Chapter Summaries

Chapter Summary: “Separate Actions”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Ziming and Robin exchange lighthearted banter before the group is interrupted by the arrival of the swordsmen and Brownbeard, also known as Tea Crocodile.
• With poisonous gas spreading throughout Punk Hazard and the research facility surrounded, Trafalgar Law announces that everyone must evacuate through the R-66 gate within two hours. He threatens to punish anyone who remains, though he admits this is mainly to force people to leave safely and avoid further chaos.
• Law restores Nami and Sanji to their original bodies. Nami discovers that Sanji had changed or removed parts of her clothing while in her body and angrily punches him.
• The pirates and Marines divide their responsibilities:
  • Luffy and Li Ziming go after Caesar Clown.
  • The others search for the kidnapped children and Momonosuke.
  • The G-5 Marines escort the children toward R-66 and plan to seize a ship at the port.
• Smoker decides to confront Vergo personally, believing their conflict—especially Vergo’s betrayal of the Marines—must be settled directly. He leaves Tashigi to lead the others to safety.
• The group discusses Luffy’s earlier defeat by Caesar, who incapacitated his opponents by removing the air from the surrounding area. Zoro warns Luffy that carelessness in the New World could cost him his life.
• When Caesar’s subordinates attack, Li Ziming quickly defeats them with his speed-based techniques, including Soru, Explosion, and Shigan.
• Li Ziming accompanies Luffy to capture Caesar, while also searching for his missing companions or belongings: Si, Skull Hand, and Gua.

Character Developments

• Law takes command during the evacuation, demonstrating strategic leadership and a willingness to use intimidation to protect everyone.
• Smoker shows determination and personal resolve by choosing to confront Vergo himself. He also accepts responsibility for protecting his subordinates by assigning Tashigi to lead them.
• Tashigi recognizes the seriousness of Smoker’s decision and understands that his confrontation with Vergo may be fatal.
• Luffy remains impulsive and eager to fight Caesar, but accepts Zoro’s warning and promises to be more careful.
• Zoro takes on a protective, disciplined role, criticizing Luffy’s carelessness and emphasizing the deadly consequences of mistakes.
• Li Ziming acts as both Luffy’s protector and partner. He easily handles the immediate threat but also reveals a personal motivation: recovering his missing companions.
• Nami and Sanji’s body-switch conflict produces comic tension, particularly when Nami discovers the consequences of Sanji’s actions while inhabiting her body.

Significant Themes

• Cooperation amid conflict: Pirates, Marines, and former enemies temporarily work together because the spreading poison gas threatens everyone.
• Leadership and responsibility: Law, Smoker, Tashigi, Nami, and Zoro each take charge of protecting others and organizing the escape.
• Personal justice versus formal law: Smoker decides that Vergo’s betrayal cannot be resolved through official procedures and must be settled personally.
• The consequences of carelessness: Zoro’s warning reinforces that survival in the New World depends on vigilance, especially against deceptive or unusual abilities like Caesar’s.
• Trust and changing relationships: Brownbeard’s changed relationship with the group, as well as the pirates’ cooperation with Smoker, shows former enemies forming uneasy alliances.
• Humor amid danger: The Nami-Sanji body-switch incident and Li Ziming’s teasing provide comic relief during the evacuation crisis.

Character Interactions

• Robin teases and physically disciplines Li Ziming, while he responds helplessly.
• Luffy greets Brownbeard with surprise, recalling their previous hostility.
• Law threatens the Marines but works with Smoker, who restrains his subordinates to prevent internal conflict.
• Nami demands that Law restore her body and then attacks Sanji after discovering what happened to her clothes.
• Smoker and Tashigi share a serious exchange in which Smoker entrusts her with leading the evacuation while he confronts Vergo.
• Zoro reprimands Luffy for losing to Caesar, and Luffy accepts the criticism.
• Li Ziming protects Luffy from Caesar’s forces and joins him in the pursuit of Caesar, while the rest of the group continues the rescue and evacuation efforts.

Chapter Summary: “Achilles”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Ziming, Luffy, and Smoker arrive at Caesar’s laboratory. Luffy is exhausted after attempting an absurdly fast spinning movement, though the technique is ultimately slower than normal running.
• Luffy immediately attacks Caesar, seeking revenge for their previous encounter. His Armament Haki allows him to strike Caesar despite his Logia abilities.
• Smoker prepares to fight Caesar, but Li Ziming reminds him that his real target is Vergo. Smoker leaves to pursue Vergo, while Luffy continues chasing Caesar.
• Monet intercepts Luffy, allowing Caesar to escape. Li Ziming engages Monet so that Luffy can continue after Caesar.
• Monet summons a terrifying three-in-one monster containing Gua and Si—creatures derived from Li Ziming’s former arm and experiments. However, the monster appears difficult even for Monet to control.
• Monet feeds the monster a special candy, causing it to become more violent, then leaves Li Ziming to fight it.
• Li Ziming battles the monster while carefully avoiding its black flames and corrosive Slime attacks. He discovers that the laboratory floor is hollow, limiting his ability to use explosive attacks.
• Using a trap involving hidden bombs, Li Ziming electrifies Gua and Si, but the monster’s specially protected skeleton remains unharmed.
• Remembering the skeleton’s weaknesses and relying on a safeguard he had built into it years earlier, Li Ziming freezes the floor. The skeleton loses its balance, allowing him to grab it and destroy it with an explosion.
• The chapter ends by revealing that Li Ziming had named the skeleton “Achilles” because he had deliberately left a vulnerable “back door” in its design.

Character Developments

• Li Ziming: Demonstrates tactical intelligence, extensive knowledge of his former creations, and emotional complexity toward the monster made from his arm. Rather than relying solely on brute force, he studies its abilities and exploits a weakness he had intentionally designed.
• Luffy: Remains impulsive and revenge-driven, immediately confronting Caesar despite his exhaustion. His determination allows him to push past Monet and continue pursuing his enemy.
• Smoker: Shows intense frustration at missing Vergo, but Li Ziming redirects him toward the opponent he truly wants to fight.
• Monet: Displays confidence in Caesar’s escape and in the monster’s power. She manipulates the creature with a mysterious candy but ultimately abandons it when it becomes uncontrollable.
• Caesar: Acts cowardly and avoids direct combat, focusing instead on escaping and planning experiments involving Luffy.
• Gua and Si/Achilles: Reveal the dangerous results of Caesar’s experimentation. Though powerful, they retain limited independence and are not fully obedient to Monet.

Significant Themes

• Science and unintended consequences: Li Ziming’s past experiments have been repurposed against him, demonstrating how scientific creations can become uncontrollable threats.
• Knowledge as both strength and weakness: Li Ziming’s familiarity with Achilles helps him defeat it, but his own protective modifications also make the skeleton difficult to damage.
• Control versus instinct: The monster’s inability to obey Monet shows the danger of awakening raw Devil Fruit instincts without developing intelligence or discipline.
• Strategic combat: The battle emphasizes planning, environmental awareness, and exploiting weaknesses rather than relying purely on power.
• The “Achilles heel”: The chapter’s title refers literally to the skeleton’s vulnerable flaw and symbolically to the idea that every seemingly invincible creation has a hidden weakness.

Character Interactions

• Li Ziming and Luffy cooperate naturally, with Li Ziming distracting Monet so Luffy can pursue Caesar.
• Li Ziming redirects Smoker toward Vergo, showing his awareness of each fighter’s personal objective.
• Monet taunts both Li Ziming and Luffy, confidently separating them and using the monster as a weapon.
• Li Ziming’s fight with Achilles is deeply personal because the creature is built from his own former creations and incorporates safeguards he designed himself.
• The chapter ends with Li Ziming triumphing through familiarity and preparation, turning his past work against the monster that now threatens him.

