Chapter Summaries

Nova tried to persuade Zephyr and the New Marines to join the Tru Empire, but Zephyr made Ain's marriage to Nova a condition, which Nova rejected. Nova left the New Marines behind, warning them that greater turmoil was coming and that the Empire would welcome them in the future.

• Nova described the Tru Empire's unity and stable life, but Ain accused him of imposing his ideas on the New Marines.
• Nova warned Ain that her words exceeded her strength and turned to Zephyr, who said the New Marines could join the Tru Empire.
• Zephyr made Ain marrying Nova the sole condition for joining, shocking Ain and surprising Nova.
• Nova refused because he already had a Princess Consort, and Ain angrily said she was not interested in him either.
• Zephyr declared that the New Marines could not join if Nova rejected his condition, and Nova said he would not beg them to join.
• Nova warned that greater turmoil was coming, returned to his ship, and departed while the New Marines watched.

After departing from Zephyr, Nova prepared the Tru Empire to take part in the coming war over Whitebeard. He gave Junhe blueprints for a long-sealed creation and ordered him to have three more built on Sky Island within two years.

• Zephyr told Ain and Binz that the Tru Empire had grown too powerful for the World Government and Marines to attack without risking upheaval in the New World.
• Nova used the Mind-Mind Fruit to understand Zephyr's lingering hatred and believed his offer might bring Zephyr over later.
• Nova told Junhe to return to the Tru Empire alone and have the others begin preparations for the coming upheaval.
• Nova said he would take his people to the coming war over Whitebeard to witness it firsthand.
• Nova gave Junhe blueprints for a creation sealed away for at least eight hundred years and ordered three more built on Sky Island within two years, with Abona overseeing the work.

Nova entrusted Junhe with overseeing the secret construction of Pluton before returning to Whitebeard’s ship, where he unexpectedly encountered Shanks. Their first meeting quickly turned tense as they clashed with Conqueror’s Haki.

• Nova told Junhe to coordinate with Admiral Abona and keep the Pluton construction project secure as a top-level Tru Empire secret.
• Nova left Junhe and used a spatial mark to travel to the Abidik in the New World.
• Nova arrived as Shanks and the Red-Haired Pirates visited Whitebeard, surprising both crews.
• Nova greeted Whitebeard and introduced himself to Shanks, who questioned why he had come.
• Shanks and Nova released their Conqueror’s Haki at each other, filling the sky with lightning and thunder.

Emperor Tru and Red-Haired Shanks clashed with Conqueror's Haki aboard the Abidik before Whitebeard stopped them and invited them to drink. Shanks then warned Whitebeard not to let Ace pursue Teach, but Whitebeard insisted Teach had to answer for attacking one of his own.

• Nova and Shanks unleashed their Conqueror's Haki against each other until Whitebeard called them to stop.
• Nova and Shanks withdrew their Haki and joined Whitebeard for drinks aboard the Abidik.
• Beckman, Yasopp, and the Red-Haired Pirates discussed Nova's strength and questioned whether he was a friend or an enemy.
• Shanks warned Whitebeard that Teach was dangerous and that Ace could not defeat him.
• Whitebeard refused to stop Ace from pursuing Teach, saying Teach had to return and pay for his crime.

Nova intervened in the clash between Whitebeard and Shanks, reminded Whitebeard of their agreement concerning the Whitebeard Pirates, and revealed that Golden Lion Shiki was dead. The chapter left Shanks surprised and Whitebeard calm as the meeting continued.

• Shanks demanded that Whitebeard let Ace return, but Whitebeard insisted Teach had to be brought back to face punishment.
• Shanks and Whitebeard prepared to fight, but Nova stepped between them and blocked both attacks with barriers.
• Nova told Whitebeard that their agreement would soon begin, prompting Whitebeard to say he would honor it if the time came.
• Nova assured Whitebeard he would become a legend surpassing Roger, while Marco sensed the significance of their agreement.
• Nova revealed that he had killed Golden Lion Shiki, shocking Shanks.

