Ch. 221As If It Were Yesterday
Plot points and events
- Rogge and the Asura Pirates arrive aboard Tesoro’s Golden Ship. Baccarat welcomes them and offers Turtle Cars.
- Rogge immediately figures out how to drive one, taking Baccarat and the Cat-Wife Sisters through the enormous ship. He declines to meet Tesoro for now, explaining that the crew came to rest after his near-fatal battles with Big Mom and Katakuri.
- Baccarat suggests an artificial volcanic hot spring to help Rogge recover. Their conversation turns to Thousand Lake Island, where Rogge recalls the crew’s early days: building their first ship, raising their flag, and recruiting Ares.
- The crew splits up at the baths. Cook and Carl head to the beach with Lassoo, while Rogge and the others enter the men’s spring.
- The hot water suppresses the Devil Fruit powers of Rogge, Jelly, Ham, and Enel, leaving them weak. The chapter ends with Rogge relaxing in that unfamiliar state and shooing Billy away.
Character developments
- Rogge appears confident and capable, but his memories of Thousand Lake Island reveal how far he has come from his humble beginnings. Despite his injuries, he treats the visit as a chance to rest.
- Baccarat remains polite and attentive while carefully probing for information about the Asura Pirates. Rogge recognizes her reputation and warns her not to use her luck-based ability on him.
- Cook and Carl make choices suited to their circumstances: Cook avoids hot water, while Carl avoids losing her Devil Fruit powers and revealing her true appearance.
- The crew’s varied reactions to the hot spring show their familiarity and easy rapport with one another.
Themes
- Growth and nostalgia: Rogge reflects on the dramatic change from his early days to his status as a major New World power.
- Power and vulnerability: The hot spring temporarily strips several fighters of their abilities, leaving even formidable pirates helpless.
- Rest after struggle: The crew’s visit emphasizes recovery and leisure after dangerous battles.
Character interactions
- Baccarat welcomes Rogge, offers practical help, and tries to learn more about his crew; Rogge keeps the conversation friendly but shares only limited details.
- Rogge teases Baccarat about her Devil Fruit and jokes about his injuries, while she responds with professional courtesy.
- Crew members banter over who will use the hot springs, reflecting their close-knit dynamic; Rogge does not pressure those who choose the beach instead.