Arc 5The Black Emperor’s Rise

Austin defeated Kaido and Big Mom, then brought the underworld under his rules and forged new bargains with the World Government. After retrieving Pure Gold, he returned to Sabaody and learned that Doflamingo had uncovered Germa’s thefts, setting up Austin’s next confrontation.

  • Austin survived his fight with Kaido and Big Mom, escaped Cake Island with Little Hawk and Little Sand, and left Mihawk and Crocodile to watch the pursuing Emperors.
  • Austin summoned the underworld’s leaders to Sabaody, negotiated profit-sharing terms with the Five Elders, and established rules that the gathered tycoons accepted.
  • At an auction, Austin forced Saint Grim to shoot those around him, bought Stella, and gave Tesoro three years to earn a billion Beli and reclaim her.
  • Austin presided over the Dark World Conference, imposed red lines and market rules, and won the underworld’s agreement to pay him a share of their profits.
  • Austin retrieved Pure Gold from the Lantern Fish, rescued its inhabitants, and traded the treasure to the Five Elders for Devil Fruits and concessions involving Marine escorts.
  • Doflamingo and Crocodile investigated underground merchants who were stealing from their partners, exposing Judge and Germa’s raids on ships.
  • Doflamingo confronted Judge at his palace, restrained the guards, and announced that Austin would arrive shortly.
Chapters 101–125 Vol. 2 Read

Ch. 101The Blade Light of Desperation, Mihawk's Spirit

Austin endured Kaido and Big Mom’s combined Conquest of the Sea, but the attack left him gravely injured. As Kaido and Big Mom moved to finish him, Mihawk unleashed a powerful slash to protect Austin, and Austin rose to confront them again.

  • Austin clashed head-on with Kaido and Big Mom’s Conquest of the Sea, suffering severe injuries despite weakening the attack with Divine Departure and Haki.
  • Kaido and Big Mom sensed Austin’s weakened state and prepared to kill him while Mihawk stepped forward to defend him.
  • Mihawk awakened Conqueror’s Haki through Yoru and slashed at Kaido and Big Mom, forcing King to intervene and take the blow.
  • Kaido and Big Mom shattered Mihawk’s weakened slash and rescued King from further harm.
  • Austin stood up despite his injuries and warned Kaido not to threaten his companions.

Ch. 102Not Near Death Means Full Health—How Is That Underhanded?

Austin used the Warp-Warp Fruit and his precise Observation Haki to restore his injuries, then resumed fighting Kaido and Big Mom. He forced Kaido back with a teleporting slash and matched Big Mom’s strength in a clash of blades.

  • Austin got back up and drew Kaido and Big Mom’s attention away from Little Hawk, despite Mihawk and Crocodile urging him to retreat.
  • Austin revealed that he had teleported his blood, damaged tissue, and wounds back into place, using his Devil Fruit and Observation Haki to restore much of his body at a heavy cost to his stamina and mental energy.
  • Mihawk accepted Austin’s decision and left to help on the other battlefields, increasing the pressure on Big Mom’s children.
  • Austin teleported behind Kaido and struck with Divine Departure, driving him back and nearly severing his hand.
  • Big Mom attacked Austin with Emperor Sword: Break-Break Fruit, but Austin blocked her blows and forced her back a step.

Ch. 103Austin's Outburst, Cake Island Shattered

Austin overwhelmed Big Mom and struck Kaido with a powerful punch, destroying Cake Island in the process. As the island sank, the survivors fled by sea.

  • Austin kicked Big Mom into the air, seized her, and hurled her into a crater with Instant Underwater Drop, splitting Cake Island apart.
  • Kaido appeared in Dragon Form and attacked Austin with Heat Breath, but Austin broke through the flames with Fist Bone Galaxy Impact and sent Kaido crashing down.
  • Cake Island split apart and began sinking, forcing everyone to flee toward the outskirts.
  • Katakuri bound his siblings together with mochi and led them toward the Queen Mama Chanter while Crocodile wounded him.
  • Little Hawk carried Little Sand across the incoming seawater on a ship fragment, rowing with a black blade.

