Arc 12The Joy Boy Project

Austin moved through the East Blue, intervening in the lives of Nami, Ace, Sanji, and Uta before returning to Vegapunk with materials for a Joy Boy Seraphim. After protecting Kuma’s family and killing Saint Roswald at Dullamos, Austin gave Shanks the Rubber Fruit and challenged Teach and Kaido, leaving Wano in the midst of a fierce battle.

  • Austin defeated Arlong, took Nami’s orange grove, and later traveled through the East Blue, reuniting with Sanji and helping Shanks save Uta from Tot Musica on Elegia.
  • Austin revealed to Ace that Gol D. Roger was his father, protected him and Rouge, and later returned to Egghead to ask Vegapunk to create a Joy Boy Seraphim using the Nika Fruit, the Dark-Dark Fruit, and Ancient Giant blood.
  • Austin protected Kuma and his family from Saint Saturn’s demand that Kuma become a weapon, then continued helping Vegapunk develop the project and obtained Teach’s blood as a sample.
  • At Dotol Gick’s birthday celebration in Dullamos, Saint Roswald tried to seize Shirahoshi, and Gick struck him before Austin arrived and killed him in front of the gathered guests.
  • Austin promised to protect Shirahoshi, then gave Shanks the Rubber Fruit, after Luffy ate it, Austin left Foosha and offered Teach the Dark-Dark Fruit in exchange for the secret Rocks had left him about wielding multiple Devil Fruits.
  • Austin returned to Vegapunk with Teach’s blood, visited Kuma and Bonney, and then confronted Kaido in Wano, overpowering him in a Haki clash until Kaido escaped by transforming into his azure dragon form.
Chapters 276–300 Vol. 3 Read

Ch. 276AOS, Buggy's Comical Grin

Buggy defeated Arlong while protecting Bellemere and Nami's family, then claimed their orange grove and had the fruit shipped away. Nami's family lost its livelihood, leaving her to survive by stealing.

  • Buggy used a Buggy Ball to blast Arlong's fish-men, but Arlong emerged and knocked down an orange tree.
  • Angered by Arlong destroying the grove, Buggy attacked him, endured a bite, and knocked him unconscious with a Haki-coated punch.
  • Buggy told Nami's family that the orange grove belonged to him, and Nami agreed because Bellemere's life mattered more.
  • Buggy's crew packed and shipped the oranges in crates marked AOS while he made a comical grin at a seagull's camera.
  • With the grove taken, Nami's already poor family lost its livelihood, and Nami would later be forced to steal.

Ch. 277Shanks's Failed Face-Face Fruit Ability

Austin arrived at Foosha Village and unexpectedly reunited with Shanks and Uta aboard the Red-Haired Pirates' ship. He offered to help Uta study music in Elegia, while Shanks grew jealous and worried Austin might reveal embarrassing stories from his past.

  • Austin used Seagull King's winds to clear a storm as they traveled across the sea, and the resulting tornado appeared near the passenger ship carrying Sanji and Zeff's Chef Pirates.
  • Austin reached Foosha Village and spotted Shanks's ship approaching, where Uta was singing with the Red-Haired Pirates.
  • Austin surprised Shanks and the crew by appearing aboard their ship unnoticed, then greeted Uta and teased Shanks with a story from their past.
  • Austin told Uta a secret that made her laugh and offered to arrange for her to study music in Elegia.
  • Uta eagerly hugged Austin, while Shanks protested that he had planned to take her there himself and feared Austin might expose his history with the Roger Pirates.

Ch. 278Ace, You Wouldn't Want Madam Rouge...

Austin met Luffy and reunited with Ace and Sabo when the Red-Haired Pirates visited Foosha Village. He left money for Makino to thank her for caring for Rouge and Ace, then went to find the boys and accidentally provoked Ace by mentioning his mother.

