The joint concert of Tesoro and Stella lasted until 11 PM. In those two hours, they performed over a dozen songs, with five new tracks—"Towards the Light," "Believe," "I Am Here," "Memories," and "Brand New World"—becoming instant hits.
Originally, a certain influential figure behind the scenes wanted to bring out all the classic opening songs for a one-time listening extravaganza. However, upon careful consideration, it was realized that some lyrics couldn't be revealed.
For example, songs like "Wanted," "Jungle P," and even the most iconic "We Are" were off-limits. Just look at the lyrics: the first three lines were "Gather all your dreams," "Go find the treasure," and "ONE PIECE." To the World Government, this was politically incorrect.
In the end, Tesoro and Stella concluded the concert with the Navy's anthem, "The Guidance of the Sea," as the grand finale!
For most citizens of the affiliated nations, this song was far more familiar than the pirate anthem "Binks' Sake." After all, for eight hundred years, it had been the Navy maintaining order across the seas. Just like the future Koby, young boys and girls dreaming of joining the Navy would often gather to sing this anthem.
The best choice would have been a song praising the World Government itself, but alas, there wasn't one.
Although the concert had ended, the festive atmosphere on Sabaody Archipelago remained unaffected. Instead, it grew even more lively as tens of thousands of kings, nobles, locals, Fish-men, and Mermen dispersed from the Soap Bubble Dome Arena, spreading the excitement.
Every tavern and restaurant was already packed, forcing them to set up tables and chairs outside. Yet, the allure of late-night snacks and drinks kept the patrons unfazed.
The most bustling and vibrant area was the "Sabaody Amusement Park" spanning GR32, GR33, and GR34! "Yaaaaaah—!"
"Hahahahaha!"
Children riding the Bubble Roller Coaster screamed with delight as they enjoyed the thrill of speed, their faces flushed with excitement.
Meanwhile, the Bubble Pirate Ship swung up and down, and every time it reached its peak and descended, a chorus of shouts releasing pent-up energy drew the attention of those nearby.
For those who preferred a quieter experience, the Bubble Ferris Wheel was the choice. Whether it was a couple or a family of three, they could enjoy the vibrant night view of the entire amusement park together.
But the children's favorite was undoubtedly the Bubble Carousel, while the adults found joy in watching the smiles on their children's faces, their own expressions filled with happiness.
"This is paradise..."
Queen Otohime watched everything around her with tears in her eyes. She was so greedy, wanting to take in every detail, to imprint it all in her heart.
In her eyes, the sight of Fish-man children and human children playing together on the carousel, sharing the same cotton candy, laughing, and chatting was so beautiful. It felt like living in a dream.
"Yes, the World Government has truly earned my admiration this time!" King Neptune nodded sincerely, expressing his heartfelt admiration.
Look around. Fish-men and humans, filled with curiosity about each other, sit together at the same tables, clinking glasses and chatting merrily. They discuss the songs from the evening, today's Levely, and the little details of their respective homelands.
Of course, the mermaids with their bubble rings around their waists, blessed with their beautiful appearances and the aura of fairy tales, have become the center of attention, surrounded by numerous human men.
But they are warm and enthusiastic, not shy in the slightest, openly laughing and chatting with those around them, occasionally sharing a bit about mermaids and Fish-Man Island.
In such a joyful atmosphere, humans and fish-men, mermaids and humans, begin to understand and familiarize themselves with each other. Even if occasional arguments arise, they are quickly resolved by the arriving Neptune Army and Navy, with both parties bowing their heads and apologizing profusely.
All these details naturally caught the eyes of King Neptune and Queen Otohime beside him, warming their hearts.
Though this is just the beginning, Sabaody Archipelago has indeed made a good start this time! "Your Majesty, I want to do well in the Publicity Department. I want this scene to appear in more places. I want to contribute more to such a beautiful future!"
Queen Otohime looked up firmly at King Neptune.
The latter nodded with a smile, "Good, I support you. Although the World Government's domineering nature hasn't changed at all, they are indeed making the world a better place!"
At this moment, the king of Fish-Man Island no longer dwelled on the loss of the Poneglyph.
If the ancestors in the afterlife were to blame him, he would simply apologize.
Compared to the past, the present and future of Fish-Man Island are what truly matter.
From GR60 to GR69, this is the area where the Navy branch, government departments, and the Neptune Army are stationed. By rule, unauthorized personnel are strictly prohibited from approaching.
However, what was once a quiet, solemn, and dignified place is now bustling with activity, with Navy personnel, men in black, and fish-men soldiers coming and going at all times.
"How is the situation now?"
In the office, Dragon, clad in a Justice Coat and green suit, asked Rear Admiral Avène as he walked in. The latter sat down on a chair with a look of helplessness.
"There are too many people on the island, and with so many drinking, arguments are inevitable. There are also those with ill intentions who take advantage of the crowd to steal and cheat, and some who can't find their children. All sorts of situations are arising. If it weren't for the help of the Neptune Army, we would have run out of manpower long ago."
"There must be conflicts between humans and fish-men, and mermaids. How are they being resolved?"
"Just as we agreed with the Neptune Army, whoever starts with insults gets two days in confinement, whoever throws the first punch gets five days, and thieves get ten days. Those with severe offenses are sent to Enies Lobby for trial!"
"Have there been any slave traders trying to abduct people?" Dragon asked.
"Not yet, but we've caught a few pirates with bounties of one or two million," Rear Admiral Avène replied with a smile.
"Alright, make sure the warships and the Neptune Army outside the island remain vigilant. No matter what happens inside the island, as long as we prevent them from escaping by sea, everything can be resolved!"
"Yes, sir!"
After Rear Admiral Avène left the office, Dragon closed his eyes and activated his Observation Haki. Ever since his Hurricane Fruit awakened, he discovered that his mental waves could spread out with the wind.
Although he couldn't hear any sounds, he could indeed sense the movements and auras of every object. Each gentle breeze felt like an invisible tentacle, sketching outlines in his mind.
As for the auras, this was the basic effect of Observation Haki.
In other words, he could monitor the actions of every person on Sabaody Archipelago through the constantly changing outlines. However, the sheer volume of information was overwhelming, so he focused most of his attention on the periphery of the island. This way, anyone attempting to leave the island would surely be detected.
"Hmm?"
Suddenly, Dragon noticed a person standing alone at the edge of Area GR53, looking up at the night sky.
The reason he noticed this person was twofold: first, it was unusual for someone to stand alone in a deserted corner amidst such a lively atmosphere, and second, the aura emanating from this person was incredibly intense.
This was definitely a master!