Arc 12Mary Geoise and Dragon’s Defection

Vidal helped Bullet through the Z Island trial, advanced his plans through dealings with Vegapunk and the Celestial Dragons, and secretly discovered Imu in Pangaea Castle. The stretch ended with Dragon confronting Garp and declaring his dream of a free, equal world.

  • Tokikake trapped Jiaerluka in scalding coffee, and Gion found him unconscious as Tokikake urged her to kill him.
  • Bullet defeated Saul, awakened his Mythical Zoan, and challenged Kuzan, Gion, and Tokikake before Zephyr ended the Z Island melee.
  • Vidal agreed to provide Vegapunk with magical plants and discussed Seastone warships, then created plants and equipment to support Marine projects and training.
  • Dragon defected from the Marines, and Garp pursued him after the government issued a bounty and Garp argued with Kong.
  • Vidal visited Mary Geoise, impressed the Celestial Dragons with magical creatures, and traded them for eight billion Beli, slaves, and three Zoan Devil Fruits.
  • Vidal secretly explored Pangaea Castle and saw Imu on the Empty Throne, then performed “God’s Wrath” for the Celestial Dragons and received the Boin Archipelago.
  • Vidal met Sakazuki at G-1 and proposed electric-powered warships to Vegapunk, while Dragon fought Garp on Maple Island and declared his dream of a free and equal world.
Chapters 277–301 Vol. 3 Read

Ch. 277Instant Coffee's Performance!

Gion and Tokikake fought Jiaerluka together, and Tokikake trapped him in a prison of scalding coffee. The technique left Tokikake exhausted and Jiaerluka unconscious, while Gion prepared to finish him.

  • Gion returned to the fight with Observation Haki, and Tokikake supported her with streams and shields of hot coffee.
  • Jiaerluka attacked Gion with a sudden sword technique, but Tokikake’s coffee shield gave her time to dodge.
  • Tokikake used his secret technique, “Instant,” to trap Jiaerluka in a twenty-meter enclosure of scalding coffee.
  • Jiaerluka repeatedly slashed at the coffee enclosure, but it sealed each opening until Tokikake ran out of strength.
  • Gion found Jiaerluka unconscious but still breathing, and Tokikake ordered her to kill him.

Ch. 278Bullet Enraged!

Kuzan and Saul waited peacefully in Z Island’s central area until Bullet arrived, eager to fight the giant. Saul’s warning about his strength enraged Bullet, setting up a dangerous clash.

  • Kuzan and Saul sat together instead of fighting, then talked while Marine spectators watched in disbelief.
  • The observers discussed Bullet’s ruthless progress through the trial, and Vidal announced that the main action was about to begin.
  • Kuzan and Saul noticed Bullet approaching and stood to face him.
  • Bullet said he would fight Saul before challenging Kuzan, and Saul warned him that a giant’s strength gave him an overwhelming advantage.
  • Bullet took Saul’s words as an insult and challenged him, while Vidal worried that Saul had provoked him into hitting hard.

Ch. 279Bullet's Arrogance!

Bullet transformed into his Mythical Zoan Mahes Form and challenged Saul, whose giant size and strength made him a formidable opponent. After their fists clashed in a stalemate and the shock wave drove them apart, Bullet charged Saul again, confident he could defeat the Giant at his own specialty.

  • Saul admired Bullet’s golden lion transformation, but his innocent comment enraged Bullet and prompted him to attack.
  • Gion and Tokikake heard the thunderous clash, suspected Bullet was fighting Kuzan, and decided to go watch.
  • Saul met Bullet’s Sonic Boom Cannon with a full-strength punch, and the two remained locked in a stalemate until their clash erupted into a shock wave.
  • Saul stumbled back in surprise at Bullet’s strength, while Bullet stopped himself with Geppo and praised the fight.
  • Bullet taunted Saul that he would lose at the thing Giants did best, then charged at him again.

Ch. 280Bullet's Transformation!

