Chapter 326: Be Careful Next Time, Little Girl
The concert venue was set up in the bay. Luffy and the others were on a viewing platform that emerged from the sea.
At some unknown point, a fog had suddenly risen and spread across the island, making the scene a bit dim.
Thud!
A beam of light suddenly lit up from the stage, followed by an ethereal and melodious singing voice.
"The new era is this future~~"
Thud! Thud! Thud!
One by one, beams of light lit up and converged on the center of the stage.
A young girl in a pure white, ultra-short dress and a red and white hooded sweatshirt appeared under the watchful eyes of everyone.
The girl's hair was split in the middle, one side red and one side white, tied into two bunches behind her head like rabbit ears.
Uta lowered the brim of her hoodie and, with her fair legs, walked to the front of the stage in the cool lights.
"—Whoa!"
"Uta...!"
"It's starting!"
The audience, who had been waiting for a long time, could no longer sit still. The empty venue erupted in cheers.
The moment the first note of her song rang out, the entire stage seemed to come to life.
In an instant, cheerful and passionate lights shot out. The fog in the arena was also lifted in an instant, and the blue sea and sky were still a vast, clear sky.
Thump—Thump—Thump!
A crisp beat sounded like a leaping elven scale.
Uta stood in the colorful spotlight, raised her hand and pointed at the audience, sweeping her gaze around. With one hand on her hip, she stomped her foot to the beat and nodded.
"Annoying—hateful—all of it, disappear~~"
"Change with this world, music~~"
Her cheerful singing was like the chirping of a bird. Her ethereal voice, like an angel's from another world, echoed through the venue.
As Uta sang, colorful bubbles and musical notes gradually began to fly around the arena.
In an instant, the entire scene became incredibly dreamlike.
"That was amazing!"
"Princess Uta!"
"The stage effects are so beautiful!"
In the bay, on a stone platform that emerged from the sea.
Chopper, Usopp, and a few others waved their glow sticks and cheered passionately. Everyone was immersed in the atmosphere of the stage and the music.
"Strange..."
Zoro murmured to himself, looking down at his palm and clenching it.
The moment the first line of the song had sounded, Zoro had suddenly noticed a strange feeling in his body.
Although it was fleeting, his alertness had caught it. But he couldn't say what was strange, and after a few seconds, that strange feeling had gradually disappeared.
"Hey, Curly-brows, did you notice?"
Zoro spoke lightly, glancing at Sanji.
"Princess Uta~~"
Sanji's eyes had turned into hearts as he looked at the stage, his whole body twisting and turning like a noodle.
Pudding pinched Sanji's ear with one hand, her cheeks puffed out, looking sullen.
"Sanji~"
"Ah, sorry, Pudding-chan."
Sanji came back to his senses and waved his hands repeatedly. "I was just too excited. I got a little carried away."
"Idiot."
A vein popped on Zoro's forehead.
Completely useless at a critical moment.
Zoro's gaze unconsciously swept over the entire audience. He didn't feel any hostility at all, so he didn't pay it much mind.
Until a song was finished, and the heavenly singing stopped.
Uta lifted her hat, a smile on her face, and walked to the very front of the stage, raising her hands.
"Hello, everyone! It's so nice to finally meet you all!"
"—Whoa!"
"Uta! Uta!"
The entire audience stood up, enthusiastically cheering Uta's name.
Luffy was stunned for a moment. He hurriedly took two steps forward and propped himself up on the edge of the stage, his eyes wide as he blinked, confirming it again and again.
"Uta!"
"It's really Uta! Hahaha!"
A smile unconsciously spread across Luffy's face. He stretched his arm, grabbed a musical note floating in the air, and, before the shocked eyes of everyone, he jumped onto the stage.
"Hey, Luffy!"
"Don't be rash!"
"What are you doing!"
Sanji and the others were instantly shocked.
Before they could stop him, they could only watch as Luffy ran straight up to Uta.
"We're done for~~"
"This idiot didn't offend Princess Uta, did he?"
"We're going to get kicked out later, wuwu~~"
Chopper and Usopp were on the verge of tears, kneeling on the ground in despair.
From what they knew of Luffy...
...if any unexpected situation occurred, it was basically time to run.
