Ch. 41They Actually Took It Seriously
Chapter Summary: “They Actually Took It Seriously”
Key Plot Points and Events
- A full military leadership meeting is held at World Government headquarters to discuss Saint Sanming/Miming’s demand that the armed forces take seriously a child’s dream or warning that Mary Geoise might be attacked or burned.
- Commander-in-Chief Saint Chester Nimi dismisses the matter as absurd and boasts that his “Beard of Justice” represents the impenetrable defenses of Mary Geoise.
- Miming mocks him by flicking a booger onto his beard. When Nimi notices it, he panics, becomes humiliated, and leaves the meeting.
- Navy Commander-in-Chief Kong takes over the meeting and asks Miming, as the highest-ranking person present, to give the traditional opening speech about justice.
- Miming realizes the military hopes he will back down rather than interfere with its operations. Instead of delivering a conventional speech, he demands that food be served because he has not eaten breakfast.
- Vice Admiral Garp enthusiastically supports the request, forcing Kong to allow the meal.
- As everyone eats, Miming declares that justice cannot exist when people are hungry. The officers repeat his words as a new motto, unexpectedly accepting the idea as meaningful.
- The tense atmosphere disappears, and the military’s suspicion toward Miming begins to fade.
Character Developments
- Miming/Saint Sanming: Demonstrates irreverence, confidence, and an unconventional approach to authority. Rather than arguing directly with the military, he disarms them through humor, food, and an unexpectedly relatable philosophy.
- Saint Chester Nimi: Revealed as arrogant and overly concerned with his image and status. His exaggerated confidence collapses immediately when his treasured beard is soiled.
- Kong: Attempts to pressure Miming into conforming to military tradition and perhaps discourage his interference, but loses control of the meeting when Miming changes its direction.
- Garp: Shows his usual carefree nature and eagerness for food. His immediate support helps Miming win over the room.
- Sengoku, Zephyr, and the Navy officers: Initially remain wary, distrustful, or judgmental of Miming, but their attitude softens once he creates a relaxed, communal atmosphere.
- Spandine: Maintains an exaggeratedly loyal attitude toward Miming, reflecting the CP9 commander’s opportunistic nature.
Significant Themes
- Authority versus genuine leadership: Miming holds influence not through formal military expertise but through personality, confidence, and his ability to connect with others.
- Justice and basic human needs: The chapter humorously suggests that lofty ideals are meaningless if people’s basic needs—especially hunger—are ignored.
- Tradition versus innovation: The military expects a solemn speech, but Miming rejects convention and creates his own version of a justice address.
- The absurdity of power: The meeting is called over an apparently ridiculous concern, while the highest official behaves childishly about a dirty beard. The chapter satirizes bureaucratic and aristocratic authority.
- Breaking down hostility: Food and humor transform a tense, hierarchical meeting into a moment of shared participation.
Character Interactions
- Miming humiliates Saint Chester Nimi by contaminating his prized beard, exposing the commander’s vanity.
- Kong tries to guide Miming into following military customs, but Miming turns the formal speech into a demand for breakfast.
- Garp immediately sides with Miming, undermining Kong and encouraging the rest of the officers to accept the meal.
- The assembled officers initially glare at and distrust Miming, but eating together causes them to relax and repeat his words about justice.
- Miming’s unconventional behavior begins changing the military’s perception of him from troublesome Celestial Dragon to someone capable of earning their attention and cooperation.