Bullet fought Saul at close range, eventually overwhelming the giant with a relentless barrage of punches. After Kuzan froze Bullet to stop the attack, Bullet broke free and discovered that his body had transformed into a gigantic golden lion.

  • Bullet dodged Saul’s Giant Fists with rapid Geppo movements and met Saul’s palm strike with his Sonic Boom Cannon.
  • Gion and Tokikake arrived and watched Bullet clash evenly with Saul, while both fighters began to tire.
  • Bullet unleashed his Sonic Boom Grenade Cannon, knocked Saul down, and continued pummeling his face.
  • Kuzan froze Bullet with Ice Time Capsule and confronted him over his attack on Saul.
  • Bullet shattered the ice, thanked Kuzan for cooling him, and revealed that he had grown into a five- or six-meter-tall golden lion.

Ch. 281Awakening!

Bullet awakened his Mythical Zoan fruit after Kuzan rapidly cooled him, and the Navy officers discussed the power and risks of Zoan Awakening. As Bullet discovered his heightened senses and recovery, he challenged Kuzan, Gion, and Tokikake to fight him together.

  • Sengoku identified Bullet's transformation as a perfect Zoan Awakening, while Tsuru and Kong marveled at his achievement at age fifteen.
  • Sengoku suggested Kuzan's rapid cooling may have helped Bullet awaken, though Tsuru believed Bullet's talent was the main cause.
  • Vidal considered Bullet's Mythical Zoan abilities and wondered whether to tell him about a third Zoan passive ability.
  • Bullet noticed his stamina recovering and heard voices and heartbeats from far away after defeating the beast soul that appeared in his mind.
  • Kuzan demanded that Bullet get off Saul, but Bullet transformed into lion-man form and challenged Kuzan, Gion, and Tokikake to attack him together.

Ch. 282A Call from the Science Unit!

Vidal left a broadcast of Bullet fighting Kuzan, Tokikake, and Gion to answer a call from Dr. Vegapunk. He agreed to a visit and to provide intelligent, mobile plants for study, while Vegapunk arranged improved Seastone equipment for the base’s warships.

  • Lieutenant Isoka told Vidal that the Science Unit was calling, so Vidal left the broadcast and went to his office.
  • Vidal recognized Dr. Vegapunk, who confirmed that installing Seastone beneath warships could help Sea Kings mistake them for part of the sea.
  • Vidal suggested using Seastone-protected ships to cross the Calm Belt, prompting Vegapunk to consider developing an automated propulsion system.
  • Vegapunk invited Vidal to visit the Marine Science Unit, and Vidal accepted.
  • Vegapunk said the Science Unit would send technicians to install Seastone on the base’s warships once the propulsion system was ready.
  • Vegapunk asked Vidal to provide intelligent, mobile plants for study, and Vidal agreed to send someone to collect them.

Ch. 283The Five Elders' Domains!

The Five Elders discussed Vidal’s agreement to let Vegapunk’s Science Unit study his ability and arranged for him to meet some young people on his way back. Vidal woke at the Sabaody Marine Base to find the Science Unit waiting for him.

  • The elder overseeing the Heavenly Tribute reported that Vidal had accepted Vegapunk’s request and invitation.
  • The Five Elders discussed Vidal’s trust in the government, with the elder overseeing Enies Lobby urging them to wait before judging him and suggesting he meet some youngsters.
  • The elders discussed wanting Vidal to compose another piece of music for Enies Lobby, while the blond elder proposed one for Cipher Pol.
  • Lieutenant Isoka woke Vidal to tell him the Science Unit had arrived, and Vidal told them to wait while he washed up.
  • Vidal recalled that the third Z Island showdown had ended with Bullet and Kuzan fighting one-on-one after Tokikake withdrew.

Ch. 284The Science Unit Arrives!

After the Z Island battle ended without a winner, Vidal welcomed Science Unit captain Geda, who had come on Dr. Vegapunk’s orders to collect magical plants. Vidal supplied ten plants for research and hoped Vegapunk could find a way to increase their intelligence.

