Ch. 361King
Chapter Summary
Key Plot Points and Events
- The Navy officers, including Momonga and Onigumo, realize the terrifying power of Kuta’s Space Blade. They conclude that even Kaido could be killed by it and speculate that Kuta may previously have spared Garp.
- Kuta approaches Kaido while walking through the air. Kaido attacks with his kanabo, but the blow cannot penetrate Kuta’s defenses and its force is redirected into the sky.
- Refusing to surrender despite recognizing the gap in their strength, Kaido attacks again. Kuta severs both of Kaido’s arms with a single slash.
- Kaido continues fighting by attempting to ram Kuta with his head. Kuta then cuts through Kaido’s neck, killing him instantly.
- The Navy and other powerful witnesses are stunned that an Emperor has been beheaded so effortlessly. Garp and Kizaru realize that Kuta’s Space Blade could likely kill them just as easily.
- Kuta stores the Space Blade and Shusui in his Space Bag before turning his attention to a new arrival: King, Kaido’s strongest subordinate.
- King arrives too late to save Kaido and immediately attacks Kuta with his flaming sword technique, “Guardian Fire Dragon Emperor.”
Character Developments
- Kuta: Demonstrates overwhelming strength, absolute composure, and complete control over his weapons and spatial abilities. His effortless victory over Kaido confirms him as a threat beyond the Emperors and even the Navy’s strongest fighters.
- Kaido: Maintains his pride and fighting spirit to the very end. Even after losing his arms, he refuses to retreat and dies standing by his identity as an indomitable warrior.
- King/Abel: Revealed as a Lunarian survivor, former World Government test subject, and Kaido’s oldest and most devoted companion. Kaido rescued him from captivity, and King has followed him ever since. Kaido’s death drives him to attack Kuta despite knowing he is probably outmatched.
- Garp and Kizaru: Their view of Kuta’s sword changes from cautious respect to genuine fear after witnessing it kill Kaido instantly.
- Navy officers: Become demoralized by the realization that they have no reliable way to counter Kuta.
Significant Themes
- Overwhelming power and helplessness: Kuta’s strength is presented as so far beyond others that even Emperors and top Navy officers appear vulnerable.
- Pride and defiance: Kaido chooses to fight despite knowing he cannot win, reinforcing his refusal to die submissively.
- Loyalty and devotion: King’s relationship with Kaido is portrayed as deeper than that of captain and subordinate. Kaido is King’s rescuer, friend, and chosen ideal.
- The collapse of dreams: Kaido dies before achieving the role King believed destiny had reserved for him, leaving King’s faith shattered.
- Friendship and regret: Kaido’s final thoughts center on King, whom he regards as his only true friend. He regrets calling King to Dressrosa and wishes to protect him from the fate awaiting him.
Character Interactions
- Kuta and Kaido: Their confrontation is brief but decisive. Kaido attacks with courage and desperation, while Kuta remains calm and ultimately kills him with two effortless sword strokes.
- Kaido and King: Their shared history is emphasized: Kaido rescued King, King became his first follower, and the two remained bonded through their ambitions. Kaido’s final thoughts reveal his affection and concern for King.
- King and Kuta: King identifies Kuta as Kaido’s killer and attacks him out of loyalty and grief, beginning a new confrontation at the chapter’s end.
- Navy and Kuta: The Navy observes Kuta with fear, recognizing that his abilities place him beyond their ordinary ability to confront or control.