Ch. 104Two Against One? No, Four Against Two

Austin faced Kaido and Big Mom at Cake Island, then pushed himself further by creating the illusion of four bodies through rapid teleportation and Observation Haki. As the two Emperors recognized the trick during his barrage of attacks, Mihawk and Crocodile watched from the sidelines.

  • The battle’s shockwaves drove everyone else away from Cake Island, while Big Mom and Kaido emerged from craters, still ready to fight Austin.
  • Austin admitted he could not defeat the two Emperors without going all out and called to Mihawk and Crocodile, saying he would leave the rest to them if he lost.
  • Mihawk cut off the Queen Mama Chanter’s bow to prevent Katakuri and the others from interfering, while Crocodile and Mihawk watched Austin’s fight.
  • Austin approached Kaido and Big Mom, who raised their weapons and prepared to attack him together.
  • Austin produced four apparent copies of himself and struck Kaido and Big Mom with a barrage of attacks.
  • Kaido and Big Mom used Observation Haki to realize Austin was teleporting among four fixed positions to create the illusion of clones.

Ch. 105The Battle Ends, the Severely Wounded Two Emperors

Austin used Instant Clone to severely wound Kaido and Big Mom, then escaped with Mihawk and Crocodile aboard the Oro Jackson. As Kaido and Big Mom unleashed Ocean Sovereignty at the departing ship, Little Hawk realized they still posed a deadly threat.

  • Austin used Instant Clone to overwhelm Kaido and Big Mom, leaving Kaido with a deep abdominal wound and Big Mom bleeding in a crater.
  • Little Hawk and Little Sand rescued the exhausted Austin and carried him away from the island in a sweeping sandstorm.
  • Big Mom sent Zeus after the Oro Jackson, but Austin immobilized the thundercloud with his Conqueror's Haki.
  • Mihawk and Crocodile set sail with Austin aboard the Oro Jackson while Kaido and Big Mom decided to pursue them.
  • Kaido and Big Mom combined their weapons and unleashed Ocean Sovereignty toward the departing ship.

Ch. 106A Mere Four Emperors? I Am a King!

After escaping Kaido and Big Mom, Austin recovered aboard the Oro Jackson and ordered Morgans to convene the underworld’s leaders. He planned to reshape the underworld’s businesses at a conference on the Sabaody Archipelago one month later.

  • Austin ate to recover after his battle with Kaido and Big Mom, then told the underworld bosses they could leave at the next island.
  • Stussy urged Austin to rest, but he claimed he was still at his peak and had not been seriously injured.
  • Austin called Morgans and ordered him not to list Austin among the Four Emperors.
  • Austin ordered every notable underworld figure to attend a conference or surrender their businesses and leave, or kill themselves.
  • Austin set the underworld conference for one month later at the Sabaody Archipelago.

Ch. 107Igniting the Sea! The Five Elders' Apprehension

Austin read exaggerated reports of his victory over Big Mom and Kaido and new bounty posters for Crocodile and Mihawk. At Mary Geoise, the Five Elders worried over Austin’s planned Dark World Conference and debated how to respond.

  • Austin read a newspaper portraying him as having effortlessly defeated Big Mom and Kaido, then showed Crocodile the new bounty posters.
  • Crocodile saw that Mihawk’s bounty had risen far above hers, and Austin taunted her for playing a supporting role in the battle.
  • Crocodile stormed off, vowing to prove herself in the next fight.
  • At the Chamber of Power, the Five Elders reviewed reports that Austin’s strength rivaled a Marine Admiral’s and examined his summons for a Dark World Conference.
  • Saint Nusjuro suggested acting against Austin to protect the World Government’s underground interests, but Saint Saturn warned that doing so would destroy any chance of reconciliation at a much greater cost.

Ch. 108Austin Makes Money—Off the Marines' Military Budget?

Austin negotiated with the Five Elders to take five percent of the underground world's net profits while protecting the World Government's business share. The Five Elders then cut the Marines' budget, and Kong took his anger out on Garp.

