Chapter 219 Registration and the Songstress
In fact, on the same newspaper that carried news of the Heptagonal Alliance's formation, news that world-famous superstar Tesoro would hold a grand audition and form an idol group composed of minority races and humans had already been published simultaneously.
However, because the Heptagonal Alliance news was generating such tremendous attention, people worried about changes in the world situation found it difficult to focus on a mere celebrity audition.
So initially, this news didn't create much of a stir.
Apart from Tesoro's devoted fans and a small number of people indifferent to maritime affairs who only pursued entertainment unto death, hardly anyone discussed it.
But the Heptagonal Alliance news was a one-time thing. Once it passed, it passed. Though the aftershocks still rippled, it was ultimately no longer breaking news.
The audition news, however, was continuous—ongoing reports for an extended period.
You might not notice it for one day or two days, but after three, four, five consecutive days, a full week—eventually it became impossible to ignore.
At this point, even those most disinterested in entertainment news finally took notice.
"Did that Tesoro guy buy out all the front pages for this period? Who cares about this bizarre audition!"
Some people felt indignant about this.
They wanted to see how the maritime situation would shift after the Heptagonal Alliance's formation.
How would the Pirate Emperors, World Government, and Marines react? What would the world become?
Who wanted to read tabloid gossip at this critical juncture when the world stood at a crossroads?
However, there were supporters too.
Some people cared about national affairs, while others naturally cared about entertainment stars. This was human nature.
"An idol group composed of different races? This is fantastic! Whoever came up with this idea is a genius!"
"There are even giants! What would the world's strongest race look like as stars? So exciting!"
"Obviously mermaids are better! Hehehe, mermaid ladies, beautiful mermaid ladies!"
"No, mink ladies are better! Hehehe, fluffy ears and fluffy tails! This is wonderful!"
"So when exactly does the audition start? I can't wait any longer!"
Undoubtedly, with Tesoro's influence plus Morgans' continuous news bombardment, this grand audition—whose preparations had only just been completed—had already become the most eye-catching topic of the moment.
Tesoro felt extremely excited about this. He couldn't wait to return to Dressrosa and officially launch this grand audition.
So it was time to say goodbye.
"Well then, don't forget our agreement, Brett!" The enthusiastic Giant King insisted on seeing Brett and his companions off at the coast. The strongest giant's face beamed with smiles. "I'll work hard to become stronger. Next time, I won't let you gain the advantage so easily!"
"Same here," Brett said with a smile.
If maintaining friendship with this Giant King only required occasional battles, Brett felt it was absolutely worthwhile.
Then Brett and his group boarded the ship they'd arrived on and began their return journey.
The Giant King stood on the shore, watching until the ship carrying Brett and his companions disappeared beyond the horizon.
"Father, is this truly a good thing?" Behind the Giant King, Prince Loki's voice carried some hesitation. "We didn't need to become involved."
The giant race had originally stood independent from the world.
The Giant King's smile remained. He continued gazing at the sea, still seeing off his friend's departure.
Then he said, "We giants have been waiting since eight hundred years ago."
"The great warrior Elbaf said that one day, the moment of change would arrive. We giants would become the sword that opens a new era."
Prince Loki froze, then said excitedly, "Father, do you mean the time has finally come?"
"Though the Pirate King who obtained everything couldn't completely change the world, he brought the Great Pirate Era," the Giant King said calmly. "Beneath the chaotic seas, powerful forces continuously accumulate."
"If there's any moment in this long history closest to the day we've been waiting for, I believe it's now."
"I understand." Prince Loki nodded firmly.
If that was truly the case, then the giant race indeed needed even greater power.
As Brett and his group returned, promotional work in the newspapers continued.
Starting with introducing the audition concept, then explaining the process, now registration promotion had begun.
This audition was actually divided into two parts. One part involved the various minority races—with the cooperation of each race's leaders, the audition should proceed smoothly.
The other part, of course, was the human portion.
Compared to the minority races, humanity's numbers were far too great. If they used the same audition method as the minority races, they'd probably end up selecting an entire army.
Tesoro's final decision was to establish registration points in a select few countries. Only those who came to these locations to register would qualify for the audition.
These countries were distributed across different seas—the Four Blues, Paradise, the New World. Not many locations.
After all, in his view, this audition's focus was on minority races. Humans were just extras.
In any case, by the time they stopped at Totto Land to drop Katakuri off at Whole Cake Island, the vigorous audition work had officially begun.
Each minority race and each country Tesoro had selected simultaneously started registration activities.
The World Economic News Agency's newspapers began promotion at the same time.
Though Tesoro and Morgans were on the ship, they maintained constant contact with all parties through Den Den Mushi. Ultimately, registration proceeded very smoothly.
"If anything, it's going too smoothly!" In the ship's cabin, Tesoro complained loudly. "The minority races' side is fine—their populations are limited, and not many are interested in this."
"But the human side is somewhat troublesome. There are far too many people! Dressrosa says people from several nearby countries traveled thousands of miles by ship to register! Several stampede incidents occurred."
"Ah, really," he sighed dramatically. "Being too popular isn't so great either."
Brett glanced at him sideways.
Showing off now?
Tesoro truly wasn't exaggerating. Registration points in various human countries were currently overwhelmed.
In this world severely lacking entertainment activities, Tesoro's name had echoed throughout the world this past year. He was the superstar countless people worshipped.
When such a person held an audition to cultivate a new idol group, far too many people in this world were moved.
And among these people was one particularly special registrant.
"Your name?" The registration staff member, sweating profusely from being so busy, asked the girl before him.
Though he'd grown accustomed to seeing all sorts of strange people these past few days, this girl struck him as particularly unique.
She looked about thirteen or fourteen years old.
She had hair of two different colors on each side.
One side red, the other close to white.
"It's Uta."
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