Ch. 301Tashigi Collected All the Famous Blades in the World and Built a Swordsmanship Museum
Chapter Summary: “Tashigi Collected All the Famous Blades in the World and Built a Swordsmanship Museum”
1. Key Plot Points & Events
- Lei En and Sabo confront a mysterious, fire-immune monster lurking in a massive black whirlpool (“Black Water”) in the sea near “Heaven Beyond Heaven.”
- Lei En sends Kuina to Tashigi’s newly built museum on Heavenly Court HQ to borrow a better sword, fearing her Wado Ichimonji might get damaged.
- Tashigi has completed her collection: all Twelve Supreme Grade, Twenty-One Great Grade, and Fifty Skillful Grade blades—plus cursed and nameless demonic swords—are on display, including Yoru, Griffin, and broken blades of Golden Lion.
- Kuina arrives at the museum, overwhelmed by the collection, and is offered a blade—but only at a rental fee of 10,000 Beli per day, a rule set by Nami.
- The monster from the whirlpool reveals itself: the living, true form of the Ancient Weapon Pluton—a colossal black-scaled, tentacled abomination.
- Lei En draws his blade Yubashiri, boasts he will “bone shave” Pluton with lightning, and calls on Luffy, Sabo, and Ace to assist him as hired hands.
2. Character Developments
- Lei En: Arrogant, playful, and battle-hungry. He treats the Ancient Weapon as a trophy, showing total confidence in his own power.
- Kuina: Her swordsman’s obsession resurfaces; she is excited by overwhelming sword pressure but is still bound by Heavenly Court’s rules and fees.
- Tashigi: Proud and possessive of her museum; she takes joy in displaying conquered blades and enforces curatorial rules with a smug, businesslike attitude.
- Sabo: Struggles against Pluton, his fire power ineffective; shows grit and loyalty.
- Robin: Genuinely shocked for once, highlighting the scale of the threat.
3. Significant Themes
- Collecting and conquest: The museum turns legendary swords—and the pride of swordsmen—into subjugated trophies.
- Power imbalance: Lei En’s overwhelming dominance is contrasted with Sabo’s and Robin’s awe/fear.
- Ancient weapons: Pluton’s “living” form challenges the idea that it is just a machine.
- Commercialization of power: Even in a swordsman’s paradise, access is monetized (Nami’s rental rule).
4. Character Interactions
- Lei En teases Kuina, ruffles her hair, and redirects her battle-hunger toward the museum.
- Kuina bursts into the museum and excitedly confronts Tashigi, who brags about Lei En’s “hand over your sword, or go mine coal” policy.
- Tashigi and Kuina’s dialogue is friendly but sharp, with Kuina accusing Tashigi of robbery over rental fees.
- On deck, Lei En addresses Sabo and later calls out to Luffy, Sabo, and Ace for assistance—framing them as hired muscle rather than equals.