When luck runs out, even eating can make you choke.
And it was precisely because of that uneasy feeling that Nami had no appetite for dinner, choosing instead to get some air on the deck—only to witness the scene of those two on the mast.
What kind of stage play were you two putting on?
Nami immediately spoke up to interrupt them. Only afterward did she belatedly wonder why she had been so tense.
But seeing Uta's expression, which seemed so utterly secure and composed, Nami gave her past self a mental thumbs-up. It was right to interrupt! Stop them from making any concrete progress.
As long as she interrupted this time, wouldn't the future all be her stage? How could a big star like Uta possibly come aboard to become a pirate? Besides, she seemed to have some connection with the World Government.
It was precisely Uta's sudden arrival that had made Nami aware of the sense of crisis.
As a fellow girl, even with a critical eye, Nami had to admit that Uta was exceptionally beautiful.
Whether it was her doll-like, exquisite features or the stage-honed charisma she possessed.
By comparison, aside from being supremely confident and proud of a certain physical attribute, what other outstanding advantages did Nami have?
Most crucially, the phrase "childhood friend" felt like a vast chasm.
But!
Just because I met Luffy later, does that mean I'm destined to lose?
Don't be ridiculous.
So what if you were first? He'll be mine in the end!
...
Uta was also enjoying the feast.
The members of the Straw Hat crew.
They gave her a strangely familiar feeling.
Not too different from the Red Hair Pirates she remembered from childhood, full of laughter and free adventure.
At least they were completely unlike the pirates on these seas who reveled in indiscriminate murder, arson, and plunder.
They radiated a kind of pure enthusiasm and... goofiness?
Exactly the kind of nakama that idiot Luffy would attract.
Because they were Luffy's friends, Uta received a warm welcome. Sanji and Usopp, chattering like sparrows, eagerly told her everything she wanted to know.
Fighting to protect what their companions cherished, then extending an invitation.
"Become my nakama."
Listening, Uta couldn't suppress the smile tugging at her lips. It was as if she could see the little Luffy, while shouting about becoming the Pirate King, clumsily taking steps towards realizing their shared dream of traveling the world.
But, there was still a truly "wicked" pirate on this ship.
Uta's gaze, lingering on Nami, suddenly paused.
Completely outmatched in that area!
Earlier, while airborne, she had been practically hanging off Luffy.
That close physical contact had made a certain realization crystal clear to Uta.
She and Luffy were no longer the two little kids who used to squeeze into the same barrel to play.
Luffy's body had become broad and firm. The sense of security and strength emanating from his chest.
And that sweet, delicious blood...
Uta learned that Nami's presence here was the result of Luffy saving her. The inevitable "hero saves the beauty" scenario, right? During Uta's confinement on Elegia, aside from music, only books had provided a little solace in her lonely time.
Nami's attitude made it abundantly clear she saw Uta as some kind of rival.
Indeed, Uta still wanted to forcibly take Luffy onto her own ship. That desire to make him hers alone grew even stronger.
Thinking this, she didn't even realize it herself.
A somewhat pathological smile surfaced on her face.
...
The highlight of the feast was naturally Uta and Luffy's performance of [Shin Sekai (New Era)].
She had thought they were ill-prepared, with no musician on board; what kind of stage could they have? She hadn't expected Uta, like Luffy, to be a Devil Fruit user.
The Uta Uta no Mi.
With her song, visibly tangible, dreamlike, bubble-like, colorful musical note energy appeared.
These fruit-powered notes lightly danced and shimmered on the deck, masts, and railings. The entire ship seemed to pulse with life, giving a gentle shudder.
The power of the Uta Uta no Mi wasn't as simple as just singing. Even though Uta hadn't developed her abilities deeply, she knew her singing could significantly affect consciousness and emotions.
And it wasn't just limited to human consciousness and emotions.
Despite Uta and Luffy being separated for years, the tacit understanding lingering in their bodies felt nothing like a long separation.
[(Song) Proficiency +100!]
[(Song) Proficiency +100!]
[(Song) Level has risen to Lv2!]
[Task Completed: Sing a duet with Uta Uta no Mi user Uta, Phase Two!]
[(Nika) Consciousness Awakening Level: 100%!]
[Nika Recognition Level: 1%]
[Obtained Initial Favor (Recognition) of the Klabautermann, Merry.]
.....
A white aura flashed over his body and vanished. Images flashed through Luffy's mind: a laughing white figure, dancing and singing with various races around a gigantic stone monument.
Was that guy Nika?
With a smile plastered on his face, having a feast... why did it feel so familiar, like looking at some goofy idiot?
Luffy only thought this because he hadn't had much time to make that kind of expression lately. The [Pirate King Training Plan] kept him fully scheduled.
But that power truly made Luffy's blood surge. The whole world turned to rubber, with strength enough to toss a terrifying giant-like figure high into the air.
"If I could get my hands on that power, wouldn't that mean I'm one step closer to becoming the Pirate King?"
Which also meant he could escape the control of this plan sooner.
[Special Reward Time has ended.]
[Automatically adjusting based on current physical condition. Checking daily training tasks... Today's time allocation is severely insufficient. Please begin remedial training immediately.]
"You really can't stand to lose out on anything, can you?"
Luffy was speechless. He thought this was a hard-won special reward time. Shouldn't that be separate?
It's like agreeing on a price, only to be told, "Oh, that's extra."
[Please select from the following options.]
[Engage in physical and swordsmanship training with Zoro.]
Luffy looked at Zoro, who was happily drinking.
"He'd chop me to pieces if I bothered him now."
Next were undoubtedly Usopp and Sanji. Seeing them enjoying the feast, they wouldn't be willing either.
[Countdown: thirty seconds.]
[Warning...]
Seemed like the only options left were Nami and Uta.
He'd already bothered Uta enough tonight; singing all evening must have tired her out.
That left no choice.
"Uta, can you sleep in the girls' quarters tonight?"
"Huh? I suppose I can."
Nami's eyes darted around, a strained smile on her face. The girls' quarters were currently hers. Did Luffy not even consult her? Did she have any standing on this ship anymore?
"Nami, I need your help tonight!"
Luffy's hand shot out and grabbed Nami's, his face full of urgency.
Nami was stunned for a moment, feeling as if her bleak world was gradually regaining its color.
"W-what do you mean?"
"I need to study some 'knowledge' with you!"
Late at night... are you sure it's "knowledge" you're studying together, and not... something else?
***
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