Ch. 121Vikengam: How Could I Let Doflamingo Live a Good Life? Torture Him Ruthlessly! (Monthly Pass)
Chapter Summary
- Life aboard the Oro Jackson: Several days after the previous events, the crew enjoys a calm day at sea. Vikengam fishes unsuccessfully while wearing Roger’s straw hat, Bullet trains Shanks and Buggy, Gaban meditates, and Rayleigh sweetly speaks with Shakky over the Den Den Mushi. The relaxed atmosphere highlights the crew’s strong camaraderie and playful familiarity.
- Vikengam and Borsalino: Vikengam begins writing a letter to his old friend Borsalino, congratulating him on joining the Marines and reflecting on the possibility that they may eventually meet as opposing forces. Vikengam had previously used his influence to help Borsalino enter Marine Headquarters directly. He stops writing when Roger interrupts, intending to finish the letter later in private.
- Crew banter and relationships: Roger teases Vikengam about his poor fishing skills, but immediately becomes submissive when Vikengam jokes about freezing his bank account. Roger then complains theatrically about being lonely and lacking romance. Vikengam suggests marrying Big Mom, while Gaban and Rayleigh add their own teasing remarks. Rayleigh reveals that Flame Flower nearly died from lovesickness over Roger, but Roger rejects the idea of visiting Amazon Lily because he finds her affection overwhelming. Their exchanges demonstrate the crew’s affectionate, irreverent relationships.
- Threat from Shiki: The mood changes when Spencer reports that Shiki’s Flying Pirates have begun searching for Roger’s whereabouts. Whitebeard and Shiki have recently ended their long conflict in a territorial truce, suggesting that neither could defeat the other. Roger suspects Shiki has now targeted the Roger Pirates, while the crew recognizes that the threat may soon become serious.
- Marine activity near Cake Island: Vikengam receives a call from Spandine, who reports that the Marines are preparing operations against Cake Island. The plans do not appear likely to interfere with Vikengam’s immediate objectives, but they establish another looming danger surrounding the crew’s destination.
- Doflamingo’s altered circumstances: Vikengam asks about his nephew, Doflamingo. Spandine explains that Doflamingo and the Donquixote family are living peacefully and comfortably in the North Blue, protected by two Cipher Pol teams. Because Homing’s descent from Mary Geoise was viewed as a punishment rather than a rejection of Celestial Dragon society, the family avoided the persecution they suffered in the original timeline.
- Vikengam deliberately creates hardship: Vikengam decides that Doflamingo’s comfortable life will prevent him from developing into the dangerous, ambitious figure he is meant to become. He orders Spandine to arrange difficulties for the family—not enough to kill them, but enough to traumatize and “temper” Doflamingo. His plan is to make Homing beg to return to Mary Geoise, then permit the family to return under House Jaygo Lucia while excluding Doflamingo because he is a criminal.
Key Themes
- Friendship across opposing paths: Vikengam’s bond with Borsalino remains strong despite Vikengam being a pirate and Borsalino joining the Marines.
- Found family and camaraderie: The crew’s teasing, romantic gossip, and shared daily life reveal their close-knit, almost familial bonds.
- Manipulation of fate: Vikengam actively alters the original timeline, protecting Doflamingo from some suffering while intentionally engineering new hardships to shape his future.
- Morally twisted mentorship: Vikengam views cruelty and adversity as necessary “training,” showing his willingness to harm others for what he believes is their long-term potential.
- Growing external threats: Shiki’s pursuit and Marine activity around Cake Island signal that the crew’s peaceful interlude is ending.