Chapter Summaries

River relentlessly attacked Rayleigh in a brutal clash, while Kizaru, Aokiji, and Akainu watched. Rayleigh kept countering with Divine Departure, but his battered body appeared to be reaching its limit.

• River overturned the earth and sent a vast mass crashing down, but Rayleigh shattered it with his sword and rushed through the falling rubble.
• River ambushed Rayleigh with Daytime Tiger and Mountain Crusher Strike, and Rayleigh countered with Divine Departure, making River recall Roger.
• Kizaru, Aokiji, and Akainu arrived and watched as River blasted Rayleigh into a trench, though Rayleigh rose bloodied and eager to continue.
• River attacked at extreme speed, but Rayleigh read his movements and defended against a strike from behind.
• River created countless afterimages and unleashed Thousand-Layer Shadow, engulfing Rayleigh in tiger-shaped shock waves.
• Rayleigh survived the barrage and met River's next kick with Divine Departure, but the collision left him near his limit.

Rayleigh fought River until age and accumulated injuries left him near defeat, but he welcomed the battle and reflected on the old era giving way to the new. When Akainu moved to arrest him, River turned on the Admiral and ordered him to leave.

• Rayleigh’s aging body gave out after his fierce clashes with River, though he continued fighting with his spirit undiminished.
• Rayleigh told River that the old era had ended and that he, Whitebeard, and Shiki had left themselves behind while planting seeds for the next generation.
• Akainu appeared and declared that he would arrest and execute Rayleigh rather than take him to Impel Down.
• River confronted Akainu from behind and unleashed a terrifying presence as Akainu prepared to attack Rayleigh.
• River shouted at Akainu to get lost and struck at him with tremendous force.

River continued his fight with Rayleigh after knocking Akainu into the ground for interfering. Their final clash left both men bloodied, and Aokiji declared that Rayleigh had fallen.

• River struck Akainu into a crater and warned everyone not to interfere in his fight.
• River and Rayleigh resumed their battle as Akainu emerged from the ground, but Aokiji and Kizaru convinced him to watch.
• Rayleigh continued fighting despite his severe wounds, until his aging body reached its limit.
• Rayleigh asked River to leave room for the next generation and then challenged him to one final strike.
• River unleashed Daytime Tiger and Divine Thrust as Rayleigh answered with Divine Departure, and both men were wounded in the collision.
• Aokiji watched the two men standing face-to-face and said that a legend had fallen.

After River defeated Rayleigh, the Marines prepared to handle the fallen legend’s body, while Rob Lucci moved to carry out a secret mission. Akainu advanced to burn Rayleigh’s remains, but a masked figure suddenly raced onto the battlefield.

• The storm cleared after River won his battle with Rayleigh, and Marines and spectators headed toward the battlefield to learn the outcome.
• Rob Lucci and Kaku prepared to retrieve a body and escape with Corazon’s help, and Lucci left his hiding place to act.
• River restored his injured body, acknowledged Rayleigh’s death, and asked that the Marines treat his remains with respect.
• Akainu rejected River’s request and went to burn Rayleigh’s body, prompting River to challenge him.
• A black-robed figure wearing a Ghostface Mask raced toward the battlefield as Akainu prepared to strike.

A masked man stopped Akainu from attacking Rayleigh, took Rayleigh’s corpse, and escaped after another mysterious figure struck Kizaru with lightning. The Marines later learned that Lucci and Kaku had taken Rayleigh’s body by boat, while Corazon wondered whether River had arranged it.

• A black-robed masked man appeared between Akainu and Rayleigh, shattered Akainu’s magma attack, and took Rayleigh’s corpse.
• Akainu attacked the fleeing man, but the masked man kicked the magma aside as he escaped.
• Kizaru pursued the masked man until a blue Lightning Pillar struck him, allowing the corpse thief to vanish.
• River, Kizaru, Aokiji, and Akainu discussed the two mysterious attackers before separating.
• At Marine Headquarters, Sengoku and the admirals discussed Rayleigh’s death and the powerful men who stole his corpse.
• At a secluded coast, Corazon watched Rob Lucci and Kaku leave by boat with Rayleigh’s body and wondered whether Uncle River had arranged it.

Rob Lucci and Kaku brought the critically injured Rayleigh to Enel’s golden ship, where they found Zoro held captive. Lucci ordered both Rayleigh and Zoro to remain aboard, leaving their captors’ plans unclear.

• Lucci and Kaku reached the rendezvous point, and Lucci explained that Rayleigh had come back to life but remained critically injured.
• Zoro woke aboard the Ark Maxim after Kuma sent him flying, and Enel refused to let him leave because River had ordered him kept alive.
• Lucci and Kaku arrived with Rayleigh in a crate, and Zoro recognized them as former enemies from the auction.
• Rayleigh confirmed that he had died and somehow been revived, then realized that the same person had saved Zoro and his companions.
• Lucci ordered Rayleigh and Zoro to stay aboard the ship and warned that they would use force if either tried to leave.

