Uta didn't know why she decided to kiss Imai. Her feelings and desires had taken over in that moment, clouding her reason. For some mysterious reason, emotions she had never felt before stirred within her as she looked into Imai's eyes.
Was it love?
It was possible.
As Uta touched her lips with her finger, she remembered how soft Imai's lips were. The taste was sweet yet tinged with bitterness, like a memory that brought both joy and pain. She wanted to taste them again. Thank goodness she'd managed to teleport them to the stage in time, or else Imai might have seen her face flushed bright red.
There hadn't been time to say what she wanted to say to Imai, not with the marines and two admirals surrounding them. But when Uta met Imai's gaze amidst the chaos, she could have sworn there was a spark. A silent understanding passed between them, an unspoken agreement born from their connection.
They knew exactly what to do.
Uta felt exhilarated as she sang, her voice weaving power and purpose, while Imai fought the marines with a deadly grace. The two moved like a synchronized storm, complementing each other's strengths and seamlessly covering for any weaknesses. It was as if they had been a team their entire lives.
They had each other's back, always.
"There's an admiral here," Imai said, her voice calm despite the tension in the air. "He's pretty good. I'm going to lure him away from you. Handle the rest and stay alive."
"Okay," Uta replied without hesitation.
Though her condition was deteriorating—her body weakened by the effects of the mushrooms—Uta's determination burned brighter than ever. She wanted to spend more time with Imai, and that desire fueled her resolve. She raised her hands, and the unconscious bodies of her concertgoers began to move like puppets under her command.
"Everyone! Take down the marines who seek to tear our dreams away!" Uta's voice rang out, filled with conviction. "This is our world! Our place of happiness!"
The controlled bodies surged forward, armed with whatever they could find. Guns, swords, and improvised weapons were raised against the marines.
"Don't kill the innocent ones!" Momonga shouted to his men. "Use the ropes! Secure them without harm!"
Uta watched the marines scramble to fetch ropes from their ships. She didn't mind—it was a distraction that worked to her advantage. She needed her fans to hold the marines at bay, giving her the time and space to act.
"Young lady, stop this madness," Momonga called out, his voice calm but commanding. "You're talented beyond compare. Your music already brings joy to so many. Why risk lives for this? You're walking a dangerous path."
Uta's gaze turned cold. "I've made my decision. You can't stop what's coming. I'll bring happiness to everyone, no matter the cost."
"At the cost of lives?" Momonga's voice grew stern. "That's not happiness, that's destruction."
"If they die," Uta said, her voice resolute, "then they'll find eternal peace in my world. But they won't die—not while I'm supporting them."
Momonga sighed, shaking his head. "Such a twisted view. You leave me no choice."
Their blades clashed with a resounding force, golden rapier meeting steel katana. Despite her slim build, Uta's strength surprised Momonga. But he was a seasoned fighter, renowned for his physical prowess, and each of his strikes tested the limits of her endurance.
Uta's movements became a blur as she danced across the battlefield, her rapier clashing repeatedly against Momonga's blade. Though she struggled against his raw power, her speed and adaptability allowed her to evade his decisive blows. Her mind raced, analyzing his every movement—the way his muscles tensed, the timing of his strikes, and the placement of his feet.
Momonga's swordsmanship relied on overwhelming strength and precision, designed to subdue even the most skilled opponents. But Uta was unlike anyone he'd faced before. Her agility and unorthodox style made her a challenging foe.
When Uta glanced toward Imai, she found her looking back. Imai's confident smile sent a jolt of energy through her.
It was all the strength Uta needed.
She feinted, throwing her rapier directly at Momonga. He instinctively deflected the blade and shifted his position, preparing to counter. But that was exactly what Uta had planned.
"I'm sick of being tired and alone. Wanna be connected!" Uta sang, her voice infused with her devil fruit's power.
Momonga's eyes widened in realization. He pressed his hands to his ears, but it was too late. The melody had ensnared him, dragging him into Uta's world.
Bubbles, rainbow cubes, and musical notes swirled around him, forming a storm of color and sound. He slashed at them with his katana, but they reformed instantly. The bubbles transformed into cuffs, binding his wrists and ankles. The cubes coiled around his body, rendering him immobile, and the notes wove a cocoon that sealed him completely.
Momonga struggled, but in Uta's world, he was powerless.
Uta's rapier and shield vanished as she returned to her normal form, her concert attire replaced by her usual clothes. She surveyed the battlefield, her frustration mounting. Many of her controlled fans had been subdued by the marines, their movements restricted by ropes. The marines were still advancing, their swords raised.
"No choice, then," Uta muttered, readying herself to end them.
"No, you don't have to."
The familiar voice stopped her.
"Imai?"
"That's me." Imai smiled, stepping to her side. "You've still got something to do, don't you? Go on. Sing your final song. Finish what you started."
Uta's expression wavered. "But you'll…"
"Don't worry about me." Imai's voice was steady, her eyes unwavering. "I'll save you."
Uta hesitated for a moment before nodding. Without another word, she turned and ran toward the church, the place where her final act awaited.
Imai watched her go, a determined glint in her eyes. She knew exactly what Uta intended—to summon Tot Musica, the cursed song of destruction. The world would see Uta as a villain, her actions marking her as one of the most wanted individuals alive.
But Imai had already made her choice. She would protect Uta, no matter what.
"Go on, Uta," Imai murmured. "Sing your heart out. Bring destruction if you must. I'll be here to pick up the pieces."