Heroic Spirit Template in One Piece Chapter 124: You're Better Off With Me

While the World Governnt was still busy dealing with matters related to Caelan, the banquet between Caelan and the Red Hair Pirates was just about to begin.

Before the festivities started, Uta hesitated several tis, but finally walked up to Shanks and Gordon.

"I'm sorry, Gordon. I destroyed Elegia."

"Shanks, thank you for everything you've done for , but I'm not worthy of it."

Uta's eyes were red as she spoke painfully.

Shanks was glad to see his daughter finally understand him, but he didn't like seeing her looking so downcast.

Gordon felt the sa. After raising Uta for ten years, he didn't just see her as a daughter—she was the future of Elegia.

"Tot Musica is a demon that Elegia has guarded against for generations. Even if it wasn't you, soone else with the Sing-Sing Fruit could have summoned it."

"I've never blad you. In fact, none of this was your fault. How could a seven-year-old girl who simply loved to sing possibly destroy Elegia on her own?"

Gordon shook his head and spoke gently.

When that red-haired girl declared ten years ago that "singing is innocent," he had already co to terms with it.

The seven-year-old Uta had never been the real culprit behind Elegia's destruction. The Demon King of Songs that bewitched her was the true enemy.

"But… the forr music capital was destroyed because of …"

Tears welled up again in Uta's eyes, and her heart remained heavy.

"If you still can't let it go, then co with . Travel the world, and let your singing be heard."

"Maybe, out there, you'll find your answer."

Shanks gently patted her head as he spoke.

"Go see the world…"

Uta murmured softly, light beginning to return to her tear-filled eyes.

"If you're going to travel, you should be with ."

While Uta was lost in thought, Caelan's voice rang out.

He was glad to see Shanks and Uta reconcile.

But still, Uta, you're better off with .

"You may be trustworthy, but Uta should co with ."

Shanks replied seriously, his tone stern.

He looked at Caelan with clear wariness. The man's intentions were written all over his face.

"That won't do. I truly appreciate Uta's singing. I've decided to choose her."

"And besides, it should be Uta's choice."

Caelan smiled, not backing down in the slightest.

Appreciate her singing?

"True. Uta has grown up. Letting her decide for herself is better."

Shanks laughed heartily and agreed with Caelan.

He wasn't the type of overprotective father who would cling to his daughter's choices. He would respect her decision.

"So, Uta, who will you go with?"

Caelan looked at Uta and asked with a smile.

Uta hesitated for a mont, then walked toward Shanks.

"Haha! Uta chose after all!"

Shanks laughed proudly.

For many fathers, having their daughter reject so guy trying to take her away was a dream co true.

But before he could fully enjoy the mont, Uta's next words hit him like a brick.

"Sorry, Shanks!"

"I promised Caelan I'd be his partner… and I want to see the new world he described."

Uta bowed to Shanks as she declared her choice.

Caelan may have pretended to be dying to fool her, but he had truly saved her. He was the one who destroyed Tot Musica and stopped it from doing more harm.

"…I respect your choice."

Shanks' smile stiffened, but he nodded in understanding.

"Haha, Uta, you've made the right choice!"

Right in front of Shanks, Caelan pulled Uta into his arms and laughed without sha.

Uta blushed and tried to wriggle free from Caelan's arms.

"You've gone too far!"

Shanks' face darkened, his chest tightening.

Did this guy know how much psychological damage he was inflicting on a father who cared deeply about his daughter?

"Let's drink!"

Shanks muttered through clenched teeth.

He was heartbroken and needed so serious alcohol to drown his sorrows.

Glug, glug, glug!

But even after a few gulps, Shanks didn't feel any better.

And he had no one to bla but the guy across from him—Caelan.

"Caelan, this one's great, you have to try it!"

"This roast at is really good, have a bite!"

"This grilled fish is excellent too, want so?"

…

Caelan was surrounded by Nami and the other girls, all doting and caring, feeding him left and right.

What annoyed Shanks the most was that Uta, as if possessed, was also blushing and carefully offering food to Caelan.

Glug, glug, glug!

The bitter wine burned as it went down his throat, scalding his chest.

Shanks' eyes nearly turned red with frustration.

The other mbers of the Red Hair Pirates didn't look much better. They all saw Uta as their daughter too.

And now, watching this scoundrel Caelan? Their faces were filled with barely restrained hostility.

"Caelan! Let's drink! The new King of the Sea lives up to his na!"

Beckman raised a massive mug and chugged it in one go.

"Let's go!"

Caelan didn't back down and drained his cup in one shot.

The rest of the Red Hair Pirates were like sharks scenting blood. They raised their mugs and began challenging Caelan one by one.

Caelan accepted every drink.

After a few rounds, even the Red Hair Pirates, who prided themselves on their drinking ability, had to admit Caelan was built differently.

"Caelan, your tolerance is insane!"

Shanks gritted his teeth but gave a reluctant thumbs-up.

Not only had this man taken his daughter, now even his pride in drinking had been crushed.

His masculine pride was being rcilessly trampled.

"You flatter , really!"

Caelan waved his hands modestly, but the smug grin on his face stretched all the way to the sky.

"Quit pretending! Another round!"

Shanks snapped, raising his mug once again.

"Bring it on. I'm not afraid!"

…

…

…

The next morning, just as the sun rose.

After the banquet ended, the two crews finally prepared to part ways.

"Caelan, take good care of Uta!"

Shanks placed a firm hand on Caelan's shoulder and spoke seriously.

"Don't worry. Uta's mine. I'll take good care of her."

Caelan patted his chest and responded with a solemn promise.

"Hey! She's just a crewmate! Watch your mouth!"

Shanks shot him a fierce glare, his heart breaking all over again.

"Don't worry, old man. It's bound to happen sooner or later."

Caelan patted Shanks on the shoulder, then turned and leapt onto the Wind Rider.

"You…!"

Shanks' face turned dark, veins bulging. He wanted to curse.

This guy had no sha at all. He didn't even bother to pretend anymore!

Just as he was about to warn Uta about Caelan's true colors, the Wind Rider shot off like an arrow from a bow.

"Goodbye, Shanks. If you have sothing to say, we'll talk next ti!"

Caelan's voice echoed from the sky, blocking off Shanks' words.

"…Goodbye, Caelan. Goodbye, Uta."

In the end, Shanks could only wave and say farewell to the man who had just stolen his daughter.

(To be continued.)

...

Support on P/treon to read up to 100 advanced chapters on this and 10 other fics of mine

sp-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves

(Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)