Heavenly

Imai leaned against the railing, her sharp red eyes glinting as she watched the dozens of Marine ships pursuing them. The thrill of the chase sent a surge of adrenaline through her veins, and her grin widened. She could feel the tension in the air as the Kuja Pirates readied themselves for whatever lay ahead.

"How far until we reach Elegia?" she called over her shoulder.

"We'll get there in approximately thirty minutes," Boa Sandersonia replied from the deck, her voice steady despite the rising stakes.

Imai tapped her fingers on the hilt of her katana. "Cutting it close," she mused. "Those Admirals have their damn speed ships. Chances are, we'll arrive at the same time."

Sandersonia frowned. "This feels like a trap. There's a real chance one of us might not make it out alive, isn't there?"

Imai shot her a confident smirk. "Don't be so dramatic. I don't plan on letting anyone die. Your Empress is strong, remember?"

Boa Hancock, leaning elegantly against the railing, glanced at Imai with a hint of amusement. "A bold claim. What's your plan when we arrive? Fight the Admirals?"

Imai shook her head. "Fight? Nah, not yet. There's a concert waiting for us. I'd rather have some fun first, then deal with whatever comes next. Besides, I'm curious about this Uta. A world-class singer with powers that enchant people? Sounds like a good show."

"I'm curious, too," Nico Robin added. "Elegia is a mystery in itself. I hadn't even heard of it until now."

"Well, Hancock!" Imai exclaimed suddenly, pointing dramatically toward the horizon.

"Y-yes?" Hancock blinked, startled by her sudden enthusiasm.

"Full speed ahead! Let's blast through the sea and leave our enemies in the dust!"

Hancock muttered under her breath, "I thought I was the captain..." Despite her grumbling, she signaled the crew to push the ship to maximum speed.

The island of Elegia slowly came into view, its silhouette framed by the setting sun. The sky darkened as they approached, and the vibrant glow of disco lights illuminated the distant shoreline. The cheers and music that echoed across the water grew louder with every passing second.

Imai's eyes sparkled at the sight. The ship sped ahead, evading the Marines for now, but she knew it was only a matter of time before the Admirals arrived. For now, their priority was reaching the island first.

As they docked, they were greeted by a group of concert managers dressed in eccentric, brightly colored outfits. Their energy was infectious.

"Welcome! You're just in time!" one of them said, gesturing toward the glowing stadium in the distance. "I'd recommend changing into something more festive to match the concert's theme. The store is right over there."

The group turned to see a shop brimming with vibrant, flashy clothing and merchandise. Wand sticks adorned with miniature Utas, colorful fan signs, and glowing accessories lined the shelves.

Imai raised an eyebrow as she inspected the outfits. "This is my first time in a merchandise store. It's… different from what I imagined."

"Well, hurry up and pick something," Nico said, her tone laced with impatience. "The concert's about to start, and I don't want to miss it."

After some deliberation, Nico chose an outfit that balanced practicality with flair: a dark jacket reaching her thighs, a short black skirt, and pink accessories. Her steel greaves and boots added an edge, maintaining her readiness for combat.

Imai, on the other hand, ventured out of her comfort zone. She donned a pink-and-red hoodie that mirrored Uta's signature colors, paired with a matching skirt. Her dark purple hair and striking red eyes made her appearance even more unique, as Nico remarked with a teasing smirk.

"How do I look?" Imai asked, spinning playfully.

"Beautiful. Almost like you're young enough to be my girlfriend," Nico teased.

"Well, that's too bad."

Nico rolled her eyes at the lighthearted flirting, brushing it off as they followed the crowd toward the concert venue.

The stadium was nothing short of breathtaking. A massive stage sat at the center, surrounded by water that reflected the dazzling disco lights overhead. The interplay of colors illuminated the dark sky, creating a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere.

"Her understanding of color theory must be top-tier," Imai muttered to herself, marveling at the aesthetics.

"What was that?" Nico asked.

"Nothing," Imai replied with a grin.

They reached their seats, positioned perfectly with a clear view of the stage. Imai nodded approvingly. "Good spot. If anything happens, we can step in to save her. As expected of you, Nico—you're always thinking ahead. You should become my wife."

Nico chuckled. "Maybe in another universe. Just not this one."

Imai laughed heartily, but her attention quickly snapped to the stage as the crowd erupted in cheers.

"She's coming out!" Imai exclaimed, her excitement bubbling over.

Nico couldn't help but smile at the rare sight of Imai so animated.

The lights dimmed, and an electric silence fell over the stadium. Moments later, a single spotlight illuminated the stage. The sound of heels clicking against the surface echoed, growing louder as a figure emerged from the shadows.

The audience gasped as Uta stepped into the light. Her red-and-white hair was perfectly split, her left eye obscured by the snowy strands. Her twin ponytails, braided into circular ends, swayed with her every movement.

"Hello, everyone!" Uta's voice rang out, soft yet commanding.

Imai's breath hitched. The purity of her tone was unlike anything she'd ever heard.

"She really does have a heavenly voice," Imai murmured, transfixed.

The concert had begun, and though Imai came for the music, a storm was brewing just beyond the horizon. The Admirals were on their way, and chaos would soon follow. For now, however, she let herself be swept away by Uta's enchanting performance.