Omni Force: RED

by NegaiFreak

The Straw Hat Pirates and the Omni Force have come to the New Genesis, a concert held by none other than the superstar of the world, Uta! But things aren't as they seem... It's up to our heroes to uncover what's going on and fight back against it for the sake of their lives! ONE PIECE: FILM RED ADAPTATION! MULTIPLE CROSSOVER CHARACTERS! PLEASE READ, REVIEW, & ENJOY!

3. Fleeting Lullaby

Hey folks! The music's gonna get loud as we're reaching the climax of "Omni Force: RED"! I want to preface this this next part by saying that the music for this whole movie is sublime. Ado's songs are perfect for the setting, and it's only further amplified by the conflict that everyone's thrust into.

And no disrespect to Ado, but her counterpart in the English version of the movie, Amanda Lee A.K.A. AmaLee, is an amazing singer, too. I actually prefer her versions of Ado's songs. Her singing really is that good. Plus, she's an amazing voice for Uta.

Anyways, we last left off with the discovery that our heroes are trapped in another reality known as the Sing-Sing World, created from the power of the Sing-Sing Fruit. Uta's trapped her whole audience in the world, though most don't know it. And though her power releases whenever she goes to sleep, she's planned for that, eating wake-shrooms to keep herself awake until the moment she dies, trapping everyone in the Sing-Sing World for eternity.

Now our heroes need to find a way to stop her before it's too late! So let's get right into it!

OMNI FORCE

RED

"Watch your heads," Sakura advised as she and the others crouched down to avoid accidentally bump into the rock overhead. The Straw Hats and the Omni Force members were in the catacombs of Elegia Castle, having ventured there in search of clues as to how to escape the alternate reality they were trapped in. And Robin had some knowledge into the island's past.

"If there are any records describing what happened, it might give us a clue about Uta's power," she pointed out to the group.

"And hopefully, a way to get out," Kyoya mentioned.

"Not much to go on…" Zoro muttered.

"You unfaithful little moss-ball!" Sanji shouted angrily as he patted his head for emphasis, "Put some trust in Robin!" he insisted of the swordsman.

"I'm just tellin' you how it is, fancy brows!" he yelled back. At that moment, both of them were met with Sakura's fists to their faces, knocking them to the ground.

"Honestly…" she growled out.

"Uh… a little excessive there, Sakura…" Rogue noted nervously. At that moment, Alain noticed that both Charizard and Chopper were appearing to converse with a pair of rats.

"Rah, roagh," the Flame Pokémon huffed out, earning squeaks in reply from the rodents.

"Good news!" the doctor exclaimed, getting the attentions of the others, "The rats told us where we can find some books!" he confirmed.

"And that's where we'll find out how to get outta here?" Lector presumed, while Frosch hopped over, chasing after the two rats as they scurried off in fright.

"Well, it's better than just sitting around and waiting for an answer," Nami affirmed, "We gotta help Sunset and Luffy however we can," she insisted as she clenched her right fist, "Who knows if they're still out of Uta's reach yet…" she pointed out.

"Hm," Robin hummed curiously, letting off a grin, "You said Sunset's name first," she noted. The navigator blinked in surprise.

"D-Did I?" she stuttered out with a blush.

"Let's not dawdle around," Sasuke advised as he proceeded ahead into the catacombs, "Sting, light the way for us," he insisted of the Sabertooth guildmaster, causing him to perk up.

"Uh, sure," he responded, holding his right hand up as a white light exuded from it, "Okay, let's go," he beckoned, leading the way alongside the rogue shinobi as they went down the tunnel. He glanced back at Nami, who was still blushing as she fidgeted a little.

"You really are worried, aren't you?" Robin assumed, making her yelp in surprise.

"O-Of course I am…" she stammered in response, "Luffy always get himself into trouble…" she pointed out, lowering her head for a moment, "But Sunset's not like that…" she noted, recalling the rage upon the Equestrian Magic user's face when she fought Uta back at the concert hall, "I hope we figure this all out soon…" she said, "For everyone's sake…" she added seriously.

"So do I," the archaeologist agreed.

X

Good vibes could be felt all around back at the stadium, as Uta had returned with several of her fans up onstage with her. Musical notes filled the air, with the bright sky still gleaming overhead, and the reflective arches beaming down onto the audience. It was abuzz with excitement. And yet… the diva's smile was somewhat troubled. Xiaomei's words had echoed with her in a way that she couldn't understand. She knew this world wasn't real… but it was still a paradise. It was a place where everyone could be happy forever. That's what she believed.

"Don't worry!" she reassured to the crowd, "Let's forget about those dumb pirates! It's our time!" she affirmed on, "Nobody can stop us now!" she added happily, earning a rousing of cheers from the crowd. Watching from afar was the time oracle, who narrowed her eyes curiously.

"How long do you think we have before Uta dies?" Law asked as he, Luffy, Sunset, Bartolomeo and Sunny were following Coby and Blueno up a hill in the city ruins.

"Less than two hours, I would assume," the Door-Door user inferred as a reply. Luffy let off a growl of frustration.

"There's gotta be a way we can stop her somehow," Sunset presumed, "What if we try to knock her out in this world?" she suggested.

"Shimmer, she's in control of reality here," Law pointed out, "I don't think beating her in a fight is an option…" he noted on.

"Well, talking her down's not gonna work!" the Equestrian Magic user retorted, "She's too set on this path already!" she exclaimed.

"Better hope that Miss Robin and the others can find some kinda clue in that big-ass castle…" Bartolomeo commented.

"Sunny…" Sunny uttered out. Back in the catacombs, bangs echoed loudly before a door was burst open thanks to Franky, Jimbei, Applejack, and Sakura.

"These walls are probably soundproof," Robin presumed, "I doubt Uta's power can reach us here," she mentioned.

"Which means we've got plenty of time to find what we're lookin' for," the cowgirl noted as she and the others sauntered in.

"According to what those Marines told us, anywhere beyond the sound of her voice is safe," Jimbei confirmed while looking around. Sting went ahead and raised his right hand, illuminating the room further for the others to see. There were many shelves with books strewn about. It looked rather ancient.

"So… we're in a library?" Star assumed.

"I think it's more like archives," Sakura replied.

"Right," Robin agreed, "A library in a place like this is quite frightening, isn't it?" she remarked in question.

"Why'd you have to say it like that…?" Usopp muttered out with a grimace.

"Ugh, great…" Nami grumbled, "If these are all history books, where the hell do we even start?" she asked.

"We are on a pretty tight schedule…" Sakura pointed out. Sasuke looked around for a moment curiously before taking notice of some odd-looking statues at the other end of the archives. They looked similar to instruments. All of a sudden, red lights flashed on upon their heads. Franky spotted them, quickly running as one fired off a set of laser beams toward him.

"Whoa, what the?!" Star yelped out.

"Looks like it's not Uta's singing we need to worry about now…" Rogue realized. Immediately, Zoro and Sanji lunged out at the moving statues, as the former readied his trio of blades.

"Three-Sword Style…" he began, "Ultra Tiger Trap!" he roared, putting his hand swords over the one in his mouth before swinging them both forward in a descending slash onto the living golem in the middle of the trio.

"Diable Jambe…" Sanji started to echo, igniting both of his legs in flames as he ran in, leaping up at the other two statues, "Frites Assorties!" he exclaimed as he swung his feet out to strike the golems repeatedly with simultaneous kicks. They faltered slightly, but remained steady.

"They didn't break?!" Sakura yelled in shock.

"Even against attacks from those two…" Rogue added, just as astonished.

"Strong Right!" Franky roared as he shot out his right fist as it was attached to a chain, bashing through falling rocks, "And Weapons Left!" he shouted on, opening a port in his left arm to unleash a barrage of ammo onto more debris. More golems in the library were activating.

"Whuh-oh!" Star yelped.

"It would seem these are the guards of this place…" Jimbei presumed, taking on a ready stance.

"And they think we're trespassing…" Alain added in realization. He readied a pair of Poké Balls in his hands, pressing their buttons to enlarge them. He then tossed them up, having them pop open as their lights spilled out onto the ground, shaping into form and dissipating to reveal both his Metagross and Bisharp.

"Metah!" the Iron Leg Pokémon exclaimed, while its teammate sharpened his arm blades beside him.

"Metagross, Meteor Mash! Bisharp, Guillotine!" their trainer commanded. The former of the two brought up its front legs, smacking them together and aiming them forward before its body became enveloped in a blue aura. It then shot forward, slamming into one of the golems fiercely and knocking it down to the floor.

Following its efforts, the Sharp Blade Pokémon had the blades at his elbows shine light blue and extend as he rushed forward. He leapt out and slashed at another golem's head, decapitating it instantly. However, the remainder of its body was still moving, attempting to strike him.

"Fish-Man Karate…" Jimbei began, lunging out at the decapitated statue and punching it fiercely, "Five-Thousand Brick Fist!" he roared, shattering it to pieces.

"Thanks, Jimbei!" Alain called out gratefully, earning a grin back from the helmsman. Meanwhile, Kyoya readied his beylauncher as another golem approached, about to stomp on him. However, Applejack rushed over, having ponied up beforehand. She grabbed the statue's right leg and threw it over in but an instant.

"Whoa…" her boyfriend uttered in shock.

