Ten years ago, on the Grand Line island of Elegia.
Roughly ten days prior, the island had been decimated by the Red Hair Pirates. The once-thriving cityscape, renowned as a musical metropolis, now lay in ruins, littered with corpses left to decay in the open air. The stench of putrefaction would make any one grimace.
"Ugh, the smell is awful," a young boy commented, wrinkling his nose.
"I heard there were survivors, but it seems they haven't had time to bury the dead. Do you know how many there are?" Kanata asked.
"Hmm… one?" the boy replied, concentrating.
"Unfortunately, the correct answer is two."
"Damn! My Observation Haki still has a long way to go!"
Kanata, accompanied by a blue-haired boy, disembarked and made her way through the ruined streets towards the castle. She carried no weapons, but there was nothing on this island that could pose a threat to her. Vigilance was unnecessary.
The once-beautiful city had been reduced to ashes and rubble, the silence broken only by the mournful cries of birds. The castle, though still standing, seemed devoid of life. Yet, someone was there.
"…Who are you?"
A man with a patched up head and dressed in aristocratic attire looked at the two with a confused look on his face.
"We're the 'Twilight Pirates.' We have some questions."
"I'm just tagging along," the boy added.
"Questions… about why this island was destroyed?" the man, Gordon, asked.
"That's part of it. But first… let's help bury the deceased."
A graveyard had been established behind the castle. A closer look revealed dirt staining the hem of Gordon's clothes and his fingertips.
He had clearly been burying the dead, alone. He was, she learned, the island's king. A small island with a population of only a few hundred, renowned for its music… it was no surprise he knew each of his subjects by face. It must have been agonizing. Yet, Gordon had continued, silently digging graves and burying the dead, without a single complaint.
"It's better to cremate the bodies. They could become a source of disease," Kanata advised.
Gordon seemed hesitant but ultimately agreed. The bodies were gathered and burned, turning to ash and sending up smoke. Kanata's accompanying crew, though not numerous, were efficient. The task was completed in an hour or two. There was still much to do, clearing the rubble… but they established a campsite, and over a meal, Kanata began to question Gordon.
"The news reported that Shanks and his crew destroyed this island," she began.
"…That's correct. They initially approached us amicably. We welcomed them, but… they destroyed the country during the night, stole everything of value, and fled."
"Don't lie to me."
A chill ran down Gordon's spine. Kanata's crimson eyes pierced him, her domineering presence undeniable. It might have appeared as though she was trying to force a confession to lessen Shanks's guilt, but Kanata had no such intentions. She simply disliked being lied to. If Shanks had truly done this, her assessment of him would change, that was all. She wasn't the type to coerce a different answer simply because she didn't want to believe the truth.
"Tell me only the facts. I'm not interested in anything else."
Gordon felt as though a sharp blade was pressed against his throat. Even from this distance, with only her gaze fixed on him, he understood. Kanata wouldn't need to move a muscle to kill him. Yet, he couldn't speak the truth.
He remained silent.
"You refuse to speak. Very well. Speech is silver, silence is golden. I respect your choice."
She would find something if she searched the island thoroughly. Such a brazen act would undoubtedly leave traces. She informed Gordon of her intention to investigate, and he opened his mouth several times as if to speak, but ultimately replied, "…Do as you please."
He was hiding something. But she wouldn't force him to speak. Even though it would be the quickest way to get answers.
"…Let's go," she instructed the boy.
"Aye, Master."
A walk around the island wouldn't be a bad idea.
***
A boy, Rain, walked alone along the coastline. His master, Kanata, had gone off somewhere, saying she would look around the castle, leaving him with nothing to do but wander aimlessly.
There were two survivors on this island. Gordon, and another person he had yet to find. Rain decided to search while he walked. Sensing the presence of a living being wasn't difficult with Observation Haki, especially when he could focus solely on tracking their presence, without the distraction of combat.
It didn't take him long to find the person he was looking for.
"…Wow, I thought it was a small presence… but she's just a kid…"
Younger than himself, a girl with two-toned hair, red on the right and white on the left, sat on the beach. She matched the description Gordon had given him. She noticed Rain, who hadn't bothered to conceal his approach, and looked up.
"…Who are you?" she asked.
"I'm Rain. An apprentice of the 'Twilight Pirates'."
"A pirate…!"
The girl's expression shifted from blank surprise to anger, then resignation as she turned back towards the sea.
"…Are you going to kill me?"
"No. What do you take us for?" Rain replied, surprised.
"Pirates. You'll betray me, kill everyone, and steal everything… just like them. Pirates."
