Chapter 53: Elegia's Melody
East Blue.
One of the four seas, birthplace of the [Pirate King] Roger. Yet unlike Roger's infamy, the East Blue was considered the weakest of the seas, producing few independent powerhouses. Most drifting pirates were unknowns; only a handful bore bounties.
...
The Land of Music, Elegia.
Two hundred nautical miles from its territorial waters, a small, uninhabited island.
A pirate ship approached shore. A dozen pirates disembarked for temporary repairs.
"Aha ha ha ha!" The captain let out a peculiar laugh, boasting, "Once this big job's done, our bounties will soar!"
"Yeah, Captain!"
"Captain's the strongest!"
"Long live the Captain!"
"…"
The crew echoed enthusiastically. The captain, swelling with pride, declared, "Aha! Once we get that chart from those folks, I'll lead you to the Grand Line for real fortune!"
"Ohhh!" Cheers erupted.
Puffed up, the captain turned to the sea, emphasizing, "But this deal involves Elegia. They demand secrecy. Understood?"
"…"
"I said, understood?!"
"…"
Still no reply. The captain frowned, spinning around. "Hey, you lot—"
He froze.
Before him stood a man in a fur coat, a cigar clenched between his teeth, a golden hook on his left hand, his right gripping the neck of one of his crew. Around him, the rest of the crew lay shriveled on the ground, lifeless.
The captain trembled. "Y-you… who are you?"
"Making you presentable."
The man chuckled darkly, his right hand draining the last moisture from the crewman.
"Gah… ack!"
The captain, baffled but terrified, abandoned his crew and fled.
"Heh heh heh heh…" The man didn't pursue. He tossed the desiccated body aside, sneering, "You'd only die as cannon fodder on the Grand Line. Isn't this more dignified?"
"Agh!"
The captain, sweating cold bullets, ran screaming, "There's money on the ship! Take it all! Just let me go!"
THUD!
He collided with another figure. A hand clamped onto his shoulder, pain shooting through him.
"Who… who are you?!" He looked up into a tall, powerfully built frame. Perfect muscles exerted astonishing strength, immobilizing him completely.
"I know you're scared, but don't be scared yet." Vergil's irises shifted, a strange light in his clear eyes as he 'comforted' the captain. "What's this 'big job for Elegia' you mentioned?"
This piqued Vergil's curiosity. As a Land of Music, Elegia had a long history and global renown. But history and culture weren't edible. Most pirates didn't care. Elegia's economy was modest, its citizens focused on musical study, hardly a prime target for pirates.
"… Th-that, sir…" The captain shuddered. "I really don't know who they are! They just said if we cause trouble offshore, raid passing fleets, we'd get a Grand Line chart and a huge reward!"
"Truth?"
"Truth!"
"Good."
Vergil nodded. With a firm press of his palm, he drove the pirate captain into the soil.
Silence reclaimed the island.
...
Vergil dusted off his clothes. Crocodile gestured. They boarded the pirate vessel, replaced the Jolly Roger with plain white sails, and claimed it as their own.
...
They'd flown most of the way. Half a day ago, they'd neared Elegia. But Crocodile, impatient no longer, stopped Vergil early.
"Landing like that is too conspicuous." He'd spotted a small island with signs of pirate activity. "Get a pirate ship. Blend in."
"…"
Vergil, having overindulged in the Calm Belt antics, knew he was at fault and agreed. Both the Poneglyph and Nico Robin would cause uproars if discovered. Since they were here, a leisurely tour was best.
...
Soon, the ship set sail. After a slow voyage, they reached Elegia's port at dusk.
Unlike superpowers like Alabasta, Elegia's "port" and "city" were one, creating a vibrant scene.
Whoosh… BOOM!
Whoosh… BOOM!
Explosions—not cannon fire, but fireworks—burst overhead, painting the sky with colorful musical notes.
"Wow!" Vergil watched, fascinated. The sea's diverse cultures were a joy to behold.
...
Thud. The ship docked. Vergil and Crocodile disembarked.
The moment their feet touched the pier, a wave of festive noise washed over them. Crocodile frowned. "What's being celebrated?"
Even a Land of Music couldn't carnival daily.
A dock receptionist, wearing an elegant gown, approached warmly. "Gentlemen, welcome to Elegia!" Her voice was melodious. "This is the Land of Music. May you find the natural harmonies you seek here."
"…"
Crocodile didn't reply, scanning the surroundings. He wasn't being rude; he knew any conversation would be hijacked by the truly rude primitive.
As predicted—
"Excuse me." Vergil stepped forward. "What's happening in Elegia right now?"
"You didn't know?" The receptionist seemed surprised, then smiled. "Elegia is currently hosting its grand Music Festival, held every three years. Music lovers from across the world come to enjoy the melodies."
"…"
As Vergil listened, Crocodile's eyes caught an unexpected sight at the port: a ship.
Its hull was plain, its prow a square, red dragon's head. Though its Jolly Roger was stowed, Crocodile recognized it instantly: the Red Force, flagship of the Red Hair Pirates.
"[Red-Haired] Shanks… parking openly at port?" Crocodile turned to the receptionist, puzzled. "Pirates can pass through normally?"
"That's right!" Her answer surprised him. "For the duration of the Elegia Music Festival, even pirates are welcome!"
She winked. "After all, music is the world's most free and equal thing. No walls can stop its spread. Noble or commoner, all hear the same sound."
She bowed slightly, gesturing. "Welcome to the Land of Music, of love and peace—Elegia."
"…"
Before parting, Vergil asked casually, pointing at the Red Force. "How long has that ship been docked?"
The receptionist thought. "About a week? It was here before the festival officially began."
"Thanks." Vergil smiled, forming a judgment. The Red Hairs arrived earlier, stayed longer.
The butterfly's wings had fluttered, the breeze reaching Elegia.
The storm of fate was gathering.
He clapped a hand on Crocodile's shoulder, grinning brightly. "The world is always full of wonderful things, isn't it?"
"Indeed." Crocodile nodded, his tone grim. "And always full of… trouble."
(End of Chapter 53)
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