"Don't just stand there!" she shouted, causing him to blink in surprise, "We gotta keep these walkin' rocks away from Robin!" she pointed out seriously.

"R-Right!" the beyblader stammered, setting Leone onto his launcher. In the meantime, Sasuke drew his lone blade in his hand, joining Sanji and Zoro in dealing with the larger golems. Nami watched on, drawing her Clima-Tact.

"Robin, just look through the books!" she insisted of the archaeologist, who was prepared to fight alongside everyone else.

"You sure?" she inquired back.

"Don't worry!" Usopp called out, getting her attention as she noticed that he had taken a position up on the library's second level, "We've got your back, so read like there's no tomorrow!" he yelled on with a smile. Robin then noticed something else, widening her eyes slightly. Upon the ceiling seemed to be sort of mural. Though she couldn't tell because of how dark it was.

"Cherry Blossom Clash!" Sakura roared as she slammed her right fist into a golem shaped like a harp. Another attempted to swipe at her in midair, but was thwarted as a bolt of lightning struck it, knocking it back. "Thanks!" she yelled gratefully back to Nami, who nodded with a grin as she had her weapon aimed forward with electricity sparking off of its end. Meanwhile, the archaeologist had caught a quick glimpse at the mural above thanks to the brief flash from the lightning. There appeared to be several drawings of skeletons and people hand-in-hand, all underneath what looked to be a demonic entity.

"RRRROOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!" Charizard roared, spewing flames out onto the incoming golems.

"Kung Fu Point!" Chopper exclaimed, assuming a form that was average in size, being a head taller than the average person, with a squat body structure. His face and head became wider, and he had no visible neck. The upper lip on his mouth also became angular and pointed upward, and his facial expression appeared to be transfixed. His arms and legs were short and very muscular. He retained his hooves and his antlers remained the same shape, but appeared to be slightly smaller. He leapt out and yelled as he swiped and kicked at one of the golems repeatedly, preventing it from attacking.

"Rainbow Kaiju Battle Armor!" Star chanted as she enveloped herself in a rainbow-colored aura, forming a giant with cat-like ears. She raised her fists, punching at one of the statues before interlocking hands with another, clenching her teeth.

"White Dragon Iron Fist!" Sting roared, striking another golem with his right fist cloaked in a bright light.

"Shadow Dragon Talon!" Rogue yelled, having cloaked his feet in a dark aura before kicking at other golems. The more the group fought, the more statues were coming to life.

"This don't look good…" Applejack noted aloud with a grimace.

"We just need to hold out long enough for Robin to get all the info she needs!" Sanji pointed out, "Keep these ugly statues busy!" he insisted before landing another flaming kick to a golem.

"Mettahhh!" Metagross bellowed as it tackled down another statue that was about to stomp on an unaware Chopper. Zoro was ready to cut down a pair in front of him, rearing his blades back in his grasp. Suddenly though, a crackling flash of blue lightning streaked by, decapitating both golems and making them fall to the floor in heaps. Between them with his hand cloaked in electricity was Sasuke. He glanced back at the swordsman, who scoffed.

"Show-off…" he muttered. The battles raged on throughout the archives. And with so little time to spare, they needed every minute they could get.

X

'We're almost there…' Uta noted inwardly as rain fell all around her back at the stage in reality. She sat upon the wet floor, while the marines and audience around her remained sleeping. Animals around the island were also asleep as well. 'All the bad people… won't hurt you anymore…' the diva proclaimed through her thoughts.

How pathetic…

Uta perked up as she heard the voice, whipping around to see Xiaomei standing behind her. She seemed disappointed.

"Wha…? How…?" the Sing-Sing user asked out of surprise, "You should be…" she started to say as the time oracle approached.

"Please, as if I'd be helpless against your siren-like tactics…" she retorted to her surprise, "More importantly, you're getting closer to death's door," she pointed out, causing Uta to blink, "Which also means your genocide is about to begin as well…" she mentioned with narrowed eyes.

"Genocide?!" the diva repeated in shock, shooting to her feet with an enraged expression upon her face, "I'm saving people from this sick world!" she proclaimed, putting her hand over her heart, "For every good thing I hear from my fans, there are hundreds upon thousands upon millions that are still suffering!" she pointed out emphatically, "There's no way I can make it all better with all the nasty pirates and useless Marines!" she mentioned on, "So that's enough…" she affirmed, turning around and sitting back down next to her basket, "I've already made up my mind on this…" she added, eating another of her mushrooms.

"Hmm…" Xiaomei hummed, "You're doing this because of a lie…" she noted, causing the Sing-Sing user to stop just before she could take another bite of her mushroom, "A lie that you discovered years ago and understood the truth behind…" she added further, "Yet here you are, persisting in this endeavor because you selfishly want a world that you think everyone will love and enjoy," she explained.

"How is that selfish?" Uta questioned back, "It's for everyone's benefit in the end!" she pointed out assuredly.

"Didn't I tell you that may not be what everyone wants?" the time oracle questioned back to her surprise, "I hope you understand that soon," she said, walking past her with her hands held together behind her back, "Otherwise, I don't think I can bear to see what'll happen next…" she admitted. With just a blink of her eyes, the Sing-Sing user found that Xiaomei was completely gone again. She looked around in bewilderment, all while still holding onto the half-eaten mushroom she had. From afar atop one of the nearby towers on the bridge leading to the rest of the island, the figure of Kalifa watched on.

"Does anyone read me?" she communicated, holding a transponder snail in her while having a pair of binoculars attached to a rod to view the diva, "Uta has an hour left at most," she confirmed, "She's also exhibiting deteriorating signs of stress and anxiety…" she noted on, "And one more thing," she continued, "The video transponder snails had their souls stolen by Uta as well," she said, looking at the pair of communicators at her feet, "Right now, they're broadcasting footage from the Sing-Sing World," she mentioned as silent video played of the diva's ongoing concert, "They need to be muted to avoid trouble," she stated seriously, "The second that someone hears her singing…" she kept going, "they'll be trapped as well," she affirmed grimly. All around the world, broadcasts of Uta's concert were playing for those who couldn't make it to Elegia. And those that had the misfortune of listening to angelic voice fell victim to sleep almost instantaneously. Whether man, woman, or animal, no one could resist. Much of the world was brought to slumber.

"It's been six hours since Uta began her concert," the figure of Rob Lucci told the Five Elders back in their room in Marijoa, "The numbers of victims are increasing at an exponential rate," he added, "If things proceed at this speed for as little as an hour…" he continued, "we estimate that seventy percent of the world's population will be pulled into her illusion," he concluded, much to his superiors' simultaneous shock.

"We knew it was bad, but seventy percent?!" Saturn exclaimed in question.

"This isn't just a threat, it's the end of the world!" Mars noted out of panic.

"Do we have any other means of attack?!" Warcury inquired as his eyes were shaking with fright. Back in the Sing-Sing World itself, people aplenty were abuzz with excitement still. Uta's concert was continuing without so much as a hitch, especially now that no one was looking to cause any sort of trouble. At least… for the moment…

"Splendid!" a voice exclaimed, getting the diva's attention. She turned to her right to find a man there with dark hair that was curled upward. He had a wide, obese face and what appeared to be stubble around his thick-lipped mouth. He wore a full-body, thick white suit of obese frame that resembled a spacesuit with medals or buttons on it, with a green collar, and a resin bubble. "Your voice is pretty, so you're coming with me!" he decided as he bumbled onstage with a pair of suited men, one of whom pushed a cart with a wood crate upon it, "You can sing me lullabies every night!" he mentioned, guffawing heartily. The sight of him made many in the audience freeze up with shock.

"A Celestial Dragon is here…!" one of the men in the crowd gasped out. Almost immediately, everyone went down to their knees and bowed. Uta blinked in confusion.

"Saint Charlos is requesting your presence at his home," one of the attendants noted to the diva, getting her attention.

"You should consider this an honor," the other added.

"So, how much is it for the pretty lady?!" the Celestial Dragon asked excitedly, ready to buy the Sing-Sing user out. She was befuddled by the entire scene laid out before her. But then, she blinked in realization, clapping her hands together.

"Oh, I get it!" she exclaimed, "You're a World Noble!" she concluded. The crowd was murmuring nervously for her. "So, Celestial Dragons, right?" she presumed, "I read about you in a book!" she recalled as marines in disguise were making their way onstage as well, "You rule the world and enslave people…" she noted darkly with her hands at her hips, "Everyone hates your stupid guts!" she added without a care, much to Charlos' shock as his eyes widened.

"Listen, if you make an enemy outta him, this will not end well," one of the marines noted while adjusting his cap, getting the Sing-Sing user's attention.

"You guys are Marines?" she inquired in surprise, "You must've taken leaps to come and see my show!" she presumed, "That's so sweet of you!" she complimented kindly.

"Never mind that," one of the attendants chimed in, "You will obey Saint Charlos and accompany him to the Holy Land," he declared.

"Nuh-uh," Uta refused bluntly. The Celestial Dragon gasped again with disbelief at how flagrantly the Sing-Sing user was defying him. "But everyone is equal here, you know!" she pointed out, gesturing to the rest of the crowd, "So even dumpy old Celestial Dragons like you are welcome…" she affirmed on, not once losing the smile on her face.

"Dumpy?!" Charlos repeated in disbelief, growling with frustration, "Execute her!" he commanded of his suited attendants, who drew their pistols, "I've heard enough!" he decided. The men fired onto the diva, but their bullets were instantly stopped by the colorful musical notes that flew up around her.