Key plot points and events

• Li Ziming, exhausted after a difficult fight and separated from Luffy, faces Monet alone. She traps him in a blizzard, repeatedly attacking with her snow form while burying him beneath accumulating snow.
• Li protects himself from Monet’s bite with Armament Haki, but his attacks only disperse her snow and cannot defeat her Logia body. Monet assumes she has won and turns to the arriving Straw Hats and giant children.
• Zoro cuts Monet with a sword technique. She cannot re-form, revealing that the slash has incapacitated her; Tashigi then strikes her down and claims the finishing blow.
• Li emerges from the snow mound, teasing Zoro and Tashigi by suggesting they act like a couple and showing them a recording device. Zoro asks about Luffy, but Li trusts that Luffy will appear when needed.
• When poison gas approaches, Zoro carries Tashigi while Li races ahead. Li admits he stayed in the snow because he found the experience fun, leaving Zoro furious.

Character developments

• Li Ziming remains resourceful and confident despite being weakened, but his playful recklessness is evident: he willingly stayed buried because he enjoyed the novelty.
• Zoro is capable and decisive, yet stubborn and easily provoked by Li’s teasing. He shows concern for the situation by asking after Luffy and helping Tashigi escape.
• Tashigi acts assertively, taking the opportunity to strike Monet and demanding recognition, while continuing her argumentative rivalry with Zoro.
• Monet initially underestimates Li and relies on overwhelming environmental pressure, but her apparent victory is short-lived.

Significant themes

• Strength and vulnerability: Even powerful fighters can be exhausted or disadvantaged, and Li’s Haki helps him endure Monet’s attacks without guaranteeing an easy victory.
• Teamwork and rivalry: Zoro and Tashigi cooperate against Monet, though they bicker over who deserves credit.
• Humor amid danger: Li’s teasing and unconventional priorities contrast with the immediate threat of poison gas.
• Confidence in companions: Li trusts that Luffy will arrive when needed, even while separated from him.

Character interactions

• Li and Monet trade taunts as she attacks him; he withstands her bite and bluffs through the blizzard’s pressure.
• Zoro and Tashigi argue over the defeat of Monet, with Zoro dismissing her while still asking her to care for Li.
• Li provokes both swordsmen by implying they are a couple, then needles Zoro about his poor sense of direction.
• Zoro and Li exchange insults as they flee the approaching gas, while Zoro carries the protesting Tashigi.

Chapter Summary: “Escape”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Luo unleashes a massive sword slash that cleaves through the research facility and even cuts nearby mountain peaks, revealing that his swordsmanship is as formidable as his Devil Fruit abilities.
• Zoro considers challenging Luo to a sword duel, but Li Ziming teases him by threatening to record evidence of him “molesting” Tashigi, whom Zoro is carrying over his shoulder.
• Tashigi is rescued but becomes deeply embarrassed when she realizes she has been carried in front of her colleagues. Sanji angrily objects to Zoro carrying her.
• With the facility collapsing, Nami orders everyone to continue escaping. Chopper finishes treating Moza, who is carried out by doctors from the G-5 Fortress.
• The group reaches the monitoring room, where Luffy has already defeated Caesar. Brownbeard is unconscious, and the area is heavily damaged.
• Li Ziming discovers Dragon, a creature capable of speech, and jokingly decides to keep him as a pet. After spraying him with an incapacitating substance, Dragon’s transformation ends, revealing him to be a malnourished young boy. Robin catches and checks him.
• Luffy explains that he knocked Caesar away without knowing where he landed. Li Ziming leaves to find him, telling the others to escape if Luo arrives.
• Using Observation Haki, Li Ziming locates Caesar attempting to kill Smoker by crushing the heart supplied by Luo. Caesar believes he can use the poisonous gas and his hostage tactics to defeat the group.
• Li Ziming reveals that he and Luo deliberately manipulated Caesar in order to draw out the people supporting him. He overpowers Caesar with Armament Haki and knocks him unconscious with an Explosion.
• To escape the sealed facility, Li Ziming destroys the ceiling with a “Big Explosion,” then flies toward the seaside using flame propulsion while carrying Caesar.
• A mysterious woman suddenly flies toward Li Ziming, and he catches her just before the chapter ends.

Character Developments

• Li Ziming demonstrates overwhelming power, confidence, and cleverness. He combines Observation Haki, Armament Haki, explosive abilities, and flight to rescue the group and capture Caesar. His playful, reckless personality is also evident in his treatment of Dragon and his teasing of Zoro.
• Zoro shows interest in Luo’s swordsmanship and briefly considers a duel. His usually stoic demeanor cracks when Tashigi catches him carrying her, leading to rare embarrassment.
• Tashigi is rescued but becomes extremely self-conscious after being carried by Zoro in front of the G-5 soldiers.
• Luffy has defeated Caesar but admits he does not know where Caesar ended up, emphasizing his impulsive and carefree nature. He immediately accepts Li Ziming’s suggestion to keep Dragon.
• Robin acts responsibly by taking care of the transformed Dragon and recognizing that the boy is malnourished rather than treating him as a curiosity.
• Caesar is revealed to be cowardly under pressure. Despite his threats, he quickly begs for mercy once Li Ziming captures him.
• Luo is shown to be both a powerful swordsman and a strategic conspirator, working with Li Ziming to expose Caesar’s allies.

Significant Themes

• Escape and survival: The characters race to leave a collapsing, toxic facility while rescuing injured allies and capturing Caesar.
• Power and deception: Li Ziming and Luo rely not only on strength but also on calculated manipulation to lure out the forces behind Caesar.
• Comedy amid danger: Embarrassing misunderstandings, Zoro’s rare blush, Sanji’s outrage, and Li Ziming’s absurd treatment of Dragon contrast with the serious destruction around them.
• Hidden identities and transformation: Dragon’s apparent monstrous form is revealed to be a vulnerable human boy, suggesting that appearances and abilities conceal deeper truths.
• Loyalty and rescue: The group continues protecting allies such as Tashigi and Moza even while fleeing a deadly environment.

Character Interactions

• Li Ziming teases Zoro about Tashigi and threatens to use a recording against him.
• Tashigi protests being carried, while Sanji angrily confronts Zoro.
• Robin questions Li Ziming’s behavior toward Dragon and ultimately protects the transformed boy.
• Li Ziming and Luffy jokingly discuss keeping Dragon as a pet.
• Li Ziming confronts Caesar, reveals the larger scheme against him, and defeats him after Caesar begs for mercy.
• The chapter closes with Li Ziming catching an unidentified flying woman, setting up the next development.

Plot points and events

• Li Ziming finds Caesar on his shoulder while Buffalo and Baby-5 arrive. Baby-5 shoots at Li, but he blocks her attack and knocks her unconscious with an explosion.
• Buffalo recognizes Li as the “Explosion Maniac,” but Franky defeats him before he can attack. Li tells Franky to restrain Buffalo, Baby-5, and Caesar securely with Seastone cuffs.
• Luffy and the others arrive by railcar. Luo identifies the captured assassins as enemies, and Edward uses his ability to seal all three prisoners inside glass bottles.
• Smoker draws a line and warns the pirates not to cross it, while effectively letting them take the cruise ship. Li, Robin, and Luffy tease him until he charges after them to vent his frustration.
• Luo reunites Kin’emon with his son and tells Chopper he has treated the children and removed the toxins. The children cannot return to their original size, but they are recovering.

Character developments and interactions

• Li Ziming handles Baby-5 decisively, thinks ahead about safely restraining the captured killers, and helps reassure Chopper that Luo is a friend.
• Franky backs Li up by knocking out Buffalo. His “General” form delights Luffy, Chopper, the children, and the marines.
• Edward gets to contribute by containing the prisoners. Nami praises and kisses him, making him shy.
• Luo demonstrates both the power of his Devil Fruit and his medical skill. He is calm about Chopper’s suspicion, though he teases him by calling him a raccoon dog.
• Chopper initially distrusts Luo over the children’s treatment, then recognizes his mistake and apologizes.
• Smoker appears stern but is largely venting frustration rather than acting with serious hostility. Tashigi tries to keep the teasing from escalating.

