Ch. 461Borrowing Troops (Part Two)
Key plot points and events
- Luffy’s team sets out for Cake Island to confront Big Mom. Pedro joins to repay the Straw Hat Alliance, while Pekoms agrees to guide them and pursue his own grievance against Capone Bege.
- William stays behind to raise funds. The Castle Army enters his Castle Space, while the group bound for Wano—led by Zoro, with Law, Sanbao, and strategist Kongming—continues without detailed orders. William expects Zoro’s Shusui may provoke trouble with Wano’s samurai.
- William and Kuma travel to a New World island near the Red Line to collect bounties from the Marines. Disguised companions present the wanted pirates’ heads, including Jack’s, and eventually secure two billion Beli.
- William spreads a false report that the Marines killed Jack, hoping to draw Kaido into conflict with them. When Marines tail his companions, he tells them to split up and blend into the crowd, planning to hide them in the Castle Space when possible.
- William discovers Carrot has stowed away in the Castle Space. Though she brought little food or supplies, she pleads to join the adventure. Since they are already far from Zou, William lets her remain for now.
Character developments and interactions
- William shows himself to be a calculating organizer: he recognizes that the alliance needs far more than two billion Beli, uses the bounty collection to fund the coming war, and tries to turn Kaido and the Marines against each other.
- Nami warns William not to waste the money; he privately insists he understands its importance.
- Zoro confidently accepts responsibility for the Wano group, though William expects his bluntness and Shusui may lead to fights.
- Pekoms is torn between loyalty to Big Mom and gratitude to the Minks’ rescuers, while Pedro is motivated by repayment.
- Carrot’s eagerness to see the world overcomes her inexperience. William and Tanji respond to her earnest request, with Tanji pointing out how inadequate her provisions are.
Significant themes
- Alliance and reciprocity: Pedro and Pekoms help the Straw Hats out of gratitude, while William plans to compensate Wano for its support.
- Preparation and the cost of war: Raising money is essential, and even a large sum may not be enough for the battles ahead.
- Deception and strategy: William disguises his allies, manipulates information, and seeks to exploit conflict among his enemies.
- Adventure and unfamiliarity: Carrot’s stowaway journey reflects the appeal of the wider world, as well as the risks of entering it unprepared.