Chapter 3: Threads of Jealousy, Bonds of Strength

[Note:

" * " : Indicates abilities that can be upgraded with practice, experience, or unique opportunities.]

> System inner voice ["speaking"] <

> Ash inner speech "speaking" <

The sun hung high in the sky as Shanks and his crew sat around a table, enjoying their breakfast at Makino's party bar. Ash, having just finished another training session with Shanks, sat quietly in the background. Uta hummed softly, a smile on her face as she watched the crew with affection.

The door creaked open, and Lucy strode in with her usual energetic presence. "Oi, Shanks! Don't eat all the good food without me!"

The crew laughed, and Shanks smirked. "You're late today, Lucy."

"Late?!" Lucy scoffed, hands on her hips. "I was waiting for you to leave me some food! You know I can't eat the leftovers you guys leave behind!"

The crew erupted in laughter, their teasing light-hearted and playful. "Should've woken up earlier then, huh?!" Lucky Roux called out, still grinning. "Then you'd have a shot at breakfast!"

Lucy huffed but joined them at the table. She eagerly dug into the food as they all talked, the usual banter filling the room.

Lucy leaned forward with excitement in her eyes. "So, Shanks, what do you think? I'm gonna be a great pirate! Maybe even better than you!"

The crew chuckled, and Shanks smirked, leaning back in his chair. "A great pirate, huh? Maybe you'll be the greatest anchor we've ever had!" he teased, earning a playful glare from Lucy.

"You can't even be serious for a second, huh, Shanks?" Lucy huffed, crossing her arms.

"Hey, someone's gotta keep the ship steady," Shanks grinned, enjoying the banter. "Don't worry, we all know you've got potential, Lucy. Maybe you'll be the greatest pirate, but for now, you're our anchor!"

The crew laughed, with Uta chiming in, "Yeah, someone's gotta make sure we don't go drifting off course!" Lucy puffed her cheeks, clearly not amused.

The bar is full of laughter, everyone enjoying the moment of camaraderie. Ash, who had been watching quietly, smiled softly at Lucy's enthusiasm. He was glad she was starting to understand, but as he watched the conversation unfold, his thoughts drifted elsewhere.

Wait… the Observe skill! He slapped himself mentally. I forgot to use it yesterday!

Without wasting any more time, he activated the skill. Observe, he thought, focusing on Lucy.

Name: Monkey D. Lucy

Age: 6

Level: 3

Title: Chosen Vessel of the Sun's Flame 

Status Effects: None

Stats:

Strength: 19

Agility: 20

Endurance: 22

Intelligence: 14

Charisma: 19

Luck: 6

Skills/Abilities:

- "D" Willpower: [Passive](Locked)

- Fighting Spirit: Level 1 (Rare; Novice)

Affiliation: None (Pirate Aspirant)

Equipment: Soul Bind Bracelet

Ash glanced at the screen in his mind, his eyes scanning Lucy's stats. "Monkey D. Lucy," he muttered under his breath. "Chosen Vessel of the Sun's Flame…."

He raised an eyebrow. "No way. She's already on par with me at just Level 3, even with all my training and skills. And here I am at Level 5."

A chuckle escaped him. He couldn't help but feel impressed. Lucy was something else, and he could already tell she was going to be a formidable pirate someday. Yet, he couldn't deny a part of him felt competitive.

"Guess I better step up my game," he thought with a grin, but kept his observations to himself, knowing she wouldn't be interested in hearing it right now.

For now, he simply focused on the growing bond with Lucy and the crew, feeling a sense of anticipation about what lay ahead.

As Lucy eagerly chattered with everyone at the bar, Makino's sharp eyes caught the glint of the silver bracelet on her wrist. "Lucy, where did you get that bracelet? It's so pretty!" she asked with a warm smile.

Lucy's face lit up, and she puffed out her chest proudly. "Ash gave it to me!" she said, beaming. "It's my first treasure! The voi—" She started, but before she could finish, Ash, sitting nearby, raised a finger to his lips in a gentle but firm signal.