Rain hadn't been told the details, but if Shanks and his crew had attacked this island, leaving only Gordon and this girl, Uta, as survivors, it was understandable that she would think that way. She was too exhausted to even be angry. Rain felt as though she would die if left alone, her dead eyes were staring out at the sea.
He struggled to find the right words, scratched his head, then, exasperated, sat down beside her. Neither spoke, the silence broken only by the gentle lapping of waves against the shore.
It was well past noon. Uta hadn't appeared for the midday meal, and Rain glanced at her, concerned. She was a pretty girl, but her hollow cheeks suggested she hadn't been eating properly. Dark circles underscored her eyes, her overall appearance was one of exhaustion.
"…Hey, are you eating properly?"
"…It's none of your business."
"If you don't eat, you'll only feel worse. My master always says, 'Your body is made from what you eat'."
"So what? Leave me alone—Hey!?"
"You're so noisy. Eat and sleep! You need to rest when you're tired."
Rain scooped her up and carried her over his shoulder, ignoring her struggles. He marched towards the campsite.
Gordon, too, was mentally exhausted. The country he had ruled had vanished overnight, and for some reason, he was shouldering the burden alone, silently burying his deceased subjects. Caring for a young girl on top of that was bound to break him.
Rain decided to meddle.
"You've got such a gloomy face. Just like the people in my village. Giving up on everything. I don't know the details of what the pirates took from you, but… you still have things left, don't you?"
"Things left… like what…?"
"Anything. You're in the 'City of Music.' You like music, right?"
"…I did."
"Did?"
"I was the musician of the 'Red Hair Pirates.' That's why I liked singing. But… I don't want to sing anymore."
"That's… too bad."
If she had been a member of the very crew that had destroyed Elegia, even Rain was at a loss for words. He had questions, but he hesitated to press Uta, and Gordon, for reasons unknown, seemed unwilling to explain the details.
This is a tough one, Rain thought, carrying Uta towards the campsite at the castle ruins.
***
Meanwhile, Kanata was exploring the castle. There were many things that bothered her about this incident. Shanks's supposed attack and destruction of the island, and the "Demon King" that was said to inhabit this country. She trusted Shanks, to a certain extent. If he had done such a thing, there had to be a reason. The cause of unusual occurrences often shared a common root.
"…'People's fear, people's hesitation. In the name of Tot Musica. Be afraid, run away.'… huh."
In the castle's basement, in a securely sealed archive room she had forced open, Kanata found it. An inscription in ancient text.
Perhaps I should have brought Olvia, she mused, deciphering the mural painted on the ceiling.
It seemed to depict the manifestation of Tot Musica through the song of the Uta-Uta no Mi's ability user, along with its origins. It was simply described as "something that must not be touched," making it difficult to determine whether it was an Ancient Weapon or something similar.
"If Shanks didn't destroy this island, was this the cause…?"
Gordon had spoken ill of Shanks, but there was no malice in his words. She sensed only guilt and grief… it was easy to tell he was lying.
"There are mountains of documents to examine…"
The archive room was filled with books. Information on Tot Musica might be buried within them… but examining them would be too time-consuming. Kanata wasn't free.
She had made time for this visit to "Elegia." It would be best to have others investigate. If she made it a direct territory of "Twilight," pirates and Marines wouldn't interfere, and the Five Elders, having been promised information on Tot Musica, would likely stay quiet. Whether or not it was an Ancient Weapon, Tot Musica smelled of trouble. It was best to leave sleeping dogs lie.
"Hmm?"
As she was examining the documents on the bookshelf, her Transponder Snail rang. She had deployed a number of subordinates to investigate the scene. Assuming they had made some progress, she answered, only to find it was a completely different matter.
"A visual Transponder Snail?"
"Yes. It seems to be an unusual model… a format we've never seen before. We suspect it might belong to the Marines' Special Science Group, SSG."
"Something Vegapunk created. Why would something like that be on this island…?"
"Considering it was found on the beach, we believe it drifted here from somewhere… but since there's a recording, we thought we should report it."
"…I'll examine it. I'll be right back."
There were several things that bothered her, but she returned the document to the shelf and headed outside. The castle's interior was dimly lit, but it was still bright outside. Even so, time was always limited. Kanata hurried back to the campsite.
***
"…This is…"
"Wow… is this real?"
The recording was from roughly ten days ago. The night the "Red Hair Pirates" visited "Elegia," the night that led to its destruction.
The materialized Tot Musica destroying the city, killing people, reducing everything to ashes under the moonlight. The "Red Hair Pirates," led by Shanks, fighting back, and the image of Tot Musica fading into the twilight as Uta's strength gave out.