"Come on, you guys…" she muttered as she scratched at her head, "You really think those guns are gonna work on me?" she inquired of them. The two attendants kept firing to no avail. And then, they were both shot from behind. Holding a pistol of his own with smoke wafting from its barrel was the Celestial Dragon.

"If you can't do your job, then you're useless to me…" he grumbled out. Uta's eyes widened with horror.

"What's wrong with you?!" she screamed in question, quickly running over and kneeling down to place her hands onto the wounds of the attendants, "Hold on, I'm here…" she assured to them, having green musical notes spread around their wounds, "You'll be all better in just a second…" she added, completely healing them as if they had never been shot at all.

"Why are you just standing there, you idiots?!" Charlos yelled in question to the other marines, "I want her dead!" he insisted, pointing at the Sing-Sing user, "Kill her!" he commanded. The soldiers rushed in as the diva stood up. But to their surprise, she stomped her right foot down in an angered snarl.

"I thought you stood for justice…" she growled with clenched fists, "but you'll kill someone just 'cause that jerk says so?!" she inquired of the marines, who all seemed slightly hesitant.

"The Celestial Dragons are like gods…" one of them pointed out, "We can't defy them…" he affirmed on.

"Oh, I see!" Uta exclaimed in realization, "You're being forced to do this!" she presumed as a sign flashed on, pointing out Charlos as nothing but lazy and a fool, "You're all victims, too!" she added on, "Well, don't worry!" she reassured while fireworks blasted off alongside the special effects strewn about the stadium, "The world will be changing soon!" she promised, "And nobles and slaves and everyone else will all be equal!" she added happily.

"And why the hell would I want that?!" the Celestial Dragon inquired angrily, "Guards, hurry and kill that witch already!" he insisted of the others.

"Sorry, nothing personal…" one of the suited attendants said as he and his colleagues were prepared to close in on the diva. However, smoke suddenly spewed about the stage before lines of a musical staff shot out and ensnared them. They were hoisted up into the air, hung like the pirates were and unable to move.

"What a shame…" Uta grumbled with disdain. A few bullets were then fired her way, though were deflected away from her thanks to her conjured musical notes. She looked over to Charlos, whose pistol was aimed at her as he clenched his teeth. Sighing, the diva had a pair of translucent notes appear in front of herself, shooting out and striking the Celestial Dragon as he grunted with pain before being sent flying into the air. She smirked as her musical notes continued bombarding him, shattering his resin bubble.

"You rotten little witch!" he yelled out, "I won't let you get away with this if it's the last thing I do!" he proclaimed before bouncing off of another note, landing upside down upon a musical staff above his attendants and the marines. The arches of the stadium folded inward.

"Don't worry!" Uta assured to the remainder of the audience, "You don't have to be afraid of the Celestial Dragons anymore!" she affirmed confidently. Instead of being met with a round of applause though, she heard murmuring. Nervous murmuring at that.

"Uta, I don't think this is such a good idea!" one woman called out. Another panicked man stood up.

"You gotta set that guy free!" he insisted.

"The World Government will hunt you down 'til you're dead!" another woman added.

"I told you, it's fine!" the diva assured again, wondering why there was such anxiety amongst the crowd.

"I'm sorry, Uta!" someone else called out in apology, being the green-haired boy from earlier as she looked over to see him boarding one of the gondolas with a line of others ready to head off as well, "I think… it's about time I go back home," he decided, "I've got sheep to look after and stuff like that," he mentioned on, "But thank you!" he exclaimed gratefully, "This was awesome!" he complimented.

"Hold up, you're not making any sense…" the Sing-Sing user noted to his surprise, "Your life is hard, so it's painful, right?" she presumed of him as lights shaped like question marks floated around the stage, "Why would you wanna go back to that when you can have fun here?" she inquired of the boy, "Hey, wait a sec…" she said, looking over to the musical staff on the other end of the stadium, "What happened to all those pirates and others I captured earlier?" she wondered aloud, noticing that the staff was completely barren. Just then, a circular space appeared behind her. Opening up was a doorway thanks to Blueno, who seemed rather exhausted.

"Uta, stop!" Coby yelled before hopping out onto the stage, getting the diva's attention, "Even if you think you're helping people, this is still wrong!" he pointed out emphatically, while the Cipher Pol stepped out as well.

"Another Marine, huh?" the Sing-Sing user noted as a spotlight beamed down onto the captain, "Here to save the Celestial Dragon?" she presumed.

"I'm here to save lives, and it doesn't matter whose!" he declared in response, "You don't have the right to take those people's souls!" he noted seriously, "You have to bring them back to reality!" he insisted on.

"Captain Coby?!" someone in the crowd squeaked out in surprise, getting his attention. All of a sudden, the rest of the audience was abuzz with excitement, murmuring and cheering. Uta blinked in surprise.

"Huh? Is he famous or something?" she wondered aloud.

"He's a hero!" one old man yelled as a reply, "He saved so many people at Rocky Port!" he pointed out, "You didn't know?!" he inquired out of shock.

"Huh… that's news to me…" Uta admitted as she looked around, "I'm not really up on current events, ya know…" she added, "I've spent half my life here on Elegia," she pointed out with a shrug.

"I-It's nothing…" Coby stuttered out, evidently a little embarrassed about being recognized.

"Don't lose your cool now, hero," a seated Blueno advised, getting his attention, "You still have to explain the situation to everybody," he pointed out, "And I'm way too tired to help…" he mentioned.

"Right," the marine captain replied with a nod, taking on a serious expression as he stepped forward, "Listen! Everyone!" he called out to the audience, "The truth is, we're not in reality right now," he said, "This whole world is an illusion," he confirmed on, much to the crowd's surprise as they began murmuring with confusion and worry, "You've all been lied to," he added, "You're in danger," he mentioned, "We need to get you all out of this dream and back to reality," he affirmed on.

"Uta… is that true?!" the little girl in the crowd cried out in question with tears pricking her eyes, "Did you lie and trap us?!" she inquired on.

"I wasn't lying!" the diva proclaimed as a response, "And I'm not trying to trick anyone either, I promise!" she added as she waved her arms in a placating manner, "I just want you all to be happy and safe…" she told the crowd, "That's why I made this fun place for you to stay!" she confirmed happily. However, it was essentially her admittance. Some were starting to murmur with concern more. "This is the world you dreamed of, so no need to fear!" Uta assured, "I'll bring an end to the Great Pirate Era!" she promised to her fans, "This is a time of peace for everyone!" she exclaimed with a laugh, clapping her hands together before forming a bright, beautiful flower of light. Coby gasped upon noticing. "No more sickness, pain, or strife!" the Sing-Sing user listed off as her flower shot out and flew across the stage, growing in size and spreading light while expelling several items for her fans to have, "And no more cruelty, either!" she mentioned confidently, "We've got food, games…" she kept going, "And you've got all the time in the world to enjoy them!" she affirmed.

"You know…" one man in the crowd began, "maybe I would be happier here after all…" he admitted.

"I'm with you!" one woman decided.

"Alright, now that's more like it!" Uta exclaimed happily.

"But I can't…" the green-haired boy aboard the gondola said, "I've got work to do…" he pointed out.

"I'm telling you, you don't have to work here and you don't have to study…" the diva assured in response to him, "Everyone is free now!" she affirmed again.

"I'm not free if I can't leave!" a lady in the crowd suddenly shouted, causing her to perk up in surprise.

"Not everything in my life is bad…" one man admitted as the audience was starting to grow more anxious.

"My job helps a lot of people…" another added.

"What about my family?" a young woman asked.

"This is gonna wreck society…" someone else pointed out.

"I know Uta means well, but…" another girl chimed in.

"It doesn't seem right…" a boy noted aloud. The murmuring was growing louder. And the concerns were starting to echo more in the Sing-Sing user's head. Even worse, she was recalling what Xiaomei had been telling her before.

"There's still time," Coby said as he approached her, "Cancel this before anyone gets hurt and let them—!"

"Hold on a sec, would you?" she interrupted, sticking her left hand out at him, "What's the deal?!" she questioned to the audience as she raised up her arms, "I thought all of you wanted to be free from suffering!" she noted while tapping her right foot against the stage with frustration, "Are you telling me that everything is fine?" she presumed, "That you were just lying for attention?!" she questioned on, "You said you didn't wanna spend your days afraid of pirates! I heard you!" she noted emphatically as her bicolored wings flashed with a red, ominous aura while helping her float upward.

"Just let us go home, dammit!" one man yelled, causing her to lightly gasp in surprise.

"What's your problem?! Uta's doing this for us!"

"Well I don't want it!"

"Me either!"

"Shut the hell up!"

"I agree with Uta!"

"I want out!"

"I liked going to school!"

"Yeah, nobody cares!"

"You can't have everything!"

"Nobody asked for this, okay?!"

"You suck!"

"Are ya pickin' a fight?!"

The crowd's anxiety had reached a boiling point. Their shouts, regardless of what they truly desired, kept echoing in Uta's head as she floated over them. Now that the truth of her fake reality for everyone was out, everyone else was making their voices heard. Xiaomei's words also echoed in her head.

