3° Person P.O.V.

On the marine base in Sabaody Archipelago, a certain slaver was talking with his boss through the phone.

"And that is what happened." The slaver said, slightly fearful of what had just gone down as he hoped that his boss would take care of things.

"Fufufu, so the brat of Garp has attacked one of our shops? He is quite a bit more ballsy than I expected of someone who is not even two digits old." The boss, Doquixote Doflamingo, said with some amusement mixed with a hint of anger.

He did not want to cause a scene and let Garp come after him since he knew he was not that crazy monster's opponent just yet. Sure, he has been appointed a Shishibukai recently and all, but he had yet to even take over Dressrosa properly to gain that extra layer of protection as a king of an affiliated country. Without at least this, he would not dare provoke someone like Garp, that old Vice-Admiral was not like Sengoku who could swallow his hate and look at the bigger picture.

However-

"I should still teach the brat a lesson, where is he right now?" Doflamingo asks and the slaver gulps and explains.

"My informant in the Navy said he would be in a pirate ship going to Elegia for the music festival there. They must be taking some underwater route or something to get there faster." The slaver informed Doflamingo who furrowed his brows a bit at that.

"Any knowledge on just whose pirate ship he is on?"

Doflamingo had to be careful since traveling on an underwater route, while undoubtedly much faster was also not something just anyone could do. Normally only stronger pirates in the New World could manage something like that with confidence.

"No sir, my informant was just a regular soldier so he could not get that information, just that he was going on a pirate ship since he wanted to go out to play and he would wait there for his grandfather to pick him up after." The slaver explained.

Doflamingo thought a bit about this. There were not that many pirates out there that would dare travel with a grandson of Monkey D. Garp. Doflamingo could only think of it being the Red Hair Pirates or perhaps some member of White Beard Pirates who would dare do such a thing and not fear the marines coming after them, but still be 'nice' enough to not try and kidnap the brat.

Thinking a bit, Doflamingo remembered all the information he had collected recently regarding the locations of said pirates. The Red Hair Pirates had vanished a while back in Paradise after they attacked a World Government convoy. They should not be so daring as to let the marines know where they would be since the World Government might come after them, so the second option was-

"Fufufu, I did not expect the Seventh Division Rakuyo to be so kind." Doflamingo said with a chuckle.

Rakuyo was a pirate worth no more than 200 million bellies, being only middle to low end amongst the White Beard Pirates commanders. He had gone back to his hometown in South Blue a while back and Doflamingo had no information about him since. He figured that it was possible Rakuyo met Garp's grandson and decided to take him around to show how 'cool' being a pirate was.

Doflamingo could understand that much, he too was indoctrinating a few kids to become officers of his pirate crew in time since he found they had some potential (or were just funny to look at and had somewhat interesting fruits, like Buffalo).

"Leave these matters to me now. Go back to business as usual, and take another 2% of the profits this month." Doflamingo said and hung up on the slaver, not bothering with hearing out his thanks or whatever.

He had more things to do. Sure, he had to take care of this situation and teach the kid a harsh lesson so he doesn't do something stupid like that again, but he was just about to launch his operation on Dressrosa. He could not afford to send his whole force away now, but against just a mere Rakuyo Doflamingo did not see the need to invest so much into it.

Turning around to see his subordinates, Doflamingo spoke up.

"Diamante, Baby 5, Buffalo. You three should go to Elegia to take care of things, remember that you cannot kill or permanently cripple the kid but, besides that, do as you wish."

"Hey! Why can't I go too? That kid may have nice blood and acting as a hero like that, he sounds cool." A loud voice said, making Doflamingo wince slightly at the loud volume.

He was still not 100% sure on the new addition, she just showed up on his doorsteps a while back and said she wanted to join since they sounded like fun, so Doflamingo was humoring her for now.

As for the reason he was bothering to do that much, the reason was because her powers were interesting enough.

"Because your powers would be better with us taking over Dressrosa." Doflamingo said easily and the little girl with blond hair began crying loudly about not getting her way.

Seeing the snickers from those around, Doflamingo felt annoyed over the situation and wondered if he should just let her do as she pleases, but he couldn't. HImiko Toga's devil fruit that let her change her body from that of someone she drinks was far too useful an ability for what he intended.

