Chapter 315: The Purified Demon King
Since this was an experiment, naturally they needed proper protective measures first.
The banquet couldn't continue properly at this point. Everyone hastily filled their stomachs, then the experiment would officially begin.
Both ships had already distanced themselves considerably. Uta had used her ability in advance to drag Shanks into the spiritual world she created. His body retreated with the Red-Hair Pirates.
Only Brett remained, carrying Uta on flame clouds high into the sky.
With all preparations complete, even if the previous Demon King returned, it couldn't cause any real trouble.
"You can begin."
Brett said.
"Okay."
Uta took a deep breath, then prepared to start singing.
In the distance, on the sea surface—
"Can that Demon King really be controlled by someone?"
Queen Otohime spoke with considerable concern.
Her Observation Haki's ability to perceive hearts was even stronger than Brett's, so she could sense more clearly what kind of existence that Demon King truly was.
A monster formed entirely from humanity's negative emotions.
Not a trace of goodwill—only despair, fear, anger, and resentment.
Just hearing its voice made one's scalp tingle.
King Gordon said this monster was created by a previous Sing-Sing Fruit user who persecuted people. It was hard to imagine what that person had done to those imprisoned in the spiritual world.
"No matter how terrifying, it's ultimately just a product of Devil Fruit abilities."
Tesoro crossed his arms, his expression completely calm.
No matter how powerful an ability might be, it was ultimately controlled by a person. The devil fruit user commanded the ability—not the other way around.
Even Zoan-type Devil Fruit awakening and its potential loss of control could still be mastered by the user.
So why assume this Demon King couldn't be controlled by Uta?
"Believe in Uta!"
Tesoro said in a low voice.
"That's right! Believe in Uta!"
Lucky Roux on the neighboring ship also laughed heartily and shouted his encouragement.
In the distant sky, Uta had already begun singing.
Though they couldn't see with their eyes or hear with their ears, Tesoro and the Red-Hair Pirates' officers were all skilled in Observation Haki. Their expressions all grew solemn.
Though they'd spoken confidently about believing in Uta, when the songstress actually began singing, they remained tense.
That Demon King's power was absolutely genuine.
In the sky and within the spiritual world, both Brett and Red-Hair watched the singing Uta with serious expressions.
Mist was already rising from her body.
Within the clouds, that monster seemed about to reappear at any moment.
But then—
"Huh?"
Brett blinked.
"Haha, well this is something!"
In the spiritual world, Red-Hair looked at what appeared before him and couldn't help laughing heartily.
Shortly after, on the Red Force's deck, everyone gathered together.
Everyone's expressions were somewhat complicated.
"So what exactly is happening here?" Tesoro looked completely baffled.
"Well, it is rather cute though."
Queen Otohime said with a smile.
"Yeah, yeah!"
The other female members of All Stars also nodded repeatedly.
"So how did it turn out like this?"
Yasopp stroked his chin. "Compared to before, it's completely different!"
Surrounded by everyone was Uta.
But what everyone was actually staring at was the thing she held in her hands.
A tiny doll wearing a cute little top hat. Its face was round, with short yellow hair behind its head. Its body seemed composed of various instruments, and its arms were distinctly black and white like piano keys.
It looked like the previous Demon King had been shrunk down.
However, this little Demon King showed none of its previous ferocity. It nuzzled contentedly in Uta's embrace, making babbling sounds. Its large eyes curiously observed the people surrounding it, radiating innocent and naive light.
"Probably because it was completely destroyed in the previous battle, and all the resentment and hatred it contained dissipated along with it."
Brett speculated. "The current Tot Musica can still summon a monster, but it's no longer the same one as before."
"Yes, yes."
Otohime nodded repeatedly. "I can't sense any malice at all. It's just a child who doesn't understand anything."
She smiled. "And a newborn child at that."
"So basically, there's no more danger, right?"
Yasopp guessed.
"Yeah!"
Uta nodded heavily. She happily lifted the little doll in her hands.
The little doll excitedly waved both arms. The instruments on its body produced various pleasant notes that combined into a beautiful melody.
"I can feel it—it's a very good child!"
Uta said with a smile. "Starting today, it'll be my exclusive accompaniment!"
"Yiya yiya!"
The little Demon King happily played its music.
"I have a theory."
At that moment, Gordon spoke. "The original Demon King grew powerful and ferocious by absorbing the negative emotions of people trapped in the spiritual world."
"So then," he continued, "could this child become kind yet equally powerful by absorbing people's positive emotions?"
Even Brett was momentarily stunned.
"Brilliant idea!"
Tesoro praised enthusiastically. "If negative emotions can become power, there's no reason positive ones can't, right?!"
If this little doll in Uta's hands could grow to the level of the previous Demon King, and she could control it, that would be virtually invincible power!
After all, as long as Uta didn't bring others into her spiritual world, who could possibly deal with a little Demon King existing between illusion and reality?
"Looks like we'll need to hold more concerts going forward."
Tesoro said with a smile.
Getting people's positive emotions—how hard could that be?
Whether Uta's or Otohime's singing, both could reach directly into hearts and make people feel genuine joy from deep within.
Which meant by continuously holding concerts, the little Demon King could keep growing.
Tesoro was already thinking that if Uta could join the war against the government, she might play an incredibly remarkable role.
"I think we should have another proper talk, Brett."
Red-Hair looked toward Brett.
"Of course."
Brett nodded.
Last time they'd spoken, Red-Hair was only concerned about his daughter. But this time was different.
Both sides understood each other differently now. The situation on the seas had changed. Brett's identity and position had changed.
It was time for another serious discussion.