Chapter 56: The King's Plea

"Tell me, what's the story behind this score?" Luffy asked, breaking the silence that had settled between him and Gordon.

Some of his memories about it were hazy, with details slipping from his mind. He only knew that the score had once controlled young Uta, wreaking havoc on Elegia. But the finer points remained a mystery. And since Gordon seemed to know, Luffy pressed for answers.

"That score... was created by an ancient Song-Song Fruit user," Gordon began slowly. "Its name is... Totem Gica."

Totem Gica was a demonic entity with a partial consciousness, relying on its user to activate but capable of overpowering the user's will and acting autonomously in certain circumstances. It was a unique ancient weapon for Song-Song Fruit wielders—the pinnacle of a musician's power.

Luffy absorbed this information, realizing that Uta's devil fruit was as formidable as it was destructive, a fruit capable of destroying entire worlds. Those drawn into the Song-Song realm couldn't return to reality by their own strength; at least, none of the records suggested otherwise.

As he learned more about Totem Gica, Luffy's thoughts drifted towards simply destroying the sheet music. The power it held was dangerous, primarily because it was uncontrollable. Weapons with their own will were unreliable, and this one, in particular, was only usable through Uta.

It could serve as a deterrent, a last resort, but if Totem Gica stirred again, it might need to be destroyed for good.

Luffy was lost in thought when Gordon spoke up, a look of realization dawning on his face. "Wait... does this mean... Uta is a Song-Song Fruit user?"

Meanwhile, the music softened as Uta, with the royal orchestra, brought the concert to a close. The orchestra's skilled performance had covered any of Uta's minor mistakes, hiding her inexperience and enhancing her vocal brilliance.

As the applause thundered, voices rose from the crowd, turned fans, eagerly pleading, "One more song, Uta!"

"Just one more, please, Uta!"

"Without your voice, I might die!"

Uta, drenched in sweat and exhausted, looked out at the fervent crowd, unsure how to respond.

Gordon had to step in, taking the microphone. "Miss Uta is quite tired. Please, let her rest now. Let's not embarrass ourselves in front of the young one..."

With the king's authority on display, even the most fervent fans began to settle down, slowly exiting in an orderly manner.

"Luffy!"

Overjoyed, Uta leaped off the stage and into Luffy's arms, her white dress swirling around her, revealing delicate, graceful legs as smooth as ivory. Luffy caught her easily, steadying her as she laughed—a light, carefree sound, like a spring breeze that seemed to wash away any lingering tension.

"I did it! I had my first concert!" she beamed, sharing her excitement with Luffy. She had heard the crowd's praises and seen the happiness her singing had brought to everyone.

For Uta, her voice was a gift that could bring joy to the entire world.

Watching her, Gordon felt a powerful urge to keep her in Elegia. In his heart, he knew she belonged here, the Land of Music, where her talents could truly flourish. He had approached Shanks about this, but Shanks, gentle in so many ways, was resolute on this matter.

"Uta is my daughter," he had said firmly, refusing Gordon's request.

But Gordon was willing to try one last time—this time, hoping to appeal to Uta herself.

"Uta, stay in Elegia," he pleaded, his voice filled with genuine affection. "Everyone here will protect you, and we'll help you become the greatest musician the world has ever seen. I promise."

The remaining nobles joined in, their voices filled with earnestness. "Miss Uta, stay in the Land of Music. We need you here..."

Uta was taken aback, glancing between the king and the nobles, who all looked at her with such hope.

Luffy set her down and playfully tugged at her bunny-like pigtails.

An amused thought crossed his mind… does this count as twin tails?

Uta swatted his hand away, then looked back at everyone pleading with her to stay.

"No!"

"But Uta, you're always so happy when you practice music," Gordon pressed gently. "Don't you love music?"

"I do love singing, but I could never abandon Shanks for it!" Uta's purple eyes sparkled with determination.

She loved music, and she loved Elegia, but without Shanks and her friends, Elegia was meaningless to her.

"...I see," Gordon murmured, his head bowed in resignation. "At least stay for dinner. Everyone here loves your singing, Uta. Just one last meal before you leave?"

"No need! I promised Shanks I'd be there!"

She quickly took Luffy's hand, tugging at his shoulder to climb up. "Hurry, Luffy, I want to sing for Shanks!"

Uta eagerly grabbed the back of his neck, pinching a tender spot.

"Why do I always have to carry you…" Luffy sighed.

"What, you don't want to carry your big sister?" she teased playfully. "I'm giving you a chance to impress me, Luffy. You have no idea how to make a girl happy!"

"Fine, fine…" Luffy tilted his head back, spotted an open window, and with a swift burst of energy, he jumped up, Uta laughing excitedly as they flew through it.

Is this what they call a childhood friend? he wondered, an odd sense of nostalgia tugging at his mind.

In a distant, fuzzy memory, he remembered a girl from his last life—a neighbor. They had been close as children, but by the time school began, the "boys don't play with girls" mentality had taken over, and they drifted apart.

Who would have thought he'd experience something like this again?

Uta's slender arm held him around the neck, while her other hand stretched out, catching the breeze and laughing as it rushed past.

"Careful, that's dangerous!" Luffy reminded her, concerned by her antics.

"If I get hurt, I'll just tell Shanks to punish you! Haha!"

"That's way too unfair…"

"It's all your fault if I get hurt!" she replied confidently, a smug grin on her face.

As Luffy ran with Uta on his back, they finally spotted the enormous ship docked by the shore, bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun.

The crew members waved, silhouetted by the sunset, calling out to the two small figures.

"Luffy! Uta!"

Shanks, with his red hair catching the light, smiled warmly, watching his daughter approach.

The ship was high above them, and Luffy, now tired, barely made the jump. He had to grab onto the edge of the ship, while Uta quickly climbed from his shoulders, her arms stretching out to greet her father.

"Shanks!" she called, her voice filled with affection.

"Careful…"

The familiar warning from a different voice came as Shanks wrapped his arms around her, lifting her up high.

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