Lucy paused mid-sentence; her excitement momentarily derailed. She stammered slightly before continuing, "I mean... Ash and I became friends yesterday, so he gave it to me as a gift."

Makino's teasing gaze shifted to Ash, who turned red as he caught the playful glint in her eyes. "Oh, that's sweet of you, Ash," she said, her tone light but full of mirth.

Ash managed a small, embarrassed smile, scratching the back of his neck. Lucy, oblivious to the teasing tension, looked at her bracelet with pure admiration. "This is my first treasure, and I'll keep it safe forever!" she declared proudly.

Across the room, Uta, sitting beside Ash, narrowed her eyes slightly as she observed the exchange. A faint tinge of jealousy flickered in her expression, but it went unnoticed by everyone amidst the lively atmosphere.

The moment passed without further probing, and the room was once again filled with the sounds of laughter and chatter. Yet, Ash couldn't help but feel the lingering warmth of Lucy's words and the silent understanding that this new bond was becoming something truly special.

The next day...….

Uta had started noticing Ash's routine. Every morning after breakfast with Shanks' crew, Ash would disappear somewhere, only to return late at night. She had been trying to talk to him about the bracelet he gave Lucy—a gift that had sparked a twinge of jealousy in her—but every time she tried, the words got caught in her throat.

Today, her curiosity and unresolved feelings boiled over. Determined to find out more, Uta decided to search for him. She wandered through the village, asking the locals if anyone had seen where Ash had gone. After a few inquiries, someone pointed her towards the forest's edge. However, they warned her about the wild animals lurking there, advising her to stay away.

Uta hesitated at first, fear flickering in her mind. But with a deep breath, she steeled herself. If Lucy and Ash could handle it, so could she. Resolutely, she headed towards the forest, her steps light but purposeful.

As she neared the edge of the woods, Uta froze at the sight before her. Ash and Lucy were battling a wild boar, their teamwork seamless. Ash supported Lucy with calm guidance, while Lucy's fiery determination shone as she finally landed the finishing punch, knocking the beast unconscious.

Uta stayed hidden, watching as they laughed and celebrated their victory. She saw Ash retrieve food seemingly from nowhere—something she missed noticing fully in her growing jealousy—and the two began eating, their camaraderie clear and unshakable.

Tears pricked Uta's eyes as she turned away from the scene. She ran towards the docks, her vision blurred and her heart heavy with jealousy and confusion. As she reached the water's edge, she let out a shaky breath, the emotions swirling within her, unresolved and overwhelming.

{}

That evening, Ash returned to the Shanks' ship as usual after his training with Lucy. He went straight to his room to freshen up and get ready for bed, but as he passed the common area, he noticed the usual sounds of laughter and music from Shanks and the crew. However, there was one thing missing—Uta wasn't there.

Curious, Ash asked one of the crew members, "Where's Uta?"

One of them shrugged, "She left the room a little while ago. Said she wasn't feeling like staying."

Ash paused. It was unlike Uta to be alone, especially at a time like this. Frowning, he made a quick decision. "Thanks."

He quickly changed into his night clothes and freshened up before heading out to find her.

When he reached her door, he knocked. "Uta, it's me."

Inside, he could hear her muffled voice. "Go away."

Ash sighed, his concern growing. "Uta, come on, open up. You're not acting like yourself."

There was a long silence before Uta reluctantly opened the door. Her eyes were red, and Ash's heart sank as he noticed the telltale signs of tears.

"What happened?" he asked gently.

Uta glared at him, her little pout making her look even cuter than usual. "Go away. You've been spending all your time with Lucy, and you forgot about me. Don't talk to me."

Ash blinked, now understanding what was bothering her. "Uta, I—"

"Don't bother with me!" Uta cut him off, walking to her bed and plopping down, crossing her arms as she lay face-down on the pillow.

Ash followed her inside and sat down next to her, now fully realizing the source of her frustration. "Uta, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel left out."

Uta mumbled something into her pillow. "I saw how you trained with Lucy, and you're always with her. It's like you don't care about me anymore."