River gathered Rayleigh, Zoro, and his allies at a temporary base on Shallow Gora, healed Rayleigh, and explained that he had spared him to make the world more exciting. He then offered Zoro one more chance to choose between rejoining his companions or becoming River’s disciple and pursuing the title of World's Greatest Swordsman.

• Rob Lucci reported that the mission was complete, and Rayleigh and Zoro recognized River’s voice on the Den Den Mushi.
• River left Freya at Sabaody and traveled across the sea to the Ark Maxim at Shallow Gora.
• River told Rayleigh he had spared him to make the world more exciting, then healed his injuries completely.
• Rayleigh discussed Whitebeard and River’s reasons for remaining in the Marines, while River hinted at announcing things during the coming war.
• River asked Zoro whether he would return to his companions or become River’s disciple and aim to become the World's Greatest Swordsman.

Zoro accepted River as his master, determined to become the World's Greatest Swordsman so he could protect his companions. River left him at the island base to train against its powerful residents while he handled other business.

• Rayleigh urged Zoro to train under River, explaining that Zoro needed greater strength to survive the New World and help his companions.
• Zoro knelt before River and begged to become his disciple, vowing to grow stronger and never again watch his companions disappear.
• River accepted Zoro as his disciple and promised to teach him to become the World's Greatest Swordsman.
• River told Zoro to stay at the island base and reflect on the guidance he had received at Sabaody before beginning his training.
• River introduced Zoro to Crocodile, Kaku, Rob Lucci, and Enel, and told him they would be the first stage of his training.

News of Rayleigh’s apparent death spread worldwide, but he returned to Shakky’s bar and revealed that River had revived him. A month before Ace’s planned execution, Whitebeard prepared his crew to sail and confront the Navy.

• The world learned that River had defeated Rayleigh, and reports of River’s past made him famous.
• Shakky mourned Rayleigh until he arrived at her bar alive and explained that River had saved him.
• Rayleigh told Shakky he intended to disappear from the world and live peacefully, while remaining open to helping River if his goals were good.
• Marco told Whitebeard that the Navy planned to execute Ace in one month and reported that Rayleigh had died after losing to River.
• Whitebeard ordered Marco to ready the crew to set sail and rescue Ace.

Kaido learned that River had killed Dark King Rayleigh and that Whitebeard planned to attack Marineford to rescue Ace. He decided to intercept Whitebeard, kill him, and claim his territory and reputation, then ordered his crew to prepare the ships.

• A Pirate told Kaido that River had killed Dark King Rayleigh at the Sabaody Archipelago.
• Kaido recognized River as a legendary Marine and became eager to fight him.
• A Pirate reported that Ace's execution was scheduled for one month later and Whitebeard had mobilized to attack Marineford.
• Kaido judged that Whitebeard might die attacking Marine Headquarters and decided to take Whitebeard's head for himself.
• Kaido ordered the All-Stars and Headliners to prepare the ships for his attack on Whitebeard.

After Rayleigh died fighting River, Shanks decided to sail to Marine Headquarters for the coming war, while pirates across the world reacted to the news and Ace’s planned execution. At Marineford, Garp waited for River and called him into his office.

• Yasopp told Shanks and the Red Hair Pirates that Rayleigh had died fighting River at Sabaody, and Shanks poured liquor into the sea in tribute to his former vice captain.
• Shanks asked his officers to accompany him to Marine Headquarters, and they agreed to leave for the coming war.
• In Totto Land, Big Mom dismissed news of Rayleigh’s death and demanded her cake, while Doflamingo anticipated River’s role in the coming war.
• Shiki read the news of Rayleigh’s defeat and told Indigo that he would prepare to appear before the world again during the event a month away.
• At Marineford, Garp asked his aide whether River had arrived, and River entered Garp’s office after being summoned.

River discussed Ace’s execution and his coming fight with Whitebeard with Garp, then told Garp he hoped Ace would survive while still intending to overturn the world. River later spoke with Zephyr, who said he would stay out of the coming war.

• Garp confronted River about Rayleigh’s death, Ace’s public execution, and River’s plan to fight Whitebeard.
• River said he wanted to bring the waning era to a close and learn more about the powers shaping the world.
• Garp admitted he wanted Ace to survive, and River said he hoped for Ace’s survival too but would still turn the world upside down.
• River went to Zephyr and asked whether he would join the coming war; Zephyr said he was retired and would leave the problems to the younger generation.

River visited Zephyr and his students before joining Garp on a trip to Impel Down to see Ace. Zephyr warned Ain not to speculate about River’s position, saying River had plans of his own, while River hinted that he had other business at Impel Down.

• Zephyr introduced Ain, Binz, and Shuzo to River, who praised them as fine students.
• River told Zephyr he planned to visit Impel Down, and Zephyr promised to support him as war approached.
• Ain warned Zephyr that the World Government was spreading rumors about River and might use him as a weapon; Zephyr cautioned her against speculation and said River had been playing a long game with Marine Headquarters and the World Government.
• Garp contacted River and told him to meet at Inner Bay harbor so they could go to Impel Down.
• River boarded Garp’s ship, discussed Ace’s troubles with him, and watched the Gate of Justice open as he prepared to carry out other business at Impel Down.

