Ch. 501Red's arrival
Key plot points and events
- The Roger Pirates repel an encirclement by the Navy and World Government. The story then shifts to the Kronos Kingdom, where Hades welcomes Redfield, an old acquaintance.
- Redfield recounts how he once devastated the Five Peaks Pirates’ stronghold, Hachinosu. After the crew tried to sell an enslaved member of the Blood Tribe, Redfield killed the government agents and a pirate officer, then defeated Ochoku and many of his officers over four days. The Five Peaks Pirates ultimately paid him compensation.
- Redfield reveals that he has been searching for his people through secret World Government and Navy facilities. He has located them at a research base near Marine Headquarters, but needs help rescuing them before reinforcements can arrive.
- In return for Hades’s assistance and advice on timing, Redfield offers intelligence and research materials from the government bases he has searched. Hades is eager to obtain the information and agrees to help.
Character developments and interactions
- Redfield appears as a powerful, self-reliant figure, but his search for his people shows a personal motive beneath his reputation. He recognizes he cannot manage the rescue alone and turns to Hades.
- Hades warmly reunites with Redfield, admires his exploits, and sees strategic value in the offered intelligence. His friendship with Redfield aligns with the kingdom’s interest in acquiring knowledge.
- River Styx, now three meters tall, is briefly noticed by Redfield, who is struck by how much the boy has grown since they last met.
Significant themes
- Loyalty and kinship: Redfield’s mission to recover his people gives his long search a deeply personal purpose.
- Knowledge as power: The research-base records could benefit the Kronos Kingdom, even if incomplete.
- Reputation and strength: Redfield’s past victory over the Five Peaks Pirates demonstrates why he is feared across the seas.
- Trust and mutual benefit: Redfield seeks help from an old ally and offers valuable intelligence in exchange.