Just like that, another new companion joined Leno's ship—Uta.
Though she'd only been aboard for a short time, everyone had already taken a liking to this cheerful, lively girl with a beautiful singing voice. They happily helped her move her things, one trip after another, their laughter filling the air, while Leno watched from the side, thoroughly amused.
"Congratulations, Captain Leno, another beautiful lady added to your collection~"
A waft of perfume drifted by as Reiju leaned on Leno's shoulder, gazing at him with teasing eyes.
This shameless pervert really was something else. Wasn't the ship already filled with enough beautiful women? (T/N: No!) How long had it been, and he'd already added another one to his harem. Thinking about her own past, Reiju sighed quietly. Hopefully, this capable bastard will be able to help free her one day.
Leno gave the cheeky vixen a sidelong glance and smacked her round curve.
Smack!
"Ah~!"
Reiju yelped, clutching her backside and quickly stepping away, glaring at him furiously.
"You—you bastard~!"
"What? You that eager already?"
"W-who's eager! You're the one who can't wait!"
Her face flushed red at his shameless teasing. Unable to take it anymore, she glanced around and bolted.
Watching her long, pale legs retreat, Leno couldn't help but smirk. Sooner or later, I'll have you...
Before long, Uta had finished packing. She turned one last time to look at the home she had lived in for nearly ten years, then resolutely stepped onto the deck.
The Gale slowly lifted into the sky, soaring toward the open sea like an arrow loosed from a bowstring.
"Everyone~! Let's welcome our new crewmate—the musician, Uu~ta~!"
"Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
Not long after leaving Elegia, the crew held a grand welcome banquet for Uta. Carmen went all out, preparing a massive feast.
The table was packed, the air filled with laughter and clinking glasses.
Seeing her new companions laughing and smiling, Uta felt her vision blur for a moment.
It had been so, so long since she'd felt this kind of joy. Without realizing it, she raised her cup and began to hum Binks' Sake.
As her voice spread through the room, the others joined in, tapping to the rhythm. The atmosphere reached its peak.
"It's great that Uta joined us~!"
"I always felt something was missing on this ship before—turns out it was music!"
"Hahahahaha!"
The crew swayed and danced to the rhythm, their excitement reaching new heights.
Watching them all having fun, Leno felt a tinge of regret—he should have brought Uta along the first time he entered the New World. Still, it wasn't too late. The journey ahead was long, and from now on, joy would follow them wherever they went.
After the banquet, Nami excitedly dragged Uta around the ship, introducing every corner while Uta's amazed exclamations echoed throughout.
Not long after, Kuina approached the bow, her long blade at her side. She stood beside Leno, her calm eyes fixed on the sea ahead.
"We have a stalker. Been following us the whole way."
"Yes, but it's not a big problem. I expect the main event will show up soon!"
Ever since they'd left Elegia, that tail had been there. Leno hadn't paid it much mind, though he had a few guesses about who was behind it.
But before he could think further, the ship that had been tailing them suddenly sped up—and opened fire.
Boom! Boom!
Two cannonballs exploded near the stern, sending up huge sprays of seawater.
"What's going on?!"
"Are we under attack?!"
The sudden blasts startled everyone, who rushed out of the cabins in alarm.
Yamato hefted her kanabo and leapt to the railing, her eyes sharp as a hawk's as she scanned the sea.
"Tch~... Just a few small fry daring to pick a fight with us?"
Seeing only two or three figures on the distant ship, she lost interest instantly.
"Don't rush. The main group's behind them."
"Hm? That's…"
Following Leno's warning, Yamato squinted into the distance. Far out on the horizon, barely visible to the naked eye, was a small black dot.
The ship that had fired on them had gone quiet, now floating still on the water.
Time passed, and the black dot drew closer and closer.
When Leno finally saw the bright red scar painted across the massive skull on the sail, he smiled knowingly.
Of course…
There was no way Uta could have lived peacefully on that island for ten years without anyone intervening. And considering who she was, the answer was obvious—Red-Haired Shanks.
Sure enough, they hadn't been gone long before he came rushing over.
As the ships drew near, everyone could see the people aboard the other vessel clearly.
Uta's body moved on its own—she ran to the railing, tears filling her eyes.
"Shanks! Everyone…"
But the moment the words left her lips, she stopped herself. Her gaze turned cold, and she looked away.
The memory of being abandoned all those years ago was still vivid. She should hate them—but she couldn't.
She missed them, yet didn't want to see them. So she simply forced herself to look away.
"Uta~ you know them?"
Nami and Nojiko quickly came up beside her, worried by her reaction.
"Uta…"
Shanks looked at his now-grown daughter with a mix of relief and guilt. The past weighed heavily on his heart.
Then his eyes turned sharp as he faced Leno, his voice cold.
"Adventurer Leno. I don't care what you've done before—but you're not taking Uta with you."
Seeing the red-haired man in his black coat, hand on his sword, ready to draw, Leno raised an eyebrow, about to speak—
—but Uta's furious voice cut in first.
"I joined this crew of my own free will! And who are you to decide for me?!"
"Uta…"
Shanks' expression softened at the sight of her tear-streaked face. His tone grew gentler.
"Uta, listen to me. That Leno is no good—he's a womanizer—"
"That's enough, Shanks! You abandoned me once. What right do you have to interfere with my life now?!"
"..."
That one word—abandoned—hit Shanks square in the chest, leaving him frozen and speechless.
"Uta, back then—"
Lucky Roux started to explain, but Shanks raised his hand, stopping him, his expression conflicted.
Then Uta's voice rang out again.
"Besides, I'm happy here! I love being with them!"
"Uta, you've barely known them. Don't let appearances fool you!"
Shanks' voice grew tense. His daughter's tone wasn't that of a tantrum—it was real. Was she truly planning to stay with them? The thought made his heart tighten.
"Hey, hey, hey~ You're saying all this in front of me, badmouthing me and my crew like that?"
"Give Me Some Face?!!!"
"..."
"..."