Chapter 3 - Uta’s Choice
Uta opened her eyes slowly, the warm golden glow still faintly shimmering around her. The world around her felt different... lighter, as if the weight of despair had lifted.
Her gaze drifted upward—meeting Jessie's calm, smiling face.
She blinked, then turned to see Shanks kneeling beside her.
"Why... why am I still alive?" she asked quietly, her voice trembling. "I used all my strength... to wake the world from that nightmare..."
Shanks exhaled a long breath and smiled gently.
"You're alive... thanks to him."
He nodded toward Jessie.
Uta turned her eyes back to the stranger—this calm, confident man in a black suit and cowboy hat. Her eyes narrowed, cautious.
"You... saved me?" she asked, pushing herself up with care.
Jessie offered a hand to help, which she ignored at first. After a moment, she gave a slight bow instead.
"...Thank you," she said sincerely.
Jessie simply smiled.
"You're welcome."
But Uta tilted her head, narrowing her eyes slightly. He's handsome... but too smooth.
Her thoughts betrayed her suspicion:
"Is he some kind of pervert? A fanboy? Why would he save me?"
But Jessie only chuckled softly in his mind. With MAX Observation Haki, her thoughts were like whispers on the wind to him.
"Pervert? Ouch," he thought, smirking. "Guess I deserve that much skepticism."
He spoke gently, but clearly.
"I saved you because I came here looking for my first crew member... my first nakama. And you... Uta... you're the one."
Uta's eyes widened slightly.
"Crew...?"
Jessie took a step back, his hands behind his back, eyes sparkling with passion.
"My name is Jessie. And I am the soon-to-be captain of the Voidreign Pirates—a crew destined to rule the unknown seas... the void beyond what the world dares to explore."
A breeze blew through the broken cathedral. Uta stared, confused and shocked. Even Shanks and Benn Beckman exchanged cautious glances.
"Voidreign...?" Benn muttered. "Never heard of it."
"Me neither," Shanks said, frowning.
Uta looked between them, unsure.
Her eyes drifted to Luffy, still unconscious nearby.
"Luffy..." she whispered.
She turned back to Jessie.
He stood tall—quiet but proud. Not arrogant. Not threatening. Just... sincere.
After a moment's pause, she stepped forward.
"Alright, Jessie."
She raised her hand slowly toward him.
"Let's see if your dream is real."
Jessie's smile deepened.
He reached out and shook her hand—firmly.
DING!
[Uta has joined the Voidreign Pirates.]
[Bond Level: 1].
Jessie heard the system and shook, and smile..