  • Saint Nusjuro warned that the World Government depended on profits from major industries, but Saint Warcury argued that Austin wanted to regulate the underground world rather than monopolize it.
  • The Five Elders called Austin to discuss profit distribution, and Austin offered to take five percent of net profits while leaving the largest share with each business's current owner.
  • The Five Elders accepted Austin's terms after he assured them the World Government's share of the business would remain secure.
  • The Five Elders ordered Kong to reduce the Marines' military budget by tens of billions of Beli for the coming year.
  • Kong returned to the meeting room, took the senbei from Garp, and threatened to halve his salary.

Ch. 109The Various Powers After the War, Austin Arrives at the Sabaody Archipelago

After Morgans’s publicity made Austin a sensation, Whitebeard’s crew, Kaido, and Big Mom reacted to his claims and victories. Austin returned to the Sabaody Archipelago, where his people and businesses had prospered, and set out to inspect them.

  • Whitebeard and his division captains discussed Austin’s reputation, and Whitebeard welcomed the prospect of testing his strength.
  • Kaido raged over Austin’s claims while recovering from his injuries, and King watched helplessly as the Beasts Pirates kept the damage secret from Wano.
  • Big Mom recovered from her injuries as Katakuri directed the relocation of their headquarters and sent her desserts to keep her calm.
  • Austin arrived at the Sabaody Archipelago with Little Sand and Mihawk and was mobbed by admiring women.
  • Austin escaped the crowd and decided to inspect his businesses in person.

Ch. 110Austin the Spendthrift

Austin took Little Sand and Little Hawk to an auction house to inspect its services, where his identity startled the staff. He indulged in the auction by spending lavishly, while two Celestial Dragons arrived and Grim killed a Cipher Pol agent; the auction continued with Austin buying a ring for Little Sand.

  • Austin brought Little Sand and Little Hawk to an auction house and used his Wanted Poster for asset verification, silencing the guards with his power.
  • Auction house staff recognized Austin and offered him special service, but he and his companions chose seats in the back.
  • Two Celestial Dragons arrived, and Grim killed a Cipher Pol agent who reminded him to return to the Holy Land.
  • Austin bid ten million Beli for a gemstone ring and gave it to Little Sand, who put it on despite claiming she did not want it.
  • Austin continued bidding extravagantly as the auction proceeded.

Ch. 111Poor Celestial Dragons—Were They Out of Money?

Austin dominated the auction, then drove Saint Grim into a bidding war over Stella until the Celestial Dragon ran out of money. Austin taunted Grim, who shot his companion as the chapter ended.

  • Austin outbid everyone at the auction, buying each item while the auction house staff welcomed his spending.
  • The auctioneer presented Stella, a beautiful female slave, and Saint Grim bid ten million Beli to claim her.
  • Austin repeatedly outbid Saint Grim by one Beli, pushing Stella’s price to five billion Beli.
  • Saint Grim stopped bidding after running out of money, and Austin taunted him by offering to lend him some.
  • Saint Grim drew his golden pistol and shot his Celestial Dragon companion.

Ch. 112Three-Year Pact, Giving You a Little Motivation

Austin disrupted a Celestial Dragon at the auction house, then left with Stella and arranged to recruit Gild Tesoro. He challenged Tesoro to earn one billion Beli within three years in exchange for Stella and a special opportunity.

  • Austin forced Saint Grim to shoot those around him and turn his gun on himself, then withdrew his power and sent the injured Celestial Dragons, agents, and slaves out of the venue.
  • Mihawk and Little Sand discussed the danger of harming Celestial Dragons, but Austin said the Five Elders would suppress the incident because no one had died.
  • Austin gave most of his auction winnings to the workers and kept a bottle of wine and Stella, whom he had purchased for five billion Beli.
  • Gild Tesoro rushed in to rescue Stella, but the guards knocked him down, and Austin froze Stella before confronting him.
  • Austin told Tesoro he could not protect Stella because he was poor, then offered a three-year pact: if Tesoro gathered one billion Beli, Austin would return Stella and grant him a rare opportunity.