  • Bullet used Tokikake’s boiling coffee to counter Kuzan’s freezing, forcing Tokikake to withdraw with Gion and leave Bullet and Kuzan to fight alone.
  • Zephyr ended the Z Island melee when its time ran out, knocking down the furious Bullet and enforcing the rules.
  • Vidal met Vice Admiral Geda at the Sabaody Marine Base and agreed to provide ten magical plants for Dr. Vegapunk’s research.
  • Vidal grew five Peashooters, three Boxing Cabbages, and two Cactus Beasts on Geda’s warship, and they obediently entered iron cages.
  • Vidal hoped Vegapunk could improve the plants’ intelligence and considered urging Woonan to find Lily Carnation.

Ch. 285Dragon Battles the Dugong?

Vidal improved the harbor’s coating work by creating oversized bubbles and supports, then watched Dragon spar with a Kung Fu Dugong. The dugong’s strength impressed Dragon, who learned it practiced Zephyr’s Black Arm Fist Technique.

  • Vidal created a giant bubble for the coating craftsmen, saving them over an hour of work on a warship.
  • Vidal produced nine wooden stakes that held oversized bubbles in place, making future coating work more efficient.
  • Vidal arrived at the Sports Field and saw Dragon sparring with the Kung Fu Dugong.
  • Dragon blocked the dugong’s punch with one finger and used a thin layer of Haki.
  • Vidal explained that the dugong practiced Zephyr’s Black Arm Fist Technique, and Dragon asked whether animals could learn human martial arts.

Ch. 286The Strongest Marine!

Vidal and Dragon staged a heated argument about justice before Dragon departed Sabaody, strengthening the impression that Vidal opposed him. After reading that Garp had defeated Chinjao, Vidal considered claiming Chinjao’s hidden treasure and advised Woonan where to search for an island.

  • At the harbor, Vidal and Dragon argued over whether Marines should prioritize protecting people or preserving the World Government’s order, then parted on bad terms.
  • After returning to his office, Vidal revealed that the argument had been staged with Dragon to make their split look convincing and bolster others’ trust in him.
  • Lieutenant Isoka brought Vidal a special edition of the World Economy News Paper reporting that Garp had crushed Chinjao’s cone head.
  • Vidal decided Chinjao’s defeat might let him claim the treasure hidden in a polar iceberg, though he planned to wait at least a year.
  • Vidal called Woonan and suggested searching the fourth route for the deserted island.

Ch. 287Vidal's One-Handed Strength!

Vidal settled into a routine as Sabaody’s base commander, but seeing Bullet’s rapid growth pushed him to resume serious strength training. After testing his new six-ton barbell, he created a wooden shelter for his oversized training equipment and began setting up a personal training room.

  • Vidal managed the base’s daily affairs while his officers handled security and Colonel Noel sent reports on Area 0’s construction.
  • Lieutenant Isoka told Vidal that the custom training equipment had arrived at the Sports Field, and he went to inspect it.
  • Vidal examined a Baldimore-made Seastone alloy block and oversized strength-training machines, including a triple barbell.
  • Vidal lifted the six-ton barbell overhead with one hand, surprising Isoka, the Marines, the sea cow, and Captain Simpson.
  • Vidal used his Forest House ability to build a wooden shelter around his new equipment, creating a personal training room.

Ch. 288The Falling Justice Coat!

Vidal expanded his Woods-Woods Fruit’s range beneath Sabaody while planning to gain control of the entire archipelago. In the New World, Dragon deserted his post before Garp returned and set off to pursue his own idea of justice.

  • Vidal used his Woods-Woods Fruit to extend his perception and control across Area 60 of Sabaody, then resolved to keep expanding his range.
  • Marines aboard a G-3 patrol ship celebrated Garp’s expected return and praised Dragon for defeating Steel Chain Maffia.
  • Dragon ordered the warship to stop and announced that he was leaving before Garp arrived.
  • Dragon knocked Colonel Angelo unconscious, told the other marines he had requested assistance, and flew away using Geppo.
  • Dragon removed his Justice Coat and threw it into the sea as he headed toward the Flying Pirates.