  • Austin saw Ace and Sabo fighting a bear in the forest while Luffy greeted the Red-Haired Pirates.
  • Austin and Shanks reminisced as Luffy joined the crew, and Austin tapped Luffy on the head after Luffy questioned his long hair.
  • Austin left Makino a chest of money, thanking her for caring for Rouge and Ace, then departed without Shanks.
  • Austin found Ace and Sabo plotting to sell a bearskin and buy a pirate ship, and Ace struck him with a Steel Pipe.
  • Ace charged at Austin after misinterpreting his words about Rouge, but Austin dodged and made Ace's shorts vanish with a snap of his fingers.

Ch. 279In a Father's Words

Austin teased Ace and Sabo, then accidentally upset Ace by shielding him from Rouge's attempted slap. After Ace ran off, Austin went to find him and arrived just as pirates cornered the boys, offering his own head as a challenge.

  • Austin stole Ace's underwear and subdued both Ace and Sabo in the woods before Rouge arrived looking for Ace.
  • Rouge scolded Ace at dinner, and Austin stopped her from slapping him, prompting Ace to run away with Sabo chasing after him.
  • Rouge explained that Austin had helped protect and care for Ace, and Austin promised to bring him back.
  • At the river, pirates surrounded Ace and Sabo and demanded the treasure they had stolen.
  • Austin appeared before the pirates and challenged them to take his head in exchange for endless wealth.

Ch. 280Godfather? Who Called Me?

Austin told Ace that he had saved Ace and Rouge at Roger’s request, helping Ace reconcile with his father’s memory. After leaving Foosha Village, Austin encountered a stranded Sanji on a deserted island.

  • Austin revealed to Ace and Sabo that Ace’s father was Gol D. Roger and explained how Roger had entrusted him with saving Rouge and Ace.
  • Ace apologized to Austin and thanked him for saving his mother and him, then listened as Austin shared stories about Roger.
  • Austin spent several months around Foosha Village before declining to sail with Shanks and Uta to Elegia and setting off alone.
  • Austin departed with the Seagull King, leaving Luffy amazed by his ability to walk on the sea.
  • Austin spotted a starving blond boy on a deserted island, and the boy recognized him as his godfather; Austin realized the boy was Sanji.

Ch. 281The Demon King of Song? Let's See What's Going On

Austin rescued Sanji and Zeff from starvation, then traveled to Elegia, where Uta’s performance led to the Music Demon King rampaging. Austin arrived during the battle and prepared to strike it with Black Blade Ace, unsure whether he could avoid harming Uta.

  • Austin reunited with Sanji and Zeff on an isolated island, gave them food, and asked Zeff to look after Sanji.
  • Austin gave Sanji a piece of his Vivre Card and arranged for Sammy to send a ship before continuing his tour of the East Blue.
  • Shanks and the Red-Haired Pirates arrived at Elegia as guests, and Uta prepared to perform a large collection of songs.
  • Uta’s performance drew the people of Elegia and an eerie musical score, while the Music Demon King began rampaging.
  • Austin arrived at the battle and raised Black Blade Ace, wondering if one slash could defeat the demon without killing Uta.

Ch. 282Only a Mechanic Monster Can Defeat a Mechanic Monster

Tot Musica emerged after Uta’s performance awakened the sealed Music Demon King, and it devastated Elegia while the Red-Haired Pirates struggled to damage it. Austin arrived and redirected Tot Musica’s laser back at the monster, leaving the pirates hopeful that he could defeat it.

  • Uta’s nationwide performance released Tot Musica, which possessed her and began destroying Elegia.
  • Shanks and the Red-Haired Pirates attacked Tot Musica, but their strikes barely affected it.
  • The pirates realized Tot Musica could only be truly harmed by attacks from both inside and outside Uta’s Song Song Fruit world, but Uta was unconscious.
  • Austin arrived at Elegia, where Tot Musica’s laser vanished before reaching him and reappeared behind the monster, striking it.

Ch. 283One Slash Kills Tot Musica, Black Spear and Red-Haired

Austin defeated Tot Musica with one slash and rescued Uta, while Shanks chose to have the Red-Haired Pirates take responsibility for Elegia’s destruction. Austin stood with Shanks and the crew as they left aboard the Red Force, with the Marines arriving too late to intervene.