Ash chuckled softly, realizing how seriously Uta had misunderstood the situation. "Uta, I wasn't spending time with Lucy because I like her more. She's just—"

"She's strong, and she's your friend, right?" Uta interrupted, turning her head slightly so she could look at him. "Is it because you like girls who are strong?"

Ash's eyes widened in surprise. "It's not like that, Uta. I like you too. You're one of my best friends."

Uta glared at him again. "Then why didn't you give me a gift like you gave Lucy?"

Ash's heart skipped a beat, remembering how she'd witnessed Lucy's new bracelet. "I didn't forget about you, Uta. I promise, tomorrow I'll give you something special. You're just as important to me as anyone else."

Her expression softened, though she still looked a bit pouty. "Really? I'll get a gift tomorrow?"

"Of course," Ash chuckles and Uta demands she will also join them in their practice from tomorrow.

Before ash could reply her, Uta sat up straight, looking at him with a determined expression. "I won't talk to you again if you don't let me practice with you!" She raised her hand to her hips, making Ash chuckle.

"Okay, okay," Ash chuckled, "You'll join me in practice from tomorrow. No more pouting."

Uta's face lit up, her pout turning into a grin. "Yay! Thanks, Ash!"

Without warning, Uta threw her arms around him in a tight hug, her cheeks flushed with happiness. "I knew you wouldn't forget about me!"

Ash smiled warmly, holding her gently. "You'll always be my friend, Uta. Don't ever forget that."

As Ash held her gently, Uta buried her face in his shoulder. "I don't just want to be your friend, Ash," she thought with a quiet ache in her heart. "I want to be something more."

The next morning, Uta was practically buzzing with excitement. Although she had to wait for Ash to finish his training routine with Shanks and enjoy breakfast with the crew, she could barely contain her eagerness. As soon as Ash stood up to leave, she darted over, grabbed his arm, and began dragging him toward the forest.

"Uta, wait! At least let me get ready!" Ash protested lightly, but her determined grin left no room for argument.

Reaching the forest's edge, they spotted Lucy waiting in her usual spot, her face lighting up at Ash's arrival. However, her expression quickly turned puzzled when she noticed Uta accompanying him.

"Hey, Lucy!" Ash greeted warmly. "From today, Uta's going to join us for training."

Lucy blinked, glancing between them before crossing her arms. "Her? She looks so weak!" she declared in her usual blunt, carefree way.

Ash chuckled lightly at her remark, but the moment he caught Uta's sharp glare, his laughter died in his throat. He coughed awkwardly. "W-Well, she'll gradually get stronger if we help her, right?" he stammered.

Uta immediately interrupted, puffing out her chest with resolve. "I'll do whatever it takes to become strong! Besides," she added with a haughty lift of her nose, "Ash is my friend. Of course, he'd help me!"

Lucy frowned, her hands on her hips. "Ash is my friend too!"

The two girls quickly devolved into a shouting match, each trying to claim Ash's loyalty with increasing fervor. Meanwhile, Ash stood to the side, beads of sweat rolling down his face as he watched the escalating argument.

"Why do I feel like I've already lost control of this situation…" he muttered under his breath.

Ash sighed, stepping between the two girls as their voices grew louder. "Alright, alright! That's enough!" he said, raising his hands in an attempt to calm them down.

Both Uta and Lucy immediately turned toward him, their synchronized, fiery glares enough to make him flinch slightly. "What?" they demanded in unison.

Ash nervously scratched the back of his head, giving them a sheepish smile. "Uh… well, you're both my friends, okay? No need to fight over it."

Uta narrowed her eyes. "Who's your best friend, then?" she pressed, while Lucy folded her arms and waited expectantly for his answer.

Sweat beaded on Ash's forehead as he scrambled for a response. "W-Well… You're both the best in your own way!" he said with a grin, his tone earnest. "I mean, Lucy's super strong and determined, and Uta's really smart and creative. So… you're both awesome!"

Both girls paused for a moment before reluctantly accepting his answer. "Hmph," Uta muttered, looking away with a slight pout. Lucy shrugged but didn't push the issue further.

