I let out a long, miserable groan, pressing both hands against the heavy, taut swell of my stomach. The locals of this island had been entirely too grateful for us saving their hides, and I’d made the rookie mistake of letting them express their thanks through endless courses of rich, heavy food. I must have had at least three kilos of meat and sweets sitting like a lead cannonball in my gut, stretching my usually slender waistline into a round, tight mound that spilled uncomfortably over my jeans. I felt like I was going to pop with every breath I took, practically waddling my way back to the Sunny just to find a place to collapse. But then Honey had to walk up to me and casually drop the absolute worst, yet most enticing news possible: an island-wide eating contest with a massive cash prize.
Are you kidding me?!
I shrieked, ignoring the painful, sloshing ache in my overstuffed belly as my eyes practically turned into Berry signs. Why didn't you tell me about the prize money before I let the mayor force-feed me half a banquet?!
I grabbed Honey by the shirt collar, my mind instantly shifting to pure strategy. Luffy was still out cold, sleeping off his injuries from the massive fight that saved this place a couple of days ago. With that bottomless pit out of the picture, there was absolutely no real competition left. That prize money was practically begging to be put into my wallet, and I wasn't about to let a minor inconvenience like an impending stomach rupture get between me and a fortune. Listen to me,
I commanded, tightening my grip and glaring with absolute authority. You are going to march over to that registration booth with me, and you're going to be my assistant. You'll carry my plates, you'll fetch my drinks, and if I start slowing down, you're going to motivate me! Got it? Good. Now let me lean on you, my stomach hurts way too much to walk there on my own.
