After some time passed, Kaya's gaze suddenly sharpened, her eyes fixed intently on the bounty poster in front of her.
"Captain Kuro, with a bounty of 16 million Berries."
"This photo, it really is Klahadore!"
Seeing the face on the bounty poster that was identical to her butler Klahadore's, Kaya began to tremble involuntarily.
It's no wonder; anyone would be terrified upon discovering that the person who had been taking care of them was actually a vicious big bad wolf.
"I can't let this continue."
"I mustn't let Klahadore notice."
"Otherwise, it would really be the end."
"If Arton-san said he would come here, then he definitely will."
"I just have to wait for his arrival."
Kaya took a deep breath, murmuring to herself.
Thinking of the healthy body that Arton had given her, his own formidable strength, and the thunderous power he bestowed upon Carina that destroyed the Treasure Pirates, Kaya's anxious feelings gradually calmed down.
Kaya had considered asking Merry to seek help from the navy.
However, through Arton's diary, Kaya understood that Kuro had the power to annihilate an entire navy squadron alone.
In such a scenario, rather than seeking help from the navy, which might be defeated by Kuro, Kaya felt that seeking Arton's assistance might be more reliable.
"Arton-san, please, I'm begging you, come to Syrup Village soon."
"Really, I'm begging you."
Kaya muttered to herself, then flipped open her diary once more.
[The Treasure Pirates are dealt with, and the supplies are almost fully secured.]
[Just need to bring Uta into the crew, and then we can set off for the village where Kaya is.]
"That's great, Arton-san mentioned my name again."
"And he still remembers me."
Kaya's lips curved into a bright, sunny smile.
"Arton-san, I'm waiting for you, and also, thank you."
...
[But, how exactly should I bring Uta into the crew?]
[Maybe, give her those songs I knew before I crossed over?]
[With those excellent songs, perhaps Uta will join me, right?]
[Ha, as if things could be that easy.]
[Well, it seems I still need to ask her in person.]
Arton closed his diary, leaped down from the rooftop, and headed towards where Carina and Uta were talking.
"Captain Arton, you're here."
As soon as Arton landed, Carina immediately turned her head to look at him.
'So, this is what Arton looks like.'
Uta thought to herself while curiously sizing up Arton.
"Yep, I was just wandering around, sensed you using the power of Yae Miko, so I came over."
Arton nodded at Carina, smiling at Uta.
"It seems like you've made a fine friend while I was away."
Hearing this, Carina's lips slightly curved up, saying:
"Indeed, Uta is quite a good friend."
"Captain Arton, she must be someone you've wanted to meet very much."
Arton, with a smile, didn't deny it:
"True, I've heard Uta's singing."
"Having a songstress like Uta to grace our journey at sea."
"I'm sure life on the vast ocean would be incredibly exciting."
"And I would be quite happy, too."
Nowadays, while Uta may not be widely known, she has managed to share her singing with the outside world through special Den Den Mushi.
Arton believed his words wouldn't reveal any flaws.
"Ah, that's really sad."
"I thought I could at least be considered a songstress."
"Well, it's Uta after all, even I have to admit her singing skills are remarkable."
Carina shook her head, turned to Uta, and winked at her.
Uta, getting the hint, turned to Arton and said:
"Are you inviting me to sail with you and become your songstress, Arton?"
"Indeed. May I ask if the brilliant Uta would like to join me at sea?"
"Well... alright, I'll join you."
"Huh? Just like that?"
Arton blinked, surprised by her response.
He had planned to put in more effort in persuading Uta to join.
Uta's easy agreement to become a part of the team genuinely surprised Arton.
"Hehe, Carina has already told me about you."
"She said you're quite a good captain."
"And Carina also mentioned that you know many songs I've never heard of."
"Besides, I've been wanting to see the sea."
"So, why not agree?"
After saying this, Uta gave Arton a big smile.
Arton raised an eyebrow, looking surprised at Carina and then at Uta.
"It seems you've had a better chat than I imagined, but I'm curious, do you just take Carina's word for it?"
Uta smiled, walked over to Carina, and looped an arm through hers.
"Carina has a good understanding of music; we get along."
"So, I trust her."
Naturally, Uta couldn't say her desire to join was due to Arton's diary, so she had to use Carina as her reason.
***
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