At that time, he was not as famous as he is now, and he was just about to bite the bullet and use all his savings to buy a good instrument.
This act of timely support in the snow moved him to tears on the spot.
It speaks to the greatness of the Master of the End, that he can be so considerate even to a civilian musician like him... Lord Shano is truly remarkable!
"So, to celebrate the arrival of a new era, our shared victory, and this beautiful night..."
Brook paused slightly, then said with a sincere and reverent tone:
"Let me present a song I recently wrote, one I wish to dedicate to Lord Shano, and also to everyone here—those who fight for freedom and dreams!"
The bow fell on the strings.
The first note flowed forth.
Clear and soothing, like a stream quietly flowing under the moonlight, reminiscent of a cool summer night's countryside.
The square gradually quieted down; everyone ceased talking and looked toward the center stage at the elegant skeleton.
Brook closed his eyes, his body swaying gently with the melody, fully immersed in the world of music.
The music began with a gentle narration, as if telling a long journey filled with solitude, confusion, and steadfast support in the darkness.
Gradually, the melody became passionate and furious, like a storm on the sea, full of defiance and unyielding power.
Later.
Nature high above became completely angry, increasingly fierce, with its strikes growing ever more terrifying, wave upon wave, higher and higher.
Yet the unyielding ones remain unyielding!
Until all waves are broken, all formidable enemies conquered, and daylight finally appears!
Notes leapt, collided, converged, ultimately transforming into a majestic flood that swept across the entire square.
Many people closed their eyes, with images of war appearing in their minds, partners' figures emerging, scenes of battle unto death, and the cheers and tears of victory flashing forth.
Music is magical.
It transcends barriers of race and culture, reaching the deepest parts of the human heart.
When Brook's performance reached its climax, many were already teary-eyed; Law noticed that opposite him, Nami and Nojiko's eyes were even redder, tears streaming down.
Did they remember Lord Shano's experiences of those years?
Law wondered internally, curious nonetheless.
He had heard the tale.
Back then, Lord Shano had no grand ambitions, merely wishing to quietly accompany his family, taking care of the Orange Garden back home.
So what was the reason, or who played the role of the first wave in this melody, giving Lord Shano tremendous pressure?
This prompted him to eventually embark on the path of overthrowing the World Government, bringing an end to the old era?
Tsk.
Perhaps in several decades, when Lord Shano grows old and writes his memoirs, the truth might be glimpsed.
By then, I'll definitely be the first to buy a copy.
...
On the terrace.
The two, held in each other's embrace, were also drawn by the distant music.
Kuina slightly withdrew from Shano's arms, listening intently, her face still flushed with lingering redness.
"It's Brook playing."
Shano spoke softly.
"Hmm."
Kuina nodded, resting her face back against his chest, listening to his heartbeats and the distant music, "No wonder that guy's getting more popular recently, it's really nice."
"Indeed."
Shano held her, his chin resting gently on her hair's crown, "Music with soul and from the heart always touches people precisely."
The two exchanged smiles, nestled together, shadows entwined as if they could never part.
At this moment, the music reached its most brilliant peak, like a myriad of stars simultaneously blooming, then slowly winding down to tranquility.
The lingering notes drifted in the night wind.
The square erupted with thunderous applause and cheers, persisting long and strong...