Ch. 113Arrangements for the Gold-Gold Fruit, Borsalino Attacks

Tesoro vowed to become the World's Richest Man and save Stella after Austin gave him money and encouragement. Austin arranged for Doflamingo to let Tesoro obtain the Gold-Gold Fruit, then relaxed in the Red-Light District as Borsalino arrived at Sabaody to investigate the attack on the Celestial Dragons.

  • Tesoro decided to become the World's Richest Man and save Stella, and Austin gave him startup money before he left with a Den Den Mushi.
  • Austin told the auction house manager to direct any arriving Marine Admiral to him in the Red-Light District.
  • Austin instructed Doflamingo to watch Tesoro and arrange for him to obtain the Gold-Gold Fruit, and asked him to gather Devil Fruits for a meeting.
  • Austin had Stella settled somewhere private, then went to a massage center with Mihawk and Crocodile.
  • Borsalino arrived at Sabaody and asked a group of fleeing pirates how to reach the largest auction house.

Ch. 114The World Government Keeps the Peace, the Day of the Meeting Arrives

After Austin injured two Celestial Dragons, Borsalino avoided confronting him, and the Five Elders canceled any operation against him. As Austin prepared for the next day’s meeting, merchants, pirates, and underworld figures gathered at Sabaody, where Doflamingo encountered Stussy.

  • Borsalino learned from the auction house manager that Austin was responsible for the Celestial Dragons’ injuries and contacted Kong.
  • Borsalino told Kong that Austin was too powerful to confront, so Kong canceled the operation and ordered him to escort the Celestial Dragons home.
  • The Five Elders punished the two Celestial Dragons and avoided escalating the incident into a war with Austin.
  • Austin spent the following days enjoying himself and learned from Sammy that most of the meeting’s attendees had arrived.
  • Doflamingo arrived at Sabaody and greeted Stussy, teasing her about Sammy taking over her market.

Ch. 115All Parties Arrive, Rayleigh Mixing Drinks

Austin prepared to host a gathering of underworld leaders on Sabaody Archipelago as Marines, led by Vice Admiral Tsuru, maintained order. As the guests arrived, the crowd recognized the legendary Dark King Silvers Rayleigh entering the venue.

  • Stussy rebuffed Doflamingo's insinuation that she resented working alongside Madam Sammy, and Doflamingo turned his attention to Vice Admiral Tsuru.
  • Tsuru warned Doflamingo to stay arrogant after returning to the North Blue, then led her Marines away to continue keeping order.
  • Austin surveyed Sabaody with Observation Haki, then set out for the meeting venue with Sammy, Little Hawk, and Little Sand.
  • Doflamingo and Morgans exchanged greetings as the underworld's major figures arrived at the hotel, where guards checked each guest.
  • Silvers Rayleigh entered carrying a bottle of wine, and onlookers recognized him as the legendary Vice-Captain of the King of Pirates.

Ch. 116News of Pure Gold, Austin's Desire to Enjoy Forever

Austin met with Sea Transport King Umit, who had found a Vivre Card leading to the legendary Pure Gold. Austin ordered a rescue and promised Umit immortality if the information proved true and the operation succeeded.

  • Rayleigh joined Sammy to support her as Austin prepared to meet Umit and Doflamingo.
  • Umit gave Austin a Vivre Card fragment pointing to the Pure Gold inside a massive golden Lantern Fish.
  • Umit explained that a subordinate had entered the Lantern Fish with the other half of the Vivre Card after spotting it at sea.
  • Austin doubled the subordinate's reward, promised protection for his family, and offered him a hereditary noble title if he returned alive.
  • Austin praised Umit and promised him immortality if the Pure Gold information proved true and the operation succeeded.