Whitebeard and Nova discussed Shiki’s death and Whitebeard’s approaching end, while Shanks urged Whitebeard to consider Ace’s situation before departing. Whitebeard revealed his plans for the crew’s future, and Nova offered him a pill that could temporarily restore his youth.

• Whitebeard asked Nova how Shiki had been before he died, and Nova described Shiki’s lost ideals and final days.
• Shanks urged Whitebeard to consider Ace’s situation, then left with the Red-Haired Pirates.
• Nova created a spatial barrier and brought Marco into a private conversation with Whitebeard.
• Whitebeard told Marco that after his death the Whitebeard Pirates would join the Tru Empire under Marco’s leadership.
• Nova offered Whitebeard a pill that would temporarily return him to his youthful state.

Nova secured Whitebeard’s cooperation to weaken the Navy during the coming war and revealed that Whitebeard’s former captain Rocks was allegedly still alive in Impel Down. Meanwhile, the Tru Empire’s main group reached the area beneath Sky Island, where its influence already extended across Jaya Island.

• Nova told Whitebeard that he wanted Whitebeard’s help weakening the Navy, and Whitebeard agreed on the condition that his sons remained safe.
• Nova revealed that Rocks was alive in Impel Down, and Whitebeard asked how he had learned the news.
• Nova said he would visit Impel Down when the war began, while he and Whitebeard discussed the World Government’s hidden strength and Laugh Tale.
• Nova’s meeting with Whitebeard concluded successfully, while Marco listened without understanding their conversation.
• The Tru Empire’s main group arrived beneath Sky Island and followed its Log Pose through waters near Jaya Island, which the Empire had begun managing.

The Straw Hat Crew learned from Robin that Sky Island existed above Jaya Island and that the dangerous Knock Up Stream was the way there. After Luffy decided to go, the restaurant owner directed them to Mont Blanc Cricket, who might know how to reach it.

• Nami, Usopp, and Chopper questioned whether Sky Island existed, and Robin said it lay ten thousand meters above Jaya Island.
• Robin explained that the Knock Up Stream was the only route upward and revealed that Sky Island was a military base of the Tru Empire.
• Luffy insisted on going to Sky Island, while Zoro welcomed the chance to face strong fighters and Usopp and Chopper worried about the danger.
• The restaurant owner told the crew that Mont Blanc Cricket lived at the cliff on Jaya Island's edge and researched Sky Island.

Luffy and the Straw Hat Crew waited near Mont Blanc Cricket’s home, eager to learn how to reach Sky Island, while Robin admitted she did not know how the Tru Empire traveled there. Elsewhere, Enel and Mero decided to wait rather than take the Endless up the Knock Up Stream, but Hailing stopped them from fighting.

• Luffy and the Straw Hat Crew reached the cliffside near Mont Blanc Cricket’s home but found no one there, so they waited outside and discussed Sky Island.
• Nami asked Robin how the Tru Empire reached Sky Island, and Robin said she did not know because she had never visited it.
• Sanji warned that Sky Island would be heavily guarded, while Luffy and Zoro eagerly anticipated the Knock Up Stream and the chance to face the Tru Empire’s swordsmen.
• Enel asked Mero how the Endless would reach Sky Island, and Mero pointed out that their mission was to protect the Imperial Consort and they could wait below.
• Enel and Mero nearly fought until Hailing reminded them that the area belonged to His Majesty and warned them not to damage anything.

The Straw Hat Crew found Mont Blanc Cricket on Jaya Island, but he initially refused to discuss Sky Island. After he collapsed from decompression sickness, Chopper began treating him, while Sanji asked Robin whether Sky Island would be dangerous for them.