Seeing the tension subside, Ash clapped his hands. "Alright! Let's get started with training."

Lucy grinned, her energy quickly returning. "Let's fight another boar today!"

Ash chuckled and shook his head. "Not yet. Uta's just starting, so no wild animals until she gets better. For now, we'll focus on some basic training."

He began showing them simple yet effective exercises, adapting what he had learned into something suitable for their age. Push-ups, squats, and a few stretches were easy enough, but he also included more dynamic movements like shadowboxing.

Ash then demonstrated some basic hand-to-hand combat techniques he had picked up on Shanks' ship. His punches, sharp and controlled, were reminiscent of the boxing skills he had integrated into his style. Lucy eagerly copied him, mimicking the movements with surprising precision, while Uta struggled but tried her hardest to keep up.

A few hours in, Uta slumped to the ground, exhausted. Lucy, however, was still brimming with energy, continuing her punches with determination.

Ash glanced at Uta, noticing her flushed face and tired breathing. He crouched beside her, offering a reassuring smile. "It's your first day. Don't overdo it."

But Uta, seeing Lucy's stamina and remembering how she had defeated the boar, clenched her fists. I can't let her get ahead of me! If I don't keep up, she'll take Ash away from me! she thought, her jealousy fueling her determination.

Pushing herself back up, Uta rejoined them, her movements shaky but persistent. Ash noticed but didn't force her to stop, knowing she was pushing herself because of her own resolve. He remained patient, offering guidance whenever needed.

By lunchtime, all three of them were ready for a break. They settled under their usual spot—a large tree that provided ample shade. Ash handed out food from his inventory, and so can they can eat together.

As they sat under the tree, Uta noticed Ash pulling food seemingly out of thin air. Her eyes widened, and she pointed at him with a trembling finger. "H-How... where did that come from?"

Ash froze for a moment, realizing he hadn't yet told Uta about Celeste or his abilities. He smiled nervously, scratching the back of his head. "Uh, just eat for now, okay? I'll explain everything after lunch."

Though clearly curious, Uta pouted but decided to focus on her meal. Once they finished, she turned to him, her hands on her hips. "Alright, spill it! What was that?"

Ash sighed, bracing himself for the explanation. "Okay, okay… It's a bit of a story, but here goes." He leaned back against the tree, looking up at the branches as he began.

"One night, after Shanks and you guys saved me, I started hearing this voice," he said, glancing at Uta to gauge her reaction. She raised an eyebrow but didn't interrupt. "At first, I thought I was just imagining it, but the voice—it started guiding me. It's helped me in a lot of ways... It gives me gifts, like the bracelet I gave Lucy."

Uta's eyes narrowed slightly, but she stayed quiet, listening intently.

Ash continued, "It also lets me store things in what I call an inventory. I can put anything in there—food, tools, weapons—and when I take them out, they're exactly the same as when I put them in. Hot food stays hot, cold food stays cold. It's really convenient."

Uta blinked, taking it all in, while Lucy, sitting beside them, grinned. "Oh yeah! He showed me that too! I thought it was magic! I even called him a magician!" she said, laughing her signature "Shishishi."

Ash chuckled at her enthusiasm, but his laughter faded as he noticed Uta's expression dim. She looked at him with wide, hurt eyes. "You told Lucy your secret... but not me?" she asked softly.

Ash's heart sank at her tone. "It's not that I didn't want to tell you," he said quickly. "I just… didn't know how to bring it up. And with Lucy, it sort of just happened. I didn't plan on keeping it from you, Uta. In fact, I was planning to tell you soon anyway."

Uta stared at him for a moment before letting out a small sigh. "Fine," she muttered, crossing her arms. "But no more secrets, okay?"

Ash nodded earnestly. "No more secrets."

The three of them sat under the shade of the tree, the atmosphere light and cheerful. Uta and Lucy, despite their earlier rivalry, began chatting naturally. Uta started to observe Lucy's carefree yet determined personality and couldn't help but begin to like her—both as a potential friend and as a rival for Ash's attention. Lucy, on the other hand, warmed up to Uta quickly, seeing her as someone fun and lively. They teased Ash together, laughing at his occasional awkwardness, and their bond grew stronger with every passing moment.