"Alright, sorry!" she exclaimed in apology, spreading her arms and making lights spew out from behind her, spreading across the stadium, "I get it! It's okay!" she assured, sounding panicked. Coby and Blueno watched on with widened eyes. "I just need to make this more fun for everyone!" she proclaimed. The lights she shot out touched the seawater around the stage, making it glow with a multicolored luminescence. But not only that, it started rising. Members of the crowd yelled in panic as they became submerged in the water. In flashes of light, they all began turning into inanimate objects. "See?! This is better, right?!" Uta yelled, having the mainstage lift her up as the water kept rising. The stadium's arches folded outward, with the diva's namesake appeared upon the rising water. It engulfed every single audience member. "We're all having fun now!" the Sing-Sing user affirmed. Flashes of light went off one after another, with people turning into inanimate objects again and again.

"Uta…!" the girl from earlier gasped out before getting turned into a plush cat with a cute bow. Both Coby and Blueno were able to escape thanks to another door space the latter created, letting it close just as the water reached.

"There we go!" Uta exclaimed as the tall post she stood upon was just above the staff holding the marines, the attendants, and Charlos, "Everyone's happy, and there's no more fighting!" she assured as the water was still rising up, "A perfect world where we'll stay together forever!" she declared. The water engulfed the Celestial Dragon, changing him into an ice cream cone. From their secluded room, the Five Elders had seen the scene be broadcast.

"What did she do to Saint Charlos?!" Ju Peter exclaimed in question out of shock.

"We can't allow this to continue!" Warcury pointed out emphatically, "We need to act now!" he insisted. Nusjuro growled with frustration.

"Even a Celestial Dragon is caught in the crossfire…" he noted grimly. What was once a stage abuzz with excitement, now was left quiet with nothing but the ocean breeze. Xiaomei watched on from afar, sighing yet again.

X

Sunset impatiently tapped her right foot against the ground as she had her arms crossed over her chest. After Coby and Blueno had left to address the crowd of the situation, she and the others were left to wait for their return. Bartolomeo paced about, while Luffy sat patiently. Law stood next to the Equestrian Magic user, noticing her anxious fidgeting. He tapped her shoulder with the guard of his sword, causing her to perk up.

"Calm down," he insisted, "I doubt the situation can get any worse than it already is…" he affirmed.

"Ugh…" Sunset groaned out, "You really don't know the unwritten rules of the multiverse, do you?" she presumed.

"Uh… what?" Law said in confusion. All of a sudden, the group noticed a rift open up nearby… though it was rather small. Water poured out from it first before Coby started to come out, though he found himself stuck in the small space.

"Coby!" the Equestrian Magic user called out, ponying up in a flash of light. She stuck out her left hand, encasing it in an amber aura. The same light sparkled around the marine captain as he was pried free from the hole, being sent gently onto the ground upon his feet.

"Thanks, Sunset…" he said gratefully with a breath of relief, allowing for her to transform back to normal in another flash of light.

"What happened in there?" Bartolomeo asked as he approached, "And where's that bull-head guy?" he questioned on. Popping out from the rift was Blueno… though he had gotten shrunken down to a cutesy version of himself.

"Phoo…" he exhaled, "We barely made it outta there alive…" he admitted.

"Uh… who the hell are you?" the Barrier-Barrier user inquired with a tilt of his head.

"It's Blueno!" the Cipher Pol agent responded as he hopped up. Sunset sighed, elbowing Law.

"Ah!" he yelped, "The hell?!" he exclaimed.

"Unwritten rules, idiot…" the Equestrian Magic user grumbled, "Don't jinx us," she said, causing the Op-Op user to grimace before turning away.

"Coby, did you see Uta?" Luffy asked while jogging over with Sunny hanging off of his right shoulder.

"Kinda…" the marine captain responded.

"So negotiations fell through…" Sunset realized, gritting her teeth in frustration, "What exactly happened?" she asked.

"Well, we were able to inform the audience about how this world's an illusion…" Coby answered, "Some didn't seem to mind the fact, but others definitely voiced their concerns," he pointed out, "Uta argued against those who were having doubts and then…" he continued, "I think she snapped... in a way," he said.

"What do you mean?" Luffy inquired.

"Well, if it wasn't obvious enough from my new look…" Blueno chimed in, "Uta decided to submerge the crowd and transform them to keep the peace," he explained to Sunset and Luffy's shock, "Talking her down isn't working," he confirmed, causing the Equestrian Magic user to snarl angrily with frustration.

"Shimmer, come on…" Law said, putting a hand onto her shoulder to try and calm her down, "You said it yourself, it didn't seem like it'd work at this stage," he pointed out.

"So how about the rest of you?" the shrunken Cipher Pol agent questioned, "Did you get the extra help we'll need?" he inquired on.

"Yeah, we've got our help!" a voice answered, belonging to Helmeppo as he emerged from the castle the group was beside with the likes of the Jellyfish and Big Mom Pirates. Many were excited about being freed. But some weren't, considering the prospect they were about to endure.

"Now wait a minute," Oven chimed in, "Nobody said we'd be working with Straw Hat," he pointed out, "Sorry, but I'd rather die…" he muttered.

"Yeah, see ya," Brûlée remarked, readying a mirror-like portal in between her hands.

"W-Wait a sec, stop!" Helmeppo stammered insistently.

"Oh, let 'em go…" Sunset grumbled, "Their dumb asses would only slow us down anyway…" she proclaimed, causing the Big Mom Pirates to growl at her.

"Shimmer…" Law uttered out.

"Hmph," Brûlée huffed, "We'll find some other way to beat Uta," she affirmed, drawing her crewmates into the rift before heading into it herself, letting it disappear moments later.

"Tch," Sunset scoffed out.

"Oh… Sunnny…" Sunny whimpered sadly.

"Any news about my crew and the others?" Luffy asked, changing the subject.

"Still doin' their thing, I guess…" Bartolomeo assumed in response.

"If they don't find Uta's weakness, then we're out of options," Law pointed out, "We can't keep hiding," he added seriously.

"Huh…" Blueno sighed, "I can't use my power much… not like this…" he muttered sadly.

"I trust my friends," Luffy said with a smile, "It'll be fine!" he affirmed.

"I sure hope so…" Sunset concurred, looking back into the distance.

"Can someone give me a light above?!" Robin asked in a shout from the underground archives. Those that heard blinked in confusion. "I think I noticed something on the ceiling!" the Flower-Flower user confirmed to her colleagues.

"On it!" Usopp yelled in reply, readying his slingshot and prepping ammunition upon it, "Rolling…" he began, nocking the ammo back as he rolled along the second level to the best possible position, "Exploding Star!" he exclaimed upon letting the shot loose. The ammo exploded into several flames, each igniting around the mural above, allowing for the archaeologist to see it more clearly. "That do the trick?" the sniper inquired.

"I think so, thanks!" his crewmate answered gratefully. She looked back up at the mural. "The fears and doubts of men…" she started reading, "were given form…" she continued, "and collectively given the name of Tot Musica…" she said, "Now flee and cower…" she read on. Other instrument-like golems were on the attack, with one unleashing a barrage of rockets. Still in his stout form, Chopper leapt up and kicked them away, yelling all the while.

"Charizard, Dragon Claw!" Alain commanded fiercely. The Flame Pokémon dashed in, cloaking both of his arms in a greenish, claw-shaped aura. He swiped them out mightily at the golem shaped like a guitar, knocking it over.

"Mirage Tempo!" Nami exclaimed from afar as she stood beside Robin and Sakura with Zeus, spinning her Clima-Tact like a baton. It expelled a mist that washed over them, veiling them completely from view. Zoro, Sanji, Sasuke and Sting charged in, as one of the golems unleashed another spray of rockets. The former of the quartet slashed through them easily with but a single sword in hand.

"White Dragon…" the Sabertooth guildmaster began as he leapt forward, puffing his chest out, "RRRRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRR!" he bellowed mightily, unleashing a powerful beam of white light that pierced straight through the golem. The other stood back up, prepared to release its own ammunition. Sanji sped out, having his right leg cloaked in flames.

"Diable Jambe…" he began as he lunged toward the walking statue, "COLLIER STRIKE!" he roared, kicking straight through his target's head. Two more golems approached. Sasuke huffed as his Sharingan flashed into its Mangekyo form. A purple, flaming aura spewed around him before taking the form of a gigantic humanoid that he was encased in. With it, he was able to draw a saber and hack down one of the golems with ease.

"One-Sword Style…" Zoro began as he leapt up with his Wado Ichimonji in hand, "Demon Horse!" he yelled as he slashed down vertically, destroying the right hand of the other statue. It attempted to punch him while he was still in midair, but was thwarted upon getting its body pierced through thanks to the Susanoo's saber. The swordsman glanced back at Sasuke, who remained rather collected to his annoyance.

"They just keep on comin'…" Applejack muttered with sweat trickling down her face. Golems were continuing to appear left and right, closing in on the group.

"Let it rip!" Kyoya yelled, pulling the ripcord of his launcher to let his Leone fly out. It sped along the floor, creating a tornado that engulfed one of the golems. "Special Move…" he began, "KING LION CRUSHING FANG!" he roared powerfully. The gust actually lifted the golem up from the floor, carrying it into the twister's funnel. The image of a lion appeared, leaping out and striking it fiercely, shattering it into pieces. "How'd you like that?!" Kyoya yelled with a smirk, only to blink as he saw more walking statues joining the battle. All of a sudden, Brook dashed past him, drawing his sword as a cold aura wafted off of him.