He felt that, if she could be used right, then things would go even smoother than he originally planned.

The 'vampire' girl just pouted at that and Baby 5, her best friend ever, approached her to let her drink some of her blood.

It honestly disturbed Doflamingo how easily Baby 5 took to have her blood sucked like that, but if that was enough to let Toga calm then he would not care.

Looking at Diamante, he said.

"You will likely be fighting the White Beard Pirates, but try to avoid killing them as well. Remember, you and the others are only there to teach the brats a good lesson." Doflamingo said and Diamante nodded seriously.

He understood how bad of an idea it was to antagonize those lunatics of the White Beard Pirates, he also silently decided that, should things go wrong, then he would have to ditch the two brats to escape alone.

Signaling Doflamingo about it quickly, he saw the man give a small, almost imperceptible nod that was not noticed by the kids but all the adults understood and acquiesced without issue.

Diamante was far more valuable than some street kids, after all, and if they were necessary sacrifices for his survival then that was for the better.

And so, Doflamingo moved along with his plans.


Mike's P.O.V.

Going back to the ship after a day of shopping and fun with Uta felt almost relaxing. I should never have told the girl to go and 'buy any clothes she wants' since, as it turns out, the girl liked a lot, and I do mean A LOT, of clothes shopping. How is it even possible that I felt my arms and back sore from carrying clothes when I can lift several hundred kilos of weight during training?

Is this a secret power of hers?

Whatever it is, it is terrifying.

And, as it turns out, I was not the only one who realized this since, when Shanks saw us returning to the ship, he gave me a pitying gaze and gave me back pain medicine he always had in storage for when they stop on places like this.

Anyways, the very next day while traveling underwater we restarted the observation haki training as well as physical training by lifting weights and such. It was quite hard, but fulfilling as I just pushed through the pain since it was better to feel the burn now than being literally burned, electrocuted, stabbed, or whatever else this world might throw at me in the future.

This was that scary of a world, so I can only hold on and hope for the best while training to improve my chances.

Still, it was not like it was all for the worse. I still could at least feel safe in the knowledge that I was improving decently fast. We passed right through Fishman Island without stopping there (note to self, stop there on the way back with grandpa) and went with an underwater current that would take us very close to Elegia.

The Red Hair pirates navigation skills are truly top notch, they travel super fast and we managed to avoid the sea kings without issue, even traveling through the territory of Big Mom and Kaido without neither knowing we passed by.

By the time we arrived close to our destination and got out of the underwater world we were less than a day's away from Elegia and I felt, clear as day, that my progress with Observation Haki was going great and my body's toughness improved another notch. In time I think that even Big Mom's body would not be able to match me, but right now I am not at that level at all.

Damn cheat of a woman.

"Hey, Mike! Check that out, the city of music Elegia!" Uta said with a wide smile as she pointed to the great city in front of us.

It truly was a magnificent place, everything about it was beautiful and charming, from the architecture to the happy people walking by.

Everything was simply perfect, but this place was where Tot Musica is located. Where, if I fail, things will spiral completely out of control.

"... I will win." I said with determination, certain that I would be able to win this challenge. The sensation inside me that I felt when Shanks's Haki washed over me felt like it was bubbling over but I did my best to hold it in.

I have little to no control over my Conqueror's Haki (it was pretty obvious what it was), but I feel that I should not release it right now. Truly, I have not a single clue how those monsters here in New World can cover weapons and such with this power when I can barely even hold it back when it tries to get out in all directions.

Uta suddenly approached me and asked.

"Hey, you okay there? Your face looks uglier than usual."

"Not as ugly as you when you sleep, drooling woman." I counter, making her face go red and proceed to try and beat me up with me avoiding it all with a laugh.

She really was too easy to embarrass, but this also makes her kinda cute in her own way.


"Come one and all, show us your talent for singing to the whole world to see." A big man said happily as he stood on one of the many stages throughout the festival.

It was an amateur singer contest, kinda like a small scale 'america got talent' sort of thing, but much less complicated. Uta was looking at it with an intense stare of utter fascination, her love for music is really something else.

