In one corner of Elegia, a concert area had been newly established. While it was the same location where Uta had performed live during the FILM RED movie, the support of me and Lilith seemed to have made a difference compared to the movie, as the concert area, including the audience seats, was more elaborately constructed.
Even the special VIP seats where I was located had undergone changes. In the movie, it seemed that we moved to our seats on a small boat, but now a dedicated bridge had been built, allowing us to move through it.
Unlike in the movie where the audience sat on a grassy slope, the seats were proper chairs, which slightly reduced the number of audience members compared to the movie... but there were still plenty.
"Wow, these are the best seats. The stage is clearly visible."
"Yeah, thanks to the Chief."
Jabra and Fizz chatted cheerfully. They were wearing half-coats with Uta's mark on their backs and holding glow sticks, fully prepared for the event. These two were a bit more enthusiastic compared to others.
Today, they were making more noise than Fukuro, which was saying something. Also, no matter how you looked at it, these two seemed to share similar tastes and got along quite well.
"...Impressive turnout. This singer Uta must be incredibly popular, as you guys have been saying."
"Thanks to the widespread influence of the Tone Dial, many singers have risen in prominence. But among them, Uta is the one with the most momentum."
Lucci didn't know much about Uta to begin with, and this seemed to be his first experience attending such a live event. He appeared curious about everything, and it seemed like he was genuinely enjoying himself, thanks in part to his experience during the undercover mission in Galleria that allowed him to appreciate such events.
Other CP members were also excited about the upcoming live performance, chatting excitedly. As I observed them with a sidelong glance and moved my gaze, I unintentionally sighed as I looked at another special VIP seat.
"...Couldn't they have come up with a slightly better disguise, the Parent Pirates?"
In my line of sight were individuals in disguise, clearly a group associated with the Red-Haired Pirates. Shanks had done a good job concealing his distinctive red hair with a bandana, but disguising Lucky Roo seemed impossible. His round figure gave it away... well, in the world of One Piece, people often didn't notice such haphazard disguises. In fact, considering the lack of commotion, it seemed like they hadn't been recognized.
But then again, this was the same world where people mistook the fake Straw Hat Pirates for the real deal, including the Navy and the government...
"Pochi, I'll go greet Uta and Gordon briefly. I'll leave this place to you... If Jabra and Fizz become too annoying, feel free to throw them into the sea."
"Understood!"
"Hey, wait a minute, Chief!? That's an unnecessary final instruction!!"
"Hahaha, it's fine... Chelsea, you can throw them in too."
"Hey, you there, Lucci..."
Listening to the noisy voices of the CP members, I moved while chuckling and headed to the backstage area of the live venue. While I had introduced the security team for this live event, I still needed to get permission to enter the building. Despite my introductions, I had to go through the proper channels and receive permission before entering the room.
After a short journey, I reached the dressing room, knocked on the door, and entered after getting permission. Inside the room were Uta and Gordon.
"Spandam-san! You came!"
"Yeah, just to show my face before the event... What's with that outfit?"
"Hehe, do you like it? I got it specially for today."
"...It's quite unique and eye-catching in design."
Saying so, Uta looked delighted. It was the same hoodie that was seen in FILM RED, but the design was subtly different.
First of all, the overall color scheme wasn't predominantly pink; it used a lot of red in its design. Furthermore, while the hoodie in the movie was supposed to resemble a bear, this one had black around the eye area... making it more like a panda motif.
The increased use of red might have been influenced by the reconciliation with Shanks, but the panda design... was it because of me? Well, I had nothing to do with actual pandas, but I couldn't exactly deny the color scheme.
"Earlier, Shanks and the others came to see me too. They're looking forward to today's live performance... I'll have to give it my all."
"It's good to have determination, but make sure you don't overexert yourself. This isn't the end, but rather the beginning, right? Just enjoy it and have fun."
"Yeah! Oh, thank you!"