"Welcome… to the Soul Parade!" he exclaimed as he sped right by the golems, sheathing his blade in an instant, "Ice Burn…" he echoed, freezing the floor underneath the statues' feet, causing them to slip and topple over. Star continued to wrestle with golems of her own, being assisted by Sanji and Rogue. More golems closed in on Jimbei, Franky, and Applejack.

"Fish-Man Karate…" the former began, rearing his right palm back as the cyborg placed himself in front of him, "Sharkskin Palm Thrust!" he exclaimed, palming the shipwright to send him flying. He grinned as he spun around, making a circular-shaped gesture with his hands.

"Radical Beam!" he roared, unleashing a powerful yellow ray of light, "Giant's Load!" he yelled on as the ray slashed through several of the golems. But as he spun around, his beam also sliced through the ceiling, causing it to start crumbling down.

"Whuh-oh!" Chopper yelped as he transformed back to normal, narrowly evading the falling debris.

"Yikes!" Lector exclaimed as he and Frosch hopped away from accidentally getting crushed from more falling rocks, "The whole ceiling's gonna come down!" he yelled out in panic.

"Dammit!" Zoro cursed as he braced himself from getting dust and dirt in his eye, "Whose idea was it to blow up the damn place?!" he questioned angrily. Franky landed down.

"Super…! Sorry…" he apologized as he posed with his arms together.

"Never mind that, we gotta run!" Applejack insisted, while Kyoya had Leone return to his hand, hurrying off alongside his girlfriend. Outside, the castle was starting to crack and collapse.

"We'll get buried alive!" Brook exclaimed as he hurried away with the others, while Alain returned Charizard, Metagross, and Bisharp to their respective Poké Balls in beams of red light, "I already look the part, don't I?!" the skeleton realized in panic. Meanwhile, Nami, Robin and Sakura reappeared. The latter of the three women clenched her fists before leaping out to bash apart the falling rocks.

"Robin, this way!" the navigator yelled, taking her crewmate's hand and running off with her, while Zeus helped the kunoichi in protecting them by shooting off bolts of lightning at the falling debris. The pair of female Straw Hats hurried off. There wouldn't be much time to make an exit, let alone escape unscathed. However, Nami happened to notice something when the group had first entered the library. "Brûlée!" she called out, skidding to a stop in front of the mirror she had discovered, "I know you're in there!" she shouted, "Let us into the Mirro-World, now!" she demanded as more of the castle was coming down. She snarled with frustration. "Would you quit ignoring me?!" she insisted, "You realize you need our intel, right?!" she assumed, "Otherwise, you'll get stuck in Uta's little world forever!" she pointed out, "Are you really okay with never seeing your precious friends and family again?!" she asked commandingly into her reflection. As if on cue, the Mirror-Mirror user appeared in the glass, causing the navigator to yelp in surprise. She was grimacing as if she was about to cry.

"Will I see Katakuri if I help…?" she whimpered in question.

"Uh… uh-huh," Nami responded with nod. Grimacing, Brûlée knew she had no other choice.

"You find us a way out?!" Sting yelled while running over with many of the others in tow.

"Yeah, through the mirror!" the navigator replied, pointing toward the glass. The group approached, gasping in surprise to see Brûlée there.

"You convinced her to help us?" Brook inquired in surprise. Nami huffed proudly.

"I have a way with words…" she remarked.

"Heh," Sting chuckled, "No wonder milady likes you," he noted. The navigator blinked.

"Wait, what'd you say?" she asked, blushing a little.

"Uh, never mind," the Sabertooth guildmaster stuttered in response, "Let's go!" he insisted, hopping into the mirror, followed by the others. Nami shook her head, going into the mirror just before the archives came down. Outside, the sound of the castle's collapse didn't reach Uta's ears. She was just pacing about upon the luminescent water without a care, as each footstep echoed like a song with the ripples of the water. Her smile was small, but content. However, she couldn't help but notice Xiaomei watching her, sitting atop one of the stadium arches. She decided to pay her no mind, pacing on. Back outside the castle, Luffy and the others took notice of the mirror-like portal appearing nearby. And emerging from it were their friends, much to their relief.

"You made it!" the Gum-Gum user exclaimed.

"Luffy!" Chopper cried out, leaping for his captain.

"Sunny!" Sunny exclaimed as it jumped toward the doctor. The two collided, falling to the ground.

"What the hell is that?" Zoro asked.

"Sunny, our ship!" Luffy confirmed in response.

"Well, aren't you cute~!" Nami noted with a singsong voice.

"What kinda mods we talkin' here?" Franky asked curiously.

"Sunny!" Star cried out as she hurried over and tackled the red-and-yellow-haired Equestrian Magic user into a big hug, making her grunt in surprise.

"Eh-heh…" she chuckled out, "Hey Star…" she greeted, embracing the Mewman back, "It's good to see you, too…" she noted. Amongst those that emerged from the rift was Oven, who seemed frustrated.

"Back already?" he said, "That's embarrassing…" he grumbled out, looking back at his sister.

"Sorry Oven, I had to!" she proclaimed in apology.

"In any case, we're all out now," Sasuke noted, "Things have changed, haven't they?" he presumed of the others.

"Yeah, the sky looks super wonky…" Kyoya pointed out, looking up alongside his girlfriend.

"What's Uta been doin'?" she inquired.

"A lot, unfortunately…" Sunset answered as she and Star let each other go, "We tried to negotiate with her to let us all out," she told the group, "Even told the crowd about what's going on," she mentioned, "And that fell right through once she freaked out and trapped the rest of the people on the island…" she confirmed to the others' shock.

"So she's still set on her path, huh?" Sakura noted.

"Could've made things a lot easier if she wasn't…" Alain affirmed. The red-and-yellow-haired Equestrian Magic user frowned with frustration, keeping her fists clenched tightly.

"Well, Robin?" Coby chimed in, getting the archaeologist's attention, "Did you find anything that'll help us defeat Uta?" he inquired of her.

"The answer's complicated," she replied, "I did find old records of the Sing-Sing World," she confirmed to the group, "But they said those that are trapped here cannot escape," she told them, "No matter what…" she added grimly. The marine captain gasped lightly in disbelief along with the others. "However," the Flower-Flower user continued, "the situation changes if someone with Sing-Sing powers uses Tot Musica," she noted.

"And what's that?" Luffy asked.

"A deity from ancient times," Robin answered, "It was created from human emotions," she mentioned as she recalled the mural she saw, "Loneliness, sadness, the shadows that fall on the soul," she listed off, "They called it the King of Demons," she added.

"Great, another Demon King…" Sunset muttered with a roll of her eyes.

"Is it some kinda weapon?" Coby presumed.

"The part I read only said to avoid it at all costs," Robin replied.

"So… we gotta make Uta use this… Tot Musica thing, right?" Star assumed with a shrug and a tilt of her head.

"That doesn't sound ideal…" Law admitted, "But you said it would give us a chance to escape?" he noted in question, "How does that work?" he asked of the archaeologist.

"It seems tricky…" she responded, "According to the records, when the Demon King is summoned, it will appear in two places at once," she explained to the group, "One here, in the world created by the Sing-Sing Fruit," she said, "And the other, in reality," she added, "Although this may not be the intent, it acts as a link between worlds," she told the others, "The Demon King is seemingly invincible, but if it's attacked in both worlds at the same time," she kept going, "it will be defeated, and the Sing-Sing World will disappear," she confirmed.

"And that's our ticket out," Kyoya realized with a smirk.

"That works for me!" Brûlée proclaimed.

"If it's in their records, it must be true," Oven pointed out, "Not that we have another option…" he muttered, "We can give it a try," he decided, only to notice a group of musical soldiers flying by. Reacting quickly, everyone hid themselves, with some ducking into the ruins, while others covered themselves with a large beige tarp.

"Wait a sec…" Applejack whispered out, "If attacks on this Tot Musica need to happen in both worlds, won't we need someone in reality to dish 'em out to it, too?" she inquired.

"Yeah, we can't do this on our own!" Bartolomeo exclaimed quietly, "Who's gonna fight the demon in reality?!" he questioned.

"Everyone who knows what's up is stuck here, and we can't talk to the outside…" Helmeppo pointed out, "We've got Cipher Pol and the Navy, but how would we coordinate an attack with them?" he wondered aloud.

"Wait," Coby chimed in, getting his attention as he emerged from his cover, "The government won't make a move with civilian lives at stake…" he pointed out, "Even if our intel is good, it's useless without someone on the other side," he added grimly.

"What about the person she mentioned before?" Blueno asked, looking over to Sunset, "You said he's probably gonna show up, right?" he presumed of her.

"He's more than enough to help out, I think…" she noted in response, "But I'm hoping he brings help, too," she added as she stood up from her place of cover.

"There's someone else," another voice chimed in, getting the group's attention as they looked over. Being pulled along in a wheelchair thanks to the shrunken Bepo was none other than Gordon.

"CAPTAAAAAIIINNNN!" the polar bear mink squeaked out upon seeing Law.

"Bepo?" Sanji said as he took notice of the shrunken navigator while coming out from the beige tarp he and some others used for cover, "What happened?" he asked.

"More like Tiny Bepo…" Usopp remarked, "But who's the old guy with him?" he inquired curiously.