Ch. 117The Dark-Dark Fruit in Hand, a Show of Force at the Start of the Meeting

Austin acquired the Dark-Dark Fruit from Doflamingo and gave him permission to pursue control of Dressrosa without interference from the World Government. At the underworld meeting, Austin’s arrival and overwhelming Conqueror’s Haki left the assembled tycoons in shock.

  • Doflamingo presented Austin with the Dark-Dark Fruit, and Austin explained its ability to nullify Devil Fruit powers.
  • Austin told Doflamingo he could return to Dressrosa and govern it without trouble from the World Government.
  • The underworld tycoons gathered in the conference hall and waited for Austin to arrive.
  • Austin’s footsteps unleashed Conqueror’s Haki that knocked many attendees and bodyguards unconscious.
  • Doflamingo sweated under the force of Austin’s Haki, and Rayleigh said it surpassed Roger’s.

Ch. 118Absolute Control: Austin Overwhelms All

Austin arrived at a gathering of underworld giants and used his overwhelming Haki and Warp Fruit to command their attention. He laid down rules to end infighting and divide the underworld’s markets, and no one dared oppose him.

  • Austin entered with Mihawk and Crocodile, and his Conqueror’s Haki knocked out those without seats and intimidated the gathered giants.
  • Austin used his Warp Fruit to make everyone sit and remove the unconscious subordinates and bodyguards.
  • Austin condemned the underworld’s murder, robbery, betrayal, and internal conflicts, then declared that he would impose red lines and destroy anyone who crossed them.
  • Austin announced rules for market allocations and required the giants to surrender a small portion of their net profits.
  • The underworld giants accepted Austin’s proposals without objecting.

Ch. 119Underground World's Victory MVP Results Screen

Austin established control over the underground world, while news of his success reached Shanks and Buggy. Buggy recalled Austin’s promise to join him once he became a big name and decided to save him the vice-captain’s position.

  • Austin ordered underground merchants to pay him a share of their profits and promised to protect their businesses, while none dared to object.
  • Austin’s Black Sun Flag was distributed to attendees, and the World Government congratulated him as the underground world entered the world’s political stage.
  • In the East Blue, Shanks read about Austin and encouraged Yasopp to keep pursuing his dream of surpassing the World’s Greatest Sniper.
  • Shanks’s crew urged him to believe they would become great figures, and Shanks released his Conqueror’s Haki as he looked forward to meeting Austin again.
  • Buggy read the news about Austin’s achievement and became emotional when he spotted Austin and Rayleigh in the photograph.
  • After Cabaji asked why Austin had no pirate crew, Buggy remembered Austin’s promise to join him and declared he would reserve the vice-captain’s position for him.

Ch. 120Austin Sets Sail, Garp Raids His Home

After a long spell of indulgence in Sabaody, Austin decided to set sail for the treasure of Pure Gold, bringing Little Hawk and Little Sand with him. Just after reaching the New World, he learned that Garp had gone to Sabaody to take Ace away, following Madam Rouge’s wishes and Roger’s original intention.

  • Austin surveyed the orderly work of Little Hawk, Little Sand, and Sammy and decided it was time to leave Sabaody again.
  • Austin told Little Sand and Sammy that he planned to retrieve Pure Gold and would share it with them.
  • Austin departed Sabaody aboard the Oro Jackson with Little Hawk, Little Sand, Beli, and supplies, guided by a Vivre Card.
  • News of Austin’s departure reached the Marines, and Garp woke when he heard it.
  • After Austin reached the New World, Sammy called to explain that Madam Rouge had left Ace’s fate to him, while Garp announced that he was taking Ace away as Roger had intended.

Ch. 121Immortal Woman, Seizing Pure Gold by Force

Austin arranged for Garp to take Rouge and Ace to Foosha Village, then found the Lantern Fish and its Pure Gold in the New World. He confronted Orga and forced the massive Sea King to surface with his Conqueror’s Haki.

