Ch. 41Winning Over Corazon!
Chapter Summary: “Winning Over Corazon!”
Key Plot Points and Events
- Corazon is protecting the Op-Op Fruit when Mislanda unexpectedly arrives. Believing Mislanda wants the fruit, Corazon becomes defensive, but Mislanda explains that it is not his target.
- Mislanda releases the unconscious Luo from his Black Hole Space and instructs Corazon to feed him the Op-Op Fruit. Corazon does so, hoping the fruit will save the boy, though Luo must eventually heal himself through its power.
- Exhausted and badly injured, Corazon collapses. Mislanda then reveals his true intention: he wants Corazon—Donquixote Rosinante—to become his subordinate.
- Mislanda points out that Corazon has already made enemies of the Donquixote Family, the Marines, and the World Government by stealing the Op-Op Fruit. With Doflamingo rapidly approaching, Corazon realizes he has few alternatives and accepts Mislanda’s offer.
- Corazon kneels and vows absolute loyalty to Mislanda. Mislanda accepts him without using the binding contracts he employs on Judge and Tesoro, trusting Corazon’s character.
- Doflamingo and his officers arrive shortly afterward. Doflamingo realizes that Corazon betrayed him and is shocked to discover that his supposedly mute brother can actually speak.
- Pica attacks Corazon, but Mislanda effortlessly destroys the stone assault. Doflamingo recognizes Mislanda as the son of Dark King Rayleigh and understands that the situation has become dangerous.
- Mislanda unleashes his Conqueror’s Haki, overwhelming nearly everyone present. Doflamingo counters with his own Haki but is clearly inferior and must rely on his officers to remain standing.
- Mislanda orders Doflamingo to leave while he still has the chance, warning that Vice Admiral Tsuru’s approaching fleet will soon arrive. Doflamingo is forced to reassess the situation while looking between Corazon and Mislanda.
Character Developments
- Mislanda: Demonstrates strategic thinking and growing ambition by abandoning his initial plan to cause trouble and recruiting Corazon instead. He shows compassion toward Luo, confidence in his own strength, and faith in Corazon’s loyalty.
- Corazon/Rosinante: Moves from suspicion and desperation to trust and commitment. After realizing that he has no safe future with the World Government or Donquixote Family, he willingly becomes Mislanda’s subordinate to protect himself and Luo.
- Doflamingo: Experiences betrayal and humiliation upon learning that Corazon has been secretly capable of speech and has joined Mislanda. His confidence is shaken when Mislanda’s Conqueror’s Haki proves decisively stronger.
- Luo: Receives the Op-Op Fruit, giving him the means to survive and eventually treat himself, though his recovery is not immediate.
- Vice Admiral Tsuru: Continues pursuing the group and accelerates her fleet after sensing Mislanda’s powerful Haki, increasing the pressure on everyone involved.
Significant Themes
- Loyalty and betrayal: Corazon’s decision to abandon Doflamingo represents a major personal betrayal, but it is also framed as an act of survival and protection for Luo.
- Choice under pressure: Corazon accepts Mislanda’s offer because every other path appears to lead to death, emphasizing how limited choices can determine a person’s allegiance.
- Power and intimidation: Mislanda’s overwhelming Haki establishes the gap between him and Doflamingo’s forces, turning his recruitment of Corazon into a direct challenge to Doflamingo.
- Trust versus control: Mislanda chooses to trust Corazon rather than bind him through a contract, suggesting that genuine loyalty may be more valuable than forced obedience.
- Protection and sacrifice: Corazon risks everything to save Luo, while Mislanda intervenes to protect both Corazon and the boy from the consequences of possessing the Op-Op Fruit.
Important Character Interactions
- Mislanda and Corazon: Mislanda reassures Corazon, saves Luo by returning him, and offers Corazon a new position and purpose. Corazon responds by pledging himself to Mislanda.
- Corazon and Luo: Corazon acts as Luo’s protector, feeding him the Op-Op Fruit and prioritizing his survival despite his own severe injuries.
- Mislanda and Doflamingo: Their confrontation establishes Mislanda as a powerful rival. Mislanda openly dismisses Doflamingo’s authority and warns him to retreat.
- Doflamingo and Corazon: Doflamingo is stunned and enraged by Corazon’s betrayal, while Corazon apologizes but remains committed to his new allegiance.
- Mislanda and the Donquixote officers: Mislanda effortlessly stops Pica’s attack and intimidates the entire group with Conqueror’s Haki, demonstrating his superiority.