Ch. 521New Headquarters Vice Admirals! Fujitora and Ryokugyu!
- The New World remains largely untouched by the World Military Draft. The Navy has little influence there, and G-5 is occupied with stabilizing its area and adjusting to the disappearance of its former commander, Vergo. Life continues as usual—except near Sabaody, where civilians flee Loa’s territory after witnessing the scale of his power. The Navy helps protect and resettle them, leaving Turtle Island surrounded by empty waters and making holiday preparations difficult.
- Turtle Island holds a year-end contest. On the last day of 1519, Undead soldiers compete in arena-style matches. Simon proposed the event to relieve the Undead’s boredom and give them a chance to demonstrate their strength; Crocodile and Ulysses will use the results to assign their positions for the coming year.
- The Navy appoints two exceptional Vice Admirals. Loa learns that Fujitora Issho and Ryokugyu have joined the Navy through the draft. With Loa’s departure and Garp’s injury and retirement from the front lines, the Navy had two vacancies. Loa had hoped to recruit Fujitora himself, but the Navy secured both men first. He judges them to be Admiral-level fighters and warns that, once Sengoku and the other senior figures return, the Navy will be more powerful than ever.
- Character reactions and plans: Robin is surprised that two strangers—including a blind man—could be so strong. Simon is stunned by Loa’s assessment, then eagerly accepts his plan to focus on the New World next year. Loa avoids acting on what he learned about powerful figures in Mary Geoise at the Tea Party, preferring to leave that uncertain situation alone for now.
Themes: The chapter contrasts the relative calm of the New World with the Navy’s expanding strength elsewhere. It also highlights how fear of Loa reshapes civilian life, how even powerful factions must plan around greater threats, and how the Undead seek purpose and diversion despite their long, diminished existence.