Significant themes

• Trust and cooperation: The group works together against shared enemies, and Li encourages Chopper to trust Luo.
• Strength through ability and judgment: Luo’s remark that there is no inherently strongest ability—only the strongest user—emphasizes skill over Devil Fruit power alone.
• Humor amid danger: Teasing, Edward’s shyness, and the excitement over Franky’s armor lighten the aftermath of the fight.
• Recovery and imperfect outcomes: The children are healed of the toxins, but their changed bodies cannot be restored, leaving their recovery incomplete.

Chapter Summary: “Leaving”

Key Plot Points and Events

• After the conflict, pirates and Marines temporarily celebrate together, creating a chaotic but unexpectedly friendly atmosphere. Li Ziming releases Si and Gua to eat while Achilles rests.
• Smoker questions Luo about his true intentions, especially after Luo repeatedly spared him and allied with Luffy. Luo reveals that his alliance is aimed at confronting the Four Emperors, though Li Ziming recognizes that Luo’s real motivation is his intense hatred of Donquixote Doflamingo.
• Luo asks Li Ziming to hand over Buffalo and Baby 5, apparently intending to use them in a negotiation or scheme against Doflamingo.
• Because of Nami and Chopper’s concern for the children, the Straw Hat Pirates remain behind until the children can safely leave. To avoid further Marine interference, Smoker takes control of the ship and transports the children.
• The G-5 Marines attempt to maintain their official hostility toward the Straw Hats, declaring them criminals and preventing the children from saying goodbye. However, the children defend the pirates, emphasizing that they rescued them when no one else would.
• The Marines eventually break down emotionally, admitting that they admire the Straw Hats despite their status as pirates. Tashigi and the Marines’ reactions reveal their struggle between institutional “justice” and genuine human gratitude.
• The children say goodbye and declare that they want to become pirates when they grow up. The Marines immediately object, while the Straw Hats laugh at the situation.
• Luo and Li Ziming prepare to leave after provoking Doflamingo. Li Ziming admits he is afraid of Doflamingo’s ruthlessness but explains that the confrontation is necessary.
• Li Ziming reveals that he contacted Aokiji to rescue Smoker, reducing the danger to the injured Marine. He and Luo then move to discuss the next stage of their plan with the others.

Character Developments

• Luo remains calculating and focused on revenge against Doflamingo. His actions show that the Four Emperors are only part of his stated goal; his personal hatred for Doflamingo is the true driving force.
• Li Ziming demonstrates foresight and compassion by arranging for Aokiji to help Smoker. Although wary of Doflamingo, he continues supporting Luo’s dangerous plan.
• Smoker becomes more open to cooperation with the pirates, accepting their ship and help despite his duty as a Marine.
• The Straw Hat Pirates continue to show compassion toward the children and maintain a lighthearted attitude even while surrounded by danger.
• The G-5 Marines reveal their humanity beneath their aggressive exterior. Their attempts to condemn the Straw Hats collapse when their gratitude and affection become impossible to suppress.
• The children, especially Moza, recognize the Straw Hats’ selflessness and openly reject the Marines’ insistence that pirates are purely evil.
• Tashigi is visibly moved and cries while trying to preserve Marine discipline, revealing her own emotional conflict.

Significant Themes

• Humanity versus institutional labels: The pirates act heroically while the Marines, despite representing “justice,” initially behave cruelly and hypocritically. The chapter suggests that morality is defined by actions rather than titles.
• The conflict between duty and emotion: The G-5 Marines know they are supposed to condemn pirates, yet their gratitude and admiration overwhelm their official stance.
• Found family and compassion: The Straw Hats treat the children as people worth protecting rather than burdens, earning their lasting loyalty.
• Revenge and dangerous alliances: Luo’s hatred of Doflamingo drives him to work with pirates and risk provoking a powerful enemy.
• Balancing seriousness with humor: The chapter contrasts the looming threat of Doflamingo with the absurdity of pirates and Marines eating, laughing, crying, and arguing together.

Important Character Interactions

• Luo and Li Ziming: They discuss Luo’s motives and the plan involving Buffalo, Baby 5, and Doflamingo. Their exchange shows both trust and tension, with Li Ziming acting as a cautious but supportive partner.
• Luo and Smoker: Smoker demands an explanation for Luo’s repeated mercy and alliance-building, while Luo indirectly reveals his larger objective.
• Straw Hats and G-5 Marines: Their hostile relationship temporarily gives way to mutual respect, though both sides continue pretending to be enemies.
• Children and the Marines: The children challenge the Marines’ propaganda by insisting that the Straw Hats saved them.
• Li Ziming and Aokiji: Li Ziming’s contact with Aokiji establishes a backup plan to save Smoker and demonstrates his broader network and strategic preparation.

Plot points and events

• Li Ziming grows suspicious after reading that Doflamingo has stepped down as a Shichibukai. He believes Doflamingo must be pursuing a larger plan, but his contacts reveal no useful information.
• The Thousand Sunny reaches Dressrosa. Luffy and Franky are eager to destroy Doflamingo’s factories, while Law urges caution and organizes the group. Li Ziming remains uneasy and goes off alone, asking the others to contact him if trouble arises.
• In town, Li encounters Fujitora—whom he knows as Issho—gambling at a rigged roulette table. Li calls out the dealer’s cheating. When the dealer tries to report them, Issho cuts the Den Den Mushi, and Li subdues the man.
• Li explains Law’s alliance with the crew and recounts the events at Punk Hazard, including Caesar’s experiments on children. Issho is horrified and furious at Doflamingo’s crimes and the protection he receives from the government.
• Issho warns Li that Doflamingo appears to have government and Akainu’s support for a plan targeting him. Though Issho cannot openly help as a Marine, he lets Li go and continues gambling. Li gives the dealer medicine so he will forget their conversation.

Character developments and interactions

• Li Ziming is unusually anxious and alert, sensing a hidden threat despite having no evidence. His reunion with Issho reassures him that their friendship still matters.
• Law remains focused and cautious, convinced his long preparation will succeed, though he is concerned by Li’s unease.
• Issho/Fujitora shows compassion and personal loyalty to Li, but also insists that he will uphold his Marine duty if they meet as enemies. His anger at the abuse of children exposes his strong moral convictions.
• Robin tries to comfort Li, while Luffy and Franky’s enthusiasm contrasts with the danger Law and Li anticipate.

Significant themes

• Loyalty versus duty: Issho cares for Li but cannot abandon his responsibilities as a Marine.
• Corruption and compromised justice: The government’s support for Doflamingo frustrates both Li and Issho.
• Foreshadowing and distrust: Doflamingo’s resignation and apparent silence suggest a deeper scheme, intensifying the group’s uncertainty.

Chapter Summary: “Lounge”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Ziming sees a poster announcing the Corrida Colosseum’s new prize: ownership of Brewing Island, which is secretly being used as bait because it is his former home and the homeland of the “Explosion Mage.”
• He realizes that Doflamingo has deliberately targeted him, likely hoping to lure him and Trafalgar Law into the colosseum.
• The host promotes the island by claiming that its winner might discover the secrets or weapons behind Li Ziming’s explosive technology, exciting the audience and increasing interest in the tournament.
• Several powerful Donquixote Family fighters are announced as participants, including Senor Pink, Dellinger, Lao G, Machvise, and Diamante. Their presence makes it clear that Doflamingo has prepared specifically for Li Ziming and Law.
• Li Ziming registers for the competition despite recognizing the trap. Luffy also enters under the alias “Lucy,” while Franky supports them but plans to investigate the factory separately.
• Franky explains that Luffy’s participation will help draw attention away from the investigation, though he warns Luffy not to reveal his identity.
• Li Ziming enters the contestants’ lounge with Luffy. Because of their disguises and apparent physical weaknesses—Li Ziming’s missing arm and Luffy’s short stature—other contestants underestimate them.
• Spartan provokes Luffy and attempts to attack him. Luffy effortlessly dodges, grabs Spartan, and throws him to the ground, cheerfully introducing himself afterward.