"Let's go there!" She said as she advanced to the stage to sign up while holding my hand.

I felt a shiver down my spine at the death glare Shanks was shooting at me as this happened, but after all this time I learned to ignore the guy. As long as I was not a complete dick about things or tried to harm those important to him, he was all bark and no bite.

Will be troublesome to deal with when I join the navy, but I can always just go beat up SuperNovas, the Big Mom Pirates, and the Beasts Pirates (and Teach, if I ever get my hands on the asshole).

"Hey, what are you doing, Mike? Sign up as well." Uta said and I could not help but bemusedly ask.

"You want me to try and sing on stage?"

"Well, why not? You may not be anywhere as good as me in singing, but no one else is since I am the future number one singer in the world!" She said while puffing out her non-existent (for now) breasts in pride.

I just scoffed at that, a mocking expression on my face she seems to have caught on as her face turned very cold as she said.

"You are thinking something rude again, right?"

"... Did you develop Observation Haki?" I ask in genuine doubt. Her instincts in reading my thoughts have been getting sharper and sharper for a while now and it was a bit creepy.

Seeing her face darkening, I decide to just sign up before she starts to try throwing punches at me. I swear, this girl must have developed Advanced Armament Haki or something since last I checked since she sometimes punches me in ways that actually hurt despite how tough my body is.

We both had to select our music. Since this was something that the king was supporting there were about five bands on the ready and whoever wanted to go on stage had to either select a song from a catalog or offer a music sheet for the band to learn and put into play. Good thing Uta bothered me so much about new songs during the trip whenever we had time alone so she had quite a few music sheets to use. We each selected something we felt confident in, even if strangely enough Uta did not try to spy on what it was that I chose even if I saw hers.

It was a great option on her end, that is for sure.

Soon, it was Uta's turn.

"Now, for our next contestant. Everyone give your warm welcome to the musician of the century, UUUUUttaaaaaaa!" The man said in a flamboyant way as Uta went to the center of the stage.

She looked at all those around and looked at the band who nodded their heads.

It takes a few moments but, as she hears the rhythm starting, she takes a breath and the song starts. It was one I recognized all too well since it was amongst my own favorites.

(AN: One Piece opening 11 ost)

"Until we reach the huge sky above

I believe towards the one tomorrow

Come on let's go everybody oh we share the music

Come on let's go baby baby oh we share the one dream

Come on let's go everybody oh we share the good times

Come on let's go baby baby oh we share the one world

Lost in the darkness, touching around to find the way through

Whenever I stand perplexed, unable to see the way to go

You and me, yes our feelings lead the way in this world we share

I feel the beat to start moving again oh yeah

Share the music Always

Share the one dream Believe in each other

Share the good time Let's join hands

Share the one world now

Until we reach the huge sky above I'm gonna try and try again

Let's go and make it right now I believe towards the one tomorrow, yeah yeah...

Come on let's go everybody oh we share the music

Come on let's go baby baby oh we share the one world

Chasing and being chased riding a moebius ring

Edging closer aim forward I wanna share my style

It begins and spreads this flavor beyond imagination

All 'round my body I feel so good I can be free oh yeah

Share the music No matter how far

Share the one dream We'll always hear each other

Share the good time Laugh with me

Share the one world now

You're there waiting for me at the other side of an unseen wall

I'll come to you soon as possible I believe towards the one tomorrow

Until we reach the huge sky above I'm gonna try and try again

Let's go and make it right now I believe towards the one tomorrow

You're there waiting for me at the other side of an unseen wall

I'll come to you soon as possible I believe towards the one tomorrow

Yeah yeah...

Come on let's go everybody oh we share the music

Come on let's go baby baby oh we share the one dream"

I almost tear up listening to this music from my previous life, the crowd going wild as everyone cheers and applauds her excitedly. Uta's smile at this was extremely dazing, and as she got out of the stage she approached me.

Looking at her expression that seemed to be asking for praise, I decided to humor her as I started petting her in the head.

"Hey, stop that. It will ruin my hair!" She complained as she tried to escape, but I did not let her as I kept it up for a bit and said between laughs at her annoyed expression.

"You did great there, good job."

