Ch. 621Mu Chen's Network of Connections!
Here's a concise summary of the chapter:
Key Plot Points & Events
- Mu Chen ends the live broadcast after the Five Elders are teleported away, leaving Devil's Canyon in ruins. He declares it's time to activate his "network of connections."
Orders issued
- Dragon mobilizes the Revolutionary Army, including 80,000 freed slaves, to attack the Red Line within three days.
- Sakazuki orders Marines in the Four Blues to attack World Government institutions locally (instead of sailing to the Grand Line), while New World Marines prepare for the Red Line assault.
- Mu Chen makes a series of Den Den Mushi calls to recruit powerful allies:
- Mihawk — calls in a lost bet (promised to take Zoro as disciple).
- Moria — calls in a life debt; Moria confirms his zombie army (tens of thousands) is ready.
- Hancock — invokes revenge against the Celestial Dragons.
- Fisher Tiger — as a Shichibukai/Revolutionary, tells him it's time to move.
- Doflamingo — invites him to cause trouble; Doflamingo is ecstatic, even though Mu Chen holds his heart.
- Crocodile — invites him to attack the Red Line; Crocodile accepts for the chance at riches and chaos.
- Whitebeard — tells him to let the world know he's alive; Whitebeard is thrilled and looks forward to seeing Ace again.
- Shanks — blackmails him (threatens to reveal he beat Shanks) into helping.
- After the calls, Kaido (Azure Dragon form) and Douglas Bullet arrive, disappointed that the fight with the Five Elders is already over.
Character Developments
- Mu Chen: Shows strategic brilliance, using debts, bets, and blackmail to assemble a global coalition. He's confident, manipulative, and willing to use any leverage.
- Dragon: Already anticipated Mu Chen's plan; his forces are pre-mobilized, showing foresight and organizational skill.
- Sakazuki: Follows Mu Chen's orders without hesitation, demonstrating his commitment to the Marines' break from the World Government.
- Individual allies reveal their motivations:
- Mihawk: Honor-bound by a bet.
- Moria: Grateful for his life and awakened Devil Fruit.
- Hancock: Romantic devotion mixed with vengeance.
- Doflamingo: Thrill-seeking, insane excitement.
- Crocodile: Pragmatic opportunist (wealth/loot).
- Whitebeard: Emotional reunion with Ace.
- Shanks: Reluctant but pressured by pride.
- Kaido & Bullet: Show their battle-hungry nature; they're upset they missed the action.
Significant Themes
- Debts and leverage: Mu Chen weaponizes personal obligations (bets, saved lives, blackmail) to unite a fragmented world against the Celestial Dragons.
- Momentum of revolution: The broadcast has ignited a global uprising; even former enemies (Doflamingo, Crocodile, Shanks) are willing to fight.
- Total war against the World Government: The attack on the Red Line is portrayed as a once-in-a-century event that all major powers feel compelled to join.
- Mu Chen as a master puppeteer: He orchestrates events from behind the scenes, turning the entire sea into his chessboard.
Character Interactions
- Mu Chen ↔ Dragon/Sakazuki: Direct, commanding, and strategic.
- Mu Chen ↔ Each ally (phone): Fast-paced, leveraging personal history:
- Mihawk: calm, resigned.
- Moria: grateful, boastful.
- Hancock: passionate, devoted.
- Tiger: loyal, ready.
- Doflamingo: maniacal laughter, eager.
- Crocodile: cynical but intrigued.
- Whitebeard: boisterous, fatherly.
- Shanks: exasperated, threatened.
- Kaido & Bullet arrive: They confront Mu Chen, expressing frustration at missing the fight. Their arrival adds comic relief and reinforces their chaotic, battle-loving personalities.