Intermission ended, and the spotlight shifted to Gloria's solo set.
"Up next is my brand-new single, 'Love Patrol'. If you like it, you can pick up a recording shell at our merch booths and listen as many times as you want."
"Songbird, we love you!"
"Gloria is too cute!"
"Hmph, as if she could steal my Wayne away."
The crowd's teasing soon quieted; Gloria's voice carried them off. By sheer vocal technique she surpassed Wayne, thanks to her Song-Song Fruit, but Wayne's looks plus his "multitalented genius" reputation author, chef, and more gave him a different level of fame.
Every note of the Four-Seas Tour was transmitted through video Den-Den Mushi to every corner of the world.
Sabaody Archipelago, at Shakky's Rip-off Bar
Shakky chatted with the "Dark King" Silvers Rayleigh, right hand of the late Pirate King.
"That kid Wayne certainly draws a crowd," Shakky smiled.
Rayleigh snorted. "Brat skipped out on a perfectly good Shichibukai seat just to hold concerts. Now his home turf is practically undefended, so I have to keep an old eye on things for him."
New World, Totto Land
In Big Mom's territory a young woman in a purple cape and red skirt squealed, "Brother Katakuri, Lord Wayne is so handsome. Can you ask Mama to let me marry him?"
Katakuri watched the screen and nodded. "He is impressive, and a Shichibukai as well. That strength would qualify him to join the family. I will mention it when Mama returns, Carrot."
East Blue, Windmill Village
Ace and his little brother Luffy watched from the tavern.
"Luffy, that Wayne looks interesting," Ace mused.
"I heard his cooking is amazing," Luffy answered, drooling. "He's gonna be the cook on my ship."
"Then let's hurry and master Armament Haki first."
Somewhere in the Grand Line
Gekko Moria, stripped of his Shichibukai title, stared at the broadcast, fingers tracing the scar on his face.
"Just you wait, brat. I will reclaim my seat."
Mary Geoise
Saint Charlos's sister, Charlia, wiped drool from her chin.
"Father, I want that man as my slave!"
Saint Rosward nodded. "We shall share him. I want him singing and pulling my cart."
Marineford
Vice Admiral Gion, known as Momousagi, sighed as she watched. "Hard to believe the man who wrote The West Wing* chose piracy. Such a waste of talent."
A nameless island in the Four Seas
Young pirate Cavendish clasped his hands dramatically. "I will become a superstar like that, just you watch."
At this moment admirals, emperors' lieutenants, rookie pirates, kings, and even Celestial Dragons all who held a receiver were spellbound by Wayne's concert. Tonight he was the axis of the world's gaze.
Wayne glanced up. A pale moon had risen.
"Friends, we are nearing the end. For the final song I'll let you decide. What do you want to hear?"
"'Binks's Sake'!"
"'Love Even in Death'!"
"'Run'!"
Cheers overlapped. Wayne cupped a hand to his ear, then nodded.
"The loudest call is for 'Binks's Sake'. Shall we all sing together?"
"Yeeees!"
Tens of thousands filled Loguetown's square with an ocean of voices.
"Yo ho ho ho-
Bring a bottle of Binks's fine wine,
Ride the wind and brave the tide,
Beneath blue skies our beloved flag still flies..."
The classic pirate shanty closed the Four-Seas Tour. Yet the audience's fervour refused to fade. Wayne turned to Moen.
"Call Smoker. We need the marines to keep order."
Soon ranks of marines marched in, cheeks flushed. Many were fans who had dashed from the plaza back to duty.
Order restored, the fans dispersed. Back at the hotel Wayne faced Smoker.
"What is it, Commodore?"
Smoker only grunted. Beside him, Tashigi's glasses sparkled with star-struck awe.
"Your concert was magnificent," she gushed.
Wayne offered a polite smile. "Thank you, Lieutenant. Anything else?"
Tashigi missed the hint. "Thanks to your show we captured seventeen wanted pirates, the highest bounty being seventeen million. Justice is grateful for your help."
Wayne rubbed his temple. "Young lady, don't make me sound like an undercover marine. I am a pirate, remember? Shichibukai, the scary kind."
"You are the one Shichibukai worthy of respect," she protested. "Headquarters once proposed giving you an honorary rear admiral-"
"That is enough, Tashigi," Smoker cut in. "Yes, tonight's arrests owe something to you, but that is the extent of it."
Wayne waved a hand. "Spare me the flattery. If there is nothing more, I need rest."
Smoker huffed and strode out. Tashigi lingered, face crimson.
"Mr. Wayne, c-could I have your autograph?" She produced a sword and a cigar box.
Wayne signed both, raising an eyebrow at the box. Since when did this girl smoke cigars? Strange.