Ch. 21Marines
Chapter Summary: “Marines”
Key Plot Points and Events
- In the Loguetown Marine headquarters, Sengoku, Garp, Kizaru, and Aokiji prepare for Gol D. Roger’s public execution.
- Although the World Government claims Roger was captured, the Marines know he surrendered voluntarily. His terminal illness is the accepted explanation, but his behavior leaves Sengoku and the others uneasy.
- Sengoku orders Kizaru and Aokiji to prioritize Roger’s execution and prevent any rescue attempt, ignoring the many dangerous pirates gathering in Loguetown until the execution is complete.
- Fleet Admiral Kong contacts Sengoku with shocking news: Celestial Dragon Saint Donquixote Mjosgard has been killed.
- The killers are identified as Ye Mu and Enel, two rookie pirates belonging to the Sky Pirate Crew. Kizaru is dispatched to capture them and bring them back alive.
- The Five Elders order the Marines to suppress the news so that nothing interferes with Roger’s execution. Sengoku therefore refuses to divert major forces from the execution.
- Stussy, acting as a CP0 agent, confronts Morgans and forces him to suppress the story. However, three hours later, flyers spread throughout Loguetown showing Mjosgard’s corpse, Ye Mu, and Enel, with the signature “Revolutionary Army.”
- The revelation throws Loguetown into chaos and suggests that the Revolutionary Army is claiming responsibility—or at least using the incident to make a statement.
- The chapter ends with Ye Mu discovering that the ship he came to find is empty, making his trip seemingly pointless.
Character Developments
- Sengoku becomes increasingly anxious as multiple crises collide. He remains committed to carrying out Roger’s execution but is visibly overwhelmed by the Celestial Dragon’s assassination.
- Garp continues to show his disregard for the Celestial Dragons and appears amused by the incident. He has also been unusually distracted since meeting Roger, hinting that Roger told him something important.
- Kizaru temporarily abandons his casual attitude and takes the Celestial Dragon incident seriously, immediately departing to pursue the Sky Pirate Crew.
- Aokiji demonstrates a practical understanding of the danger, questioning how Ye Mu and Enel defeated Mjosgard’s powerful protection detail.
- Stussy acts loyally on behalf of the World Government, prioritizing secrecy and political stability.
- Morgans remains eager to publish sensational news, though he is initially forced to submit to Government pressure.
- Ye Mu and Enel are elevated from unknown rookie pirates to globally wanted figures after being linked to the Celestial Dragon’s death.
Significant Themes
- Government censorship and information control: The World Government attempts to hide the assassination to preserve the impact of Roger’s execution.
- Political power and inequality: The death of one Celestial Dragon triggers an extreme response, emphasizing their privileged status and the Marines’ obligation to protect them.
- Truth versus propaganda: Roger’s “capture,” the suppressed assassination report, and the mysterious Revolutionary Army signature all show how official narratives differ from reality.
- Approaching revolution and chaos: The public release of the photographs destabilizes Loguetown and signals growing resistance to the World Government.
- Hidden motives and foreshadowing: Roger’s surrender, Garp’s altered behavior, and the Revolutionary Army’s involvement suggest larger plans beneath the visible events.
Character Interactions
- Sengoku gives Kizaru and Aokiji strict orders regarding Roger’s execution and prison security.
- Sengoku and Garp share contrasting reactions to the Celestial Dragon’s death: Sengoku worries about the political consequences, while Garp openly mocks the Celestial Dragons.
- Aokiji and Sengoku discuss how Ye Mu and Enel could overcome Mjosgard’s CP9 guards and Gasparde.
- Stussy and Morgans clash over whether the assassination should be concealed or publicized, with Stussy initially prevailing.
- The flyer campaign overturns their confrontation by spreading the news across Loguetown and placing the Revolutionary Army’s name beside the Sky Pirate Crew.