The hours flew by, and the sun began its descent, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink. As the day waned, Uta suddenly turned to Ash, her pout returning. "You said you'd give me a gift, remember?" she asked pointedly, crossing her arms.

Ash blinked, then slapped his forehead. "Oh, right! I did promise." He stood up and motioned for Uta to step forward. Lucy, recognizing what was about to happen, grinned excitedly, her eyes sparkling.

Uta hesitated but stepped closer. "What's the gift?" she asked, her curiosity overcoming her skepticism.

Ash took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and focused. He imagined the bracelet, identical to the ones he and Lucy wore, appearing on Uta's wrist. A faint glow shimmered in the air before a silver bracelet with a soft blue sheen materialized around Uta's wrist.

"Wha—?" Uta gasped, staring at it in awe. The bracelet emitted a soft hum before pricking her wrist. She flinched, clutching her wrist as a drop of her blood was absorbed, binding the bracelet to her.

"Don't worry," Ash said gently, holding up his own wrist to show his bracelet. "It's just how it works. This bracelet is special—it's called a Soul Bind Bracelet."

"What does it do?" Uta asked, her curiosity overpowering her initial shock.

Ash began to explain, his tone calm and reassuring. "First of all, it's indestructible—no matter what happens, it can't be broken, rusted, or damaged in any way. It's also bound to you. If it ever gets lost or stolen, it will return to you within a minute, no matter where it is."

Uta admired the bracelet, her fingers brushing over the smooth silver surface that glowed faintly in the dimming evening light. Ash smiled; glad she seemed to like it.

"There's one more thing you should know," he added, drawing her attention back to him. "The bracelet has a unique ability. If I—or Lucy, or anyone else who we consider friend wears one—finds someone they truly trust and care about, they can manifest another bracelet for that person. But it's selective."

"Selective?" Uta asked, tilting her head.

Ash nodded. "If someone tries to wear the bracelet but has bad intentions or pretends to be your friend, it won't accept them. Instead, it'll shock them and disappear."

Lucy grinned, showing her bracelet. "It's like a lie detector! Ash explained it to me when he gave me mine. It's super cool! Shishishi!"

Ash chuckled lightly and continued. "The bracelet works by linking to your soul. That's why it pricked you earlier—to form a connection. Now, it'll stay with you forever. Even if you lose it or someone tries to take it, it'll come back to you."

Uta's eyes widened as she looked at the bracelet again, now understanding its full significance. A warm smile spread across her face as she turned to Ash. "This is… amazing. Thank you, Ash."

Ash nodded, relieved that she was happy. Lucy reached over, playfully nudging Uta. "Guess that makes you one of us now, huh?"

Uta smirked, lifting her chin proudly. "Of course. I've always been special!" But deep down, her heart swelled with joy, not just at receiving the bracelet, but at being truly included by Ash and Lucy. Mostly ash.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Two weeks passed in a blur of daily routines, strengthening their bonds and skills. Ash continued his morning training sessions, often accompanied by Uta and Lucy, who were now growing closer. Uta's initial competitive jealousy toward Lucy gradually faded as she began to see her as a friend (but still a rival for ash's affection), even sharing playful teasing and inside jokes. Lucy, in turn, warmed up to Uta, seeing her as someone she can trust.

The two girls, often united in their playful rivalry against Ash, would gang up on him in good-natured teasing. Whether it was during their training or when they'd team up to prank him, they were becoming inseparable, forming a strong girl-bond that matched Ash's growing friendship with them both. Despite their competitive nature, they also supported each other, helping each other improve in ways they couldn't on their own.

Ash, content with their progress, couldn't help but chuckle at the occasional mischief the two girls would get into together. It became clear that they were more than just teammates—they were becoming best friends. Ash decides to check the stats of both of them including his to check the progress.

Ash closed his eyes briefly and said, "Celeste, show me my stats. I want to see how I've progressed after these 3 weeks of training."

Celeste's voice chimed warmly in his mind, ["Of course, Ash. Here are your updated stats."]