Ch. 289Garp's Fury!

Vidal learned how Photosynthetic Energy let him recover from intense training in minutes, then received news that Dragon had defected and been given a 93-million-Beli bounty. At Marine headquarters, Garp confronted Kong over the bounty and Dragon’s past assignment to Mary Geoise, but Sengoku persuaded him to hurry to the New World and retrieve his son.

  • Vidal finished his exhausting Black Arm Fist training and used Photosynthetic Energy to recover quickly.
  • Lieutenant Isoka told Vidal that Dragon had knocked out Colonel Angelo, defected from the Marines, and received a 93-million-Beli bounty.
  • Isoka also informed Vidal that the Science Unit had invited him to the G-1 Branch the next day, with travel arranged through Mary Geoise.
  • Garp burst into Kong’s office and demanded that the Marines withdraw Dragon’s bounty, while Kong defended the decision and blamed Garp for how he had raised his son.
  • Garp blamed Dragon’s defection on his assignment to Mary Geoise and nearly fought Kong, but Sengoku urged him to bring Dragon back before matters worsened.
  • Garp left the office to pursue Dragon in the New World.

Ch. 290A Heavy Mask!

Vidal traveled to Mary Geoise, where the Celestial Dragons summoned him instead of sending him to Dr. Vegapunk’s Science Unit. He approached the Land of the Gods while hiding his disgust at the slaves forced to power its walkway, and prepared himself to maintain his mask among the Celestial Dragons.

  • Vidal arrived at the Red Line town by warship and continued alone after thanking Major Comil.
  • Vidal rode a bubble gondola up the Red Line and learned that the Celestial Dragons had ordered him taken to the Land of the Gods.
  • Vidal entered Mary Geoise, saw Pangaea Castle, and followed an official toward the Celestial Dragons’ residence.
  • Vidal sensed hundreds of slaves beneath the automatic walkway, pushing it as guards whipped them.
  • Vidal struggled to hide his disgust and realized how heavy his mask would be while meeting the Celestial Dragons.

Ch. 291Two Saints Face Off!

Vidal arrived at the Celestial Dragons’ gathering in Mary Geoise, where Saint Rosward and Raymond de Saint competed for his attention by offering him Devil Fruits. The other Celestial Dragons began recalling their own gifts to Vidal as Raymond de Saint and Saint Rosward argued over who had been more generous.

  • A government official escorted Vidal through Mary Geoise and explained that only Celestial Dragons and certain slaves could walk on the gold-and-silver Imperial Way.
  • Vidal entered the Central Park gathering after sensing several powerful Aigis Zero members nearby.
  • Saint Rosward greeted Vidal, who praised him and recalled their history at Sabaody.
  • Raymond de Saint approached Vidal, who thanked him for two Devil Fruits and praised his past interest in Vidal’s “Bible Future: God's Advent.”
  • Raymond de Saint offered Vidal another Devil Fruit, prompting Saint Rosward to offer two and the other Celestial Dragons to discuss their own gifts.
  • Raymond de Saint and Saint Rosward argued over whether their Devil Fruits had been gifts or payment for Vidal’s services.

Ch. 292A Better Slave Than a Giant!

Vidal impressed the Celestial Dragons by persuading them to keep commoners out of their sight, then demonstrated a living Chimera made from trees as a potential slave more fearsome than a Giant. The Celestial Dragons watched in astonishment as it awakened and spread its wings.

  • Vidal surveyed the Celestial Dragons and their diverse enslaved races at the gathering in Mary Geoise.
  • Vidal flattered Saint Julius and the others, urging them to make local nobles keep commoners out of sight when they visited kingdoms.
  • Vidal asked about the Celestial Dragons’ slave collections, and Raymond de Saint proudly showed off his Giant slave.
  • Vidal claimed he could create a slave more fearsome than a Giant and assembled a towering, two-headed Chimera from trees.
  • Vidal gave the Chimera color and life, and it stood up and beat its wings, stunning the Celestial Dragons and onlookers.

