Uta

Sabaody Archipelago - Concert Area

Luffy, hands behind his head, swayed and kicked at the air, his face full of boredom. "Nami — the Pirates are almost all wiped out, let's go get Barbecue!!"

Nami flicked her finger, sending sparks crackling through the air, and glanced at him with a smile.

"Luffy ~ This is an order personally given by Fleet Admiral Sengoku. If you leave your post without permission..."

She deliberately dragged out her words, a sly smile playing on her lips, "Roy might just pack you up and dump you on Grandpa Garp for three months of extra training, you know~"

Luffy froze, the image of Garp's Iron Fist falling like a meteor flashing through his mind. Cold sweat poured down his forehead, and he immediately stood at attention and shouted:

"I'll go on patrol right now!!"

Before he finished speaking, he shot out like a cannonball, his eyes wide open, scanning every corner from every angle, not even missing the ant holes in the cracks of the wall.

Nami couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle, shaking her head and sighing, "Really..."

Not long after, Luffy back, looking resentful. "Nami! Zoro dragged Kuina to fight Hawk-Eye after getting his new sword..."

I'm so envious!! I also want to find a strong opponent to fight!

Just as Nami was about to raise her hand to knock him on the head, suddenly, a commotion arose ahead!

The crowd surged, screams mingled with the clicks of camera shutters, and the scene instantly spiraled out of control.

"It's Miss Uta!!"

"Don't push! Let me take a picture!!"

"A signature!! I want a signature!!"

Reporters held up microphones, and fans shoved and jostled, instantly creating a crowded and sweltering atmosphere.

Nami's eyes sharpened, and with a flick of her palm, the power of the Cloud-Cloud Fruit was quietly activated.

"Buzz--!"

Milky white clouds suddenly rose from the ground, like gentle yet unassailable waves, softly pushing the crowd aside and neatly drawing a straight path.

She led Luffy forward quickly.

At the end of the passage, Uta was surrounded by a group of enthusiastic fans and reporters.

The girl was pale, breathing rapidly, the microphone in her hand wobbled precariously, and she nearly stumbled.

Nami stepped in front of her without hesitation, her voice clear yet carrying an undeniable authority. "Everyone, please maintain order! Miss Uta needs to prepare for her performance!"

The mist spread out, forming a barrier that forcefully suppressed the noise of the crowd, and the scene finally quieted down a little.

Just then, Luffy tilted his head, suddenly leaned close to Uta, and stared at her curiously:

"Huh? Your hair... it's red too?!"

Uta's pupils contracted sharply, her heart skipped a beat, and her fingertips gripped the hem of her skirt tightly. The emotions surging in her eyes were forcibly suppressed.

Nami's fingertips were shrouded in mist as she worked with the arriving Guards to quickly clear the passage and escort the three of them to a quiet Rest Room.

The heavy curtains fell, shutting out the noise from outside.

Rest Room, the lighting was soft, and the lingering echoes of the fans' chatter outside still filled the air.

Nami spoke softly, with a hint of concern and a reminder: "Miss Uta, please make sure to have a guard accompany you on your next outing."

"Now the entire island is practically full of your fans; it's too dangerous for you to act alone."

However, Uta seemed not to hear him.

Her slender fingers gripped the hem of her skirt, but her gaze was fixed on Luffy beside her—the black-haired boy who was clinging to the windowsill, his eyes gleaming as he stared intently at the Barbecue stall outside.

"Meat!!" Luffy almost drooled, completely absorbed in his own world.

Nami frowned slightly, a hint of impatience in her voice, and raised it a few decibels. "Miss Uta?!"

Uta suddenly snapped out of her daze, a flustered blush rising on her cheeks, and quickly whispered:

"Sorry... I was lost in thought... I just wanted to be alone... I didn't expect to be surrounded..."

She apologized verbally, but her eyes kept uncontrollably glancing at Luffy.

Nami's temple throbbed, and she slammed her fist hard into the back of Luffy's head. "Luffy--!"

"Thump!!"

Luffy clutched his head and screamed, "Ouch!! Nami, what are you doing?!"

Nami, hands on her hips, snorted coldly, narrowed her eyes, and said with a hint of anger, "This Miss Uta seems particularly 'interested' in you! You two know each other?!"

Luffy by her question, Luffy jerked his neck around and looked at Uta with a blank expression. "Who are you? I don't know you!"

Uta's heart tightened suddenly, his expression froze on his face, and a look of undisguised astonishment flashed in his eyes.

She subtly tightened the hem of her skirt with her fingertips, and after a long pause, she responded softly, her voice trembling slightly. "I'm sorry... I saw you in the newspaper... the Navy's 'Flame Dragon Rear Admiral,' Mr. Luffy."

After saying that, she lowered her eyes, firmly suppressing the disappointment and complex emotions she felt at that moment.

Nami stared at her, her gaze gradually sharpening, but a sense of unease crept into her heart: This woman... there's definitely something wrong with her!!

Meanwhile, Punk Hazard

Roy led Ace slowly into the research institute, and the door slowly opened amidst the rumble of gears.

"Yo~"

A familiar voice came from deep within the corridor.

Vegapunk was pushing a hovercart piled high with equipment towards us, his long tongue wagging, and his eyes still held that strange and languid expression.

"I heard you've fallen out with the higher-ups, huh?"

Roy, hands in his pockets, smiled faintly, "Doctor, aren't you afraid of being overheard? After all, you're still the World Government's Chief Scientist."

Vegapunk curled his lip and scoffed dismissively, "Tsk~ Who cares about them?"

Since you killed Saint Saturn, my research has been much easier without anyone interfering, haha!

As he spoke, the experimental area came into view— Six Great Satellites were busily moving about, robotic arms waving, screens flashing, instructions and data intertwining, noisy yet orderly.

One figure stood out particularly.

Desire Satellite York

It was a tall, hot female clone with wavy pigtails falling over her shoulders, freckles on her cheeks, and an unexpectedly cute appearance.

She wore goggles, a dark cropped top that revealed her toned waist and abdomen, and a thick, light-colored jacket over it. Code names were etched on her chest and arms.

She was wearing only underwear on her lower body and the latest DOM Shoes on her feet, and her movements were efficient and neat.

But when she caught sight of Roy, her eyes widened in surprise, and she seemed to be struck by lightning. She nearly dropped the tools in her hands and quickly lowered her head to continue working.

Roy glanced at her briefly, his gaze not lingering.

York and Saint Saturn had already discussed the sordid affair with Vegapunk, and now that Saint Saturn was nothing but bones, there was no point in dwelling on it.

He withdrew his gaze, his tone turning serious as he asked, "Doctor, that ring I told you about before... is it sorted out?"

Vegapunk chuckled and reached into his pocket to pull out a device box.

"Certainly."

The box was opened, revealing a ring lying quietly inside. Its metal surface was covered with intricate spiral patterns, as if layers of runes were flowing.

The inner circle shimmered faintly with a flame-like light, as if it were breathing softly.

Roy's gaze lingered on it, while Ace behind him had his eyes already shining, his excitement practically bursting from his pupils.