Character Developments

• Li Ziming: Realizes that Doflamingo has manipulated events by targeting his emotional connection to Brewing Island. Though initially shaken, he regains his composure and accepts the need to confront the trap directly. Luffy’s arrival restores some of his confidence.
• Luffy: Shows his usual recklessness and enthusiasm by immediately entering the tournament, but his actions also demonstrate loyalty to Li Ziming. He remains eager to test himself against strong opponents.
• Franky: Acts as the practical and strategic member of the group. He recognizes the trap, agrees to support Li Ziming, and uses Luffy’s presence as a distraction while he investigates the factory.
• Doflamingo: Though absent from the scene, he exerts strong influence over events. His plan reveals his manipulative nature and his willingness to exploit Li Ziming’s past and personal attachments.
• The contestants: Their quick dismissal of Li Ziming and Luffy reveals their arrogance and tendency to judge opponents by appearance.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and psychological warfare: Doflamingo uses Brewing Island and the secrets of Li Ziming’s technology to provoke him into participating.
• Loyalty and teamwork: Franky and Luffy refuse to let Li Ziming face the danger alone, transforming his personal problem into a shared mission.
• Appearance versus reality: The contestants mistake Li Ziming and Luffy for weak, harmless competitors, while both are far more capable than they appear.
• Courage in the face of a trap: Li Ziming understands the danger but chooses to proceed because abandoning his former home is not an option.
• Technology as power: The interest in Li Ziming’s weapons emphasizes their potential to alter wars and shift the balance of power.

Character Interactions

• Li Ziming privately reflects on Alto and Brewing Island before calling for information.
• Franky warns Li Ziming and Luffy that the tournament is clearly a trap but ultimately supports their participation.
• Li Ziming and Luffy discuss the likely strength of the opponents and reassure each other before entering.
• Franky instructs Luffy to conceal his identity, while Li Ziming points out that their disguises are not very convincing.
• Spartan mocks both entrants, especially Li Ziming’s age and missing arm, but Luffy immediately defeats him, establishing that the supposedly weak newcomers should not be underestimated.

Plot points and events

• After Luffy causes a disturbance, a guard tries to disqualify him. Li Ziming, disguised with a hoarse voice, argues that the unconscious opponent started the fight. Chinjao, Sai, and Boo support them.
• Luffy thanks the three men, but Sai unexpectedly erupts at being thanked; Boo restrains him and apologizes.
• Daggama tries to recruit Li Ziming, who rejects him and reveals startling speed by appearing behind him. The contestants begin to suspect that the seemingly disabled man is a dangerous fighter.
• In the weapon room, Luffy admires a statue of an armored warrior and searches for impressive armor. He has to remove most of what he puts on because it is too heavy.
• Cavendish confronts Li Ziming after being mocked. Li Ziming swiftly disarms the threat with a Six Powers technique and warns Cavendish to control the dangerous presence within him.
• Wearing only a helmet, Luffy is compared to the statue of Kyros, Corrida Colosseum’s legendary gladiator. Rebecca explains that Kyros won 3,000 battles but has been erased from the country’s public memory. Li Ziming suggests someone deliberately hid his existence, then leaves to make a call.

Character developments and interactions

• Li Ziming shows both sharp political judgment and exceptional combat ability, while maintaining his disguise. He protects Luffy, refuses Daggama’s alliance, and unsettles Cavendish by revealing knowledge of his inner danger.
• Luffy remains cheerful and trusting, readily thanking his supporters and becoming absorbed in the armor displays.
• Sai and Boo are introduced as brothers with contrasting reactions: Sai is volatile, while Boo acts as his calmer mediator.
• Cavendish is quick to take offense, but Li Ziming’s warning suggests he struggles to contain a more dangerous side of himself.
• Rebecca shows personal interest in Kyros’s forgotten history and is left pondering Li Ziming’s suggestion of a deliberate cover-up.

Significant themes

• Hidden identities and concealed power: Li Ziming’s disguise masks his abilities, while Cavendish hides a dangerous presence within himself.
• Power and intimidation: The guards enforce Doflamingo’s authority, but contestants’ resistance and Li Ziming’s skill challenge that control.
• Erased history: Kyros’s achievements have been suppressed, raising questions about who controls the country’s memory.
• Reputation versus reality: Luffy’s playful appearance and the contestants’ outward personas contrast with their strength and deeper dangers.

B-Block Battle — Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Ziming tries to contact the other Straw Hat Pirates through a Den Den Mushi, but only Franky answers. The lack of news from the Thousand Sunny makes him uneasy.
• Rebecca asks Li Ziming about Kyros, but he refuses to explain, telling her to investigate for herself. When other contestants mock Rebecca, Li Ziming violently knocks two of them into the floor, silencing the crowd.
• Luffy and Li Ziming joke casually with each other, revealing their familiarity and contrasting with the tense atmosphere of the Colosseum.
• The winner of Block A is revealed to be Jesus Burgess, Blackbeard’s first ship captain. His unexpected appearance worries Li Ziming, who wonders why Blackbeard has become involved and whether other dangerous figures may also be present.
• Before entering Block B, Li Ziming tells Luffy—who is disguised as “Lucy”—that they do not necessarily need to win. Their real goal is to disrupt Doflamingo’s plans and create time for their allies to investigate.
• Bartolomeo enters the arena and is loudly condemned by the audience for his violent crimes. Rather than show fear or remorse, he insults the spectators and treats everyone as beneath him.
• Bellamy is introduced as a devoted supporter of Doflamingo who has become far stronger since his earlier defeat on Jaya Island. He immediately begins searching for opponents to attack.
• Daggama and the forces of the Kingdom of Prodence form an organized alliance around King Elizabello II, intending to eliminate powerful contestants before their numbers dwindle.
• They target Bellamy first, prompting complaints that their group is essentially an army rather than individual competitors.
• Bartolomeo considers attacking the alliance while Daggama insists that any tactic is acceptable as long as it produces victory.
• The chapter ends with Li Ziming confronting Daggama from behind and declaring that the alliance can leave the stage as losers, signaling his intention to challenge them.

Character Developments

• Li Ziming: Displays a hostile, intimidating personality toward those he considers foolish or disrespectful, but also shows loyalty toward Rebecca and Luffy by defending Rebecca and supporting their larger mission. Burgess’s presence makes him more cautious and suspicious.
• Luffy: Remains carefree and playful despite the danger, but accepts Li Ziming’s strategic explanation about disrupting Doflamingo rather than simply pursuing victory.
• Rebecca: Begins to question Li Ziming’s identity and motives after seeing his strength and his close relationship with Luffy. Her curiosity about Kyros remains unresolved.
• Bartolomeo: Is portrayed as arrogant, provocative, and openly contemptuous of the audience. His reputation as a feared and hated Supernova makes him an immediate target.
• Bellamy: Has undergone a major transformation since his appearance on Jaya Island. He is now powerful, aggressive, and completely committed to proving his loyalty to Doflamingo.
• Daggama and Elizabello II: Demonstrate military discipline and strategic cooperation, choosing to overwhelm strong opponents through numbers rather than fight individually.
• Burgess: His victory in Block A establishes the growing presence of the Blackbeard Pirates and introduces a new threat beyond Doflamingo’s tournament.

Significant Themes

• Strength versus reputation: Contestants are judged not only by their abilities but also by their past crimes, allegiances, and public images.
• Loyalty and manipulation: Bellamy’s devotion to Doflamingo contrasts with Li Ziming’s independent motives and Luffy’s broader mission to oppose Doflamingo’s plans.
• Individual combat versus collective strategy: The alliance led by Daggama uses numbers and organization, raising questions about whether such tactics violate the spirit of the survival battle.
• Hidden agendas: The tournament is more than a competition for the Flame-Flame Fruit; multiple factions are using it to pursue secret objectives.
• Unexpected threats: Burgess’s appearance suggests that the conflict may involve forces beyond those originally anticipated.

