"Let's wait until Chrollo and Uvogin finish their talk before bringing up the matter of dubbing for Uvogin."
Franklin shook his head.
Just now, he had personally heard Uvogin's arrogant words.
And the response from that guy named Luke.
Better to wait until Chrollo was done negotiating with him before discussing anything further.
Of course, if they want to harm Chrollo or bully him, then Franklin will absolutely not just stand by and do nothing.
"Huh?"
Sarasa blinked her eyes.
She looked at Franklin and the silent Shalnark beside her, somewhat puzzled.
It seemed that something had happened while they were voice dubbing, something they didn't know about.
"Chrollo…"
After Chrollo stood near Uvogin, Uvogin took the lead: "I admit, your voice dubbing this time is really excellent, I even feel a bit of admiration for you..."
Huh?!
Uvogin's words surprised Chrollo.
Normally, wouldn't Uvogin be looking for trouble with him?!
Even if Uvogin had such admiration, with his personality and stubbornness, he would never say it so directly.
Unless someone had played peacemaker between them, or else…
"He's just praising me before criticizing me; there must be more to come."
Chrollo thought subconsciously.
And then, Uvogin didn't disappoint Chrollo's expectations: "But, that's only a little."
Uvogin crossed his arms and raised his head.
"You can only do voice dubbing based on the image others provide, you can't actually perform it yourself!"
Perform it yourself?
Sarasa, who was listening intently, was stunned by these words.
Then, she immediately turned to Franklin and asked: "Could it be that Uvogin has gone crazy?"
"Did you guys fight earlier? Did you hit Uvogin on the head?"
"No, not at all…"
Franklin understood why Sarasa was asking that question.
"But why…"
Sarasa, however, didn't understand.
She didn't finish her sentence, but Sheila and Pakunoda, standing beside her, understood what she meant.
"Why would Uvogin say such stupid words?"
All the children in Meteor City knew how rare it was to even see an animated film.
No one had ever shown them anything like this before, and it was only thanks to Chrollo that they got to see it.
As the people who had practiced voice dubbing with Chrollo, they understood how much effort it took.
Not to mention that even regular movies and TV shows were hard to find in Meteor City.
And then there was Chrollo, who even wrote the script and dialogues, and practiced voice dubbing with them.
They had finally managed to create a work that everyone in Meteor City could enjoy.
And now, Uvogin was nitpicking and finding fault with it?
This completely disregarded Chrollo's efforts and hard work!
For a moment, Pakunoda's gaze on Uvogin turned unfriendly.
Even the usually gentle Sheila was a little angry.
They felt that Uvogin was deliberately picking on Chrollo.
He had already done so much; what more could Uvogin possibly want?!
Could they actually film something like this?
If they had the resources, wouldn't they want to?
To even manage dubbing something in this barren, impoverished Meteor City was already no small feat.
And yet after watching it, Uvogin still had the nerve to say this doesn't work, that doesn't work…
If you're so good, then go ahead and do it!
Pakunoda and Sheila were grumbling, while Chrollo was seriously responding to Uvogin.
"I also wanted to give the children of Meteor City the best performance possible."
"But given the current situation in Meteor City, and my own limitations, all I can do is dub the Clean-Up Rangers video for the children."
Chrollo didn't make excuses; he simply stated the current reality.
How could Meteor City possibly support actual filming under such conditions?
"So, you're just not good enough."
Uvogin said proudly while raising his head.
"But your inadequacy doesn't mean everyone else is."
"For example, we have people who can definitely film something better, more amazing, and…"
"Alright, enough of this nonsense!"
Before Uvogin could finish boasting, Luke slapped him on the face, somewhat exasperated.
Then he pushed him aside and made way.
"I admire and like your performance."
Luke said, looking at Chrollo.
"Did you write all the dialogue yourself?"
"Yes, the video only has images, no sound…"
Chrollo nodded gently.
All the voice dubbing was based on the images, the transitions, and the characters' actions and behaviors.
It could be said that it perfectly matched the video, making it easy for the children from Meteor City to accept, without any jarring or inappropriate elements.
"Chrollo is amazing!"
Pakunoda couldn't help but exclaim.
"He did all this by himself."
"He even voiced several characters!"
