After returning from Skypiea, TD quickly spread worldwide as Lillith promptly established breeding facilities, making it accessible on a large scale. While recording technology had existed before, it often required substantial machinery, but now a single shell made it possible, signifying significant progress.
In fact, thanks to the achievements of shell dial cultivation, Lillith apparently secured substantial rewards, or rather research funds, from the World Government, leaving her quite delighted. Despite knowing the answer, she confirmed with me, "Will there be a share for me?" Her confirmation somehow made her seem like an earnest person.
In any case, with TD's expansion, a global music boom ensued, and Uta officially debuted as a singer. Among many singers, her songs stood out as exceptional, and TD's sales were steadily increasing. Uta herself was becoming quite famous.
Uta possessed considerable talent, as even Brook had once hailed her as being in a different dimension. Unlike in the movie, her relationship with Shanks had been restored, and her vibrant performances contributed to her earning high praise such as "The New Era of Song" and "Unparalleled Songstress."
She openly declared her intention to contribute to the reconstruction of Elegia, which further enhanced her favorable impression in society.
Uta's first live performance in Elegia was fast approaching, and it was safe to say it had become the most anticipated event worldwide. In fact, the newspaper I was currently reading featured a prominent special article promoting the live performance, and the odds of winning the ticket lottery seemed to be extraordinarily high.
"Director, what article are you reading?"
"Hmm? Oh, it's a special feature on Uta's first live performance."
"Oh! UTA, huh? She's great!"
"Well, Fizz, do you know her?"
Fizz, who had approached and asked, was also present in the director's office. CP9 members, including myself, turned to face them. This seemed to be a topic of interest to many. Jabra also chimed in, seeming quite enthusiastic.
"I've got TD too. I like those passionate songs that seem to create a new era of music."
"Indeed, she's an amazing singer. Her popularity has skyrocketed."
"Her determination to work hard for the revival of the fallen Elegia is touching and makes you want to support her."
Not only Jabra, but even Blueno and Kalifa appeared to be fans of Uta, engaging in the conversation with a cheerful demeanor.
However, among them, there was one individual wearing a perplexed expression - Rob Lucci.
"...Am I the odd one out here?"
"You should take a bit more interest in the world, Lucci. You're currently one of the most highly regarded figures in the last six months."
Well, Lucci did give off an impression of not being very interested. Jabra had a rather fickle nature, so it seemed like he would enjoy this type of conversation.
The CP9 members continued to enthusiastically discuss Uta's topic, gradually shifting the conversation to her upcoming first live performance.
"...Seems like I didn't win the lottery for the live performance."
"Me neither. The odds were outrageous."
"Most people probably didn't win. They're planning to keep the attendance moderate for the first event, after all."
Jabra, who seemed to have lost in the lottery for the first live performance, let out a disappointed sigh, and Fizz seemed to share the same fate. And it appeared Kaku also... it seemed like they had all applied but didn't get selected.
"If you guys want to go to the live performance, how about I take you?"
"Huh?"
As the members turned around in surprise at my muttered words, I took a ticket out of the drawer and placed it on the desk.
"You can bring as many people as you want."
"Huh? Wait, Director!? Hey, hey, is this a special invitation ticket!?"
"W-Why do you have something like that... is that the power of authority?"
Their reactions were immense. Jabra stared at the ticket with wide eyes, and Fizz was left dumbfounded. My possession of the ticket seemed to baffle them.
"Well, we were acquaintances even before her debut. Also, let's just say I'm in a position to provide various kinds of support."
In reality, this applied to TD-related matters as well. For the first live performance, I helped arrange security and other connections. Lillith also assisted. I had provided quite a bit of support.
"Adjusting our vacation shouldn't be a problem, and if you all want, we can go together?"
"...Sounds interesting. It's a bit awkward that I'm the only one who doesn't know, and I'd like to see this world-renowned songstress."
Lucci, who had been somewhat detached from the conversation until now, agreed with my suggestion, and the others seemed to have no objections. So, it was decided that all of us would adjust our vacations to attend Uta's first live performance together.
Just to be sure, I should let Uta know the number of attendees later.
***
The Dawn Island in the East Blue. A small village called Foosha Village is located in the remote part of the island where the Goa Kingdom exists. A young man wearing a straw hat, Luffy, was visiting the village's only tavern.
About a year ago, his brother Ace set out on a journey, and Luffy himself had been training under the mountain bandit Dadan in preparation for his own departure in two years.
Amidst this, he was summoned by Makino, the tavern's owner who had been like an older sister to him since childhood, and he arrived at the tavern.
"Makino, you called?"
"Yes, Luffy. Sorry for calling you out of the blue."
"No problem. But I haven't found any treasure yet, so I can't pay for drinks, alright?"
"Hehe, that's not why I called you."
With a puzzled look, Luffy waited for an explanation as Makino, with a somewhat amused expression, took out a certain shell.
"What's that, a shell?"
"This is called a TD, which has been quite popular lately. It's a shell that can store sound."
"Huh? ...So it's a Mystery Shell?"
"Yes, something like that. Well, it might be faster to hear the explanation than to explain..."
Saying so, Makino placed the TD on the counter and started playing it. Beautiful singing voices flowed from the TD. While Luffy initially had a dubious expression, after listening for a while, he seemed to recall something and his expression turned surprised.
"...Uta's... song."
"Yes, that's right. Uta-chan's song. She recently debuted as a singer and has become incredibly popular."
"...I see."
Thinking of his childhood friend Uta, Luffy's expression became somewhat complicated. He still hadn't fully accepted the story that Uta had left Shanks' crew.
When Shanks had told him about it, Luffy had been quite confrontational. As if sensing Luffy's complex emotions, Makino handed him a letter.
"This TD is accompanied by this letter. It's from Uta-chan. She wants you to have it."
"Uta?"
"Yes, if you read it... it might resolve your questions, Luffy."
Saying so, Makino smiled, and Luffy began to open and read the letter.
"To Luffy. Sorry for disappearing without a proper farewell. A lot happened, you know... Oh, but don't get the wrong idea, I didn't quit being a musician for the Red-Haired Pirates. I'm just on hiatus. I plan to become the world's greatest songstress first and then return to Shanks' ship."
As Luffy read the letter, he pictured Uta in his memories. It sounded exactly like something she would say.
"I met Shanks before this and heard a lot about you too. Eating a Devil Fruit, receiving the hat from Shanks... That hat belongs to Shanks, so take good care of it. Well, I might have caused you some worries, but I'm doing my best now. If you're not careful, I might create the new era before you, Luffy. Well then, I'm looking forward to seeing you someday. By then, make sure you've become a cool guy who can wear Shanks' straw hat well! See you later! From Uta."
At the end of the letter, there was a familiar drawing. A somewhat crooked illustration of the straw hat that Luffy had drawn before. It was the memory of a present he had given to Uta, suggesting it as a "mark of the new era."
Looking at the letter with the mark "UTA" engraved on the crooked straw hat, Luffy grinned.
"I see... so she's doing her best. It's good to know."
"We need to make sure you don't fall behind, Luffy."
"Yeah! I won't lose... I'll become the Pirate King!"
After making a confident declaration to a smiling Makino, Luffy received the TD from her and learned how to use it. Apparently, Makino had received a separate letter and TD, and this particular TD was a gift from Uta to Luffy.
After hearing the explanation and receiving the TD, Luffy left the tavern and headed not to Dadan's hideout, but to the coastline where he used to spend time with Uta.
Listening to the song flowing from the TD while lightly pressing down on his straw hat, he murmured to himself.
"...She really is an amazing singer... Uta."
***
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