Ch. 221Ascension Ritual, Powerful and Reliable Allies
Key Plot Points
- Fujitora, Kizaru, Ryokugyu, and Tsuru hold a secret meeting to discuss the Five Elders.
- Kizaru presents evidence that the Five Elders are no longer fully human: unnatural movements and purple-glowing pupils under certain lighting.
- Tsuru notes recent Navy orders have become extreme, violating the Navy’s own principles of justice.
- Ryokugyu reports that the Celestial Dragons are secretly preparing an “Ascension Ritual” at Mary Geoise, and missing Navy soldiers are likely being sent there.
- Kizaru explains the threat is tied to Void Energy and a collapsing Dimensional Barrier, suggesting the Five Elders have been controlled or replaced by another-dimension entities.
- The group decides to form a covert opposition network, contacting powerful allies: Tsuru will reach out to Dragon/the Revolutionary Army; Fujitora will approach Whitebeard; Kizaru will investigate Void Energy and the Ancient Weapons.
- Kizaru privately accesses Sengoku’s classified file on “D” and the Ancient Weapons. It states that D is not the enemy but the original guardian, and the Ancient Weapons were meant to defend against a greater threat—not for destruction.
- Meanwhile, in Mary Geoise, the Five Elders discuss the ritual, reveal Silvers Rayleigh has been captured, and say they still need “keys.” The eldest Elder’s eyes turn black, and he smiles unnaturally, implying awareness that the protagonists are already moving.
Character Developments
- Kizaru steps forward as the strategist and investigator, showing a serious side beneath his usual demeanor.
- Fujitora and Ryokugyu show willingness to act beyond standard Marine protocols.
- Tsuru becomes a bridge between the Navy and outside forces like the Revolutionary Army.
- The Five Elders are further revealed as puppets or hosts of an alien/void entity, with the eldest showing the most direct sign of possession.
Significant Themes
- Institutional corruption: the Navy itself may be compromised.
- Apocalyptic threat beyond the usual pirate vs. Marine conflict.
- Unlikely alliances: Marines, Revolutionaries, and even pirates may need to unite.
- The mystery of “D” and the Ancient Weapons as protective forces, not destructive ones.
Character Interactions
- Kizaru leads the briefing; the others initially question but gradually accept the evidence.
- Fujitora shares his own observations of abnormal energy fluctuations.
- Ryokugyu challenges the enemy’s motives, prompting Kizaru to explain they may be waiting for the Ascension Ritual.
- Tsuru and Kizaru share a private moment after the meeting, with Tsuru recalling Sengoku’s file and Kizaru requesting it.
- The final scene shifts to the Five Elders, emphasizing their dangerous confidence and hidden agenda.