Ch. 781As Soon as the Words Fell
Summary of As Soon as the Words Fell
1. Key Plot Points & Events
- Crocodile’s Arrival: Crocodile and Daz Bones ambush the Straw Hat Pirates, signaling their intent to kill them. The atmosphere is immediately tense.
- Moke’s Defiance: Moke, a Logia user with a Glint-Glint Fruit-like ability, refuses to join Baroque Works. Crocodile reveals he personally invited Daz Bones but not Moke, forcing him to choose between submission or death.
- Moke’s Clever Maneuver: Moke hides valuable items (including the Desert Crescent Devil Fruit and jewels) before facing Crocodile, knowing his strength is compromised by carrying them.
- Crocodile’s Attack: Crocodile uses his signature Desert Crescent move (a sand blade that drains moisture), but Moke’s immunity to non-Seastone attacks lets him survive. Crocodile then attacks with Armament Haki-wrapped Golden Hook, shocking Moke.
- Moke’s Counter: Moke reveals Crocodile’s fatal weakness—water—by asking if he ever "surfed," implying his Logia ability is useless in water. He then creates a Mud Fist infused with Seastone, trapping Crocodile’s arm.
- Daz Bones Intervenes: Daz Bones attacks Moke, forcing him to break free. Crocodile escapes, but Moke’s Seastone trap nearly finishes him.
- Straw Hats Join the Fight: Luffy and Zoro arrive, with Luffy using Gum-Gum No. 1 (Gigant Pistol) and Zoro’s Haki-infused sword strikes to disrupt Crocodile’s sand vortex.
- Cliffhanger Ending: Crocodile and Daz Bones vanish behind a sand wall, leaving the Straw Hats frustrated but determined to confront them again.
2. Character Developments
Moke
- Proves his strategic brilliance by hiding critical items before battle.
- Demonstrates deep knowledge of Crocodile’s weaknesses, using psychological tactics (water) to unsettle him.
- Shows adaptability, using Seastone to counter Crocodile’s Logia ability—a rare move among Logia users.
- His confidence grows, but he remains calculating, knowing Crocodile will retaliate fiercely.
Crocodile
- Confirmed as a master of Armament Haki, hiding his true strength.
- His pride is wounded when Moke exposes his weakness, shifting from recruitment to killing intent.
- Despite being outmaneuvered, he escapes unscathed, hinting at his resilience and future vengeance.
Daz Bones
- Acts as Crocodile’s right-hand enforcer, but his ineffectiveness against Logia users is exposed.
- His sudden intervention suggests he may have a personal motive beyond Baroque Works.
Luffy & Zoro
- Luffy’s Gum-Gum No. 1 and Zoro’s Haki-enhanced blades show their growing power and synergy.
- Their timely arrival saves Moke, reinforcing their loyalty to the crew.
3. Significant Themes
Weaknesses & Exploitation
- Moke uses Crocodile’s Logia vulnerability (water) against him, highlighting how every power has a flaw.
- Seastone’s role as the natural enemy of Logia users is emphasized, showing its strategic importance.
Psychological Warfare
- Moke’s taunts ("Do you take baths?") force Crocodile to reveal his deep-seated insecurity, proving mind games can be as deadly as physical attacks.
Alliances & Betrayal
- Crocodile’s personal invitation to Daz Bones (but not Moke) suggests hierarchy and favoritism in Baroque Works.
- The Straw Hats’ united defense contrasts with Baroque Works’ disorganized chaos.
Adaptability in Battle
- Moke’s quick thinking (hiding items, using Seastone) vs. Crocodile’s brute force and Haki mastery shows different battle philosophies.