Character Interactions

• Li Ziming rejects Rebecca’s questions about Kyros, establishing an initially unfriendly dynamic.
• He protects Rebecca from mocking contestants, earning Luffy’s approval and revealing a more protective side.
• Li Ziming and Luffy exchange teasing remarks, showing their familiarity despite the seriousness of the situation.
• Luffy and Rebecca react with surprise to the connection between Li Ziming and the Straw Hats.
• Bartolomeo antagonizes the audience and draws the hostility of Daggama.
• Daggama organizes his forces against Bellamy, while Bellamy resents their group tactics.
• Li Ziming interrupts the alliance’s attack and directly challenges them, ending the chapter on a tense confrontation.

Plot points and events

• Li Ziming enters the tournament under the unfamiliar name “Ming” and swiftly defeats Daggama, then knocks down the fighters Daggama hired with his rapid-fire Shigan.
• Elizabello II, worried Li Ziming will ruin his chances of reaching the final, unleashes the powerful King’s Punch. Li Ziming draws the other fighters toward the blow’s path, but Romeo survives by blocking it with his Barrier-Barrier Fruit.
• Romeo attacks Elizabello II while the king is still recovering from his punch, then assumes he has won.
• Li Ziming is still standing and challenges Romeo. His Shigan and Rokuogan shake Romeo’s barrier but do not break it. Li Ziming then uses Gapless Explosion, revealing who he is.
• Recognizing Li Ziming as “Ming,” a fan of Luffy, Romeo abruptly withdraws and takes Li Ziming to the waiting room, leaving the arena bewildered.

Character developments and interactions

• Li Ziming displays confidence, tactical ingenuity, and adaptability, testing Romeo’s defenses rather than relying on brute force. His unfamiliar appearance and alias conceal his identity until he uses his signature explosives.
• Romeo first appears boastful and dismissive, but proves cautious and capable. Once he recognizes Li Ziming, his priorities change: he drops the fight and enthusiastically identifies himself as a fan of Luffy.
• Elizabello II goes from shock at his strategist’s defeat to desperation, spending his signature attack early. His confidence in the King’s Punch is undermined when Romeo blocks it.
• Bellamy recognizes Li Ziming despite his changed appearance and admits he does not believe he could beat him, showing how much respect Li Ziming commands.
• The brief exchange between Li Ziming and Romeo turns a tense final confrontation into an unexpected meeting between Li Ziming and a Luffy admirer.

Significant themes

• Reputation and recognition: Li Ziming’s name and abilities inspire fear, while Luffy’s charisma has earned him an unexpected fan.
• Strategy over raw power: Li Ziming uses positioning and experimentation to respond to threats, while Romeo’s barriers counter even formidable attacks.
• Unexpected turns: The apparent tournament finale ends not with a decisive victory, but with Romeo surrendering out of admiration.

Chapter Summary: “Romeo”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Ziming meets Romeo, a fanatical admirer of the Straw Hat Pirates. Romeo proves his knowledge by recounting the crew’s adventures and personal details, though Li remains cautious because they are operating in Doflamingo’s territory.
• Romeo explains that he became a pirate and entered the gladiator tournament after witnessing Luffy’s execution-platform incident in Loguetown. Luffy’s fearless smile and determination inspired Romeo to pursue a similar life.
• Romeo reveals that he has studied the Straw Hats extensively and even developed techniques modeled after Luffy’s fighting style. He is eager to help Li and meet Luffy.
• Li warns Romeo that their true objective is to oppose Donquixote Doflamingo, the ruler of the region. Romeo immediately agrees to fight, showing that his admiration outweighs his fear of Doflamingo’s power.
• Li decides not to assign Romeo a specific task yet, believing his abilities may become useful later but that his unfamiliarity with the crew’s plans could interfere with their current operations.
• When a guard tries to remove Romeo from the lounge because he is a defeated gladiator, Romeo intimidates him by forming a shield. The guard quickly backs down.
• Rebecca watches a child and a toy-like monkey outside, revealing her gentler side. She is then visited by the toy soldier, who worries about her participation in the tournament.
• Rebecca insists that she will win so she and the soldier can eventually live peacefully. The soldier admits that, despite being transformed into a toy, he still has someone he wants to protect, though he can no longer cry.
• Franky and the soldier leave to search for the factory. Li stays behind to protect Rebecca, clarifying that he is not helping her win but will safeguard her from the larger dangers connected to the tournament.
• The chapter ends with Li announcing that Luffy is about to fight in the arena, sending Romeo into intense excitement.

Character Developments

• Li Ziming remains cautious and strategic, balancing distrust of Romeo with recognition of Romeo’s loyalty and combat potential. He also shows compassion by agreeing to protect Rebecca.
• Romeo is established as an extremely devoted Straw Hat fan. His admiration for Luffy is rooted in genuine inspiration rather than mere fame, and he demonstrates courage, loyalty, and a confrontational delinquent personality.
• Rebecca is shown to be kind and emotionally vulnerable beneath her determination. Her participation in the tournament is motivated by the hope of protecting someone and achieving a peaceful future.
• The Toy Soldier is revealed to possess deep emotions and a strong protective instinct despite his transformed state. His inability to cry emphasizes the tragedy of his existence.
• Franky displays concern for Rebecca and the soldier, even though he initially tries to avoid becoming involved in emotional situations.

Significant Themes

• Inspiration and hero worship: Luffy’s courage inspires Romeo to change his life and become a pirate.
• Loyalty and shared ideals: Romeo’s devotion to the entire Straw Hat crew shows how their actions have influenced people beyond their immediate companions.
• Protection and sacrifice: Rebecca, the soldier, and Li are all motivated by a desire to protect others rather than simply win the tournament.
• Freedom versus oppression: The gladiator battle takes place under Doflamingo’s control, suggesting that the competition is part of a larger system of manipulation and danger.
• Humanity beneath appearances: Romeo’s delinquent reputation, the soldier’s toy body, and Rebecca’s quiet sadness all conceal deeper emotions and moral strength.

Important Character Interactions

• Li and Romeo: Li questions Romeo’s motives and courage, while Romeo eagerly pledges his support and expresses his desire to meet Luffy.
• Romeo and the guard: Romeo refuses to be pushed around, using his shield ability to intimidate the guard into retreating.
• Rebecca and the Toy Soldier: Their conversation reveals their shared hope for a peaceful life and the soldier’s determination to protect her.
• Li and Rebecca: Li comforts Rebecca and promises to protect her, while warning her that the tournament’s true dangers are far greater than she understands.
• Li, Franky, and the soldier: Li takes responsibility for Rebecca so Franky and the soldier can continue searching for Doflamingo’s factory.
• Li and Romeo at the conclusion: Li’s mention of Luffy’s upcoming match triggers Romeo’s overwhelming excitement and reinforces his idolization of the Straw Hat captain.

Plot points and events

• Li Ziming warns Romeo that Luffy’s strong performance does not guarantee victory; the tournament includes several formidable fighters.
• Sanji reports that Doflamingo’s supposed resignation from the Warlords was a deception. He is heading with Violet and Franky toward the factory, while contact with the Sunny and Robin’s group has failed.
• Suspecting the others may have been captured, Li Ziming tells Sanji to investigate the factory and gather evidence against Doflamingo. He also suggests trying to provoke a clash between Doflamingo and the Marine admiral.
• In the arena, Luffy—under the name “Lucy”—rides a fighting bull, then knocks out the Giant Hajrudin with one punch. He catches the bull and throws it toward Li Ziming, who slows its fall; Rebecca examines the injured animal.
• Cavendish confronts Li Ziming and Luffy, accusing them of stealing his public attention. Romeo steps in angrily to defend Li Ziming.

Character developments

• Li Ziming remains cautious despite Luffy’s success, thinks strategically about the crew’s danger, and tries to turn the factory investigation and the admiral’s presence to their advantage.
• Sanji stays focused on the mission, accepting Li Ziming’s instructions despite the alarming loss of contact with the others.
• Luffy shows his strength and impulsive kindness: he defeats Hajrudin but cares more about the bull than the fight.
• Rebecca is wary after overhearing sensitive information, yet proves compassionate and capable by helping the bull.
• Romeo is openly devoted to Luffy and quick to defend Li Ziming.
• Cavendish is revealed as vain and resentful, driven by his desire to reclaim attention.

