Chapter Summaries

Tesoro fought Issho but was overwhelmed by the swordsman’s gravity attacks, until Kuina intervened. Robin evacuated Tesoro and sent Luo to help Kuina, while Sabo waited for his chance to act.

• Issho attacked Tesoro with powerful gravity-based sword strikes, and Tesoro realized he could not win.
• Kuina charged into battle and fought Issho with her Black Blade after Robin saw that Tesoro had lost his nerve.
• Robin rescued Tesoro with the Op-Op Fruit’s ability and told him that Lord Victor had sent her to help.
• Tesoro accepted Robin’s warning, fired a signal flare, and withdrew with his men.
• Robin sent Luo to assist Kuina and told him not to rely on the Op-Op Fruit’s ability.
• Robin told Sabo that Lord Victor had sent him to ensure nothing went wrong, and Sabo eagerly accepted his role.

Robin let Sabo test his strength against Issho while Kuina and Luo prepared to withdraw, and Victor decided his subordinates needed experience with killing. Two days later, Victor announced the final recruitment assessment: the candidates had to defeat everyone else on a deserted island.

• Robin encouraged Sabo to attack Issho, and Sabo gained the advantage with powerful strikes while Kuina predicted Issho would win once he adapted.
• Robin reported the battle to Victor, who said the fighters lacked a willingness to kill and resolve to be killed, so Robin agreed to find them work that required killing.
• At the World Government's recruitment center, Aramaki recognized Victor and Akainu as his idols and loudly declared himself Victor's fan.
• Victor announced that the final assessment would take place on a deserted island, where the candidates had to defeat everyone else.
• Wright told the candidates to board the ships waiting at the pier.

The admiral candidates battled on a deserted island until Aramaki used the Woods-Woods Fruit to overwhelm nearly everyone. Fujitora summoned a meteorite that devastated the island, but a sprout appeared in the ashes, leaving Aramaki’s fate unclear.

• Sanra attacked Ratiō as the candidates began fighting, while West and Platt revealed their deadly swordsmanship.
• Aramaki created a forest and transformed into a giant tree man, crushing and draining the other candidates.
• Fujitora cut through the vines attacking him as Aramaki’s plants continued to overwhelm the island.
• Fujitora summoned a meteorite, and its impact shattered the island and set Aramaki’s vines ablaze.
• After Wright wondered whether the battle was over, a new sprout emerged from the scorched forest.

Issho and Aramaki fought to decide who would become a Marine admiral, but the Gorosei chose Aramaki for his greater loyalty to the World Government. Issho was eliminated and left furious over the unfair decision, while Aramaki went to meet Victor and the Commander-in-Chief.

• Wester, Sanra, and the other candidates admitted defeat after Issho and Aramaki demonstrated their strength.
• Issho and Aramaki fought with swords and their abilities, injuring each other without deciding a winner.
• Victor stopped the duel and told Issho and Aramaki that the final result would be announced later.
• Wright told Issho he had been eliminated and escorted Aramaki to meet Victor and the Commander-in-Chief.
• Issho tightened his grip on his cane-sword and burned with fury over the unfair result.

Aramaki joined the navy as its newest admiral, received the codename Ryokugyu, and pledged his loyalty to Victor. In Sabaody, Issho heard a rumor falsely claiming Ryokugyu had defeated every opponent and was approached by a man who wanted to speak with him.

• Wright brought Aramaki to Pangaea Castle, where Kong appointed him the navy’s newest admiral and tasked Victor with arranging his introduction to the navy.
• Victor welcomed Aramaki, gave him the codename Ryokugyu, and invited him to a banquet at his villa.
• At the banquet, Victor and Akainu urged Aramaki to uphold justice, join their group, obey orders, and avoid causing Victor trouble.
• Victor assigned Connor and others to help Aramaki establish his direct forces.
• In Sabaody, Issho heard diners claim Ryokugyu had defeated all his opponents, though Issho knew the contest had ended in a draw.
• A man sat in front of Issho and asked him to come outside later for a conversation.

CP0 tried to recruit Issho as a servant of the World Nobles, but he refused and fled Sabaody. On Jaya Island, a CP0 agent caught up with him, and their fight escalated as Issho raised floating debris against the agent’s gunfire.

