novelraw Page 132
Page 132
"That Luffy who dares to challenge bandits?!"
"Hahaha! So it's Luffy's brother!"
"Quickly! Please sit down! Drink! You must drink!"
The atmosphere instantly took a 180-degree turn!
Lucky Roux immediately brought over a new barrel of liquor, Yasopp warmly offered a huge glass of liquor, and Benk Binsey brought out the best meat. The executives gathered around, their faces beaming with genuine smiles, as if Ace were not a stranger, but a long-lost family member.
Shanks laughed heartily and poured Ace a full glass of wine: "So you're Luffy's brother! That kid's still clamoring to be the Pirate King... How's he doing?"
"Excellent! He's got the energy of a monster!" Ace took the glass and clinked it against Shanks', the amber liquid rippling in the firelight. "He might actually become the Pirate King!"
"Hahaha! Well said! Cheers to Luffy, the future Pirate King!"
"cheers--!!"
The campfire crackled, keeping the wind and snow at bay in the warm atmosphere.
The two pirate crews, because of a rubber boy wearing a straw hat, seemed to have become a family. The sounds of clinking glasses, laughter, and reminiscing filled the air.
Ace felt a surge of warmth in his heart as he looked at the group of heroes who had opened their arms to him because of his brother.
Luffy, that kid, has unknowingly gained such an amazing senior.
That's truly enviable! But... he's not bad either.
After this reunion, he plans to set off to defeat the world's strongest man—Whitebeard!
At that time, he will be the strongest pirate!
Chapter 158 Uta's Concert [Thanks for urging updates and donations]
Far away in another sea area.
Bonnie has just finished a short "combat training" session.
She was panting heavily, her small face covered with a little soot, but her eyes were bright.
Just now, under the cover and guidance of Sabo and the other two, he single-handedly took down a medium-sized pirate ship that he encountered in the distance.
Although the process was somewhat chaotic, her initial mastery of Armament Haki and Observation Haki did come in handy, greatly boosting her confidence.
Especially the female version of Nika, which lasted a little longer than the last time.
This proves that high-intensity training is effective.
Sabo was habitually cleaning up the battlefield, preparing to sink the dead pirates along with their ships to the bottom of the sea.
Just then, a brightly colored flyer, slightly wrinkled from the sea breeze, fluttered down and landed at his feet.
Sabo bent down to pick it up, his eyes scanning the contents of the flyer.
It was a promotional poster for a concert. In the center of the image was a girl with long hair, half white and half red, with her left eye covered by white bangs.
Holding a microphone, she exuded energy and charisma against a backdrop of dazzling stage lights and cheering crowds.
The poster prominently displays the following text:
"World Diva Uta"
New World Tour – Algija Station
Connect the world with songs and heal all hearts!
Sabo's eyes flickered slightly as he looked at the smiling girl on the poster. He had heard of her; she was a superstar singer who had risen to fame in recent years, and it was said that her voice possessed incredible magic, capable of soothing hearts and even bringing peace.
Sabo recalls that tickets to Uta's concerts were often hard to come by, and her singing was hailed as "a must-see in one's lifetime."
He looked down at the Vivre Card in his hand that pointed Ace in the right direction but couldn't provide any more information for the time being, then looked up at the distant scenery where the sea and sky met.
The worries of the past few days, the tension of training, and the vigilance against the undercurrents of the new world kept him in a constant state of tension.
Perhaps... it's time to relax and unwind a bit?
A concert that can "heal all hearts"...
Sabo's heart stirred.
He took the poster and walked up to Kuina and Robin.
“Hey, look at this.” He showed the poster to the two of them. “Uta’s concert is on the nearby island of Elgia. I heard her voice is very special… want to go and listen to it? Just as a temporary break.”
Kuina glanced at the poster. She wasn't particularly interested in music, but seeing the rare look of relaxation in Sabo's eyes, and remembering that Bonnie also needed to unwind after just going through a battle, she nodded indifferently: "Okay."
Robin smiled and took the poster, examining it carefully. "Uta... I've read about her; she's truly a unique artist. Her concert might show us a less 'pirate' side of the New World. I'm very interested."
Bonnie joined in, her big eyes filled with curiosity as she looked at the radiant Uta on the poster: "A concert? That sounds like so much fun!"
Seeing that no one objected, Sabo smiled. He then went to Liu Jiu to explain the situation, and Liu Jiu, unconcerned, nodded in support.
Sabo carefully put the poster away and pointed it in the same direction as the Vivre Card, roughly the same as the direction to Elgia Island.
"Alright! Let's change course then, destination—Algia Island, to attend a concert by a world-renowned diva!"