• Luffy introduced himself to Mont Blanc Cricket and asked him about Sky Island, but Mont Blanc denied knowing anything and shut the door on the crew.
• Two gorillas rushed out to ask for a doctor after Mont Blanc fainted, and Chopper went inside to examine him.
• Chopper diagnosed Mont Blanc with severe decompression sickness and warned that he must never dive again if he recovered.
• Chopper began treating Mont Blanc as Luffy, Nami, and the others waited nearby.
• Sanji asked Robin whether the Straw Hat Crew would be safe once they reached Sky Island.

Sanji and Robin discussed the Tru Empire and Luffy’s chances of becoming Pirate King while Mont Blanc Cricket explained how to reach Sky Island. The Straw Hat Crew rode a Knock Up Stream into the White Sea and began exploring its cloud surface.

• Robin described the Tru Empire as a wealthy, peaceful country, and Sanji said he wanted to visit it someday.
• Robin assured Sanji that Luffy would become Pirate King, though Sanji worried about the difficulties ahead.
• After Chopper helped Mont Blanc Cricket, Cricket explained the Knock Up Stream’s location and how to reach Sky Island.
• The next morning, Mont Blanc Cricket piloted the Straw Hat Crew toward the Knock Up Stream, which carried them high into the White Sea.
• Luffy leaped onto the soft, springy clouds after Robin explained that they could support people.

Luffy and the Straw Hat Crew reached Sky Island’s guarded entrance, where Robin explained why its cloud-made goods were scarce in the outside world. A young gatekeeper named Aisha refused to let them enter without permission from Weber, leaving the crew waiting at the gate.

• Luffy and Chopper bounced on the island clouds while Robin explained that the Tru Empire restricted Sky Island goods to a select few.
• Nami considered selling the clouds below, but the crew spotted Sky Island’s gate and sailed toward it.
• Luffy insisted they enter despite a sign forbidding entry without an invitation, and Robin said she would speak to the gatekeepers.
• Aisha boarded the Going Merry and barred the pirates from entering, saying Weber would be unhappy if she let them pass.
• Aisha told the crew that Weber would return in two or three hours and asked how they had reached Sky Island.

The Straw Hat Crew stayed outside Sky Island’s gate and learned from Aisha that the Tru Empire had ended the island’s war and provided its people with food, homes, and work. After waiting nearly two hours, they were finally met by Weber and several others.

• Nami asked Aisha about Sky Island, and Aisha explained that she rarely got to visit it.
• Chopper and Zoro learned that Aisha was one of the Shandia and that Upper Yard was a forbidden zone controlled by the Tru Empire.
• Aisha praised the Tru Empire for ending the war and providing the Sky Island residents with food, jobs, and homes.
• Sanji served food, and Luffy and Robin invited Aisha to eat with the Straw Hat Crew.
• The Straw Hat Crew waited at the gate, and Weber arrived with several others.

Weber confronted the Straw Hat crew at Sky Island’s gate and struck Luffy to test his strength. He allowed them to enter after Robin promised they would follow Sky Island’s rules, while privately admitting that someone aboard was too important to offend.

• Weber met the Going Merry at the gate and scolded Aisha for traveling with the crew.
• Luffy asked permission to explore Sky Island, but Weber punched him and sent him flying.
• Robin ordered Zoro and the others to stand down, then told Weber the crew meant no harm and would leave after their Log Pose charged.
• Weber allowed the Straw Hat crew to enter Sky Island and warned Aisha to stay away from pirates.
• Luffy told Nami to head for Sky Island, and Weber later apologized to Aisha while explaining that someone aboard the ship could not be offended.

Robin explained Haki to the crew aboard the Going Merry and demonstrated Armament Haki on Luffy. As the ship neared Sky Island’s peaceful-looking residential area, the crew turned their attention to the island.