Ch. 293Raymond de Saint Changes His Tune!

Marine Rear Admiral Vidal demonstrated his creations to Raymond de Saint, who wanted a new mount, and reassured the Celestial Dragons that the creatures would obey their masters. The chapter ended when Raymond ordered the Griffin to kill Vidal.

  • Vidal told the Aigis Zero members that his Chimera was safer and more obedient than a Giant Tribe slave.
  • Vidal made the Chimera disappear, then challenged the Aigis Zero members when they questioned whether he could be trusted.
  • Raymond de Saint ordered Aigis Zero to stand down and asked Vidal to make a smaller creature.
  • Vidal created a Griffin, which Raymond touched and learned would obey only him.
  • Raymond pointed at Vidal and ordered the Griffin to kill him.

Ch. 294Celestial Dragons Like Madmen!

Vidal demonstrated that he could create magical creatures for the Celestial Dragons, then traded Raymond de Saint a Griffin for slaves and offered similar creatures to the others. The Celestial Dragons eagerly placed orders, establishing a new business arrangement whose consequences remained uncertain.

  • Raymond de Saint ordered the Griffin to attack Vidal, but Vidal restrained it with trees and explained that he could control its body, though not change its will.
  • Raymond de Saint ordered the Griffin to kill a servant, then claimed the Griffin as his mount and asked Vidal what he wanted in return.
  • Vidal requested the silver-skinned Fish-Man slave and the Giant Tribe slave, and Raymond de Saint agreed to give him the Giant in exchange for a Chimera.
  • Vidal asked Raymond de Saint to have the Giant delivered to Alabasta and began creating the Chimera.
  • Vidal offered the other Celestial Dragons custom magical creatures in exchange for slaves, Devil Fruits, or money, and they eagerly began placing orders.

Ch. 295The Five Elders' Reward!

Vidal sold magical creatures to the Celestial Dragons and accepted an invitation from the Five Elders to perform a new piece about justice and prisons. The Five Elders investigated his creations and decided to restrict where they could appear, while planning to reward him with money and the Boin Archipelago.

  • Vidal earned eight billion Beli from selling magical creatures, taking cash, slaves, and three Zoan Devil Fruits as payment.
  • Butler Muer invited Vidal to perform a new piece for the Five Elders the next morning, and Vidal agreed to stay at Pangaea Castle.
  • Cipher Pol 6 reported that Vidal's magical creatures were plants modeled on those from the Boin Archipelago, with limited intelligence and loyalty to their owners.
  • The Five Elders ordered the magical creatures restricted to the Celestial Dragons' residential area and barred them from Pangaea Castle.
  • The Five Elders decided Vidal would not be punished if his performance disappointed them and planned to reward him with money and the Boin Archipelago as private territory.

Ch. 296A Meeting Across Space and Time!

Vidal used the Door-Door Fruit’s parallel space to secretly explore and map Pangaea Castle while a Wood Clone remained in his bed. At the top of the castle, he encountered Imu seated on the Empty Throne, leaving him stunned as their first meeting unfolded across separate spaces.

  • Vidal reflected on his plan to trade magical creatures for slaves, hoping to reduce demand for ordinary human slaves while pursuing his other goals.
  • With the little manatee’s help, Vidal transferred his consciousness into the Door-Door Fruit’s space and left his Wood Clone asleep in his bedroom.
  • Vidal and the little manatee secretly explored Pangaea Castle, mapping its rooms and locating the Hall of Authority and the Five Elders’ sleeping quarters.
  • Vidal passed through an iron door at the top of the castle and saw Imu sitting on the Empty Throne.

Ch. 297The World's Greatest Musician!

Vidal secretly entered Pangaea Castle, saw Imu listening to his music, and mapped the castle before returning to prepare a new composition. He performed "God's Wrath" for the Celestial Dragons and the Five Elders, who praised him as the world's greatest musician and planned to promote him through the World Economy News Paper.

