Ch. 21Arrival at Laugh Tale, First Save an Eternal Pointer
Key Plot Points and Events
- Buggy falls ill, and Shanks stays behind to care for him.
- Austin learns from Gaban and Rayleigh to prepare for the end of the beginner's protection period.
- The crew arrives at Laugh Tale, finding it empty and laughing at the anticlimax.
- Austin records a pointer on the Eternal Record Pointer before leaving Laugh Tale.
- On the return journey, Austin feels melancholic about the impending parting.
- Gaban gives Austin his Vivre Card, inviting him to drink together if he changes his mind about alcohol.
- The crew nears Elbaf, and Roger tells Austin he's not the one to follow destiny's path and should leave the World's future to "Hope."
Character Developments
- Austin shows concern for Buggy's health and understands the importance of learning from Gaban and Rayleigh.
- Shanks displays his caring nature by staying behind to nurse Buggy back to health.
- Roger reveals his strategic side, comparing Austin to the feared former ruler of the seas, Rocks.
- Austin decides not to interfere with the World's future, choosing to live freely for himself.
Significant Themes
- The burden of destiny and the responsibility of power.
- The importance of learning and preparation.
- The bonds between crew members and the inevitable partings in their journey.
Character Interactions
- Austin and Buggy: Austin shows concern for Buggy's health, while Buggy is excited to see Austin.
- Austin and Gaban: They share a drink and a moment of camaraderie, with Gaban giving Austin his Vivre Card.
- Roger and Austin: Roger reveals his thoughts on Austin's future and asks him to leave the World's future to "Hope."
- Roger and Shanks: They have a heartfelt conversation about the crew's disbandment, leading Shanks to burst into tears.