Character interactions

• Li Ziming and Sanji coordinate over the Den Den Mushi, with Li Ziming laying out a plan for the factory.
• Rebecca questions whether Luffy can win, prompting Li Ziming to correct her about Luffy’s identity as “Lucy.”
• Luffy’s care for the bull draws Li Ziming and Rebecca into helping it.
• Cavendish insults Li Ziming and Luffy, provoking Romeo’s defense.

Significant themes

• Caution amid apparent success: Luffy’s arena dominance contrasts with the crew’s precarious situation elsewhere.
• Loyalty and compassion: Romeo protects Li Ziming, while Luffy’s concern for the bull shows empathy beneath his recklessness.
• Publicity and ego: Cavendish’s obsession with fame stands against the Straw Hats’ indifference to recognition.
• Strategy and uncertainty: Li Ziming tries to gather evidence and exploit political tensions while the crew’s fate remains unknown.

Key plot points and events

• Luffy’s punch restores Chinjao’s pointed head, ending their conflict and earning Chinjao’s gratitude.
• Cavendish tries to attack Luffy, but Li Ziming distracts him by promising to make him famous again.
• Li asks Cavendish to cooperate with the Straw Hats on the island. Cavendish is wary at first, but his hunger for attention makes him receptive.
• Chinjao apologizes for his earlier hostility and pledges the Happo Navy to Luffy’s forces, strengthening their position against the threat from Doflamingo.
• Li accepts Chinjao’s offer while leaving any formal decision about serving under Luffy to the captain. Chinjao gives Li a Den Den Mushi so they can stay in contact.
• Cavendish finally agrees to work with Li for now, insisting that he must be featured in the news.

Character developments and interactions

• Li Ziming acts as a shrewd mediator and strategist: he redirects Cavendish’s aggression, negotiates cooperation, and responds respectfully to Chinjao.
• Cavendish shifts from hostility toward Luffy to a tentative alliance when Li appeals to his desire for fame. His vanity and intense need for public recognition drive the decision.
• Chinjao moves from resentment to respect and gratitude toward Luffy, then offers his organization’s support. He also shows deference to Li, who treats him and Sai courteously.
• Luffy remains baffled by Cavendish’s grudge and is largely unaware of Li’s behind-the-scenes negotiations.
• Romeo eagerly volunteers to look after Luffy after Li asks him to.

Significant themes

• Unexpected alliances: Luffy’s actions win over a powerful former opponent, while Li turns a potential enemy into a temporary partner.
• Loyalty and gratitude: Chinjao’s pledge is presented as repayment for what Luffy has done for him.
• Strategy and persuasion: Li secures support through tact and by understanding what motivates others.
• Fame and recognition: Cavendish’s craving for attention shapes his choices and provides much of the chapter’s humor.

Chapter Summary: “Contact”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Rebecca enters the factory, drawing the spectators’ hostility because of her grandfather’s legacy. Cavendish volunteers to help her, offended that anyone would look down on her.
• Li Ziming learns that Doflamingo’s resignation as a Shichibukai was a deception. The Thousand Sunny has already been attacked, and the crew suspects that Caesar’s delivery was part of Doflamingo’s trap.
• Zoro and Kin’emon make contact while Franky and Sanji report that they are with King Riku’s rebel army. The army, led by the toy soldier, plans to overthrow Doflamingo that night.
• Luffy initially tells Franky to stop the rebellion so the original plan—destroy the factory and preserve Doflamingo for Law’s purposes—can proceed. Franky refuses, arguing that the oppressed citizens deserve protection. Sanji agrees to turn back, and Luffy immediately supports helping the rebels.
• Law, badly injured, is brought in by Doflamingo. Li secretly signals Law, who understands the plan and pretends to lose consciousness.
• Fujitora arrives, creating a tense gathering involving the Straw Hats, Doflamingo, Law, and other major figures. Shortly afterward, Sanji reports that Big Mom’s ship has appeared, escalating the danger further.
• Li orders Zoro and Kin’emon to flee while he, Luffy, and Sanji remain behind to stall Doflamingo. Fujitora leaves Li a message implying that he expects Li to help bring about a just resolution for Dressrosa.

Character Developments

• Li Ziming acts as the group’s strategist and information coordinator. He recognizes the danger of Doflamingo’s deception and takes command as the crisis intensifies.
• Luffy demonstrates his instinctive loyalty to the oppressed. Once Franky explains the rebels’ situation, Luffy abandons the original plan without hesitation and chooses to fight for the people.
• Franky shows strong moral conviction, refusing to abandon King Riku’s army even if doing so would better serve Law’s strategy.
• Sanji initially intends to leave but changes course after seeing Franky’s determination, reinforcing his willingness to stand with his allies and innocent people.
• Law remains injured and vulnerable but cooperates intelligently with Li’s hidden signal.
• Cavendish reveals his chivalrous side by rushing to protect Rebecca.
• Fujitora remains outwardly neutral but subtly encourages Li to pursue a “perfect ending,” suggesting sympathy toward justice for Dressrosa.

Significant Themes

• Justice versus strategy: The characters must choose between following Law’s calculated plan and protecting ordinary people immediately threatened by Doflamingo.
• Solidarity with the oppressed: Franky and Luffy refuse to ignore the suffering beneath Dressrosa’s cheerful surface.
• Manipulation and deception: Doflamingo’s false resignation demonstrates his control over events and the danger of trusting appearances.
• Leadership and trust: Li coordinates the scattered crew, while Luffy ultimately makes the moral decision to support the rebels.
• The hidden darkness beneath peace: Dressrosa’s apparent happiness conceals exploitation, fear, and resistance.

Character Interactions

• Li and Luffy discuss Rebecca’s persecution and the danger posed by Doflamingo.
• Li communicates with Franky and Sanji through Den Den Mushi, allowing the separated allies to exchange intelligence.
• Franky argues with Luffy over whether to aid the rebel army; Sanji and Luffy side with him.
• Doflamingo confronts Luffy and Li while bringing in the defeated Law.
• Li secretly signals Law, establishing silent cooperation.
• Zoro and Kin’emon prepare to rescue Law, but Li orders them to retreat when Fujitora and Big Mom’s forces make the situation too dangerous.
• Fujitora’s note challenges Li to ensure that Dressrosa receives a just conclusion, prompting Li to take full command of the immediate confrontation with Doflamingo.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Ziming orders Sanji and the others to depart first and evade Big Mom’s ships, arranging to reunite at Zou. Sanji is given command and permission to attack if necessary.
• Li Ziming contacts Franky, Robin, Usopp, and the others through Den Den Mushi, briefing them on the abilities of the Donquixote Family officers stationed throughout Dressrosa.
• Sabo unexpectedly appears and reunites with Luffy. After briefly mistaking him for an enemy, Romeo learns that Sabo is Luffy’s brother and feels embarrassed for threatening him.
• To create confusion in the arena, Li Ziming arranges for Romeo and Sabo to take the places of the usual fighters. Their objective is simply to cause chaos rather than win.
• Li Ziming, Luffy, Zoro, and Kin’emon leave the arena and head toward the palace with Violet’s assistance.
• Li Ziming warns the others about several enemy officers, especially the Hobby-Hobby Fruit user, whose power turns people into toys and erases everyone’s memory of them.
• He instructs Robin and Usopp to avoid a direct confrontation with the Hobby-Hobby Fruit user and instead try to force her to undo her own power, potentially restoring the toy victims.
• Franky chooses to attack the enemy forces through the underground tunnels, while Robin and Usopp prepare to confront the Sticky-Sticky and Hobby-Hobby Fruit users.
• Li Ziming gives everyone a grave warning about Doflamingo, advising them to flee immediately if they encounter him.
• Violet leads Li Ziming’s group to a hidden elevator shaft. Rather than wait for the elevator, Luffy stretches his arm upward and pulls the group directly toward the palace’s top floor.