  • Vidal saw Imu on the throne listening to "Bible Future: God's Advent," then left after memorizing his appearance and exploring Pangaea Castle.
  • Vidal returned to his bedroom, transferred his consciousness into his Wood Clone, and considered a grand, imposing piece about justice and prison.
  • Butler Muer escorted Vidal to the Celestial Dragon Opera House, where Vidal performed "God's Wrath" with an ensemble for more than three hundred Celestial Dragons.
  • The Five Elders praised the piece's majesty and Vidal's musical talent, and one Elder ordered the World Economy News Paper to publicize him.

Ch. 298Doggy and Red Dog!

After receiving rewards from the Five Elders, Vidal left Mary Geoise for the G-1 Branch, reflecting on how fear had made many people submissive to the World Government. He arrived at the base and greeted Sakazuki with the nickname “Doggy,” leaving their reunion on an irritated note.

  • Vidal prepared to leave Mary Geoise and considered how slaves, attendants, and ordinary people responded differently to authority and oppression.
  • Steward Muer gave Vidal a deed granting him the Boin Archipelago, a Tone Dial recording his music, and news that one billion Beli in treasure had been sent to Sabaody.
  • A government official escorted Vidal across Mary Geoise to the New World bubble gondola, and Vidal traveled down toward the G-1 Branch.
  • Vidal arrived at the G-1 harbor, where Sakazuki was waiting to meet him.
  • Vidal called Sakazuki “Doggy” and then “Red Dog,” prompting Sakazuki to angrily tell him to shut his mouth.

Ch. 299Concerns About the Pacifista!

Vidal and Sakazuki discussed Dragon’s defection and struck a tentative bargain over their future Marine ambitions. On the voyage to G-1, Vidal considered how to interest Vegapunk without excessively strengthening the World Government, then realized he might focus on technology that strengthened the Marines.

  • Vidal reassured Sakazuki that he would not defect like Dragon and warned him not to obstruct his rise to Fleet Admiral.
  • Vidal promised Sakazuki command in the New World and full support against its major pirate crews if he became Fleet Admiral.
  • Vidal and Sakazuki boarded the warship and sailed from the Bubble Lift Station toward G-1 Branch.
  • Vidal reviewed Vegapunk’s future research, including cyborgs, gigantification, artificial Devil Fruits, and the Pacifista.
  • Vidal realized he could offer Vegapunk technology that benefited the Marines without strengthening the World Government as a whole.

Ch. 300The Future Salamander!

Vidal visited the G-1 Branch Science Unit, where Dr. Vegapunk showed him a coal-powered steam warship prototype. Vidal proposed using electricity to power its steam propulsion, and recognized the ship as the future Salamander tied to the pirate Gasparde.

  • Vidal arrived at the G-1 Branch base and Sakazuki escorted him to the Science Unit.
  • Dr. Vegapunk showed Vidal a prototype warship that used a coal-fired boiler to drive paddle wheels.
  • Vidal warned that coal would make the ships costly and impractical for widespread use, and said he wanted faster warships that could cross the Calm Belt cheaply.
  • Vidal proposed using electricity to boil seawater and power the ship's propulsion, and Vegapunk began considering whether it was feasible.
  • Vidal recognized the prototype as the future Salamander and wondered whether Gasparde was already at the base.

Ch. 301Father and Son on Maple Island!

Garp found his son Dragon on Maple Island and tried to arrest him for deserting the Marines. Dragon fought back with the Storm-Storm Fruit and Dragon Claw Fist, sending Garp flying into the ocean.

  • Garp confronted Dragon on Maple Island and declared that he was placing him under arrest for desertion.
  • Dragon fled toward the coast, but Garp caught him and struck him through the maple trees.
  • Dragon transformed into wind and maple leaves to escape, but Garp tore through his tornado and knocked him into a crater.
  • Dragon stood his ground and declared his dream of a free and equal world without slaves or Celestial Dragons.
  • Dragon attacked Garp with Dragon Claw Fist, and Garp flew backward into the ocean, disappearing beneath the water.
Arc 12 of 16
Arc 12 of 16