Everyone present, including Kanata and Rain, fell silent.
"…What are we going to do, Master?"
"Bring Gordon. We'll talk after that."
Rain obeyed and ran to the castle to fetch Gordon. Uta was asleep after eating a little ways away. A "Twilight" crew member was watching her, so there was no chance she would wander off and see this recording.
Rain quickly returned with Gordon. Gordon, breathless from running, saw the image of Shanks fighting Tot Musica and seemed to have given up on hiding it.
"Have you decided to talk?" Kanata asked.
"…Yes. I'll tell you everything."
It had begun when the "Red Hair Pirates" visited "Elegia." They became friendly, and on the day of their departure, they held a party. Uta's musical talent was exceptional, and Gordon suggested that she should be educated in "Elegia." Uta refused. Disappointed, but thinking it was their last time together, they decided to have Uta sing at the party. Everyone brought songs for her to perform.
However, among them, a song for Tot Musica had been mixed in.
"…The rest, as you saw."
Tot Musica had manifested, swallowed Uta, and rampaged until she collapsed from exhaustion, destroying the city and fighting Shanks. Gordon had initially claimed responsibility, but Shanks had refused, insisting that the "Red Hair Pirates" should be blamed for destroying "Elegia." It was natural for pirates to be hated, he had said.
"…Hmph. Just like him," Kanata muttered.
He likely thought that taking the blame himself would resolve the issue. As a result, he had abandoned the daughter who adored him as a father, hurt her deeply, and left her so distraught she seemed close to death.
"That man's flaw is that he's too optimistic. He probably thinks, 'She's my daughter, even if we're apart,' but such thoughts don't reach those who need to hear them."
"…Master, why do you know so much about 'Red Hair'?" Rain asked, curious.
"I've known Shanks for a long time. Since he was younger than you."
"How old are you?"
"It's immoral to ask a woman her age, Rain," Kanata replied, lightly flicking his forehead.
She turned to Gordon and extended her hand, not in friendship, but in demand.
"You have the Tot Musica score," she stated.
"I do. I've kept it close ever since that incident… I still carry it with me."
Gordon produced several sheets of old music. Kanata briefly examined the song that summoned Tot Musica and asked if it was real. Gordon nodded, and she knew he wasn't lying.
She didn't sense any particular power, but an unpleasant "voice" did emanate from the score. Roger, if he were alive, would likely agree. Without hesitation, Kanata tore the score to shreds with her claws and set it ablaze.
"Wh-What are you doing!?" Gordon exclaimed.
"I can't comprehend leaving something like this behind."
"This is a valuable, ancient score—!!"
"So what?"
Gordon was flustered by her unilateral action, but Kanata was unmoved.
"If it were a weapon that could be reliably controlled and used by humans, I might have reconsidered. But this is unacceptable. Tot Musica has its own will, and once it appears, it rampages until the Uta-Uta no Mi's ability user is exhausted. I will never allow something like this to exist."
It was uncontrollable. Shanks, despite his strength, had struggled against it, and if it rampaged until Uta collapsed, even Kanata would likely have difficulty. An uncontrollable weapon was nothing more than a dangerous object, especially one with its own will. Even if it could be used under certain conditions… there was no guarantee an incident like this wouldn't happen again.
"You failed to control it. You learned that firsthand, with these consequences. Why are you so certain there won't be a second time?"
Gordon was speechless. It had been a small country with a population of less than 300, but through music, Gordon had connected with everyone. A peaceful country. A gentle life. The music they played resonated to the horizon, their days filled with a brilliance that seemed to illuminate even the darkest nights. All of that had been reduced to ashes in a single night.
Kanata's words were undeniably true, and thus, cruel.
"I apologize for my hasty actions. But regardless of the process, I did the same thing. Or did you want to repeat the same tragedy?"
"…No. Never!!" Gordon exclaimed.
"Then you shouldn't have any complaints. However, I acknowledge that this score was valuable. As compensation, I will do everything in my power to rebuild this country."
She would provide the necessary materials. She would gather the necessary people. She would spare no effort in helping this country regain its reputation as a musical metropolis. After all, Gordon, who understood the value of the score, could never bring himself to destroy it. Kanata had burned it precisely because she had judged that, "I have to do this," despite knowing she would be resented and hated for it.
"…I have no further business here. I will begin the reconstruction efforts as soon as possible. Contact me by letter or Transponder Snail if you need anything."
