Ch. 21Am I a Prince? Ambush!
Chapter Summary: “Am I a Prince? Ambush!”
Key Plot Points and Events
- Mislanda wipes Boa Hancock’s face, prompting her to momentarily step back before obeying his command to remain still.
- He explains his connection to Shakuyaku, formerly the queen of Amazon Lily. Since Shakuyaku is now with Rayleigh—Mislanda’s adoptive father—Mislanda jokingly concludes that he is effectively a prince.
- Boa Hancock is shocked and begins addressing him as “His Highness the Prince.”
- Mislanda tells Hancock and her sisters to wait while he prepares an escape from the ruined slave prison.
- Using his black energy, Mislanda spreads a powerful ability through the ground, apparently setting a trap for anyone who comes to investigate.
- He summons a black vortex and transports Boa Hancock and her sisters away to safety.
- CP0 agents arrive at the prison after receiving a distress call, only to find the facility destroyed and numerous guards and slaves dead.
- As the agents attempt to pursue the escaped slaves, Mislanda’s trap activates. Black energy erupts from the ground, generating immense gravitational force and crushing nearly the entire group.
- One CP0 agent, Motri, escapes by transforming into a tiger through his Zoan-type Devil Fruit and using Geppo.
- Mislanda emerges from a black vortex behind Motri and reveals that he intends to extract Motri’s Devil Fruit ability.
- Motri launches a Rankyaku in desperation, but Mislanda moves first, grabs him by the throat, and declares that he will take his ability.
Character Developments
- Mislanda: Displays tenderness and admiration toward Boa Hancock but remains focused and calculating. He establishes his connection to Shakuyaku and embraces the amusing possibility of being considered a prince. His powers and confidence are shown to be extremely formidable as he destroys the prison, kills or incapacitates the pursuing CP0 agents, and prepares to steal Motri’s Devil Fruit.
- Boa Hancock: Shows instinctive trust and obedience toward Mislanda despite his sudden physical closeness. She is deeply surprised by his connection to Shakuyaku and begins viewing him as royalty. Her vulnerability contrasts with her growing confidence in Mislanda as her protector.
- Motri: Introduced as a powerful CP0 agent with the Tiger Model Zoan fruit and mastery of the Six Powers. Despite his strength, he becomes frightened by Mislanda’s overwhelming ability and is quickly placed at his mercy.
Significant Themes
- Rescue and liberation: Mislanda’s destruction of the slave prison and evacuation of the Hancock sisters represent a decisive rejection of the World Government’s slave system.
- Power and domination: The chapter emphasizes the vast difference between Mislanda and ordinary government agents. His black energy can destroy structures, crush groups, and potentially steal Devil Fruit powers.
- Identity and status: Mislanda’s connection to Shakuyaku and Rayleigh raises the humorous but meaningful question of whether he can be considered a prince.
- Trust amid danger: Boa Hancock’s willingness to follow Mislanda demonstrates the bond of trust forming between them.
- The cruelty of the Celestial Dragons: The CP0 agents fear the consequences of losing the slaves, highlighting the oppressive and brutal system they serve.
Character Interactions
- Mislanda’s gentle handling of Boa Hancock creates an intimate, awkward moment, with Hancock becoming visibly embarrassed.
- Mislanda explains his family connection to Shakuyaku, while Hancock reacts with surprise and reverence.
- He reassures the Hancock sisters before transporting them through the black vortex.
- The CP0 agents react with panic as Mislanda’s trap activates, begging their leader for help.
- Motri attempts to attack Mislanda with Rankyaku, but Mislanda intercepts him and physically seizes control of the encounter, ending the chapter with the threat of Devil Fruit extraction.