reassured, giving Vivi's hand a reassuring squeeze. "With Ron here, those two won't dare lay a finger on you."
"Really?" Vivi's eyes brightened as she turned to Ron.
Putting down his chopsticks and finishing his drink, Ron rose from his seat and turned around leisurely. "With me here, let's see who has the audacity to touch you."
The man sneered, "Some brat shows up. If you're looking for trouble, I'm happy to oblige!"
"Mr. 5!" Miss Valentine's Day's expression changed abruptly as she recognized Ron. "Ron! It's Ron!"
"What's with this Ron?" The Snot Man furrowed his brow, sensing a hint of recognition in Ron's face, but unable to place it.
"Ron, the pirate with a half a billion bounty on his head!" Miss Valentine's Day exclaimed urgently. "We saw him in the newspapers. Don't you remember? He's the one who defeated Hawkeye Mihawk, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea!"
"What?" The Snot Man's eyes widened in shock as he looked at Ron's calm demeanor, panic creeping into his voice. "It's really him! Ron!"
Approaching Vivi with a calm stride, Ron spoke softly, "You just called us mere minions seeking death. How do you feel now?"
The Snot Man's face shifted between shades of blue and white, rendered speechless.
Miss Valentine's Day chuckled awkwardly and took a few steps back. "Mr. Ron, what a surprise to see you here! Would you mind if we joined you for dinner?"
Ron's invitation made the intruders even more nervous. They were expecting a violent showdown, not this unexpected turn of events.
Watching their reactions, Ron couldn't help but be amused. Moments ago they were brimming with arrogance, but now they wilted at the slightest sign of confidence.
"Am I really that intimidating?" Ron wondered, finding the situation rather amusing.
Glancing at each other warily, Miss Valentine's Day and the Snot Man exchanged uncomfortable glances. Ron's presence, with his half-billion bounty, was undeniably formidable. Their boss, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, only had a bounty of 80 million before joining their ranks. Ron's five hundred million bounty was a force to be reckoned with.
"Mr. 5, what should we do now?" asked Miss Valentine, struggling with indecision. Retreating meant giving up their pursuit of Princess Vivi, but facing Ron and his crew seemed just as daunting.
"Mr. 5, that is Ron. He has a bounty of half a billion berries. He's incredibly strong; he even defeated Hawkeye Mihawk," Miss Valentine's Day explained anxiously.
Meanwhile, Kaya, seeing Ron's presence, turned to Vivi with a comforting smile. "You see, Vivi? With Ron here, you're safe from harm."
Vivi looked at Ron with newfound admiration, impressed by his confident and authoritative demeanor.