Pakunoda also recognized Luke; he was the man she and Chrollo had seen through the window in the screening room.
That was the strange man who could make food grow from plants with his hands!
She couldn't help but look at Luke a few more times.
"So, you're quite a talented guy, huh…"
Luke smiled at Chrollo and complimented him, then pointed his thumb at Uvogin, who had been pushed aside and was now behaving himself: "Uvogin was a bit off-topic, but I do have a plan to make a film for the children of Meteor City, with us all acting in it."
Huh?!
Chrollo's eyes widened slightly.
Looking at Luke's calm expression, he couldn't find even a trace of joking in it.
Was he serious?!
"Don't worry about the equipment and other technical aspects; I'll take care of everything…"
Luke seemed to have everything prepared: "And I can also handle the logistics…"
"However…"
Luke looked at Chrollo: "I want to polish the script and storyline, so I need someone to help me with that."
"So…"
Luke smiled and extended his hand towards the still-dazed Chrollo: "Would you like to join me and help?"
Do you want me to join?
To bring him in?!
Chrollo and everyone else present were quite surprised to hear this.
They were surprised that Luke actually planned to make a film himself.
And they were also surprised by his invitation to Chrollo.
Uvogin, with his impulsive nature, wanted to speak up.
But then Machi kicked him hard on the shin.
Uvogin immediately grabbed his ankle and grimaced in pain.
The others, including Phinks, Feitan, and even Franklin and Pakunoda from Chrollo's side, remained silent.
They were all waiting for Chrollo's answer.
"… You want me to join in?"
Chrollo paused for a moment before finally raising his head.
"I want to know…"
He stared at Luke with a serious expression: "Why are you doing this?"
"For the same reason you held that screening for the kids of Meteor City, that's my reason too..."
Luke chuckled lightly: "Besides, if people in Meteor City always watch only the abandoned things thrown in from the outside world, we will forever remain in a pitiful position."
"If possible, I want to film original works by the people of Meteor City."
"And, we can show them to the outside world, so that people there can see that Meteor City isn't worthless after all..."
Original works by the people of Meteor City… Our own creations…
Chrollo fell into deep silence again.
Perhaps this topic and goal were too heavy for him right now.
Perhaps it wasn't something he could consider yet.
Perhaps, in the beginning, he only wanted to show animation to the children in Meteor City simply to make them happy.
Perhaps, Luke was someone he could trust…
Chrollo thought of Uvogin, Machi, and the troublesome duo of Phinks and Feitan, who were with Luke.
And…
The scene of Luke magically creating food from plants outside the church reappeared in Chrollo's mind.
That miraculous scene was something he couldn't forget.
So now, facing Luke's invitation…
"… Perhaps, I should give it a try."
Chrollo suddenly raised his head and met Luke's gaze: "If this is truly possible."
"Don't worry."
Luke smiled again: "In the near future, you won't regret this choice."
Clap.
Chrollo's hand clasped with Luke's.
The scene seemed frozen.
The setting sun's rays fell upon them, casting a dazzling glow, as if witnessing the moment itself.
This scene of the two kids talking and shaking hands was seen by everyone present and engraved itself deep in their hearts, making it impossible to forget.
"Although I don't know exactly what happened…"
Sarasa, watching the scene, spoke softly: "But, from the results…"
A smile slowly spread across her face: "It seems it's quite good!"
…
Bringing Chrollo into their group wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision, but rather a well-planned move.
In Togashi's latest chapter, Chrollo remains the most outstanding character in Meteor City.
His future appearances have already proven his exceptional talent and ability.
Father Lisores's foresight and high regard for him were indeed justified.
Since he had the chance to encounter Chrollo in his younger, undeveloped state, of course, he would seize the moment to draw him to his side early.
Only at this stage, before Chrollo's character darkens due to Sarasa's death, and before he develops his own intelligence and independent thinking, is there a good opportunity to bring him over.
In short, the current Chrollo is smart, but still young.
He can still be influenced and brought together through certain means.
Moreover, this isn't just about bringing Chrollo alone.
Franklin, Pakunoda, Shalnark, Sheila, and Sarasa, who surround him, will also come along.
It's like recruiting a whole group!
Most of the future elite members of the Phantom Troupe are now gathered together by Luke!