  • Austin arrived on Elegia and destroyed most of Tot Musica with a single Void · Divine Departure, causing the demon to vanish.
  • Austin caught the unconscious Uta and realized that his spatial attack had reached another world connected to her Song Song Fruit.
  • Shanks took Uta from Austin and confirmed that she had only fainted as the Marines approached the island.
  • Austin offered to take responsibility for Elegia’s destruction, but Shanks insisted that the Red-Haired Pirates bear it because Uta was his daughter.
  • Austin called himself Uta’s half-godfather and stayed with Shanks and the crew as the Red Force sailed away.

Ch. 284News of a Nation's Destruction Shocks the Seas

After Elegia was destroyed, Austin sailed away with the Red-Haired Pirates while Marines stood down, and news of the disaster spread across the seas. Reactions to the report revealed Austin’s scar and his connection to Shanks, while Doll blamed Shanks for Elegia’s destruction.

  • Austin watched the Red-Haired Pirates bid farewell to Uta as the burning Elegia receded behind them, and a Seagull King photographed the scene.
  • Marine scouts reported that Elegia had been destroyed and found the Red-Haired Pirates nearby, but their officer ordered them not to attack as the ship departed.
  • Shanks drank heavily and asked Austin about his chest scar, which Austin recalled had been left by a great pirate from the Rocks Pirates.
  • Old Gick saw Austin’s scar in the newspaper and angrily demanded to know who had hurt his grandson.
  • Buggy saw Austin pictured aboard Shanks’s ship and regretted refusing Austin’s offer to help him become Pirate King.
  • At Marine Headquarters, Sengoku linked Elegia’s destruction to Totemjika, while Doll insisted that Shanks was responsible and Austin could not have done it.

Ch. 285Long-Planned, Austin's Greatest Creation

Austin took the Rubber Fruit, which was actually the Nika Fruit, from the Government ship before Shanks could recover it, while assuring Shanks he would return it and not destroy the New Era. Austin planned to have Vegapunk experiment with combining it with other materials.

  • A Marine officer feared Austin was beginning to act without restraint after he destroyed Elegia, while the Five Elders discussed his connection with Shanks and worried about what they might do together.
  • Austin told Shanks that he had rejected the Emperor title because he valued freedom over other people's opinions, and Shanks reflected on Austin's abilities while remaining committed to his own plans.
  • The Red-Haired Pirates defeated Who's-Who's CP9 crew and found the Government ship's treasure chest empty, as Austin had already taken the Nika Fruit.
  • Austin told Shanks he would return the Rubber Fruit soon and promised the New Era would not die in his hands.
  • Austin considered asking Vegapunk to combine the Nika Fruit with the Dark-Dark Fruit, Loki's Ancient Giant blood, and Lunarian genes.

Ch. 286Seraphim Joy Boy

Austin returned to Egghead Island and asked Vegapunk about the Seraphim project before proposing that he create a Seraphim of Joy Boy. He revealed an Ancient Giant blood sample, the Nika Fruit, and the Dark-Dark Fruit, leaving Vegapunk alarmed and asking what Austin intended to do.

  • Austin returned to Egghead Island and reunited with Vegapunk, telling him that his trip to the past had changed things in a parallel world but not his own.
  • Austin asked Vegapunk about the Shichibukai lineage-factor records and the progress of the Seraphim project.
  • Vegapunk showed Austin the Seraphim embryos and said the project still needed years of work.
  • Austin asked Vegapunk to fuse some materials into a finished product, then clarified that he wanted a Seraphim of Joy Boy, not one of himself.
  • Austin disabled the laboratory's surveillance and revealed an Ancient Giant blood sample, the Nika Fruit, and the Dark-Dark Fruit.
  • Vegapunk recognized the materials, became alarmed, and asked Austin what he was trying to do.

Ch. 287A Being Even Lord Imu Would Fear!

Austin met Vegapunk on Egghead Island and helped Kuma and Ginny seek a cure for Ginny’s Azure Jade Scale while they cared for baby Bonney. When Borsalino arrived, Austin took his Den Den Mushi call from Saint Saturn and claimed Vegapunk’s research time, leaving Vegapunk to understand that Austin wanted him to create something that could threaten even Imu.