  • Garp told Austin that Roger had entrusted Ace to him, and Austin agreed to let Garp take Rouge and Ace to Foosha Village with a hidden Haki-trained bodyguard.
  • Austin reflected that the three brothers would grow up together and continued his voyage through the New World.
  • Following the Vivre Card, Austin found the Lantern Fish and warped Orga and a lizard onto his ship.
  • Orga tried to take Austin hostage, but Austin ignored her threat and revealed that he knew she carried Pure Gold.
  • The Lantern Fish tried to flee, so Austin unleashed his Conqueror’s Haki and drove it out of the sea.

Ch. 122Pure Gold Secured

Austin and his allies battled the Lantern Fish to find Pure Gold, then recovered it and shared small pieces with trusted companions. They returned to the Sabaody Archipelago, while the World Government learned of the discovery.

  • Austin flew the Oro Jackson above the Lantern Fish while he searched its vast body for Pure Gold, and Little Hawk prepared to hold it in place.
  • Little Hawk slashed the Lantern Fish’s golden lantern, and the creature swallowed the spilling gold instead of fleeing into the depths.
  • Austin found Pure Gold inside an ancient ruin and used Super Warp to retrieve it, discovering that it halted bodily change and growth.
  • Austin sent Orga to reunite with her father and warped the inhabitants of the Lantern Fish’s islands to safety.
  • Austin gave Mihawk and Crocodile small pieces of Pure Gold, warned them about its effects, and returned with the group to the Sabaody Archipelago.
  • Austin distributed Pure Gold to trusted subordinates, including Doflamingo, and the news reached the World Government.

Ch. 123Pure Gold Transaction, Austin's Conditions

Austin used Pure Gold to reward Sammy and dealt with CP0 agents sent by Saint Roland, then negotiated a trade with the Five Elders. The chapter ended with Austin securing Devil Fruits and requesting three Marine Vice Admirals to escort the Kingdom of Dullamos's ship at next year's conference.

  • Austin gave Sammy Pure Gold jewelry after returning from his operation.
  • Austin questioned the CP0 agents sent by Saint Roland, sealed their mouths, and reduced them to dust.
  • The Five Elders disavowed the agents and negotiated with Austin to trade Devil Fruits for Pure Gold.
  • Austin traded Pure Gold for three Logia Fruits and two Mythical Zoan Fruits.
  • Austin used the CP0 incident to demand that Kuzan, Sakazuki, and Borsalino escort the Kingdom of Dullamos's ship next year.

Ch. 124Little Mingo Joins the Crew, the Black Emperor's Reckoning

Austin gave Pure Gold and an invitation to the World Government conference to an old man, then prepared to leave on another journey. At the Sabaody Archipelago, Doflamingo joined Crocodile to deal with underground forces secretly underpaying their partners.

  • The Five Elders agreed that Kuzan and other Marines could accompany the royal family of the Kingdom of Dullamos on a trip with Austin.
  • Austin explained Pure Gold to an old man over Den Den Mushi, who happily accepted the gift and invitation to the World Government conference.
  • Austin told Sammy he planned to leave, and she said he might be needed for matters in the Sabaody Archipelago.
  • Crocodile gambled with Doflamingo, who explained that Sammy had contacted him to investigate underground forces secretly underpaying their partners.
  • Doflamingo and Crocodile agreed to work together to deal with the offending underground forces.

Ch. 125Judge, Too Stubborn for His Own Good: I'm the Biggest in the North Blue!

Doflamingo uncovered Judge and Nicholas’s scheme to hide losses and steal money, then arrived at Germa’s palace to confront Judge as Austin approached. Judge attacked Doflamingo, who evaded him and warned that Judge might not survive.

  • Doflamingo and the seagulls exposed schemes to falsify reports and conceal stolen goods.
  • Judge admitted Germa had secretly joined underground merchants in raiding ships, while his accomplice assured him they had left no witnesses.
  • Nicholas warned Judge that the Black Emperor was dangerous and said he would cover the missing payment himself.
  • Doflamingo appeared at Judge’s palace, restrained the guards with threads, and announced that Austin would arrive shortly.
  • Judge charged Doflamingo with an electrified spear, but Doflamingo dodged and taunted him.
Arc 5 of 30