Arc 9The First Holy Grail Battle
The Holy Church expanded its power across the seas, defeated the Marines’ resistance, and drew pirates and adventurers into its new order. Robin joined the Church, and the First Holy Grail Battle began with the contestants transported away.
- The Holy Church defeated Shiki’s attack on Cocoyasi Village, protected its residents, and publicized the victory as the Five Elders formed a pirate alliance.
- Zephyr and Sengoku rejected the World Government’s alliance with pirates, and Sengoku led the departing Marines toward the East Blue before joining the Holy Church’s Adventurers’ Guild.
- The Church announced the Ladder Tournament, drawing fighters from across the world as Ace set out to become the strongest Adventurer and Luffy decided to sail early to compete.
- The Holy Church fleets confronted Akainu’s navy near Sabaody, and Hexia defeated Akainu before he ordered the Marines to surrender.
- Kizaru and Kuzan returned with their ships to surrender, while pirates began looking for ways to legitimize themselves and Shanks mourned the end of the Great Pirate Era.
- Hexia visited Ohara, where Robin asked about the being she believed had changed her past, and Hexia invited Robin to join the Holy Church with Olvia’s encouragement.
- Ace reunited with Luffy, Zoro, and Nami before Sengoku opened the First Holy Grail Battle, and the Holy Grail transported the contestants away.