Once she had made a decision, she acted swiftly. She began to efficiently pack up the campsite, leaving preserved food and drinking water for Gordon and Uta. It was somewhat hasty, but she decided that her continued presence wouldn't be beneficial for them, and returned to the ship. Rain followed her, and they took a break in the ship's lounge.
"Hey, Master, was that really okay?"
"It's fine. That man could never bring himself to burn the Tot Musica score."
"But you didn't have to take the blame…"
"Making decisions and taking responsibility is the job of a leader. Don't worry about it."
Besides, Kanata had dabbled in music, so she understood, to a certain extent. Other forms of art were beyond her. She stroked the piano in the lounge with unusually sentimental.
"…I can play the piano. I was taught as a child, told it was a 'necessary accomplishment,' but I never had much interest."
Rain remained silent.
"…It's been decades since I last played."
She had disliked her instructor intensely. She had played as quickly as possible, eager for the lessons to end. Perhaps because of that, she still preferred fast-paced songs to slow ones, and she even thought that rock suited her better than classical.
In her past life, she had been able to mimic most things after seeing them once. Perhaps because of that, her instructor had disliked her, constantly reminded of their difference in talent… but Kanata didn't dislike music itself. That's why… she hesitated to force Gordon, who saw the ancient score as valuable and believed that music itself was not at fault, to destroy it.
"…I've heard rumors about Gordon. He's a brilliant musician. It would be a waste if he were to break as a musician because of this guilt."
"…Even so, did you really have to go that far?" Rain persisted.
"I don't have the kind of pride that would break so easily."
She wasn't a musician, after all. Besides, if Uta grew up under Gordon's tutelage, she would become a brilliant musician as well. Kanata would be resented, but it would be worth it. As she thought this, something occurred to her.
"…Should I tell Uta everything?"
"No, don't. She's still younger than me, isn't she?"
"You're right… it's better to wait until she's more mature."
Shanks would continue to be resented until then, but that couldn't be helped. He had made a mistake from the beginning, so he had to bear that burden. They would likely meet again someday, but it was a long way off. Until then, there was no need to tell Shanks.
"Everything is done. You're helping too, apprentice."
"Alright, alright. I'll do my best," Rain replied, leaving the lounge.
Kanata sat down at the piano. She adjusted her position on the bench, placed her feet on the pedals, and traced the keys with her slender fingers. It had been decades, but her body remembered the movements ingrained from childhood.
With the sun sinking below the horizon, Kanata began to play.
***
Ten years later.
Around the time Luffy and his crew were descending from Skypiea, a ship arrived at Elegia. Pulling the ship was a giant sea serpent known as the Yuda. They even preyed on Sea Kings, so most sea creatures avoided them. The sails bore a Jolly Roger surrounded by snakes, announcing the presence of the "Kuja Pirates."
"It's almost time to set sail… is that child still not here?"
"Not yet, Sister. She's probably still talking with Gordon-san."
"My time is precious! What is that girl thinking!?"
"Calm down! Marigold has gone to get her, so she'll be here soon!"
Boar Hancock, the captain of the Kuja Pirates, was visibly irritated by the girl's tardiness. Her sister, Sandersonia, tried to appease her, but she was nearing her limit. Then, their youngest sister, Marigold, returned, accompanied by two figures.
"I'm sorry, Sister. We're late," Marigold apologized.
"Indeed! Hurry and board!" Hancock snapped.
"Yes. Come, you too," Marigold said to the girl.
"Okay," Uta replied.
The girl, with her distinctive two-toned hair, turned and hugged Gordon. It wasn't a final farewell. But it was still difficult to leave the place she had called home for so long, even temporarily. Gordon returned the hug, then gently pulled away.
"Come, her friends are waiting. Go."
"…Okay. I'll do my best!"
"Yes. I'll be looking forward to your live performance here."
With a bright smile, Uta boarded the Kuja Pirates' ship. Their final destination was a charity concert in "Alabasta," but they planned to stop at several islands along the way. The citizens of "Elegia," gathered at the harbor, cheered loudly, sending Uta off.
"Do your best, Uta!!"
"You'll definitely become the world's greatest diva!!"
"We'll be looking forward to hearing about your travels!!!"
The island, which had once been home to only Uta and Gordon, was now bustling with people. Some had come through "Twilight's" resettlement program, others drawn to the rebuilt musical metropolis to study music.
As the ship slowly sailed away from the harbor, Uta waved enthusiastically. Her bright smile was masking the sadness she felt at leaving the island.
"I'm off!!!" she shouted.
Her name was Uta. Former musician of the "Red Hair Pirates," and daughter of "Red Hair" Shanks. A diva who had set out to sea, dreaming of the day she would meet them again.