• CP0 agents offered Issho authority and unlimited resources in exchange for obeying the World Nobles, but Issho rejected the offer and left.
• Issho sailed from Sabaody to Jaya Island to avoid trouble, but a CP0 agent followed him into the jungle.
• Issho drew his sword and asked the agent to tell the World Nobles he wanted no conflict with them.
• The agent attacked with a sword and a gun, forcing Issho to dodge and defend himself with Armament Haki.
• Issho activated his Press-Press Fruit and lifted debris with gravity, while the agent fired a bullet at his brow.

Victor and Robin left Fujitora to recover after Victor’s Conqueror’s Haki forced a CP0 agent to retreat. In Foosha Village, Luffy rejected Garp’s plan to make him a Marine and declared that he would go to sea as a pirate, leaving Garp to accept that he could not control his family’s choices.

• A hidden sniper wounded Fujitora, but Victor’s Conqueror’s Haki made the CP0 agent attacking him retreat.
• Robin asked Victor what to do about Fujitora, and Victor decided to leave him alone for now while keeping open the possibility of recruiting him later.
• Garp returned to Foosha Village and sat with the silent Luffy, then told him he would send him to military school.
• Luffy refused military school and told Garp he wanted to become a pirate, honoring the promise he had made with Ace.
• Luffy told Garp that neither he nor Ace needed Garp’s protection, and Garp recognized the same resolve he had seen in Dragon before accepting he could not control his family.

Victor used the World Military Draft to place Sabo, Enel, and Kuina in Marine positions, then sent them to support understaffed branches and Momousagi. Smoker remained stuck maintaining warships at Headquarters, while Luffy set sail from Foosha Village and soon lost half his supplies in a storm.

• Victor assigned Sabo to support G6 Branch and Enel to support G9 Branch.
• Victor sent Kuina to support Momousagi, continuing his plan to build their records before placing them in important positions.
• Smoker watched the newly dispatched Marines leave and lamented his maintenance job, which followed his withdrawal from the Blue Sea Society.
• Smoker inspected a battle-damaged warship commanded by Major General Binz and inferred that its crew had suffered heavy casualties.
• The villagers of Foosha Village packed supplies into Luffy's boat, and Luffy set sail despite the village chief's objections.
• Luffy's small boat survived a storm on the third day at sea, but he lost half his supplies.

The Big Mom Pirates struggled under Navy attacks on their territories and feared losing power as pirates defected to rival crews. Charlotte Linlin persuaded Kaido to join forces against the Navy, while Akainu learned of their alliance and called for ships to regroup and headquarters to send reinforcements.

• Perospero, Smoothie, and Big Mom's children discussed Navy attacks, disrupted dessert tributes, and pirates defecting to the Red Hair and Beasts Pirates.
• Charlotte Linlin learned that the Navy had gathered nearly twenty ships and twenty thousand marines at Port Moresby and was building three fortresses.
• Charlotte Linlin contacted Kaido and persuaded him to join forces against the Navy by reminding him of their past cooperation and his debt to her.
• Akainu learned that Charlotte Linlin and Kaido had agreed to unite, but refused to abandon the fortresses under construction.
• Akainu ordered Dogman to gather the Navy ships nearby and request reinforcements from headquarters.

As Charlotte Linlin and Kaido joined forces to attack Akainu, Victor dispatched reinforcements while the Navy prepared to defend the harbor. The pirate alliance reached the harbor, where Akainu launched Meteor Volcano and Kaido and Charlotte Linlin moved to counter it.

• Victor ordered Ryokugyu to lead a fleet, with Chaton, Rhode, Momonga, Kizaru, Gumir, Dalmation, and Felix's Pacifistas, to reinforce Akainu.
• Charlotte Linlin and Kaido assembled more than eighty ships and advanced toward Akainu's harbor.
• Onigumo and Dogman reported the approaching pirate fleet as Akainu's marines reinforced the harbor and requisitioned civilian vessels for the wounded.
• Victor told Akainu that he had dispatched the Shichibukai and ordered him to hold the line for the Navy's reputation.
• The pirate alliance arrived, and Charlotte Linlin used a Hozmi to drive its ships toward the harbor on towering waves.
• Akainu launched Meteor Volcano at the alliance, while Kaido transformed into a dragon and Charlotte Linlin rode Zeus and raised Napoleon.

