The voice was hoarse, with a touch of bravado and ruthlessness, instantly making Sage recognize it was Nusjuro, the bald-headed man.
The main thing was the Radio Snail forming an image of a hard-faced man wearing round glasses.
"Yo..."
Sage chuckled lightly: "The Five Elders actively calling me, seems like something big is up. Although we have a contract, we can't be considered friends, right? What can't you handle yourselves that requires me, a Pirate, to do? Which Pirate crew does Tot Musica belong to?"
His words questioned as if this thing belonged to some folk song troupe...
"Not a Pirate."
The Radio Snail started to transform, changing into Peter's likeness.
"Sage, that's a 'Demon.'
This made Sage's eyes slightly widen, sitting up a bit straighter, "Are you talking about the demon I have in mind?"
Demon, not a metaphorical reference nor one for some notorious Pirate — even the worst among Pirates must depend on their strength. Currently, the worst would be the Four Emperors, and the worst among them is certainly Sage.
If not that, then there's only one — the true Demon.
The Demon within the Devil Fruit!
"That's right, just as you thought, the source of the ability, the demon representing music, Tot Musica," Peter said solemnly.
Sage's pupils enlarged, Lily also displayed a look of disbelief, staring at the Radio Snail as it spoke.
"No, that's not right, huh?!"
Sage furrowed his brows, "The demon can detach from the fruit? Manifest itself? Isn't this thing a product of wish-fulfillment!"
"We're not here to trace origins with you, Sage. This is collaboration. The appearance of a demon can lead the world into collapse — then neither you nor us could stand firm in this sea. You wouldn't want to see a sea without people, right?" Peter asked.
"We also wish to utilize your power to counter Tot Musica. Only by making it vanish can the sea remain stable, and the 'chessboard' you desire can exist, allowing us to continue this game," Mars said.
"We've tracked Tot Musica's movements. The renowned singer Uta carries the Demon Power. Only by dealing with her can we prevent the demon's emergence,"
"Hmm? The singer? You've found her, why not deal with it?" Sage asked.
"No movement, just heard she's preparing for a concert, but her whereabouts are unknown. We've also activated the Special Agents under your command, yet still can't find her. The New World is essentially under your jurisdiction now. We must admit, finding her may be inherently more convenient for you. We can promise you — as long as we succeed, we'll withdraw all those spies," Warcury added.
"No, they're so useful, why withdraw them? They're all specialized talents, hard to come by. If I lose a lot of talent here, be careful, I'll turn on you!"
Sage refused, his remark causing the Radio Snail to lapse into a rare silence.
Special Agents, they knew of course, as did the World Government know they knew, and understood Sage's intentions. But since they were rooted there, initially thought Sage had given up because he couldn't find the target or didn't want to waste too much time. Yet...
Is he trying to utilize their power?
Such a thought...
"Typical of you, Disaster."
Figarland·Garling remarked lightly, "Aside from being unable to locate her, Uta's identity is also rather special. If she could be persuaded to abandon the idea of a concert and return to Mary Geoise, that would be the best choice."
Sage squinted, sneering, "A singer, how special can she be? If that's the case, as long as she holds a concert, then go and slay her, isn't that enough? Can't find her, she'll appear on her own, why be so afraid."
"But the threat will always remain."
Peter stated, "Tot Musica, the demon of music, straddles reality and fantasy, possessing significant influence. If it truly reaches the concert stage, things may become uncontrollable. Therefore, we need to collaborate with you. The best outcome is to re-seal Tot Musica."
"Uta ate the Paramecia-Type Song Fruit, becoming a singer who can hypnotize people through singing, thereby achieving mental control over others. But after being influenced by Tot Musica, this ability can also release the demon. In the Spiritual Dreamland, it's fine, it doesn't affect reality — but once it manifests in reality, it must be killed simultaneously in both realms to seal it, which is the most troublesome."
"If the time drags on, those destroyed by the song and enter the Spiritual World may already be doomed. You certainly couldn't stop, the Radio Snail broadcasting worldwide — even a trace heard by them will bring disaster to your subordinates."
"Ha! Sounds mystical, I thought you guys only feared Nika."
Sage bared his teeth, "I'm different from you, the things you fear I may not care, no one can stop my plan!"
Finished, he waved his hand, Lily cut off the Radio Snail before the Five Elders could finish speaking.
...
Pangu Palace, amidst power.
The five elders stared at the Radio Snail, now closed, falling into silence.
"He hung up."
Nusjuro clicked his tongue, "That Disaster guy remains as arrogant as ever."
"He should have listened."
Peter remarked, "If it truly reaches that stage, world devastation, he'll become anxious too. Whether it be them or us... people are needed."