Ch. 261Is This Ohara?
Chapter Summary: “Is This Ohara?”
Key Plot Points and Events
- Kuzan returns to his cabin after discussing the Buster Call with Sakazuki. He is deeply troubled by the order to destroy Ohara and cannot sleep.
- He reflects on the civilians and children of Ohara, remembering their happiness and love of books. Although he understands that soldiers must obey orders, he finds the planned slaughter morally unacceptable.
- Inspired by Sakazuki’s statement that strength is necessary to change what one dislikes, Kuzan resolves to become stronger and to minimize civilian casualties during the operation.
- Kuzan studies a map of Ohara, planning how he might protect as many innocents as possible without openly disobeying the World Government.
- Jin An unexpectedly appears inside Kuzan’s cabin, revealing that he has infiltrated the Buster Call fleet to cause trouble for the World Government.
- Kuzan offers to help Jin An, but Jin An refuses, reminding him that Kuzan must maintain his role as a vice admiral participating in the operation. Jin An promises to handle the rest himself.
- Jin An uses his spatial ability to vanish from the cabin. His reassurance calms Kuzan and allows him to rest with renewed confidence.
- Moving through his personal spatial realm, Jin An discovers that he can sense locations throughout the world and open doors to them instantly. Mary Geoise’s central area is protected by an unknown force that interferes with his ability, but most other destinations—including Marine Headquarters—are accessible.
- Jin An opens a door and arrives at Ohara, ending the chapter as he prepares to act.
Character Developments
- Kuzan: Experiences a major moral conflict between his duty as a Marine and his conscience. Rather than passively obeying, he decides to quietly reduce the loss of innocent life. His resolve marks a step toward becoming more independent and guided by personal principles.
- Jin An: Demonstrates confidence in his powerful spatial abilities and his willingness to challenge the World Government indirectly. He also shows strategic judgment by preventing Kuzan from openly compromising his position.
- Sakazuki: Though absent from the chapter’s main events, his earlier advice influences Kuzan. His belief that strength is required to change the world becomes a source of motivation for Kuzan.
Significant Themes
- Duty versus conscience: Kuzan struggles with whether military obedience can justify mass slaughter.
- Power and the ability to change things: Both Sakazuki’s advice and Kuzan’s decision emphasize that meaningful resistance requires strength.
- Moral compromise: Kuzan cannot stop the Buster Call entirely, but he seeks a way to lessen its human cost.
- Trust and hope: Jin An’s appearance gives Kuzan emotional support and reinforces his belief that the situation may not be hopeless.
- Freedom through power: Jin An’s control over space symbolizes his independence and ability to act beyond the restrictions imposed on others.
Character Interactions
- Kuzan and Sakazuki: Their earlier conversation shapes Kuzan’s thinking. Sakazuki acknowledges that people are often forced to act against their wishes, while encouraging Kuzan to gain enough strength to make his own choices.
- Kuzan and Jin An: Jin An finds Kuzan troubled and offers reassurance. Kuzan volunteers to follow Jin An’s orders, showing trust, but Jin An insists that Kuzan preserve his Marine role while he handles the intervention.
- Their exchange strengthens Kuzan’s resolve and establishes Jin An as an ally who intends to disrupt the Buster Call from outside the official chain of command.