While the World Government was busy dealing with Luo Wen's situation, Luo Wen and Red-Haired's banquet was about to begin.
Before starting, Uta hesitated several times, but in the end she approached Shanks and Gordon.
"I'm sorry, Gordon, I was the one who destroyed Elegia back then."
"Shanks, thank you for what you did for me, but someone like me doesn't deserve it."
Uta's eyes were bloodshot as he spoke in pain.
Shanks was happy to see that his daughter understood him. But he didn't like her dejected look.
Gordon was the same; he raised Uta for ten years, treating Uta not only as a daughter but also as a continuation of Elegia.
"Tot Musica is a demon that Elegia has been wary of for generations. Even without you, another Sing-Sing Devil Fruit User will summon it."
"I've never blamed you, or rather, it wasn't your fault at all. How could a seven-year-old girl who loves to sing be so heartless as to destroy Elegia?"
Gordon shook his head and said gently.
When the Red-Haired said on that night ten years ago that singing was innocent, he understood.
Seven-year-old Uta was not the culprit behind the destruction of Elegia. The Music Demon King who bewitched her was the real killer.
"But the former music capital was ultimately destroyed because of me."
Uta's eyes were filled with tears, and she still felt somewhat resentful.
"If you're still feeling down, come with me for a walk outside, and I'll take your singing to the whole world."
"Perhaps you can find the answer."
Shanks gently stroked Uta's head and said softly.
"Want to go for a walk outside?"
Uta murmured softly, a glimmer of light flashing in her bewildered, tearful eyes.
"If anyone's going to leave, it should be with me."
Just as Uta was pondering, Luo Wen's voice came through.
He was pleased to see Shanks and Uta reconcile.
But Uta, it's better for you to stick with me.
"While you are indeed trustworthy, it's better if Uta lets me take you with me."
Shanks' expression turned serious, and he said in a deep voice.
He looked at Luo Wen with extreme wariness; Luo Wen's abacus beads were practically flying into his face.
"That won't do. I really admire Uta's singing; I'm going to have her."
"Besides, it's better to let Uta choose for himself in this kind of matter."
Luo Wen smiled, but showed no sign of backing down.
Appreciating the singing? I'm too embarrassed to call you out on it!
Nami and the other girls behind him hesitated, but ultimately did not voice Luo Wen's true feelings.
"That's true. Uta is all grown up now; it's definitely better to let her make her own decisions."
Shanks laughed heartily, agreeing with Luo Wen's assessment.
He's not some old-fashioned father; he respects Uta's own choices.
"So, Uta, who do you want to follow?"
Luo Wen looked at Uta and asked with a smile.
Uta hesitated for a moment, then walked over to Shanks.
"Haha, Uta really did choose me!"
Shanks burst into laughter, extremely pleased with himself.
Seeing a dutiful daughter refuse a blond-haired man's advances is a dream for countless fathers.
But before he could even celebrate, Uta dealt him a heavy blow.
"I'm sorry, Shanks!"
"I promised Luo Wen I would become his partner, and I also want to see the New World he described."
Uta bowed to Shanks and shouted.
At the time, Luo Wen tricked her by pretending to be dying, but he was indeed her savior. It was Luo Wen dealt with Tot Musica and prevented it from causing greater damage.
It has to be said that she had a slight crush on Luo Wen.
I respect your choice.
Shanks' lips twitched; he understood Uta after all.
"Haha, Uta, you made a wise choice."
In front of Shanks, Luo Wen pulled Uta into his arms and laughed without any restraint.
"..."
Uta blushed and tried to break free from Luo Wen's embrace.
"That's going too far!"
Shanks' face darkened, and his heart skipped a beat.
Do you know how much psychological trauma this scene will cause to an elderly father who loves his daughter dearly?
"Let's go, let's go drink!"
Shanks, his face pale, said dejectedly.
Heartbroken by his daughter's cruel words, he desperately needed wine to ease his grief.
"Ton ton ton!"
After a few sips of wine, Shanks' mood didn't improve much.
And this is all thanks to Luo Wen on the other side.
"Luo Wen, this is delicious, you should try it!"
"This barbecue tastes good, have a taste!"
"This grilled fish is also good, would you like to try it?"
Luo Wen was surrounded by Nami and the other girls, who were all very affectionate and attentive to him.
What angered him most was that Uta, as if bewitched, blushed and helped Luo Wen pick up food.
"Ton ton ton!"
The bitter wine stung my throat and my heart ached.
Shanks' eyes were practically glowing red.
The other members of the Red-Haired Pirates weren't much better off; they also treated Uta like their own daughter.
Seeing Luo Wen, that scumbag, they all looked fierce.
"Luo Wen, let's have a go! The newly crowned Emperor of the Sea lives up to his name!"
Benn Beckman raised his half-liter glass and gulped it down.
"Come!"
Luo Wen, not to be outdone, also downed his drink in one gulp.
The other members of the Red-Haired Pirates were like sharks that had smelled blood.
One by one, they raised their glasses and launched an attack on Luo Wen.
Luo Wen accepted all comers without hesitation.
After several rounds of drinks, even the usually heavy-drinking Red-Haired Pirates had to admit how formidable Luo Wen was.
"Luo Wen, you have an incredible capacity for alcohol!"
Shanks gritted his teeth and gave Luo Wen a thumbs up.
Not only was his daughter abducted, but he was also outdone in his drinking prowess.
The man's damned pride began to mercilessly lash him again.
"You flatter me, you flatter me!"
Luo Wen waved his hands repeatedly, seemingly modest, but his mouth was practically pointing to the sky.
"Stop pretending! Come on, again!"
Seeing Luo Wen's arrogant demeanor, Shanks raised his glass again.
"Come on then, I'm not afraid of you!"
The next morning, just as the sun was rising.
The two factions, having finished their banquet, were finally ready to leave.
"Luo Wen, you must take good care of Uta!"
Shanks put his hand on Luo Wen's shoulder and said seriously.
"Don't worry, Uta is mine, I will take good care of her."
Luo Wen patted his chest and solemnly assured him.
"Hey, she's just one of your crew members, watch your words!"
Shanks glared fiercely at Luo Wen, his heart bleeding.
"Old Deng, don't worry, it's only a matter of time!"
Luo Wen patted Shanks on the shoulder, turned around, and jumped onto the Windrider.
"You...!"
Shanks was speechless, and he almost cursed.
This guy, he's got ulterior motives, he's not even bothering to pretend anymore, is he?
Just as he was about to tell Uta about Luo Wen's true identity, the Windrider shot off like an arrow, disappearing into the distance.
"Goodbye, Shanks. We can talk about it another time!"
The sound of Luo Wen drifted from afar, choking Shanks' words.
Goodbye, Luo Wen, Uta.
In the end, Shanks simply waved goodbye to Luo Wen, who had abducted his daughter.