Character Developments

• Li Ziming acts as the strategic coordinator, dividing the crew’s forces, assessing enemy abilities, and assigning appropriate tasks to each ally.
• Sanji accepts command of the departing ship and shows his usual chivalry, promising to protect everyone while retaining his willingness to fight Big Mom’s forces.
• Luffy happily reunites with Sabo and trusts Li Ziming’s plans. His strength and creativity allow the group to bypass the slow elevator.
• Sabo returns as a powerful ally and willingly participates in Li Ziming’s diversion plan.
• Romeo initially reacts aggressively to Sabo but becomes immediately regretful after learning that Sabo is Luffy’s brother.
• Franky displays his confidence and pride by choosing to attack the enemy directly through the tunnels.
• Usopp remains frightened by the danger of the mission, though Li Ziming encourages him by invoking his heroic identity as Sogeking.
• Violet continues assisting the group by guiding them through the palace and providing information about its layout.

Significant Themes

• Strategy over brute force: Li Ziming emphasizes coordination, intelligence, and exploiting enemy weaknesses rather than confronting every opponent directly.
• Trust and leadership: The allies accept Li Ziming’s assignments, while Sanji, Franky, and the others take responsibility for separate battlefronts.
• The danger of forgotten identities: The Hobby-Hobby Fruit’s ability highlights the horrifying consequences of erasing people from others’ memories.
• Brotherhood and loyalty: Luffy and Sabo’s reunion reinforces the importance of familial bonds and mutual support.
• Courage despite fear: Usopp’s anxiety contrasts with the need to act heroically, suggesting that bravery means proceeding even when one is afraid.
• The overwhelming threat of Doflamingo: Li Ziming’s warning establishes Doflamingo as an enemy beyond the group’s current level of power.

Character Interactions

• Sanji and Li Ziming discuss the escape from Big Mom’s fleet, with Sanji accepting responsibility for protecting the ship.
• Sabo greets Luffy by striking him with his pipe, leading to a joyful reunion rather than a fight.
• Romeo attempts to defend Luffy from Sabo, but Li Ziming stops him and explains their brotherly relationship.
• Li Ziming coordinates with Franky, Robin, and Usopp through the Den Den Mushi, explaining how they should handle specific officers.
• Violet guides Li Ziming, Luffy, Zoro, and Kin’emon toward the palace.
• Luffy physically transports the group upward, overriding Violet’s attempt to explain the elevator route.

Chapter Summary: “The Great Hero Usopp”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Ziming confronts Pica, one of the Donquixote Family’s top officers, after destroying part of the castle wall. He tells Luffy, Zoro, and the others to continue ahead because his explosive ability is a natural counter to Pica’s stone-based powers.
• Pica attempts to trap the group by crushing the castle walls inward, but Li Ziming destroys the stone before it can harm them, allowing Luffy and the others to escape.
• Elsewhere, Franky struggles against both Marines and Donquixote Family forces, while Robin and the Tontatta Tribe face overwhelming resistance at the officers’ tower.
• The Tontatta repeatedly call for “Usoland,” believing Usopp to be their promised hero and savior. Sugar and Trebol ridicule their faith, insisting that their supposed hero is a coward hiding somewhere.
• Trebol brutally attacks the Tontatta Tribe, mocking them as they cling to their belief that Usopp will rescue them.
• Hearing their suffering, Usopp remembers a mask and device Li Ziming gave him for emergencies. He attacks Trebol with a Firebird Star, then openly declares his identity as Usopp, Sogeking, and “the greatest warrior on the seas.”
• Trebol easily overwhelms Usopp, piercing him with slime, beating him severely, and insisting that anyone who wants to become a hero must first be willing to die.
• Despite his injuries, Usopp reveals that his real objective was not to defeat Trebol directly, but to incapacitate Sugar. Using a Tone Dial to unleash a piercing sound, he causes Sugar to faint.
• The chapter ends with Usopp badly wounded but satisfied that he successfully accomplished his hidden mission and undermined the enemy’s forces.

Character Developments

• Li Ziming demonstrates confidence and selflessness by staying behind to fight Pica so that Luffy’s group can advance. His ability proves especially effective against Pica’s stone manipulation.
• Luffy, Zoro, and the others trust Li Ziming immediately and leave the battle to him, showing their confidence in his strength.
• Usopp undergoes a major moment of courage. Although frightened and physically outmatched, he refuses to abandon the Tontatta Tribe and deliberately allows himself to suffer in order to complete his plan.
• Usopp’s declaration of being a hero is both comedic and sincere: he remains boastful, but his actions finally match the heroic image others have placed upon him.
• The Tontatta Tribe continues to believe in Usopp even when he appears absent, treating him as a symbol of hope rather than merely an individual fighter.
• Trebol and Sugar are portrayed as cruel and contemptuous, mocking the Tontatta’s faith and underestimating Usopp’s capabilities. Sugar’s unconsciousness leaves Trebol shocked and enraged.

Significant Themes

• True heroism: The chapter suggests that heroism is defined not by overwhelming strength, but by enduring fear and pain to protect others.
• Hope and belief: The Tontatta’s faith in “Usoland” gives them emotional strength even while they are being attacked. Their belief ultimately inspires Usopp to act.
• Courage through sacrifice: Usopp cannot overpower Trebol, but he accepts severe punishment to create an opening for his real attack.
• Appearance versus reality: Usopp presents himself as a legendary warrior, yet his greatest success comes through strategy, deception, and clever timing rather than direct combat.
• The power of underestimated individuals: Trebol dismisses Usopp as harmless, allowing him to execute a plan that changes the course of the battle.

Character Interactions

• Li Ziming and Pica: Their confrontation is based on a clash between Pica’s stone abilities and Li Ziming’s destructive explosions.
• Li Ziming and Luffy’s group: Li protects their escape and confidently takes responsibility for the battle.
• Usopp and the Tontatta Tribe: The Tontatta’s unwavering trust in Usopp pressures him to live up to the heroic identity they have created for him.
• Usopp and Trebol: Trebol physically dominates Usopp and mocks his dream of becoming a hero, but Usopp ultimately outsmarts him.
• Sugar and Trebol: Their exchange reveals their shared arrogance and cruelty, while also showing Sugar’s irritation with Trebol’s stupidity.
• Usopp and Sugar: Though Sugar is not his direct opponent, she is the true target of Usopp’s attack. His Tone Dial successfully knocks her unconscious, proving the effectiveness of his strategy.

Chapter Summary: Donquixote Doflamingo’s Game

Key Plot Points and Events

• Despite having his head cut off, Donquixote Doflamingo remains alive, revealing the terrifying nature of his abilities. Pica places him on a giant stone construct.
• Doflamingo announces that he will activate the Birdcage, alarming Luo and the others. He then attacks Kyros, but Li Ziming intervenes and protects him while Luffy evacuates Kyros, King Riku/Doldo III, and Violet.
• Li Ziming arrives badly injured after defeating or bypassing the forces Pica sent to delay him. Doflamingo recognizes his strength and tries to recruit him into the Donquixote Family.
• Doflamingo outmaneuvers Li Ziming by using puppet-like doubles and severing the connection to one of Li’s explosive constructs. He wounds and captures Li Ziming, mocking him for continuing to fight despite his exhaustion.
• Doflamingo releases the Birdcage, a massive web of strings that surrounds all of Dressrosa and traps its inhabitants.
• He uses Parasite String to control numerous people, forcing them to attack others and plunging the country into widespread chaos.
• Doflamingo orders Pica to raise the SMILE factory so that everyone can see it, then broadcasts a message across Dressrosa.
• He declares a deadly “game”: he will remain in the royal palace and allow the citizens and enemies to try to kill him. Alternatively, people can earn their freedom and a bounty by bringing him the heads of specifically named targets. However, only the final survivors will be spared.