However, the next second, an unbelievable scene occurred.
Luffy and Uta on the stage, the moment they met, it was unclear what they had said.
And then, the two of them actually hugged each other happily?!
"What!!!"
An uproar broke out in the entire audience. Everyone's eyes popped out!
"Who is this guy!"
"Get your dirty hands off her, you bastard!"
"Does he know Princess Uta!"
Never mind the audience, even Usopp and the others were so shocked their mouths hung open, unable to say a word.
"Ah... ah..."
"L-Luffy knows Uta?!"
"That brat is hugging her for too long! Let go of Princess Uta! I want to hug her too, you bastard!"
A fire of jealousy burned in Sanji's eyes as he roared.
At his side, Pudding no longer paid any attention to Sanji, but instead shifted her gaze to Uta and took out her pistol, which was glinting with a cold light.
"I'm sorry, Uta-chan. Sanji belongs to me."
Pudding revealed a sinister and terrifyingly cold smile. "I won't let anyone threaten me."
Duang! Duang!
Two sudden punches knocked Sanji and Pudding on the head.
Nami raised her smoking fist, looking not in a good mood at all.
"That's enough, you guys."
"Yes, ma'am."
"I'm sorry."
Sanji and Pudding, with large bumps on their heads, knelt obediently before Nami.
Faced with the existence at the top of the food chain on the ship, even Pudding's sinister second personality had to learn the way of submission.
"What the hell is Luffy doing? He knows Uta and didn't say so earlier."
"Let's go down and see too."
"Mm-hmm. Let Luffy introduce us to Uta."
Chopper nodded happily.
The group jumped down and walked towards the stage.
Seeing the group who had rashly stormed the stage, some in the audience gradually began to recognize them.
"That straw hat... could it be..."
"No way, hey."
"Straw Hat Luffy, the Three-Sword Style swordsman Roronoa, and the Weather Queen Nami..."
"There's no mistake. They're the ones who replaced Big Mom to become the new Sea Emperor..."
"One of the Five Emperors, the Straw Hat crew!!"
"!!!"
In an instant, an uproar broke out in the entire audience.
And on the stage, Uta's face was puzzled seeing this.
"The Five Emperors?"
"It seems everyone knows you. It's been a long time. You've become very famous, Luffy."
A smile appeared on Uta's face again.
Luffy proudly bared his two rows of large, white teeth and said with a cheerful laugh:
"Hee hee hee, I'm just like Shanks now. Amazing, right?"
"Eh, really? Does that mean Luffy has become a pirate?"
Uta cried out in surprise, a complex look quietly flashing in the depths of her eyes.
In the real world.
Fog permeated the entire bay, and the sky was gloomy, as if it would press down.
There were no gorgeous, colorful lights, no colorful, dreamlike musical notes, and no noise or excitement.
There was only a dilapidated spectator stand, and people lying scattered on the ground, sound asleep.
In the Uta-Uta World, the concert was proceeding as usual.
But on the stage in the real world, there was only a lonely Uta, sitting against a wall with a tired expression.
Maintaining the Uta-Uta World also consumed a great deal of energy. Uta usually couldn't use her ability for long before she would be overcome by fatigue and fall into a deep sleep.
Once she fell asleep, the Uta-Uta World would also be dispelled, and people's consciousness would return to their real bodies.
"Go for it, Uta. You have to bring everyone to a new era."
Uta patted her cheeks to wake herself up and took a pink mushroom from a nearby basket.
This was a 'wake-shroom'. Eating it would make it difficult to fall asleep.
Because it had the side effect of making one's mental state gradually go crazy, this mushroom could not be used as a stimulant.
This basket of wake-shrooms was an important tool for her to create a new era.
She would continue to use her ability until she died of exhaustion, and through a 'sleepless death', she would permanently seal the Uta-Uta World.
Uta glanced into the distance. Luffy was lying on a stone platform, sound asleep.
Uta jumped over.
"I never thought we would meet again one day. Did Shanks entrust it to you?"
Kneeling beside Luffy, Uta picked up the straw hat that had fallen to the side, a hint of loss in her eyes.
"Pirates or whatever..."
"...this kind of thing that only brings pain doesn't need to exist in this world."