Name: Rafael D. Ash

Age: 9

Level: 5

Experience: 1400/1500

Title: Reincarnator

Stats

Strength: 21 -> 26

Agility: 21 -> 26

Endurance: 18 -> 23

Intelligence: 16 -> 17

Charisma: 20 -> 22

Luck: 11 -> 12

Unallocated Points: 15

Store Coins: 250 coins

Lottery Ticket: 1

Equipment: Soul Bind Bracelet

Abilities:

[Active Abilities]

- Basic Marksmanship (Rare; Novice) *

- Tactical Thinking (Rare; Novice) *

- Hand-to-Hand Combat Basics (Rare; Novice) *

- Seamanship Fundamentals (Common; Novice)

- Fishing (Common; Novice)

- Cooking (Common; Novice)

- Basic Swordsmanship (Rare; Beginner) *

- Observe (Uncommon; Beginner) *

[Passive Abilities]

-> Calm Mind (Rare) * ; Perfect Recollection (Rare) * ; Voice Resonance (Rare; Unique) *

Ash glanced at his stats, taking in the numbers carefully. "Not bad," he thought, a small smile forming. Though he had hoped to push his first three stats past 30, he was satisfied with the steady growth and felt motivated seeing himself nearing Level 6.

Ash stood silently under the shade of the tree, his gaze shifting toward Lucy. His thoughts were steady as he mentally activated the Observe skill.

Name: Monkey D. Lucy

Age: 6

Level: 4

Title: Chosen Vessel of the Sun's Flame

Status Effects: None

Stats:

Strength: 19 -> 22

Agility: 20 -> 24

Endurance: 22 -> 26

Intelligence: 14 -> 15

Charisma: 19 -> 20

Luck: 6 -> 7

Skills/Abilities:

- "D" Willpower: [Passive](Locked)

- Fighting Spirit: Level 1 → Level 2 (Rare; Novice)

- Hand-to-Hand Combat Basics: Level 1 (Rare; Novice)

Affiliation: None (Pirate Aspirant)

Equipment: Soul Bind Bracelet

Ash's eyes widened as he reviewed Lucy's stats.

"Wow, she leveled up so fast," he thought, genuinely impressed by her quick rise from Level 3 to Level 4. His gaze lingered on her Endurance stat, now surpassing his own.

"Not surprising," he mused with a soft chuckle, recalling how, in the stories of the manga and anime, Luffy's insane endurance often outshone the rest of the Straw Hats.

Shaking his head with a small smile, Ash redirected his focus. "Alright, let's check Uta's stats now," he thought, gearing up to see how much she had grown.

Name: Uta

Age: 9

Level: 3

Title: Songstress of the Grand Melody, The Cursed Harmony of Tot Musica

Status Effects: Cursed (Tot Musica) – Uta is cursed due to her connection with the Tot Musica song, which binds her to the potential for emotional instability and uncontrollable destruction. This curse causes her emotions to fluctuate wildly, and when triggered, can unleash destructive waves of power.

Stats:

Strength: 12

Agility: 14

Endurance: 13

Intelligence: 18

Charisma: 19

Luck: 15

Skills/Abilities:

- Harmonic Resonance: Level 2 (Novice; Common)

- Melodic Manipulation: Level 2 (Novice; Rare)

- Songstress's Will: Level 2 (Novice; Common)

- Dream World Creation: Level 2 (Late Stage; Devil Fruit Ability)

- Emotional Resonance: Level 2 (Late Stage; Devil Fruit Ability)

- Hand-to-Hand Combat Basics: Level 1 (Rare; Novice)

Devil Fruit: Uta Uta no Mi (Sing-Sing Fruit) – Late Stage

Ability: The Uta Uta no Mi grants Uta the ability to manipulate sound and emotions through song. She can resonate her voice with certain frequencies to influence her surroundings, manipulate objects, or affect people emotionally. Her Devil Fruit abilities are enhanced as she progresses toward the Tot Musica curse's awakening, unlocking even more destructive powers linked to sound manipulation.

