"If I could change the world!"
All lights snapped onto Uta, illuminating her vibrant figure at the center of the grand stadium. Her singular purple eye sparkled under the radiant glow, captivating the crowd of thousands as the music began to swell. Cheers erupted like waves crashing against the shore, an unrelenting storm of admiration.
Imai leaned forward in her seat, utterly transfixed. Uta's voice, otherworldly and melodic, seemed to pierce through her very soul. The combination of her ethereal singing and dazzling visuals created the illusion of another realm.
"Every note I sing brings you closer to your purpose!"
Holograms of Uta shimmered into existence, hovering above various parts of the crowd. The intricate projections moved with an almost supernatural fluidity, each one a perfect representation of the singer's form.
"These special effects..." Imai muttered, watching as glowing musical notes floated into the air before vanishing. "They're almost too real."
Nico, seated beside her, nodded. "Unique and captivating. But also suspiciously eye-catching."
As Uta's performance reached its chorus, the effects grew even more elaborate. Yellow orbs and pink wings materialized, swirling above the audience in a mesmerizing display. Each element was so vivid it seemed alive, evoking awe from every corner of the stadium.
"And let a brand new era dawn!"
With a dramatic flourish, Uta conjured a radiant sun and a tornado of fish that swirled through the air, painting the stadium with vibrant colors. The fish dispersed in an explosion of rainbows, their shimmering forms reflecting in Imai's wide, excited eyes.
"This is insane," Imai whispered, unable to look away.
Nico chuckled softly, equally enthralled. "Now I understand why she draws so much attention."
"A new genesis!"
Uta struck a triumphant pose as she sang the final lyric. The song ended, and the stadium erupted in thunderous applause and cheers, echoing through the night.
"Hello, everyone!" Uta waved at the crowd, her smile radiant. "It's so great to finally meet you all! I'm Uta!"
The crowd's cheers intensified, shaking the very ground.
"Wow, this is... a lot to take in," Uta said into the microphone, her voice light and airy. "Anyway, let's make tonight unforgettable!"
Imai clapped enthusiastically, but her attention wavered. A faint, almost imperceptible pulse of killing intent flickered through the crowd. Her Observation Haki pricked at her senses, a sharp warning.
Her eyes scanned the mass of spectators, but nothing stood out. Whoever it was hadn't revealed themselves yet. With a sigh, Imai leaned back, deciding to keep her guard up while enjoying the concert.
But just as Uta prepared to launch into her next song, chaos erupted.
Several pirates stormed the stage, weapons gleaming under the bright lights. Their intentions were clear, and their sudden presence caused the crowd to gasp in alarm.
Nico turned to Imai, ready to alert her, but the seat beside her was already empty.
Imai appeared on stage in a blur, wand stick in hand and her merch hoodie's hood pulled low over her face. Her colorful skirt fluttered as she landed with a casual yet commanding stance, looking as if she belonged in the concert's performance.
"Eh?!" Uta's voice quivered with shock as she took a step back, eyeing the sudden intruder dressed in her merchandise.
Imai glanced over her shoulder, offering a reassuring grin. "Don't worry, you're safe. By the way, you're Shanks' daughter, right?"
The words echoed across the stadium, silencing the crowd. Shock rippled through the audience like a stone thrown into still water.
"Ah." Imai froze, realization dawning on her. She covered her mouth sheepishly. "The mic was on. My bad."
Uta sighed, visibly deflating. "It's fine. I suppose it was only a matter of time before people found out."
Murmurs began spreading through the audience.
"She's the daughter of one of the Yonko?"
"If we capture her, we'll be set for life!"
"This concert is over!"
One of the pirates sneered. "Capture her, boys! She's our ticket to glory!"
Imai's expression darkened. What kind of idiot announces their plans like this?
With a single fluid motion, she disappeared from her spot and reappeared above one of the pirates, driving her knee into his chest. The force sent him crumpling to the stage in a heap, gasping for air.
She reached for her blade, the intent in her eyes chilling. But before the sword could strike, a hand landed on her shoulder.
"I appreciate the help," Uta said softly, her grip firm, "but killing people isn't the answer. It causes more harm than you think."
"These pirates came to kill you," Imai countered. "Letting them walk away doesn't seem fair, does it?"
"Still," Uta insisted, her voice steady.
Imai sighed, sheathing her sword. "Fine. Have it your way."
As she stood, her eyes flicked toward Uta's face, and for a moment, she was captivated. Up close, Uta's delicate features and vibrant energy made her seem almost surreal. Imai fought the urge to brush aside the hair covering her eye.
"Who are you?" Uta asked, tilting her head in confusion.
Imai opened her mouth to respond, but a blade sliced through the air toward her. She ducked just in time, narrowly avoiding the attack.
"Gotcha now!"
Two figures emerged from the shadows: a green-haired woman with a long nose and a sneer plastered across her face, and a burly man with flaming orange hair styled into a bizarre shape.
"I'm Brûlée of the Big Mom Pirates!" the woman declared.
"And I'm Oven, Charlotte Linlin's fourth son!" the man added, his voice booming.
Hearing the name, Imai's grin returned, sharp and menacing. "Big Mom, huh? Haven't heard that name in a while." Her hood shadowed her face, but her eyes glinted with dangerous amusement.
Oven frowned. "Hand her over if you're smart. We won't ask again."
Imai let out a low chuckle, which quickly grew into a full-blown cackle.
"What's so funny?" Brûlée snapped.
The hooded figure reached for her hood, gripping its edge. Her grin widened, and the tension in the air thickened.
"Let me show you who I really am."