  • Austin told Vegapunk that other guests were on Egghead Island, and they went to another laboratory where Kuma and Ginny were waiting.
  • Vegapunk examined Ginny’s Azure Jade Scale, and Austin said it could be cured while Ginny thanked him for saving her.
  • Kuma settled on Egghead Island with Ginny and Bonney, while Austin stayed to support Vegapunk’s experiments and tease Bonney.
  • Borsalino arrived, but Austin used his special Den Den Mushi to answer a call from Saint Saturn.
  • Austin told Saturn that Vegapunk had already promised him something and that his workload was heavy, while Vegapunk realized Austin’s research could produce a creation that even Imu would fear.

Ch. 288Austin's Aggression, Saint Saturn's Concession

Austin confronted Saint Saturn over the World Government’s plan to turn Kuma into a humanoid weapon, forcing Saturn to abandon the demand. Kuma was spared and thanked Austin, who asked him to watch over Austin’s territory.

  • Saint Saturn told Vegapunk that Kuma must surrender his sense of self and become a World Government weapon as a condition of treatment.
  • Vegapunk protested that the procedure would doom Kuma, but Saturn insisted that Kuma’s Revolutionary Army ties made him a potential threat.
  • Austin challenged Saturn to either respect his authority over the Shichibukai or make an enemy of him, and warned that he could return to piracy.
  • Saturn backed down and ended the call, abandoning the plan to turn Kuma into a weapon.
  • Kuma thanked Austin for protecting his family, and Austin asked him to keep an eye on places like the Sabaody Archipelago.
  • Borsalino excused himself to return to Marine Headquarters while Austin stayed to speak with Vegapunk.

Ch. 289Dark Sun God Joy Boy!

Austin and Vegapunk planned to create a being resembling Joy Boy, combining the Nika Fruit and Dark-Dark Fruit with Ancient Giant cells. Austin left Vegapunk to seek suitable materials, including powerful blood that would give the creation strong Conqueror's Haki without making it uncontrollable.

  • Austin followed Vegapunk into the secret laboratory after disabling the surveillance devices, while observing the others dancing the Nika dance.
  • Austin told Vegapunk he wanted to create a being resembling Joy Boy and explained that the Dark-Dark Fruit would be part of the design.
  • Vegapunk warned that combining two Devil Fruit abilities had a ninety-nine percent chance of failure, but Austin suggested studying the blood of someone able to possess two fruits.
  • Austin said he would provide materials to change the creation's appearance rather than have it resemble the Ancient Giant whose cells they would use.
  • Vegapunk asked for Austin's lineage factor to give the creation overwhelming Conqueror's Haki, but Austin refused and promised blood at least as powerful as Captain Roger or Whitebeard's.

Ch. 290The Old Man's Birthday Banquet

Austin left Egghead Island after Vegapunk extracted Devil Fruit abilities for Green Blood, then changed his plans when he learned that Dotol Gick was celebrating his sixtieth birthday. The Kingdom of Dullamos welcomed a crowd of nobles, World Government representatives, underworld figures, pirates, and Marines for the banquet.

  • Austin considered creating a powerful Seraphim based on himself but decided against it until he could guarantee command authority.
  • Vegapunk asked Austin to look into the Ripe-Ripe Fruit to speed up the growth of the giants in his plan, and Austin agreed to remember it.
  • Austin received news of Dotol Gick's sixtieth birthday and agreed to attend the banquet in Dullamos.
  • Doflamingo and Crocodile decided to attend, while other figures connected to Austin prepared to join the celebration.
  • Dullamos's citizens celebrated Dotol Gick as guests arrived, and visitors praised the kingdom's prosperity and its nobles' willingness to follow local rules.

Ch. 291I Want to Catch Her and Put Her in My Fish Tank!

Kings and dignitaries gathered in Dullamos for a banquet under Austin’s protection, including the Vinsmoke family, Alabasta’s royal family, Fish-Man Island’s royals, and World Government representatives. Saint Roswald arrived despite CP0’s warnings, then became intent on capturing Shirahoshi.