"That's Gordon," Bartolomeo replied as he hopped down, "He's Miss Uta's adoptive father," he mentioned to the sniper's surprise.

"He's also the former king of the island," Sunset added, "Sorry we left you two back there…" she apologized as she approached them.

"It's no problem at all, my dear," Gordon replied, "I'm just happy to see that you've all managed to get back together," he pointed out with a small smile.

"Let's cut the small talk," Sasuke insisted as he came over, "Who is this other person that's coming?" he asked of the elderly man.

"Shanks," he immediately answered to everyone's surprise.

"Seriously?!" Luffy exclaimed.

"Well, if Uta's his daughter and she put on this whole event," Sakura began, "I wouldn't put it past him to come," she pointed out.

"Indeed," Gordon agreed, "Your idea to stop Uta seems sound enough," he noted to the group, "When Shanks arrives, he'll take care of her in reality," he affirmed, "And he'll be joined by whomever you think will appear as well," he mentioned to Sunset.

"Good…" she responded, though she sounded nervous. Luffy then walked down the steps, approaching the island's former ruler.

"Tell me, did something bad happen between Shanks and Uta?" he inquired of him.

"I'm afraid… I…" he tried to respond, only to fall silent, seemingly ashamed.

"Mister Gordon?" Sunset uttered in concern.

"What? Just say it!" Luffy insisted, becoming frustrated. Unfortunately, the elderly man remained silent. The Gum-Gum user took a deep breath before letting off a growl, leaping off and hurrying off into the woods, heading for the island stadium.

"Luffy!" the red-and-yellow-haired Equestrian Magic user exclaimed.

"Ah, don't go!" Bartolomeo yelped, "We're not ready to beat Miss Uta yet!" he pointed out, "Aw, Mister Luffy's gonna mess up the whole plan…!" he added grimly in realization.

"There's not a plan in the world Luffy doesn't ruin…" Usopp muttered with a chuckle.

"We'll run out of time standing around," Sanji noted, "Might as well join him and finish this," he decided with a shrug.

"But Shanks isn't here yet…" Coby pointed out.

"We just need to attack at the same time, right?" Zoro inquired of him, "So I'll start cutting and won't let up," he affirmed, "Then when the other side attacks, it should time out," he noted on, "We keep attacking, we'll be just fine, won't we?" he presumed.

"Aw man, you're right! I shouldn't doubt Mister Luffy!" Bartolomeo exclaimed as he twirled around, "The Straw Hats can make miracles happen, so there ain't no reason to worry!" he emphatically noted with his right hand upon his face.

"All we can do is try!" Jimbei affirmed.

"Mm-hmm," Nami agreed with a nod.

"We're still going to need to find a way to coordinate our attacks somehow," Sasuke noted, "Maybe there's a way we can find out what's happening in reality first and foremost…" he added as a suggestion.

"Good idea," Robin agreed. As the group conversed and strategized, Sunset lowered her head in deep thought. The situation was as bad as it could be. The only way out was if Uta was forced to bring forth Tot Musica. And if she knew that, she wouldn't dare to do it unless she had no other choice.

"Young lady…" Gordon chimed in, getting her attention, "I understand that you hold a great deal of anger toward Uta for what she's done…" he noted to her surprise, "For my sake, I do hope you'll forgive her…" he added sadly, "It's my fault this is happening…" he admitted, trembling a little. The red-and-yellow-haired Equestrian Magic user took a deep breath.

"I'm going now," she decided, getting the others' attentions, "If we can't make Uta use Tot Musica, then our last resort's trying to force her to undo this fake world," she pointed out.

"Won't Straw Hat be enough to do that?" Oven assumed.

"I would imagine he could at least give her some trouble," Law affirmed in reply.

"He's not going to," Sunset said to his surprise, "To Luffy, she's still his friend," she noted, "He won't hurt her and isn't gonna try to," she added, "She's too far gone…" she mentioned further, "And fighting's the only option we've got left…" she finished in frustration.

"Sunset…" Nami uttered worriedly.

"Milady, hey…" Sting chimed in, approaching the red-and-yellow-haired Equestrian Magic user, "Are you alright?" he asked, putting a hand onto her left shoulder. She pulled herself away.

"I will be," she assured in reply, "Once I end this," she added. Ponying up in a flash of light, she had golden energy wings appear at her back before flying off into the pink sky. The others watched on.

"We should get moving," Sasuke advised seriously, "There's no telling if those two can handle this on their own…" he mentioned, narrowing his eyes.

X

All of the transformed audience members lied floating underneath the surface of the luminescent water. And above them, Uta lied on her back, her smile still upon her face. She wasn't deterred by what had happened. There was less than an hour left before everyone would finally cross over into a pleasant afterlife with her. And she would make it perfect.

"Can we please stop acting like what you're doing is for everyone's benefit?" Xiaomei's voice chimed in, getting her attention as she saw that the time oracle stood beside her, "You're killing millions in the end…" she pointed out.

"I'm bringing them to a better world!" the diva proclaimed with a smile.

"A world in which they're less free than they were in reality," Xiaomei retorted, turning around and sighing.

"Hey, everyone'll understand eventually!" Uta assured as she sat up, "I'll make it more fun for everyone!" she vowed, "We'll make all sorts of great memories once we cross over!" she affirmed confidently.

"Huh…" the time oracle sighed again, "I do wonder why she had such an interest in someone like you…" she admitted aloud, causing the Sing-Sing user to perk up in confusion, "I'd advise you get ready for what's coming to you," she recommended, "Your 'noble' act is about to take a dark turn…" she pointed out, disappearing the moment Uta blinked. At that moment, she heard the water ripple, enticing her to glance back and see Luffy approaching. The wind whistled before coming to a complete stop.

"What are you doing here?" the diva asked, standing up, "How many times do I have to beat you before you get a clue?" she inquired on.

"I haven't lost yet," her friend retorted in reply.

"Aw, Luffy…" Uta muttered, "you sore loser~!" she remarked with a squeezing gesture from her hands. To her surprise, the Gum-Gum user didn't respond, merely making his way toward her. "Fine, have it your way…" she sighed out, readying her right hand's fingers, "I'll give you one more for old time's sake," she affirmed as her thumb and middle finger were pressed against each other, "Ready?" she said. With a snap of her fingers, colorful musical notes were conjured. They each formed into musical soldiers, all of which started flying out towards Luffy. One by one, he punched them down with his stretched-out fists, barraging them as they burst apart into musical notes.

Uta could tell he was being serious now, not stopping herself as her musical notes kept coming. More soldiers were brought forth. Instead of punching straight away, the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates inflated his body, catching the musical minions before coiling and then launching them up into the air. He yelled as he repeatedly punched at them again and again, making them burst into musical notes. He then landed down and charged at his friend. He threw his right leg up, but it missed her, stretching up into the sky.

"Are you gonna hit me or what?" she inquired mockingly, making him grit his teeth with frustration. He retracted his leg, making his skin shine pink and start steaming.

"What you're doing isn't right!" he shouted as he stamped his foot against the water.

"I could say the same to you," Uta retorted, making the water spout up right beneath him, making him gurgle as it lifted him up, "I'm stopping all the pirates," she said, "They've made people suffer for long enough," she affirmed on, "It's over," she proclaimed, "I don't even get it…" she admitted as she brought forth her friend's straw hat in a flash of light into her right hand, "Why do you wanna be king of the pirates so bad?" she inquired.

"To make a new era, same as you!" Luffy replied. Instantly, the Sing-Sing user stamped her right foot against the water and growled.

"Luffy…!" she snarled out, gripping the straw hat tightly. The water spout shot the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates back several yards before he came to a stop upon his knees. Two musical soldiers appeared upon either side of him, crossing their lances in front of his stone-faced expression. "Roger's execution marked the beginning of the Great Pirate Era…" Uta noted as she approached, enticing Luffy to look out with widened, shaking eyes, "And today…" she continued, gripping the straw hat in both of her hands, "your execution is about to mark its end!" she declared as she pulled at the hat.

"That's Shanks'…!" the Gum-Gum user gasped out, watching helplessly as his friend starting ripping the hat apart, "NNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" he screamed with dismay, "WHAT HAPPENED?!" he yelled in question, slamming his right fist against the water as a booming echo reverberated, "Last time I saw you, you loved the Red Hair Pirates!" he remembered, "You were proud to be one of them!" he added emphatically, "You used to tell me that Shanks was your hero!" he mentioned on, "What changed to make you hate pirates so much?!" he inquired. A seagull flew by, squawking all the while. The Sing-Sing user tensed up.

"It's Shanks' fault…" she proclaimed to her friend's surprise, "I did look up to him, just like you said…" she pointed out, remembering the captain of the Red Hair Pirates vividly as she teared up, "I thought of Shanks as my real father!" she exclaimed, "It wasn't just him…" she added sadly, "Everyone on that ship was like family to me…" she said, "But that was all a nasty lie!" she spat angrily, "That's just what they wanted me to believe…" she noted, "As soon as he had the chance, Shanks abandoned me…" she remembered, "He left me on Elegia and didn't even bother to say goodbye…!" she sobbed out.

"You're wrong!" Luffy yelled, "He told me you left so you could sing!" he recalled.

