Time ticked by, and on the day of Uta's grand concert, most of the pirates retreated to their ship, preparing to leave shortly after the event. The palace bustled with excitement as Uta geared up for her debut performance. She had even practiced in her dreams, going over every detail to ensure nothing would go wrong.
Luffy, wearing his new black jacket, admired his reflection in a mirror, trying out "cool" poses. With his serious expression and the jacket's bold red-and-black sun design, he had unwittingly gained a few "sister" fans among Uta's circle, much to her annoyance.
"Uta, ready for one last rehearsal?" King Gordon approached, checking on her preparations. They had set the concert time for six in the evening, and the morning was devoted to final rehearsals.
Luffy, having no tasks to distract him, spent the day by Uta's side, listening as her melodious voice echoed through the hall, mesmerizing everyone. Her singing was more than a voice—it was magic.
---
Deep within the palace's underground caverns, a mysterious scene unfolded. The faint strains of Uta's voice reached an ancient stone chamber, stirring an ominous response. In a dusty drawer, a set of yellowed parchment papers glowed faintly with a purple hue, as if reacting to her song. Stone guardians roared to life, but after finding no intruders, they resumed their silent vigil, and the glow slowly faded.
---
After her rehearsal, Uta received thunderous applause from everyone present. Even Luffy, captivated, couldn't help but think mischievously about how entertaining it would be if she ever used that voice to yell at someone.
As the midday meal approached, the palace staff and guests went to prepare the final details. Without the watchful pirates around, the locals became bolder, and a group of students from the music school surrounded Uta at lunch.
"Uta, you don't need to leave with the pirates," one of the boys urged. "Stay here in Elegia! This is your true home."
"I'm going with Shanks and the others," Uta replied, her face firm. "They're my family."
But the students didn't relent, filling her ears with grim tales of pirates. "Pirates are ruthless, Uta. They loot, pillage, and destroy entire kingdoms. You belong here, among people who appreciate music, not a band of ruffians."
Uta's patience snapped. "I don't care! Shanks is my family. I don't want to hear anything else!" Her "bunny ear" hair drooped, and she turned her back on them, frustrated.
As she tried to leave, the students continued pressing, their tone becoming desperate. "Uta, Elegia is the place where your music can truly shine," one boy said earnestly.
"I'll decide my own future," Uta replied sharply.
Watching from nearby, Luffy finally spotted Uta and the growing crowd around her. He walked over with his plate in hand, eyes narrowing on the students blocking her way.
"Luffy, let's eat in my room," Uta called out, her face brightening at the sight of him.
The other students tensed, some clenching their fists. "Uta, please think about this seriously. You have a gift that belongs to this island. Don't let those pirates destroy it."
Luffy simply stared at them, noticing that palace guards were already approaching to check on the situation.
"What's going on here?" A guard in armor asked, his voice firm.
One of the bolder boys, Erik, looked at the guard, pleading. "Please, tell the king we can't let Uta leave with those pirates. Her voice is Elegia's treasure!"
The guard, unfazed, replied sternly, "You kids shouldn't be making Uta uncomfortable. And if this is how you behave, you won't be welcome at the concert tonight."
Hearing this, the students paled. Some wavered, then began whispering amongst themselves, placing the blame on Erik for stirring things up.
---
The countdown to the concert was ticking, with a mix of excitement and tension building. As the guard's words sank in, most of the students reluctantly backed down, leaving Uta and Luffy to retreat in peace. But the memory of their reckless pleas lingered in the air, a reminder of the lengths peoplewould go to for the things—or people—they held dear.
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