  • Judge arrived in Dullamos with his children and hoped one of them would become a leader like Austin.
  • Cobra brought Vivi to the island and reassured her that Austin’s reputation kept them safe.
  • Neptune and Otohime brought Shirahoshi to Dullamos, where she eagerly hoped to meet Austin.
  • World Government officials and Celestial Dragons arrived, and CP0 warned Saint Roswald not to cause trouble in Austin’s territory.
  • Roswald spotted Shirahoshi and declared that he wanted to catch her and put her in his fish tank.

Ch. 292Celestial Dragons? It's Not Like I Haven't Killed Any Before

At a gathering on Dullamos Island, Saint Roswald tried to capture Shirahoshi while the Marines held back Neptune and Otohime. Old Gick arrived and confronted the Celestial Dragon, declaring that he had killed countless Celestial Dragons at God Valley.

  • Saint Roswald celebrated capturing Shirahoshi and ordered his men to put her in a giant fish tank.
  • Borsalino stopped Doll from intervening and directed the Marines to clear away the spectators.
  • Neptune and Otohime protested as the Marines restrained them and allowed Roswald's men to chain Shirahoshi.
  • A guard fired at the approaching Old Gick, but a CP0 agent blocked the bullet and berated him for attacking a major figure of the Dotol Family.
  • Saint Roswald ordered CP0 to get rid of Old Gick, who coated his fist in Armament Haki and declared that he had killed countless Celestial Dragons at God Valley.

Ch. 293This Is Austin's Explanation

Gick struck Saint Roswald after the Celestial Dragon threatened him, and Austin arrived as the Cipher Pol agents faced down the pirates gathered on the island. Austin gave the agents his explanation by crushing Roswald’s head beneath his foot.

  • Gick used Armament Haki to punch Saint Roswald, shattering his helmet and knocking him unconscious.
  • Cipher Pol agents surrounded Gick and demanded that he explain the attack to the Holy Land.
  • Hawk Eyes confronted the agents, while Crocodile, Doflamingo, Enel, and others gathered behind him.
  • Austin arrived, greeted Gick and the pirates, and asked whether the agents had demanded an explanation.
  • Austin stepped on Saint Roswald’s unconscious head and told the agents that this was the explanation.

Ch. 294Reactions to a Celestial Dragon's Death

Austin killed a Celestial Dragon during the old man's birthday banquet in Dullamos, but the Knights of God treated it as an internal matter. The Marines and Five Elders learned Austin was responsible and hesitated to confront him, leaving the Five Elders troubled and without a plan.

  • Austin invited the stunned guests to join him and the old man at the palace, while Crocodile asked Mihawk to join forces and mentioned Robin's ability to decipher Poneglyphs.
  • Borsalino reported to Sengoku that a Celestial Dragon had died in Dullamos, and Sengoku learned Austin was the killer.
  • Sengoku decided the Marines should leave the matter to the Five Elders rather than take action against Austin.
  • CP0 briefed the Five Elders, who complained about Austin's recklessness but gave no orders for what to do.

Ch. 295Austin Likes Giant Pink-Haired Girls?

The Five Elders struggled to decide how to handle Austin after he killed a Celestial Dragon and openly defied the World Government. In the Fish-Man Kingdom, Austin met Shirahoshi, promised to protect her, and left her clinging to him.

  • Saint Saturn warned the Five Elders that Austin had stopped caring about the World Government’s dignity and might become its enemy, but they found no way to deal with him.
  • Shanks waited in Foosha Village, hoping Austin would eventually let go of the Rubber Fruit so the New Era could begin.
  • Austin met Shirahoshi at the Dullamos Royal Palace and told Neptune that he liked her very much.
  • Austin promised to protect Shirahoshi, prompting Judge to wish his daughter Reiju had received the same promise.
  • Shirahoshi embraced Austin excitedly, and Austin comforted her while wondering whether he had forgotten something.

Ch. 296The Man Who Killed 56 Kings

Austin celebrated with Old Gick, then returned to Foosha Village with the Rubber Fruit for Shanks. There, he watched Higuma confront Shanks and the other pirates, leaving the bandit to threaten him.

