Ch. 741Though He Was Arrogant
Summary of "Though He Was Arrogant" (One Piece – Chapter 750)
1. Key Plot Points & Events
- Gild Tesoro’s Strategy: Tesoro, a powerful Shichibukai with a Gold-Gold Fruit, oversees a casino where he secretly manipulates games to ensure controlled outcomes. He initially lets Issho and the Baboon King, Burns, win small amounts to deter them from causing trouble.
- Burns’ Arrival: Burns, seeking Issho, arrives with a group of allies. He and Issho engage in a high-stakes gambling match, winning repeatedly due to Burns’ luck and Tesoro’s (temporary) manipulation.
- Chaos Erupts: A gang of thugs attacks Perona, forcing Weevil, Brook, Jesus Burgess, and Ata to intervene. Tesoro intervenes decisively, trapping the attackers with golden spikes and warning them not to return.
- Burns’ Revelation: After the fight, Burns explains his predicament—he gambled away his crew’s resources to win against Issho and now seeks Issho’s help. He proposes Issho join his pirate crew, which aims to build a peaceful kingdom under their captain’s rule.
- The Old Man’s Glance: An unnamed old man (later revealed to be Moke) observes the scene with interest, hinting at deeper intrigue.
2. Character Developments
Gild Tesoro
- Demonstrates calculated control over the casino, balancing power and restraint.
- Shows gentleness toward Perona and the Straw Hats but cold authority toward threats.
- His Beli-driven pragmatism is evident—he avoids unnecessary conflict unless it benefits him.
Issho
- Initially skeptical of pirates but intrigued by Burns’ proposal of justice within a controlled kingdom.
- Hesitant about joining a pirate crew, torn between his Marine ideals and the practicality of Burns’ offer.
- His moral conflict is highlighted—he values justice but fears the chaos of revolution.
Burns (Baboon King)
- Charismatic and persuasive, using Issho’s sense of justice against him.
- Reveals his strategic mind—he gambled his crew’s resources to win Issho’s favor.
- Ambitious for his captain’s vision of a peaceful kingdom, framing it as a middle ground between revolution and oppression.
Perona & Weevil
- Weevil protects Perona fiercely, showing his loyalty and dedication.
- Perona’s vulnerability contrasts with her kind nature, emphasizing the dangers of her world.
Moke (Old Man)
- Observant and calculating, hinting at his role as a Shichibukai and potential ally/enemy.
- His smirk suggests he’s aware of the larger stakes beyond this casino scene.
3. Significant Themes
Control vs. Chaos
- Tesoro’s casino represents order through manipulation, while Burns’ proposal offers controlled justice (a kingdom) as an alternative to revolution.
- Issho’s dilemma mirrors the tension between stability and radical change.
Justice & Power
- Burns argues for localized justice (protecting a kingdom) rather than global revolution, appealing to Issho’s pragmatism.
- The Marines vs. Pirates dynamic is explored—can justice exist within a pirate crew, or is it inherently corrupt?
Gambling as Metaphor
- The high-stakes games symbolize fate, risk, and consequence—Burns and Issho’s wager reflects their betting on their futures.
- Tesoro’s manipulation highlights how power shapes outcomes, even in seemingly free choices.
Alliances & Betrayal
- Burns’ recruitment tactics (using Issho’s ideals against him) show how charisma and strategy can sway even the most principled.
- Moke’s presence foreshadows looming alliances or conflicts among the Shichibukai.
4. Character Interactions
Tesoro & Issho/Burns
- Tesoro indirectly influences their game, ensuring they don’t lose too much but also don’t leave.
- His distant authority contrasts with Burns’ warm, persuasive charm.
Burns & Issho
- Persuasive dialogue—Burns appeals