"Hey, Luffy. You also said my singing can bring people happiness, right?"
A faint smile appeared on Uta's tired face.
"Soon, we will be able to live eternally in a new era."
She placed the straw hat on Luffy and leaned against a nearby rock. Uta took out a wake-shroom and put it in her mouth.
Suddenly, a light rain began to fall from the sky.
Uta looked up at the gray sky.
The silver threads of rain were blown askew by the wind, feeling a little cold on her face.
Her thoughts and the rain threads intertwined.
Two years ago, by a chance opportunity, she had picked up several new types of Visual Den Den Mushis that had washed ashore.
Having lived alone on this island for so long, and dreaming of becoming a musician, she had bravely tried to take a step.
She had succeeded. Her singing had been recognized by the people.
"It's all thanks to you, Uta. I'm so happy."
"If only I could listen to you sing every day."
"Uta's singing can bring people happiness."
Everyone had said so.
Uta was very happy.
It was as if all the troubles in the world had disappeared in an instant.
She began to try singing more, spreading her voice to every corner of the world.
She also received a lot of feedback. More and more fans wrote to her and called her.
People would praise her singing and share their life experiences with her.
Slowly, she began to hear some different voices...
"My father was killed by pirates. It's thanks to Uta that I've been able to persevere."
"It's so painful, Uta. Pirates have destroyed my hometown, and the Marines don't care about us anymore."
"Mom is never coming back. What should I do? Save me, Uta."
"If only I could live in another world, Uta."
The people's pain spread through her heart.
Why is everyone crying...
Did my singing not bring everyone happiness?
Pirates... it's all the fault of the Great Pirate Era.
Uta had discovered it.
This era was sick. It would only bring endless pain to others.
I want to bring people happiness. I want to create a new era. With my singing...
The rain wet the corners of her eyes. Uta felt a little dizzy, and a heavy sense of fatigue began to invade her body and spirit.
So tired.
So sleepy.
"Everyone, just wait for me a little longer."
"Uta won't give up. A world without war, without pain..."
Taking another wake-shroom from the basket, Uta slowly raised her hand.
And at this moment.
Slap.
A blue figure suddenly appeared, its palm resting on Uta's arm, stopping her.
"You can't just eat colorful mushrooms. That's common sense that even a child knows."
"You're lucky this time, little girl. Be careful in the future."
The voice was low and slow, steady but not stern. It was the kind of tone that would make one feel that a reliable person had arrived.
The tired Uta subconsciously looked up. Her vision, blurred by the rain, could only vaguely make out a blond man.
"What the..."
"...I thought it was Shanks. Turns out it's an uncle I don't know."
Uta murmured with disappointment.
A corner of Reiner's mouth twitched. His hand popped a vein. The cool persona he had just put on was instantly gone.
"Hey, hey, hey! Isn't it a bit rude to call someone who isn't even thirty an uncle?"
Looking at the girl who couldn't keep her eyes open, Reiner didn't say any more. He took the wake-shroom from her hand.
And it was this action that instantly woke Uta.
Panic dispelled her fatigue. Her vision also immediately cleared, and Reiner's appearance came into view.
"Who are you!"
Uta was like a frightened sheep. She quickly took out a dagger and pointed it at Reiner.
"Anyone who heard my singing should have had their spirit pulled into my Uta-Uta World! Why are you able to move freely!"
"Of course, anyone who comes here is your fan. As for moving freely..."
Reiner unhurriedly raised his hand, pointed to his ear, and said with a faint smile:
"It's a coincidence, but I'm deaf. I didn't hear your singing."
"So that's how it is. I thought you were a Marine."
Hearing this, Uta let out a sigh of relief and lowered her guard. She sighed.
"I say, uncle, you're really something. You're deaf and you still came to listen..."
"Deaf my ass!!"
"Aren't you hearing me perfectly clearly!!"
Uta rolled her eyes and shouted.
"You saw through it. You're much smarter than Luffy."
Reiner opened his palm, revealing two earplugs. "Actually, it's these."
"Tch. So you came prepared."
Uta gritted her teeth and jumped back a step to create distance, holding her dagger with a wary expression.
Her movements were very clumsy. She probably hadn't held a knife much in her life.