"Another lie!" Uta screamed. She knew exactly what had happened that fateful day…

FLASHBACK

Though they were only staying on the island for a short while, the Red Hair Pirates were finding their fill upon Elegia. An oasis of music was practically a dream for Uta especially. She had the honor of getting to sing to so many people, hearing their rousing applause for her angelic voice.

"Magnificent!" a blonde-haired Gordon exclaimed after her performance, "Your voice is truly a gift to the world!" he pointed out, "And if you would like to hone that talent," he continued, "there's no shortage of teachers and musicians here!" he told her, "If you would grace us with your presence," he kept going, "then Elegia shall welcome you with open arms!" he promised. It was like a dream come true. Between all of the people who studied music and honed their talents, the Sing-Sing user had a variety of options to choose from. She could become exactly what she wanted to be. And yet…

"Well, what do you think?" Shanks inquired of her later that night as they stood side by side at a balcony, "You seemed to really enjoy singing back there," he pointed out.

"Mmm… I guess…" his daughter replied uncomfortably.

"You sure you wouldn't rather sing for a big crowd instead of a bunch of smelly old men on a boat?" he questioned on.

"It's not like that…" Uta proclaimed as a retort, fidgeting a little.

"I'll tell ya something," Shanks said, turning to her, "Despite what people say, things like peace and justice don't exist in this world," he pointed out, much to her confusion as she blinked, "But your voice… that's real," he affirmed, "That's something that can bring happiness to everyone everywhere," he mentioned on.

"What are you talking about?" his daughter asked, starting to grow somewhat concerned.

"If you want, you can stay here," he assured in reply, crouching down to her eye level, "I'll come pick you up once you're the best singer in the world, okay?" he promised.

"Never!" Uta shouted to his surprise, "I'm the musician of the Red Hair Pirates, you know!" she yelled on, "I like it here…" she continued, tearing up, "but if I had to leave you, there's no point!" she noted, "You're my family!" she whimpered out.

"I'm sorry…" Shanks apologized, holding his arms out for her to walk into comforting embrace, letting her cry into his shoulder, "It's fine…" he assured, "We'll ship out tomorrow, okay?" he affirmed, "Don't worry…" he said. Though the Sing-Sing user could've had her dream come true, she didn't want to leave behind the family that raised her. And as such, she would stay…

But something happened that night…

Uta couldn't believe her eyes. Elegia had been set ablaze, with buildings burning in the distance along with the land itself. It looked as if quite the disaster had struck while she slept. What could've happened?

"Gordon…?" she uttered out upon spotting the island's ruler nearby, getting his attention. Bandages had been wrapped around his bleeding head as he turned to face her.

"You've woken into a nightmare…" he remarked. Aside from the burning city, many people were also dead as a result of whatever had happened.

"Why's everything on fire…?" Uta asked, "How'd I even sleep through all this…?" she questioned on, only to gasp in realization, "Wait, where's my family?!" she inquired in panic.

"They've taken everything!" Gordon shouted out as a response to her surprise, "And the people of this country… they're dead!" he added emphatically, dropping to his knees, "Killed!" he exclaimed. The little girl didn't want to assume the worst.

"Where's Shanks?!" she finally asked.

"They used you to trick us…" the island's ruler answered, "Enchanted by the sound of your voice, we welcomed you… only to have our treasure stolen…" he told Uta. Her eyes were shaking.

"They did this…?" she inquired.

"They are pirates… after all…" Gordon pointed out. The little girl didn't want to believe it. This wasn't like her father. It couldn't have been… "They've been lying your entire life, Uta!" the island's ruler exclaimed, "They don't care about you!" he added as the Sing-Sing user ran down the hill toward the port, "This is what they do!" he echoed. Uta didn't want to assume the worst. But with everything happening, with none of the Red Hair Pirates in sight… she couldn't help but worry that it was all true. She tripped on her way down. "They're criminals!" Gordon yelled, only for her to get up and press on. Smoke billowed into the night sky as thunder echoed above. The little girl arrived at the port… and gasped upon seeing the Red Force sailing away.

"Come back, Shanks!" she screamed out as Gordon was running after her, "DON'T LEAVE ME!" she screeched, almost jumping into the water if not for the island's ruler catching her from behind and pulling her back. Cannonballs were striking the water as a nearby navy ship was heading after the Red Force. Amidst that, the Sing-Sing user could hear laughter aboard the boat she called home for so long. "NO!" she cried out, trying to wriggle herself free from the grasp of the island's ruler. She could see her father. He and his crew had their backs turned to the island, each holding up a mug of ale as the scarred captain sat atop an abundance of treasure. "Come back…!" Uta whimpered out, finally letting tears streak right down her face, "I THOUGHT WE WERE FAMILY!" she screamed. She cried with dismay, having been left behind by the people she thought loved her.

From that day, reports of Elegia's destruction were shown all throughout the world, with all depicting the Red Hair Pirates as the main culprits. And as such, Shanks was made out to be a pirate with a very high bounty. All of this… at the expense of his daughter's happiness.

END FLASHBACK

Water dripping from his hair, Luffy shot up, knocking the lances of the musical soldiers aside with an angered grunt. He had known Shanks. Maybe not as long as his friend before him, but he knew that the scarred pirate was a kindhearted man.

"Shanks wouldn't do that, no!" he proclaimed, "Does that sound like him to you?!" he questioned of Uta.

"Then why would he abandon me for twelve years?!" she inquired back, "Wake up, Luffy!" she insisted out of frustration, "You're letting him trick you!" she pointed out, "This is exactly what happened to me!" she added, followed by transforming the ripped straw hat in her hand into a small black musical note that she held in between her fingers.

"He's coming, you know…" Luffy noted.

"To save you, I assume?" Uta retorted.

"No, to save you!" the Gum-Gum user shouted back.

"Save me how?" the diva asked, loading the musical note into a port upon her left headphone, "And from what?" she inquired on.

"Shanks would never forget his own daughter!" Luffy proclaimed in response, "He won't let you hurt yourself or anyone else, either!" he mentioned firmly. Uta took note of his expression. She knew he wasn't going to back down. And thanks to him, she was wavering ever so slightly. She teared up as she lowered her head.

"Shanks isn't coming… and he never cared…" she affirmed while in reality, she was kneeling right beside Luffy's snoozing form, "He threw me away…" she whimpered out. She brushed aside her friend's locks of wet, dark hair, caressing his cheek for a moment. "Enough, okay?" she said, grabbing a knife beside her before placing the straw hat onto the Gum-Gum user's chest, "Goodbye… Luffy…!" she whimpered out, ready to stab him. Back in the Sing-Sing World, her friend suddenly perked up in surprise. He heard something echo in the distance. Uta heard it as well, noticing a flash of light for a moment. She narrowed her eyes, spotting another flash closer. And then… "GUAHHH…!" she gasped out as something fiercely slammed into her stomach. It was the glowing right fist of Sunset, whose expression was of grit teeth and a determined glare.

"RRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!" she roared, sending the diva flying back along the submerged stadium. She tumbled along the water, coming to a stop at the very end upon her back. She gasped for breath.

"Sunset…!" Luffy yelped out.

"Stay out of this, Luffy," the Equestrian Magic user insisted, "She's mine…" she snarled on, rocketing out toward the Sing-Sing user.

"Wait, stop!" the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates yelled. Uta shakily got back onto her feet, making green musical notes appear and surround where she was struck. She winced, shocked to have even endured such pain in an instant. And to make matters worse, the blow she took was stronger than the one she had received the first time Sunset attacked.

The moment she was fully recovered, she ended up taking a kick to the right side of her head, sending her crashing into one of the stadium arches. The dust was slow to settle as she coughed, grabbing at her now-aching cranium. She heard the whoosh of air blow away the dust surrounding her, widening her eyes to see the Equestrian Magic user closing in with her right fist clenched. An explosion of dust erupted as Luffy's eyes shook. Flying out from it was Uta, who gave off a nervous grin.

"Huh," she chuckled out, "You're even more of a sore loser than Luffy…" she noted mockingly. All of a sudden, Sunset reappeared above her in a flash of amber light, only for her to notice too late as she was struck by another kick to her right hip, tumbling toward the luminescent water below. Her opponent zipped after her, anger still burning in her eyes. Smirking, the Sing-Sing user snapped her fingers, making colorful musical notes fly out, morphing into minions that all zoomed for the Equestrian Magic user. Gnashing her teeth, she crossed her arms over her face before making her body glow brightly. The light expanded outward in an instant, striking the incoming musical soldiers and blowing them away.

Uta flinched from the brightness, shutting her eyes momentarily. And that moment was all Sunset needed to make her way behind her again, rearing her left arm back with her fist clenched and cloaked in a reddish-amber light. Her foe noticed too late before getting struck down towards the submerged mainstage, crashing up against the crystals in a flurry of dust.

"Uta!" Luffy screamed in panic. He watched as Sunset flew down, hitting the water hard in a three-point landing. She peered under the surface, noticing the many objects submerged. She clenched her fists tightly, slowly walking toward the mass of crystals at the other end of the stadium.

"Urgh… agh…" Uta groaned as she shakily stood up, though she immediately managed to heal herself thanks to the green musical notes she conjured to touch her body.

"What happened to all your loyal fans?" the Equestrian Magic user asked rhetorically, getting her attention as she looked out to see her foe approaching her through the dissipating dust cloud, "Didn't you say you'd have this concert go on forever for them?" she questioned on. The Sing-Sing user blinked before giving off an angered expression of her own.