Affiliation: Red-Haired Pirates (Shanks' Crew) – Diva

Equipment: Soul Bind Bracelet

Ash's eyes scanned Uta's stats, and as they lingered on her Strength, Agility, and Endurance, he couldn't help but think that Uta's progress after just two weeks of training seemed promising. Though she wasn't as physically advanced as Lucy, her Intelligence and Charisma were notably high, showcasing her talent and potential as a performer and leader.

However, what caught his attention the most was the title, Songstress of the Grand Melody, The Cursed Harmony of Tot Musica (2nd).

Ash's eyes widened as he quickly absorbed the information. "Tot Musica... the curse"—he knows uta has already a devil fruit uses between the journey from Windmill village to Elegia, but now he realized that Uta already bore the curse thereby the devil fruit also. He had always thought the Red-Haired Pirates had yet to face the demon of Tot Musica, but now it seemed the event had already occurred.

His mind raced, piecing the puzzle together. "So, they've already gone to Elegia... Ash felt a knot form in his stomach. I thought I might have had a chance to stop this, maybe save her from the curse, but it looks like it's already been done".

He recalled Celeste's warnings—"Some changes are inevitable, Ash. You can't always stop the past from affecting the present."

He clenched his fists, trying to shake the uneasy feeling that gnawed at him. "So, Uta's already tied to this curse, and I'm too late to change it."

But then, a part of him refused to give up. He had to stay vigilant. If there was even a chance to help her or make a difference, he wouldn't back down now.

Ash paused, his mind still racing from his discovery about Uta's curse. He had recalled an item from the system shop: Devil Fruit Weakness Negator. The description promised to negate the inherent weaknesses of any Devil Fruit user—perfect for helping Uta, he thought.

Without wasting time, he spoke to Celeste. "Celeste, will the Devil Fruit Weakness Negator work for Uta's curse? Can it help her?"

Celeste's voice, as calm as ever, answered, ["Unfortunately, Ash, it won't work. The Devil Fruit Weakness Negator only negates the weaknesses a Devil Fruit user inherits from their devil fruit, not the curses or afflictions tied to their powers. The curse Uta is suffering from is part of her unique connection to the Tot Musica power."]

Ash sighed, his hope deflating for a moment. But Celeste continued, trying to soothe him. ["Don't worry, though. There may be other ways to help her in the future—whether it's through an item from the store, a lottery prize, or something else entirely. You'll find a solution eventually."]

He nodded slowly, grateful for her reassurance, but also feeling the weight of the challenge ahead. "Thanks, Celeste," he murmured, before refocusing on Uta.

As Uta and Lucy chatted, Ash sat off to the side, lost in thought. Uta, noticing the serious look on his face, asked, "What happened?"

Ash quickly covered his thoughts with a smile, replying, "Nothing, just thinking about something."

Uta, still curious, pressed again. "Are you sure?"

Ash nodded and, trying to shift the mood, added, "I was just thinking how cute you both look together."

Lucy, hearing this, didn't fully understand the strange flutter in her chest, chalking it up to the oddity of the comment, but still smiling. However, Uta's reaction was different. Her face flushed a deep shade of red, and she stammered, pointing her finger at Ash. "You... wh... you Baka!" she exclaimed, before grabbing Lucy's hand and running toward the village.

Lucy, completely oblivious to Uta's feelings, let herself be dragged along, unaware of the emotional turmoil Uta was experiencing. Ash watched, chuckling at the scene before getting up to follow them.

As he jogged behind them, he couldn't help but wonder about the future—what else was in store for all of them. The thought lingered, but for now, he just enjoyed the moment.

To be continued...

Hey everyone! I'm always looking for ways to make this story even better, and I'd love to hear your ideas. What powers do you think should be available in Ash's store? Maybe you have some cool concepts for abilities, weapons, or items that could make the adventure even more exciting!

Feel free to drop your suggestions in the comments, and if there's anything specific, you'd love to see in future chapters, let me know! I might even integrate your ideas into the story.

Also, don't forget to give some Power Stones if you're enjoying the journey! Your support means the world. 😊