As war preparations intensified, River visited Impel Down with Garp and arranged to secretly remove more prisoners from Level One. They reached Level Six, where River urged Ace not to give up hope.

• River explained to Garp that he had deliberately spread rumors to make troublemakers muddy the waters before the war.
• River and Garp arrived at Impel Down, where Hannyabal agreed to arrange the removal of prisoners named on River's list.
• Garp confronted River about secretly releasing prisoners, but chose not to interfere as long as River could save Ace.
• Jinbe urged Ace to eat and wait for a chance to escape, while Ace doubted escape was possible.
• River and Garp arrived at Ace's cell, and River told him that hope was necessary for any chance of escape.

River and Garp visited Ace in Impel Down, where River confronted Ace’s despair over his coming execution. Ace admitted he wanted to live, and River promised to save him.

• Ace welcomed River and Garp, and Garp apologized for failing to protect his grandson.
• Ace asked River to rescue his mother if he died, and River told him that his family was still there.
• River revealed that the Marines planned to execute Ace publicly in one month because he was Roger’s son.
• River challenged Ace to face his true desire to live, reminding him of his friends and his mother’s resilience.
• Ace tearfully begged River to save him and said he wanted to live, and River promised he would.

River visited Ace in Impel Down, where Garp urged Ace to cooperate with River, then spoke with imprisoned criminals Byrnndi World and Douglas Bullet about the coming war at Marineford and the possibility of a prison break. He left after Bullet challenged him to fight if he escaped.

• Garp told Ace that River would save him and urged him to cooperate, and Ace agreed.
• River encountered Byrnndi World and reminded him that the Marines and Whitebeard Pirates were heading toward war at Marineford.
• River suggested that the war could give people a chance to wreak havoc in Impel Down, and World said he would thank River if he escaped.
• Douglas Bullet asked River whether his warning was true and offered to do things for him if River helped him escape.
• River rejected Bullet’s offer, warned that Bullet would bring bloodshed, and invited him to fight if he escaped.

Hannyabal decided to free Crocodile’s former subordinates, while River gathered promises of loyalty from prisoners in Impel Down’s Level Six. He then approached Patrick Redfield, who refused to serve him and accused him of being untrustworthy.

• Hannyabal concluded that River had won over Crocodile’s subordinates and chose to arrange their release, despite the risk.
• Prisoners in Level Six asked River to free them, and River said someone would soon cause chaos and let them escape.
• Katrin Nami, Sanjuan Wolf, Vasco Shot, and Avalo Pizarro each pledged to follow River once they regained their freedom.
• River found Patrick Redfield and invited him to leave Impel Down and serve him.
• Patrick Redfield said he would welcome freedom but would not submit to River, whom he believed could not be trusted.

River tried to recruit the imprisoned Redfield to help him change the world, and revealed that Brook was still alive. Redfield was moved by the news but left his answer ambiguous as River promised to free him from Impel Down.

• Redfield questioned River’s ambition, and River explained that he intended to remake the world rather than patch its existing problems.
• River reminded Redfield of Brook and told him that Brook had survived death and joined the Straw Hat Pirates.
• Redfield said Brook’s story rekindled his old hopes, and River invited him to become his companion.
• Redfield pointed out that he was imprisoned on Impel Down’s Level Six, but River promised to get him out.
• River left Redfield without a clear answer, judging that he still had a chance to recruit the powerful pirate.

As Marineford prepared for Ace’s execution and the coming war with the Whitebeard Pirates, River learned that his former troops had gathered at headquarters. At a prewar conference, Sengoku assigned River to command the Recruit Corps that had once served under him.

• Freya told River that Bagu, Promi, and more than 2,400 officers from the Four Seas had gathered in Marineford’s family housing district.
• River recalled that the people on his Impel Down list had been released and met by someone after leaving the prison.
• Freya informed River that Sengoku had summoned him to a prewar conference.
• River attended the conference, where Kizaru explained that Admirals were generally not required to attend meetings for commanders.
• Sengoku assigned River to gather and command the Recruit Corps that had once served under him, and River accepted.

At a prewar meeting, River insisted on facing Whitebeard alone, and Sengoku agreed despite preferring a joint attack. Afterward, Sengoku admitted he felt guilty about using Ace as bait and said he planned to retire once the war was over.

• Sengoku warned the officers that fighting the Whitebeard Pirates would be costly and stressed that Whitebeard must not survive the war.
• River said he would fight Whitebeard alone and rejected Sengoku's plan to have the Admirals and River attack together.
• Sengoku agreed to leave Whitebeard to River, hoping he would not disappoint the Navy and the World Government.
• River listened as Sengoku arranged the forces, while Kizaru fell asleep during the meeting.
• After the meeting, Sengoku confessed that he wondered whether arresting Ace had wronged Garp and River, and River urged him to command the coming war well.
• Sengoku told River he would retire after the war, and River agreed that it would happen very soon.