Character Developments

• Doflamingo becomes even more threatening, demonstrating that physical decapitation cannot stop him and that he has complete control over the battlefield. His cruelty and manipulative nature are emphasized through the Birdcage, Parasite String, and his survival game.
• Li Ziming proves himself powerful enough to defeat large numbers of Doflamingo’s forces, but his injuries and exhaustion leave him vulnerable. His attempt to protect the others shows his loyalty to Luffy’s side, even though Doflamingo views his actions as foolish.
• Luffy remains focused on freeing himself and his allies, while also protecting Kyros and the others from Doflamingo’s attacks.
• Kyros, Doldo III, and Violet are forced to recognize that the confrontation has surpassed what they can handle directly and must rely on Luffy and Li Ziming for protection.
• Pica continues to obey Doflamingo without question, using his stone powers to support the Birdcage’s activation and raise the factory.

Significant Themes

• Tyranny and control: Doflamingo treats an entire nation as a toy, controlling both its physical space and its people.
• Desperation and survival: The Birdcage and the announced bounty game turn Dressrosa into a battlefield where citizens are encouraged to betray and kill one another.
• Power versus exhaustion: Li Ziming’s defeat shows that strength alone is insufficient when a fighter is already worn down and facing an opponent with superior preparation and deception.
• Manipulation and spectacle: Doflamingo publicly displays the factory and broadcasts his challenge, transforming terror into a carefully staged game designed to control public behavior.
• Hope under overwhelming danger: Luffy and his allies continue resisting despite being trapped, injured, and outmatched.

Character Interactions

• Doflamingo taunts and challenges Luo, knowing the Birdcage frightens him.
• Luffy and Li Ziming work together to protect Kyros and the others, with Luffy showing concern over Li’s injuries.
• Doflamingo attempts to recruit Li Ziming, but Li secretly signals Luffy to evacuate the weaker allies, revealing his refusal to abandon them.
• Doflamingo exploits his knowledge of Li’s abilities to counter him, then humiliates him for trying to act heroically while exhausted.
• Doflamingo commands Pica and the rest of his forces while presenting himself as the absolute ruler of Dressrosa, forcing the entire country to participate in his murderous game.

Plot points and events

• Doflamingo announces bounties for the Straw Hats. Usopp’s 500-million-Beli bounty surprises everyone, while Li Ziming appears to have no bounty.
• Li Ziming, recently freed by a Tontatta, confronts Doflamingo. He claims to have planted a conventional timed bomb in Doflamingo’s factory and hints that he knows secrets tied to the Donquixote name, making Doflamingo hesitate to kill him.
• The two trade views on human nature and discuss why Li serves Luffy. Doflamingo offers him a place in the Donquixote Family if Luffy loses; Li says he might consider it only after Doflamingo defeats their captain.
• Doflamingo’s officers arrive. Li provokes them and quickly wounds Gladius, hoping to reduce the pressure on Luffy and the others.
• Doflamingo retaliates, explaining that the officers are his family. He kicks Li away, then warns him not to harm them again, threatening to take his other arm.

Character development and interactions

• Li Ziming remains defiant despite his injuries. He uses bluff, hidden knowledge, and tactical provocation to restrain Doflamingo and help his crew, while expressing faith in Luffy.
• Doflamingo reveals both his cynicism about human nature and his deep attachment to his officers. Though he initially treats Li as a possible recruit, he becomes threatening when Li hurts one of them.
• Their conversation is a contest of beliefs and leverage: Doflamingo sees Li as naïve but potentially useful; Li refuses to be intimidated and challenges Doflamingo’s assumptions.
• Li’s attack on Gladius sparks the officers’ anger and brings Doflamingo’s protective side to the fore.

Significant themes

• Optimism versus cynicism: Li chooses to believe in people’s goodness, while Doflamingo assumes they are ruled by ugliness and evil.
• Loyalty and chosen family: Li’s devotion to Luffy and Doflamingo’s bond with his officers shape their choices.
• Power through information and deception: Li’s bomb claim and hints about Doflamingo’s name give him leverage even while injured.
• Provocation and sacrifice: Li deliberately draws danger toward himself, hoping to ease the burden on his allies.

Chapter Summary: “Facing Doflamingo”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bellamy arrives at Doflamingo’s request, only to learn that their goals have always been fundamentally different. Doflamingo wants to destroy the world and views his various identities—pirate, king, Shichibukai, and underworld ruler—as tools for that purpose.
• Doflamingo reveals that Luffy has accepted Bellamy as a potential crewmate, then attacks Bellamy with Parasite String, controlling him like a puppet and brutally beating him.
• Li Ziming challenges Doflamingo’s belief that Bellamy is merely a helpless stray dog, suggesting that Bellamy may still fight back.
• Luffy begins breaking through the battlefield toward Doflamingo, while the other pirates overcome the Donquixote family’s defenses. The Marines, including the admiral, focus on protecting civilians rather than directly helping Doflamingo.
• Trebol reports that Luffy and Law are approaching. Doflamingo attempts to attack Trebol, but the apparent subordinate is revealed to be Koala in disguise using Makeup Technique.
• Sabo intervenes with Fire Fist, revealing himself as Luffy’s older brother and confronting Doflamingo.
• Doflamingo attempts a lethal surprise attack using invisible strings. Li Ziming shields Koala, taking the strings across his neck and suffering significant blood loss.
• Sabo wants to fight Doflamingo, but Li Ziming stops him, warning that the Revolutionary Army’s second-in-command attacking a country’s ruler—especially a Celestial Dragon—would have dangerous political consequences. Sabo reluctantly leaves with Koala.
• The real Trebol then arrives and announces that Luffy and Law have finally reached Doflamingo. The chapter ends as the confrontation is about to begin.

Character Developments

• Doflamingo is presented as manipulative, cruel, and ideologically driven. He treats people as disposable tools and enjoys psychologically tormenting Bellamy.
• Bellamy is humiliated and controlled, but Li Ziming implies that he may still possess the will to resist and prove himself.
• Li Ziming demonstrates strategic thinking, political awareness, and self-sacrifice. Despite being restrained and injured, he remains composed and deliberately prevents Sabo from creating a larger political crisis.
• Sabo is introduced as Luffy’s elder brother and shows fierce loyalty and protectiveness toward Luffy’s allies. His anger at Doflamingo is tempered by Li Ziming’s warning.
• Koala displays her skill and resourcefulness by disguising herself as Trebol to infiltrate Doflamingo’s position.
• Luffy and Law continue their advance through overwhelming opposition and finally arrive for the decisive confrontation.

Significant Themes

• Conflicting ambitions: Bellamy wants only to remain a pirate, while Doflamingo seeks to destroy and reshape the world.
• Manipulation and freedom: Doflamingo’s strings symbolize his control over others, reducing Bellamy and even his own subordinates to puppets.
• Loyalty and sacrifice: Li Ziming risks his life to protect Koala, while Sabo is prepared to defend Luffy’s allies.
• Political restraint versus personal justice: Li Ziming emphasizes that defeating Doflamingo cannot be separated from the political consequences of who launches the attack.
• Hidden strength and deception: Bellamy may still have the capacity to fight back, while Koala’s disguise allows the heroes to surprise Doflamingo.
• The value of preparation: Li Ziming reveals that he has been quietly building alliances and advantages since the arena, turning the battle into a larger strategic gamble.

Important Character Interactions

• Doflamingo and Bellamy: Doflamingo explains their opposing beliefs before torturing Bellamy with Parasite String.
• Li Ziming and Doflamingo: They exchange sharp remarks about Bellamy, preparation, strategy, and the nature of the coming battle.
• Sabo and Doflamingo: Sabo attacks after seeing Doflamingo endanger Koala, openly identifying himself as Luffy’s brother.
• Li Ziming and Sabo: Li Ziming saves Koala from Doflamingo’s attack, then persuades Sabo to withdraw to avoid provoking a political disaster.
• Luffy and Law’s arrival: Their appearance sets the stage for the long-awaited direct confrontation with Doflamingo.