Chapter 55: The Rising Storm and the Coming Trial
Within the inner courtyard, surrounded by statues of celestial beasts and blossoming stardust lilies, Jessie stood in his usual calm stance—arms crossed, coat swaying in the breeze. His eyes lazily traced the horizon until a presence flickered beside him in a flash of light and melody.
It was Uta.
Her elegant boots touched the ground like a dancer completing a perfect pirouette. She wore her signature red-and-white ensemble, her microphone pendant shimmering like a divine note frozen in time.
"Yo, Jessie!" Uta chirped, her voice playfully teasing. "Guess who I just saw at my event?"
Jessie raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk creeping onto his lips.
"Let me guess. A new fanboy?" he joked, tapping his chin.
Uta laughed and gave him a playful elbow bump.
"Bingo! It was that grumpy surgeon—Trafalgar D. Law. I think he's secretly into idol concerts. Poor guy was trying so hard to act cool, but I saw his jaw drop the moment I hit that high note." She laughed again, louder this time. "He's totally my fan now."
Jessie shook his head, amused by her antics.
"The infamous Heart Pirate Captain... reduced to a flustered concert-goer," he chuckled. "What brings you here, anyway? Just to gloat?"
Uta's demeanor shifted slightly, growing more serious.