Charlotte Linlin's forces infiltrated the naval base through a mirror, turning the battle against the Marines and forcing Akainu to cover their retreat. As Kaido and Charlotte Linlin attacked him together, Kaido landed a Thunder Bagua while Charlotte Linlin brought down her Emperor Sword.

• Cracker and his siblings disguised themselves as Marines, entered the harbor, and set up Charlotte Brûlée's mirror to bring Katakuri, Smoothie, and the other pirates into the base.
• Katakuri and the Big Mom Pirates destroyed the armory and overwhelmed the Marines, while Charlotte Linlin revealed that her main force had infiltrated the naval base.
• Akainu ordered Onigumo and the other Marines to retreat while he stayed behind to cover them.
• Kaido and Charlotte Linlin attacked Akainu together, and Akainu struck back with Great Eruption and Hell Hound.
• Kaido hit Akainu from behind with Thunder Bagua as Charlotte Linlin brought down her Emperor Sword: Break Break Blade.

Akainu fought Kaido and Charlotte Linlin together, using taunts to persuade Kaido to face him alone and buy time for Ryokugyu to arrive. As Kaido prepared to attack, CP0 agents watched from a warship, hoping the pirates would eliminate Akainu.

• Kaido and Charlotte Linlin combined their attacks against Akainu, badly injuring him and damaging the base.
• Akainu transformed more of his body into magma and fought back, striking Kaido and narrowly catching Charlotte Linlin with a magma claw.
• Akainu taunted Kaido and Charlotte Linlin, hoping to create a chance to fight one opponent at a time.
• Charlotte Linlin recognized Akainu's provocation tactic, but Kaido insisted on fighting Akainu one-on-one before the Marines arrived.
• Akainu secretly hoped Ryokugyu would arrive soon while Kaido prepared to strike him again.
• CP0 agents watched the battle from a warship, hoping Kaido and Charlotte Linlin would eliminate Akainu.

Akainu was badly wounded while fighting Kaido and Charlotte Linlin, but Victor arrived in time to protect him and take on the Yonko. Victor overwhelmed Charlotte Linlin in their clashes and continued attacking as she took to the sky to evade him.

• Akainu and Kaido exchanged powerful blows, while Perospero led Charlotte Linlin’s forces in pursuit of the fleeing Marines.
• Charlotte Linlin prepared to finish Akainu, but Victor descended and deflected her attack with a spear of light.
• Victor reassured Akainu, then challenged Charlotte Linlin as she charged him with her sword.
• Victor matched Charlotte Linlin’s attacks, kicked her through houses, and used a spear of light to block Kaido’s strike against Akainu.
• Charlotte Linlin launched a long-range slash, and Victor countered with an attack that split the ground and released underground fire.
• Charlotte Linlin escaped the eruption on Zeus, but Victor continued his assault with a powerful wind-blade slash.

Victor fought Kaido and Charlotte Linlin while Akainu struggled with severe injuries. After their Sea Quake combination attack, Kaido and Charlotte Linlin withdrew, leaving Victor to urge Akainu to seek treatment.

• Victor drove Charlotte Linlin away from her initial attack, then joined Akainu against Kaido.
• Victor used Armament Haki to injure Kaido internally and battered him until Kaido coughed up blood as the island began collapsing.
• Charlotte Linlin and Kaido combined their weapons to unleash Sea Quake at Victor and Akainu, and Victor shielded Akainu.
• Victor said the fight was over for the day, and Kaido acknowledged his strength before retreating with Charlotte Linlin.
• Akainu vomited blood after the retreat, and Victor told him he needed treatment.

The Gorosei used the Marines’ defeat to rein in their forces, while Victor ordered Robin to help Luffy defeat the Sand Crocodile and take control of Alabasta. As Luffy’s crew reached Loguetown, a woman spotted and reported them.

• The Gorosei decided to use the Marines’ defeat to punish them and restrict their operations in the New World.
• Perospero met a masked woman who had helped plan the Big Mom Pirates’ attack, then tried unsuccessfully to discover her identity.
• The Marines suspended Akainu and halted construction of their new fortress as Sengoku investigated the defeat.
• Victor ordered Robin to help Luffy defeat the Sand Crocodile and told her to promise Luffy control of Alabasta.
• Usopp sensed someone watching the crew in Loguetown, and a woman in an alley reported that she had found the Straw Hat Kid’s crew.