The ship slowly adjusted its course and headed towards the island famous for its music.
Algia Island.
There is no murder or chaos among pirates here, but rather a... strange peace.
Unseen musical notes flowed through the air, and even the sound of waves crashing against the rocks seemed exceptionally rhythmic.
The island's harbor is filled with all sorts of ships, not just pirate ships.
There were ornately decorated merchant ships, passenger ships flying other countries' flags, and even a few unassuming naval supply ships.
People from all over the world and from all walks of life gather here just to be baptized by music.
Arguments and fights are almost nonexistent here; an invisible order pervades the port.
Those who come here are all fans of Uta, the world's number one diva.
Kuina's Shichibukai flag sailboat arrived here.
"Is this... really a new world?"
Bonnie clung to the gunwale, curiously observing the scene, which was completely different from what she had imagined.
“Because of Uta,” Robin explained softly, her gaze sweeping over the diverse crowd. “Her singing is said to be able to quell disputes and bring temporary peace. Here, whether you’re a pirate, a merchant, a noble, or a commoner, you’ll at least abide by this ‘musical order’ during the concert.”
As Sabo looked at the harmonious scene before him, his tense nerves involuntarily relaxed a little.
This place makes him feel a little more at ease.
They docked smoothly and paid the berthing fee, which was quite expensive.
Stepping onto the island is like entering a kingdom of music.
The streets are lined with shops selling all kinds of music-related souvenirs, exquisite musical instruments, and various goods with Uta's image on them.
There are also many street performers here, and they mostly play cheerful music.
At this time, the largest square had been transformed into a temporary giant concert venue, with a huge stage already set up and lighting equipment like a lurking beast.
Even during the day, you can feel the excitement of an upcoming grand performance.
Countless fans had already gathered outside the venue, eagerly awaiting the performance.
“Looks like we’ve come at just the right time.” Sabo smiled as he looked at the sea of people. “Let’s go find a place to stay first, and then… get some tickets.”
However, a practical problem soon arose – tickets to Uta's concert.
Just as rumored, tickets were extremely difficult to obtain.
Saab tried to inquire at the official ticket office, but only received the polite reply that "the tickets have long been sold out."
Countless fans with expectant faces gathered around the square, including many who couldn't buy tickets even if they had the money.
"It seems we'll have to resort to some underhanded tactics."
Sabo stroked his chin, his gaze sweeping over the diverse crowd around him, finally settling on a group of men who looked menacing but exuded a distinct pirate aura.
He and Guina and the others walked straight over.
Although Kuina wasn't particularly interested in the concert, her status as a Shichibukai was the best deterrent in this situation.
"Hello, everyone?"
Sabo wore a seemingly friendly smile, but his tone left no room for negotiation: "Do you have any extra concert tickets? Give us a few."
The pirates clearly recognized Kuina and the purple cloud pendant around her waist, their expressions changing slightly. But unexpectedly, the captain with the scar on his face didn't immediately back down; he stubbornly shook his head.
"Lord Purple Sword, it's not that we're being disrespectful."
Chapter 159 Scalpers Raise Prices on the Spot
Captain Scar's tone was respectful, but it carried a hint of helplessness.
"We brothers went through a lot of trouble to get enough tickets for ourselves, and we really don't have any extras. You know how hard it is to get tickets for Ms. Uta's concert..."
He paused, seemingly afraid that Kuina might draw her sword at the slightest provocation, and quickly added, "However... if you are really in urgent need, perhaps you could try going to a scalper."
"Scalpers?" Bonnie tilted her head curiously.
“They’re those guys who hoard and resell tickets,” Captain Scar explained. “They definitely have tickets, but…”
He rubbed his fingers together, making a "highly expensive" gesture, "Because this concert is of an extremely high standard, it's very lucrative!"
Sabo raised an eyebrow.
It should be noted that the Seven Warlords of the Sea have the privilege of "legal plunder," yet someone dared to ask them for money just for asking for a few concert tickets.
They've reversed the Heavenly Gang, haven't they?!
"Where can I find these scalpers?" Guina's cool voice rang out, tinged with impatience.
Captain Scarface was startled by her gaze and quickly pointed in a direction: "In... in that alley over there, there's a used bookstore with a sign that says 'Friends of Music,' but it's just a front... the people inside should be able to help you."
"Thanks." Sabo patted the scarred captain on the shoulder with considerable force, causing the man to grimace and nearly collapse to his knees, calling him "Dad."
Following the directions, the group entered the slightly dark alley.
Sure enough, there was a used bookstore called "Friends of Music," with a dilapidated facade that seemed out of place with the lively music atmosphere outside.