Her face flushed cutely at this, but she just humphed in the end and ran towards Shanks who caught her in his arms and put on his shoulder comfortably

"You are right in that Uta was amazing, Mike. Now, if I am not wrong, you are next. Think you can do any better than her?" He questions and Uta snorts.

"As if he can do better. No way, I am the best there is." She said with absolute confidence.

Honestly, she is a better singer than me without a doubt, but I can still cheat.

There are enough marines and such around, I can just appeal to them and, considering the music I selected, it should not be a problem.

Looking at Uta, I said.

"Make sure to record this, I think gramps will enjoy it later." I said and the girl looked confused before she seemed to realize just what song I had selected.

Smart girl.

Getting onto the stage, I wait for the sign to start as I take a deep breath. This song's start is quiet, shall I say 'loud'?

(AN: I won't bother putting what the OST is since it is very, very obvious)

"ONE PUNCH!

(Three! Two! One! Kill shot!)

Appearing! Certain victory! The strongest of all time!

What're you saying? FRUSTRATION, nobody can stop me

ONE PUNCH! It's over! One victory after another!

I shout out! I'm always victorious! Total victory!

Power! Get the power! Right up to the limit

HERO, I don't want voices praising me or an ovation

HERO, so I fight against evil in secret

(Nobody knows who he is.)

Foes are closing in and covering the sky. I won't turn my back on them

If I am a HERO, then I'm prepared with unwavering resolve, unleashing my fist

A lonely HERO

I wanna be the strongest HERO!

ONE PUNCH!

(Three! Two! One! Kill shot!)

Appearing! Certain victory! The strongest of all time!

What're you saying? FRUSTRATION, nobody can stop me

ONE PUNCH! It's over! One victory after another!

I shout out! I'm always victorious! Total victory!

Power! Get the power! Right up to the limit

HERO, I don't want voices praising me or an ovation

HERO, so I fight against evil in secret

(Nobody knows who he is.)

Foes are closing in and covering the sky. I won't turn my back on them

If I am a HERO, then I'm prepared with unwavering resolve, unleashing my fist

(Three! Two! One! Fight back!)

Appearing! Go on! Fair and square!

What's going on? I can't feel a thing, my opponents are all gone!

JUSTICE! Enforcement! No point arguing about it!

I'll cut it off! Cut off evil! Hands together in prayer!

Power! Get the power! ADRENALINE's overflowing'!

Power! Get the power! Strike with force with my disciplined technique!

HERO, even the strongest guys used to be tiny brats

HERO, I overcome my weaknesses and become stronger

(Nobody knows who he is.)

I just raise my fists, with the gods dwelling in them, and push onward

HERO, until I taste the dirt of defeat some day, a fighting HERO

I won't give up; I picture the future in my heart

I awaken and go to the world now, soaring high and strong

At all times, no matter what happens

HERO, I don't want voices praising me or an ovation

HERO, so I fight against evil in secret

(Nobody knows who he is.)

I just raise my fists, with the gods dwelling in them, and push onward

HERO, until I taste the dirt of defeat some day, a fighting HERO

A lonely HERO

I wanna be the strongest HERO!"

As I finish, I hear the mixed reactions. From the side of regular civilians and many marines who came over to watch, there was plenty of applause as they seemed to enjoy it, but many a pirate had strange expressions.

Going in Uta's direction, she just looks at me for a bit before chuckling.

"Your grandpa will love the music." She said and Shanks's forehead was covered in cold sweat as he turned to Beckman who just shrugged.

"At least we will hear when the old man comes to find trouble. Pretty sure he will make this his personal theme song." Beckman said with a troubled expression.

I put a finger on my chin and nod.

"That works, I can take the other one." I said with a shrug and Uta looked at me before giggling.

"Mike, you are so weird."

"And you like me anyway." I told her who pouted as she jumped from Shanks's shoulder to try and kick me in embarrassment, which I easily avoided and darted away with her soon running after me.

In the distance, I heard Shanks mutter.

"How are kids so energetic?"

As if a Yonko who can likely fight for days on end with no problem has room to talk. Hypocrisy much?

Anyway, we just need to have fun since this place is as safe as can be. Well, as long as I am close enough to Uta to stop her from getting or singing Tot Musica.