The Thunderhawk flew steadily above the clouds. A white sea of clouds spread out below, with occasional gaps revealing the deep blue ocean.
Their destination was Glass Bead Island in the East Blue. Kessoku Band had been invited to perform a concert there.
In the Thunderhawk's communal lounge, the bar glowed with warm yellow light. Retro leather barstools lined the counter, with several brass-shaded lamps hanging overhead. A small jukebox in the corner played soft jazz.
Two Bunbu stood behind the bar. Just over a meter tall, they occasionally rotated the mechanical rabbit ears on their heads with faint mechanical whirs.
One Bunbu was wiping a glass with his little mechanical claws, while the other shook a cocktail shaker.
"En-na~ En-na~"
After wiping the glass, the Bunbu slid a glass of cola in front of Sephiroth.
"En-na!"
The Bunbu with the shaker set a freshly mixed champagne-based cocktail in front of Hina.
Dressed in black tactical clothing, Sephiroth sat at the center of the bar. Since everyone present was one of his own, he had not maintained his Shining appearance.
Wearing a black gothic outfit, Perona sat with her legs together on the tall stool to Sephiroth's right. Her little red leather boots swung playfully, unable to reach the floor. She cradled a cup of hot cocoa in both hands, a ring of milk foam clinging to her lips.
"Kalifa" sat to Perona's right.
Perona tilted her head to look at "Kalifa," then finally reached out and poked her cheek with an index finger.
"Lord Sephi-this 'Kalifa' is so lifelike!"
The "Kalifa" she had referred to as a unit wore a light gray women's suit. Her movements had a slight delay of around two seconds.
"Kalifa" also reached out, pinched Perona's cheek, and gave it a gentle tug.
"Princess, don't