"Who on earth are you! What's your purpose here!"
"My name is Reiner. You're in a bit of a bad situation right now."
Reiner said calmly, "This place has been surrounded by the Marines. I advise you to be a little more obedient."
"Heh. It's all too late. The Uta-Uta World won't close. Killing me will only kill everyone here."
As if she had a hold on Reiner, a slight smile appeared on the corner of Uta's mouth.
"Protecting the civilians should be the duty of the Marines, right?"
"Probably."
Reiner waved his hand faintly. "But I'm not a Marine."
"You're not a Marine!!"
"Mm. I'm this idiot's companion."
Reiner pointed to Luffy at his feet.
What on earth is going on with this guy?
Uta gritted her teeth and shook her head. Her mind seemed to have cleared a little. She looked at Reiner again.
"No matter who you are, I won't let you stop me."
Her firm words fell.
Uta gripped her dagger with both hands.
And turned to run!
"..."
Reiner glanced at the wake-shrooms she had dropped and scratched his head.
Chase her?
Or wait for her to walk right into the trap?
Slap.
Suddenly, the sleeping Luffy reached out and gripped Reiner's ankle tightly.
In the distance, Uta's figure really did run back.
Her ability could control those who had fallen under her power in the real world.
She immediately gave an order to Luffy and the others.
"Get the wake-shrooms! And stop that person from chasing me!"
Uta shouted, pointing at the basket at Reiner's feet.
Just as she finished speaking.
Luffy's arms and legs stretched out and immediately wrapped around Reiner's body.
Clang!!
The unconscious Zoro instantly drew his sword, and a giant flying slash, like an azure bird, flashed with a startling light.
In a flash, it was about to cut down both him and Luffy!
Reiner was instantly shocked.
Do you have that much of a grudge against the two of us?!
"Goshu Akujin!" (Guardian Evil God!)
A void rift appeared, and a giant shield with the face of a ferocious demon instantly blocked in front of him.
Clang!!
The sword's cry was as clear and bright as a dragon's roar. The shield steadily blocked Zoro's attack.
Several stone pillars behind Reiner were smoothly cut and sank into the sea!
Uta's face was pale. She stood with her hand raised, frozen in the air.
So... so terrifying...!
She could give orders, but she had no idea these people were so ridiculously strong.
Luffy was almost cut in two by one slash!
Bang!
Sanji kicked the basket containing the wake-shrooms towards Uta.
"Just stop him! Don't kill anyone!"
Uta shouted, caught the basket, and turned to run, not looking back.
"Hey, hey, hey, what's going on, Luffy? Your companions are too ridiculously strong."
Remembering Zoro's slash, and Reiner who had taken that slash, Uta looked back with lingering fear.
She saw a white-haired, twin-tailed girl suddenly appear beside Reiner, holding a wooden staff.
With a casual wave, the ground frantically grew plants that coiled around everyone who tried to stop him.
"Damn it! This guy is too strong!"
Uta gritted her teeth and charged into the forest.
Reiner gave a shoulder throw and threw off the coiling Luffy. Immediately, several more vines locked him tightly.
So they only fight by instinct, just like the undead?
"Why are you running towards the Marines?"
Reiner scratched his head.
Oh well. Sooner or later, we'll have to face each other.
He waved his hand and summoned a large number of undead to cover his rear. Reiner leaped in the direction of Uta.
Uta continuously used the complex terrain of the forest to hide her figure.
However, it was of no use. Reiner's Observation Haki had locked on, and in a little while, he saw Uta's figure.
"How can he be so fast!?"
Seeming to have encountered some danger, Uta was now turning to run back, and then she met Reiner's gaze.
Looking back at the densely packed, surrounding Marines...
Uta slumped to the ground, a look of despair in her eyes.
"I told you to be obedient."
Reiner slowly walked over.
He waited until he was beside Uta, but the Marines had not taken another step forward.
What's going on?
Uta looked at the Marines with a puzzled expression. Not only had they not come forward, but as Reiner approached, they had even taken a step back.
One by one, their expressions were nervous. They swallowed hard, and cold sweat began to break out on their foreheads.
The Marines... are afraid of this man?
(End of chapter)
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