"It is for them!" she affirmed, "Everything I've done is to take people away from this sick, rotten world!" she pointed out emphatically, "Why can't you see that I'm doing this for all of those who need that peace?! That justice?!" she inquired loudly.

"Oh, I can see alright…" Sunset snarled in response, "But it's all just genocide…" she pointed out to the shock of the diva, "And that's something I'm not gonna let you get away with!" she declared on, shooting forward in an instant. Uta grimaced. Before she could think to do anything, her foe struck her squarely in the gut with her glowing right fist, sending her flying back against the crystals hard as they cracked upon impact. She gasped for breath, only to end up taking a left hook to her face from the Equestrian Magic user. Her pendant glowed briefly under her top. In the instant she struck, she saw a flash of the young Sing-Sing user bawling as the Red Force was departing Elegia, leaving her behind.

She struck with her right fist next. This time, she witnessed the diva and Luffy playing together as kids, building a strong friendship. Another hit led her to see Uta writing her music, though with a solemn look upon her face. Each blow dealt was like another piece to the puzzle for Sunset to discover all she could about her opponent. But the pieces she was still missing were crucial. There was so much context still not evident to her. The glow around her fists darkened to a burning crimson.

"Stop it already!" Luffy yelled out desperately as he began running over. The Equestrian Magic user reared her right fist back as the glow around it darkened even more. Uta widened her eyes as she saw her foe thrust it out, directly striking her stomach. For almost a millisecond, there was a flash of black. And in reality, the Sing-Sing user gasped, dropping her knife just before she could stab her rubbery friend. She coughed up blood as it dripped onto the grass below, shaken by the sight of it. She looked over slowly to Sunset's sleeping form, wondering just what she was truly capable of. In the Sing-Sing world, she stepped away as the diva leaned back weakly against the crystals.

"What… did you just do…?" she asked of the Equestrian Magic user. She didn't answer, readying her glowing fist again to strike. But all of a sudden, a hand grabbed her wrist. She looked back to see Luffy there, holding onto her tightly.

"Just stop it already!" he insisted of her, "This isn't like you!" he pointed out.

"Luffy, let me go!" Sunset shouted back, "This is the only way we can stop her if she's not gonna release us!" she noted, "And I bet she knows everything about Tot Musica that we do!" she added vehemently, "There's no way she's gonna risk using it when we're already so close to being trapped here forever…" she mentioned on, "Besides, I'm doing this so you won't have to!" she affirmed further, "I know you don't wanna hurt her…" she said.

"And I know you don't, either!" Luffy yelled back, tightening his grip on the red-and-yellow-haired woman's wrist, "You're the last person I'd think who'd wanna solve this with a fight!" he exclaimed, causing her to blink in surprise, "Didn't you wanna understand what made Uta do all this?!" he inquired on. There was a tense silence. Slowly, Sunset lowered her fist as she clenched her teeth.

"Of course I understand, Luffy…" she confirmed, enticing him to loosen his hold on her, while Uta perked up slightly, "I see myself in her…" she admitted, looking out at the diva. In her eyes, she saw herself. "I see someone who wanted everything to be perfect… everyone to love her…" she listed off, "And I see that person getting so caught up in those feelings… that they become a monster instead…" she added to the diva's shock, while Luffy blinked, "I told you about that, didn't I?" she inquired of the Gum-Gum user, who simply nodded, "If it wasn't for Twilight, Applejack, and the others…" she continued, opening her right fist as she let the glow around it dissipate, "I know that I would've stayed that monster," she stated, "Even if I had all that power, I'd still be scared of it…" she mentioned in confession, taking a step forward, "Uta—" Her eyes jolted open as she felt something pierce through her abdomen. Luffy gasped. The Sing-Sing user had conjured a smaller version of the lance she had used earlier back at the concert, having stabbed her foe with it.

"SUNSET!" Luffy screamed. The Equestrian Magic user grimaced as her eyes met the diva's. And she was enraged.

"A monster…?" she repeated in a growl, "How dare you!" she roared, shoving her blade further into Sunset's gut as she yelped with pain, blood spreading about her top, "I already told you, I'm saving people from the cruelty of reality!" she exclaimed vehemently, "Why can't that fact get through your thick skull?!" she questioned on, gnashing her teeth.

"Uta, stop it!" the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates yelled, about to approach to help his Omni Force teammate. But to his surprise, she gestured for him to stay back.

"Yeah… I guess telling you's not really the best method…" she admitted to Uta, causing her to blink in surprise as her foe grabbed and gripped her shoulders tightly, "So maybe I'll just show you!" she declared, swinging her head forward and slamming it up against Uta's cranium hard. Both of their eyes flashed white for a moment. The diva fell backwards, landing on her bottom.

"Ow…!" she groaned out, "Seriously? A head-butt?" she grumbled, rubbing her aching head as she stood up, "That's so not cute at all…" she muttered on. She opened her eyes… and found herself no longer in the Sing-Sing World. In fact, she wasn't even on Elegia. She was standing in front of a mirror statue that stood before a large school building. "Wh…Where am I…?" she asked. She then heard an ominous chuckling, making her blink in surprise as she turned and widened her eyes to see Sunset there, albeit younger with a different outfit. But what surprised her was the look of eagerness in her eyes as she held a crown with a peculiar gem upon it.

"At last…" she said, giggling with excitement. Looking around, Uta saw Applejack and a few other girls in the area, along with dog and a boy with a strange-looking watch upon his left wrist. "More power… than I could ever imagine…!" the red-and-yellow-haired girl exclaimed, placing the crown atop her head. All of a sudden, an energy reverberated through the coronet, as rings of light began flowing down around its wearer.

"Huh?" Uta uttered as she blinked. All of a sudden, a blast of blue light enveloped Sunset, causing the diva and everyone else to flinch as a shockwave rang out. Looking into the towering luminosity, the Sing-Sing user saw Sunset float upward. And she noticed the tears streaking down her face as she bit her bottom lip. Her eyes flashed white as her body began to change. Her skin turned a ghastly red with claw-like hands, a red-and-yellow forked tail, demonic-looking wings, and a monstrous face with pointy ears. She wore a red-and-yellow dress as well with thigh-high boots.

"Ahahahahahaha!" she cackled upon seeing how she appeared now, surging with power. Uta stared on in disbelief.

"What…?" she uttered out. Meanwhile, Sunset was out upon a beach, barefoot as the gentle waves washed over her. She kept on her path before finding herself standing before what looked to be the remnants of a broken crate. And lying near it were a few peculiar transponder snails.

'These must be the video transponder snails Gordon was talking about…' she realized, crouching down to inspect it. As she tried to grab it, her hand phased right through. 'Oh, right,' she said inwardly, 'I'm in a memory…' she recalled, 'Which means…' she continued, turning to spot Uta making her down to the beach. She was evidently younger, wearing jeans and a black shirt, humming solemnly as she walked along. From what she remembered hearing, Sunset knew it had been a long time since the Sing-Sing user was apparently abandoned by the Red-Hair Pirates.

But things just didn't seem to add up to her. From what Luffy had said, Uta and Shanks were family, even if it wasn't by blood. Why would he suddenly abandon her if it wasn't what she wanted. She looked on as the young idol to-be spotted the video transponder snails, picking one up and inspecting it curiously, wondering what it could do.

"I know there's something missing here, Uta…" Sunset said, approaching the girl from behind, "Just let me see so I can understand why…" she requested as she reached her right hand out. A flash of white light washed over just before she could attempt to touch the Sing-Sing user. Back in the created world, both women fell over onto their bottoms in splashes.

"Sunset!" Luffy cried out as he went over to the Equestrian Magic user's side, seeing her blood spread along her top from wound, "Are you gonna be okay?!" he asked worriedly, crouching down and putting her right arm over his shoulders before slowly lifting her back onto her feet.

"You really think… I'm gonna become a monster…?" Uta questioned, getting the pair's attention as they looked to see her standing up herself, "If I keep this up… is that what people are gonna see me as…?" she wondered on, still holding the small lance in her hand as the blood on its tip dripped into the water. Sunset let out a wince.

"It isn't too late, Uta…" she assured, taking a small step forward, "Let us all go, and we'll help you…" she promised in instruction, extending her right hand out, "Please…" she weakly pleaded. The Sing-Sing user trembled in place. In reality, she was standing over Sunset's sleeping form.

"I'm sorry, but it is too late," she apologized as a confirmation, "I've come too far to let it all end here," she affirmed, "You, Luffy… and all those friends of yours…" she listed off, "I know if I bring you into this new world, you'll just make me feel worse for everything that's happened…" she noted on, kneeling next to the red-and-yellow-haired Equestrian Magic user, having reclaimed the knife she dropped moments ago, "So goodbye…" she said, prepared to stab her in the same place she did back in the Sing-Sing World. But all of a sudden, a hand reached out and stopped hers. She looked up with an angered growl, but then widened her eyes in shock as she gasped. Before her was Shanks, giving her a soft smile. "Shanks…?" she uttered in disbelief.

END

Man, what a chapter to get through. Between the dramatization of certain scenes and the extra stuff with Sunset and Uta, I really went through a lot this chapter. I hope you enjoyed this one. I'm really excited as to how I'm planning to conclude this big story.

Thanks for reading, everyone! I'll see you next time!