  • Austin suggested Old Gick move to Sabaody, but Old Gick refused because he held a grudge against Silvers Rayleigh.
  • Crocodile refused Doflamingo’s invitation and invited Mihawk to visit her planned military nation so Daz Bones could seek swordsmanship guidance.
  • Austin gave Shanks the Rubber Fruit, and Shanks placed it in a conspicuous spot while Austin discussed its powers.
  • Luffy asked Austin to teach him to walk on the sea, but Austin flicked him on the head and told him to wait until he grew up.
  • Higuma and his bandits entered Makino’s tavern demanding liquor, and Shanks offered him an unopened bottle.
  • Higuma smashed the bottle over Shanks, then threatened Austin by boasting that he had killed 56 men like him.

Ch. 297Little Black Fatty, Do You Want to Eat the Dark-Dark Fruit?

Austin left Foosha Village after Luffy ate the Rubber Fruit and traveled to the Whitebeard Pirates to meet Teach. He offered Teach the Dark-Dark Fruit in exchange for revealing Rocks’s method for possessing multiple Devil Fruit abilities.

  • Austin watched the Mountain Bandits leave, noticed that Luffy had eaten the Rubber Fruit, and departed Foosha Village.
  • Austin flew away on Seagull King and decided to visit the Whitebeard Pirates with the Dark-Dark Fruit.
  • Teach returned to his room after the feast and found Austin waiting in the darkness.
  • Austin offered Teach the Dark-Dark Fruit, but Teach tried to snatch it and eat it before Austin teleported it away.
  • Austin said Teach could have the fruit if he revealed the secret Rocks had left him about possessing multiple Devil Fruit abilities.

Ch. 298Wano Country, Drunken Kaido

Austin collected Teach’s blood and gave Vegapunk samples for experiments that could eventually create a powerful embryo. He then went to Wano Country to obtain the Ripe-Ripe Fruit ability and confronted a drunken Kaido at Orochi’s palace.

  • Austin told Teach he would give him the Dark-Dark Fruit in a few years and took a vial of his blood.
  • Austin explained his blood samples to Vegapunk, who began work on cultivating a foundational embryo.
  • Austin met baby Bonney and reminded Kuma to treasure being with his family before leaving.
  • Austin arrived in Wano Country while Kaido demanded an explanation from Orochi over low Seastone production.
  • Kaido swung his club at Orochi, and Austin caught the blow, prompting Kaido to challenge him to a fight.

Ch. 299Drunken Dragon Form Kaido VS Dionysus Form Austin

Kaido battled Austin in his Drunken Dragon Form, while Queen and King watched from the battlefield’s edge and Seagull King confronted King. Austin then drank heavily to match Kaido’s drunken power, leaving the fight poised to intensify.

  • Kaido transformed into Drunken Dragon Form and struck Austin with a lightning-charged club, which Austin blocked head-on.
  • Austin acknowledged Kaido’s growth as Kaido continued attacking with greater strength and fighting instinct.
  • Queen arrived at the battlefield and held back, while King prepared to join the fight.
  • Seagull King swooped down and stopped King from charging at Austin.
  • Kaido caught Austin off guard with a headbutt, so Austin drank alcohol and unleashed his peak state.
  • Austin threatened to beat Kaido half to death as Kaido sobered up and stopped laughing.

Ch. 300Austin's Utter Brutality?

Drunk and delirious, Austin overwhelmed Kaido in a brutal clash and beat him until Kaido escaped by transforming into his dragon form. Kaido recognized Austin’s terrifying stance as resembling Rocks D. Zebek.

  • Kaido regained some clarity as his Drunken Dragon Form faded, while Austin’s drunken excitement overtook his restraint.
  • Austin attacked Kaido, and the two clashed with Conqueror’s Haki in a Thunder Bagua exchange.
  • Austin overpowered Kaido with King: Thunder Bagua and pounded him relentlessly after breaking through his Haki defense.
  • King urged Queen to help, but Queen refused, and King was swept away by Austin’s hurricane.
  • Kaido escaped Austin’s beating by transforming into his azure dragon form, then compared Austin’s stance to Rocks D. Zebek.
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