As the first light of dawn touched the windows, Picca Land near Poet City was already filled with visitors and reporters from all over the world. Picca Comics' largest anniversary celebration was officially underway.
"Wow! That was amazing!"
Daniel smacked his lips as he walked out of the music hall, still reminiscing about the concert he had just seen. This wasn't an ordinary concert with real-life performers; it featured characters from anime.
The first to appear were Kousei and Kaori from Your Lie in April. Kaori played the violin while Kousei accompanied her on the piano, creating a beautiful scene that made many in the audience feel as if they were experiencing that emotional April again.
There was also a performance by Tom and Jerry, reenacting their famous moments from The Cat Concerto.
This technology was said to be the latest from Picca's technology company, called "air projection interactive technology." To Daniel, it looked high-tech, reminiscent of the dueling arenas from Yu-Gi-Oh!.
Wait…?
Suddenly, Daniel paused, as if a huge lightbulb had just turned on above his head. What had he just been thinking about? Yu-Gi-Oh!? Projections?
"That's it!"
His eyes brightened with excitement. The timing of Picca's tech company and the launch of Yu-Gi-Oh! was too close to be coincidental. Picca had just set up a tech company, and then Yu-Gi-Oh! was released.
And this air projection interactive technology came from Picca's tech company.
This could only mean…
"Yu-Gi-Oh! is laying the groundwork for upcoming technology!"
His voice trembled with excitement.
Daniel had high hopes for Yu-Gi-Oh! because the card game in it seemed incredibly fun, with mechanics like trap cards, spell cards, monster cards, and sacrifices that were more complex than most games on the market—except for maybe Monster Slayers.
But that wasn't even the best part! The thought of possibly standing on a stage, commanding monster battles like in the manga, made Daniel's heart race.
He was beyond excited!
But…
Realizing that it might take a long time before he could actually play this game in real life, the fire in Daniel's heart dimmed a little.
"Time for lunch?"
Checking the time, Daniel headed to the shopping street.
There were all sorts of shops there.
At the Ichiraku Ramen stand, a crowd was already enjoying their meals. Each customer got a free Naruto jacket with their purchase.
There was also Gintoki's Yorozuya stand.
It sold various sweets, like the PokéBlocks from Pokémon, which were turned into transparent, fruit-flavored candies, and the Philosopher's Stone from Fullmetal Alchemist, which was also sold as candy.
This stand also served as an announcement hub.
Lost items, missing children, and maps were all managed here.
"No wonder it's called Yorozuya…"
They really did everything.
There were also costumed characters selling merchandise along the road.
Some fans pretended to buy merchandise but were actually trying to sneak a touch—everyone was at it, until the costumed actors protested.
It couldn't be helped. Female fans were welcomed, but groups of guys patting Ultraman on the chest or rear were just too much for anyone to handle.
At night, it was time for the Ultraman stage play.
"Like sunlight cutting through the night."
"Dawn quietly brushed the horizon…"
No song could set the stage better than Miracle Reappearance.
When the intro began, a wave of applause erupted in the stadium, filling it with excitement.
"A new storm has appeared…"
When the chorus started, the crowd sang along in unison.
The song echoed loudly, and when the final line fell, fireworks burst into the sky, illuminating half of Picca Land.
This stage play wasn't directed by Ren but was written by Felix.
The story continued the Ultraman Tiga universe.
Years ago, darkness plunged the world into fear. But that darkness was driven away by Ultraman Tiga. However, using all his strength, Tiga fell into a long slumber. Time passed.
Daigo was now living peacefully on Mars as a botanist.
According to the story, Dyna was supposed to appear next.
But for some reason, Dyna didn't show up when the enemy attacked.
Instead, Ultraman Nexus, who had been chasing the Ultimate Lifeform, arrived, along with an Ultraman that many in the audience didn't recognize.
This new Ultraman looked somewhat like the one from the M78 Nebula seen in Ultraman Tiga, with red and silver patterns and gold accents on his chest.
After the Ultimate Lifeform was defeated, the three Ultramen stood together without leaving the stage.
"Good evening, everyone!" The host walked up, waving to the audience and the viewers watching on TV and online. "Today, we're joined by three special guests who just saved our world. Let's give them a warm welcome!"
The crowd erupted with applause.
"They are Tiga!"
"Sha!" Tiga struck a pose.
"Nexus!"
"Jah!"
"And soon to arrive—Ultraman Gaia!"
"Sha!" Gaia nodded to the crowd.
Including Gaia in the stage play was Ren's idea.
It was part of building anticipation for Ultraman Gaia.
Ultraman Dyna had already aired more than halfway, with the finale not far off. Using this celebration to promote Gaia would maximize its impact.
It wasn't just Gaia being promoted either.
A bright and dark-themed teaser poster appeared on the stage screen.
The bright side featured Ultraman Gaia, shown back-to-back with a shadowy figure.
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