I chuckled at Uta's enthusiastic response and took a stick of candy from my pocket, handing it over.
With a brief exchange of greetings, there was no need to linger in the dressing room before the live performance.
"Well then, I'll enjoy the show from the audience. Gordon... no matter how talented Uta is, this is her first major live performance. Make sure to support her well."
"Yeah, leave it to me."
"Do your best."
"Sure thing! Thanks, Spandam-san!"
I waved my hand to Uta and turned to leave the dressing room. Exiting the building and heading towards the live venue, I popped a stick of candy into my mouth.
Come to think of it, there were some individuals in the movie who seemed to be attempting to kidnap Uta. Well, unlike in the movie, there was proper security this time, and the World Government had even issued a statement fully supporting the reconstruction of Elysia.
While it wasn't direct support for Uta, it indirectly indicated their approval of such actions. Therefore, it was hard to imagine any idiots causing trouble in this situation...
With these thoughts in mind, I used Observation Haki to sense the location and moved there swiftly. It was a ruined part of Elegia's town, and a rather unsavory-looking group had gathered there.
"Listen up, our target is after the live performance ends, when they come out of the building."
...Looks like there are idiots among them. Trying to cause a scene at a live performance attended by the Red-Haired Pirates, us, and even well-known Marines on vacation is practically suicidal.
***
When I returned to the special VIP seats, Jabra and the others called out to me.
"What's up, Chief? You were quite late, huh? The show's about to start soon."
"Yeah, disposing of organic waste in the sea has odor and environmental issues, so we decided to bury it for proper disposal. That took a bit of time."
"Huh?"
"Well, that aside, it seems Jabra and Fizz haven't been thrown in."
"...Unfortunately."
"Hey, Lucci."
Seemingly the timing was just right, and the live performance was about to begin shortly. I turned my gaze towards the stage.
A few minutes later, Uta's first live performance started. Although Uta wasn't using the power of the Uta Uta no Mi, her collaboration with Lilith resulted in a spectacular production. The large monitors and the sound system were of high quality.
Uta seemed to be enjoying the live performance as well, and the event progressed smoothly without any major issues. At one point, Uta even sang TotMusica, and I could feel Totto Music inside my soul rejoicing.
Or rather, given its nature, Totmusica was fond of music and probably enjoyed the live performance as well.
Time flew by quickly, and when the time came for the last song, Uta addressed the audience.
"Hey everyone, are you all having fun? It's a bit sad, but the next song will be the last. Those of you who came to the venue today and those who are watching through the Visual Den Den Mushi, I believe everyone has their own reasons. I think there might be people who feel that every day is tough, that they're struggling. What should I say... I'd be really happy if my song could help you forget that pain and suffering, even if just for a moment."
Pausing there, Uta's gaze was filled with intense emotion as she continued speaking.
"...But that doesn't mean escaping from harsh reality. It's about taking a temporary break and then moving forward. I think there are very few people who can keep moving forward without stopping. There are times when it's tough, painful, and you can't walk forward anymore. I've had experiences like that myself, and thanks to various people helping me and giving me a push, I'm standing here today."
Observing Uta's expression, I felt a sense of admiration. While she had been somewhat swayed by the feelings and wishes of her fans in the movie, she seemed to have become more positive after reconciling with Shanks and learning about societal norms, possessing a firm determination.
"So, I hope that with my songs, I can support the backs of all my fans. No matter how many times you stop, I'll cheer you on with all my might so you can face forward and walk again! The world continues beyond the path you walk!"
With that declaration, Uta began singing the final song, "Continuation of the World." In the movie, she had struggled as a kind of idol for the masses, but now, having gained a firm sense of purpose from her own experiences and the ability to guide people through her way of life, she had grown.
"I see... she certainly has the power to attract many. A confident and talented singer."
"That's right."
I agreed with Lucci's murmured words. If this was the case, her first live performance was a great success, and it might not take as long as we thought for her to achieve her goal of Elegia's restoration.
***
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