Vivi and the Straw Hat Pirates confronted Crocodile’s forces in Nanohana Port, then Robin led them to Crocodile. Luffy challenged him but was struck down by Crocodile’s sand powers.

• Robin arranged for Vivi to meet Luffy and his companions, and Luffy agreed to help her defeat Crocodile.
• Vivi led the Straw Hat Pirates to follow Robin in Nanohana Port, where Crocodile’s bounty hunters ambushed them.
• Luffy and his companions defeated hundreds of bounty hunters and then overcame Mr. 1 and the others.
• Robin led the group to Crocodile’s casino office, where Crocodile revealed he had been watching Luffy because of someone’s interest in him.
• Crocodile attacked Luffy, evaded his punch by turning into sand, and struck him in the chest, making him spit blood and fall.

Luffy discovered that his blood could let him hit Crocodile, but Crocodile overwhelmed him with sand attacks despite his stubborn refusal to give up. After Luffy collapsed, Zoro stepped forward and was also sent flying by Crocodile, who reflected on the unyielding wills he and Luffy had shown.

• Luffy struck Crocodile with his bloodied fist, then endured a relentless sand assault while repeatedly insisting the fight was not over.
• Crocodile trapped Luffy in a sandstorm, and Luffy collapsed after declaring he would defeat him for making Vivi cry.
• Crocodile challenged the others, and Zoro cut his palm so blood coated his sword before attacking.
• Crocodile overpowered Zoro and sent him flying, while remarking on the young fighters' determination and recalling how Whitebeard had once crushed his own fighting spirit.

Robin revealed Luffy’s family ties and helped set events in motion as Victor manipulated Crocodile’s fate and guided Luffy’s growth. After Luffy reached Water 7, Victor assigned Smoker to arrest him, leaving the Straw Hats’ next encounter with the Marines looming.

• Robin told Nami and the others that Luffy’s grandfather was Garp and his father was Dragon, then gave them a key to escape their cell.
• Luffy defeated Crocodile, who was arrested by the Marines; Robin told Crocodile that Victor intended for him to become one of the new Four Emperors.
• Robin gave Luffy a recording of the Marine Six Powers at Water 7, inspiring him to develop his abilities after learning Soru.
• Smoker asked Zephyr for a new assignment, and Victor sent him to arrest Luffy.

Victor arranged for Luffy and his crew to reach the Sabaody Archipelago early and set events in motion for Rayleigh to meet them. Rayleigh recognized Luffy’s straw hat and revealed that he had been friends with Luffy’s father, leaving Nami and the others stunned.

• Robin visited Shakky’s Rip-off Bar, told Shakky that Luffy was Ace’s younger brother, and left his wanted poster with her.
• Victor asked Saint Angellati to visit an auction where merfolk were being sold, and persuaded him to protect Victor from CP0.
• Victor guided Luffy and his crew to the Sabaody Archipelago, where Shakky’s subordinate brought them to the bar.
• Rayleigh was waiting at Shakky’s Rip-off Bar and recognized the straw hat Luffy wore as one Roger had passed to Shanks.
• Zoro recognized Rayleigh as Pluto Rayleigh, and Rayleigh told Luffy and his crew that he had been friends with Luffy’s father.

Rayleigh described Luffy’s father, and Nami learned that Rayleigh had been talking about Dragon rather than the Revolutionary Army. After Luffy and Zoro attacked a Celestial Dragon in Sabaody, Marines, CP0, and Pacifistas turned the island into a battlefield, leaving the Straw Hats in a desperate fight.

• Rayleigh recalled Luffy’s father as headstrong, innocent, and fiercely loyal to his companions, and Nami asked whether the Revolutionary Army had destroyed a country’s army.
• Nami explained that she believed Luffy’s father commanded the Revolutionary Army, and Rayleigh and Shakky clarified that Luffy and Ace were sworn brothers and that Rayleigh had not been describing the Revolutionary Army.
• Luffy refused Rayleigh’s offer to reveal the location of the final island, while Saint Angellati and other Celestial Dragons arrived in Sabaody to bid on mermaids.
• Luffy and Zoro caused trouble and attacked a Celestial Dragon, prompting Marine Marshal Victor to mobilize the island’s forces and send Kizaru after them.
• Kizaru rushed toward Luffy as Marines, pirates, CP0, and Pacifistas fought across Sabaody, with civilians caught in the violence and a Pacifista stepping over a dead woman.