• Aisha eagerly agreed to let Weber take her to find delicious food above Sky Island.
• Robin explained that Weber had used Armament Haki to hurt Luffy and demonstrated it by striking Luffy’s forehead.
• Robin described Observation Haki and Conqueror’s Haki, warning the crew that they would need Haki to survive in the New World.
• Zoro asked Robin to teach them Haki, and she said she could show them how but mastering it would take extensive training.
• Sanji pointed out that the Going Merry was nearing Sky Island, and the crew admired the island’s white buildings and tranquil appearance.

Nova monitored the developments surrounding Ace’s capture while keeping the Tru Empire calm as he prepared for the coming war. On Sky Island, Luffy and his companions reunited with Robin and met Mia, Nova and Hancock’s young son, who was waiting for Robin.

• Abona reported to Nova that Ace had been captured by Whitebeard and would likely be handed over to the Marines soon.
• Nova ordered Abona to expand surveillance of other factions and remain focused on monitoring events, leaving preparations unchanged for now.
• Luffy and his companions brought their ship to shore on Sky Island, where Mia ran to greet Robin and called her “Little Mom.”
• Robin explained that Mia was her husband’s son with another woman, and Nami and Luffy reacted with surprise and curiosity.
• A man in black blocked Luffy from approaching Mia until Robin confirmed that the Straw Hat Crew were her companions, then vanished.

Mia welcomed Luffy and the Straw Hat Crew to Sky Island and led them toward Cloud Palace. As Zoro and Sanji considered learning Haki, Sanji questioned who would teach them, since powerful factions kept its training methods from outsiders.

• Mia recognized Luffy and the Straw Hat Crew, then said she had come to Sky Island with her father's knowledge.
• Robin held Mia and warned her that her mother would punish her for sneaking away.
• Mia led Robin and the others toward Cloud Palace, Sky Island's tallest building and a popular place to eat.
• Zoro reflected on the strength of Haki after seeing powerful fighters on Sky Island.
• Sanji told Zoro that major powers guarded Haki training methods and asked who could teach them.

The Straw Hat Crew arrived at Cloud Palace, where Hancock confronted Mia for staying out all night. After reuniting with Robin, Hancock left Mia in her care and asked whether Robin had a message for Miyuki before she went to the royal palace.

• Sanji and the Straw Hat Crew reached Cloud Palace, a lavish palace built on a small Sky Island.
• Hancock entered the hall and called for Mia, who was hiding in Robin's arms.
• Mia reluctantly came down and told Hancock she wanted to stay on Sky Island for two days.
• Robin greeted Hancock warmly, and Sanji asked who she was while Zoro explored the palace.
• Hancock left Mia with Robin for the time being and asked if Robin wanted anything brought to Miyuki at the royal palace.

Hancock left Mia in Robin’s care on Sky Island, then reunited with Nova at the Tru Imperial Palace. Nova brought her to a military conference, where Hancock worried that her casual attire was inappropriate.

• Hancock told Robin that she would check on Miyuki and left Mia on Sky Island in Robin’s care.
• After Hancock departed, Mia dropped his aggrieved act and complained to Robin about his mother’s lessons and chores.
• Robin asked Mia about his future dream, and he said he might become important like Father King or explore the world.
• Nami stopped eavesdropping and walked away while Robin noticed her.
• Hancock reunited with Nova in the Tru Imperial Palace, and Nova directed her toward a military meeting in the adjoining room.
• Hancock saw the gathered officials and quietly asked Nova whether she was dressed too casually.

Nova convened a secret Tru Empire military conference and brought Hancock, who would take part in the coming events. Sharly began using her crystal ball to reveal the approaching war between Whitebeard and the Navy, with Nova sealing the room against leaks.

• Nova reassured Hancock about her outfit and led her into the conference room, where the assembled commanders stared at her.
• Nova explained that Hancock would be involved in what came next, and Issho asked him to present the military arrangements.
• Nova ordered everyone to keep the meeting’s contents secret as a Level 1 Secret, and the commanders agreed.
• Nova asked Sharly to explain what would happen next, and she prepared her crystal ball.
• Nova raised a blue barrier around the conference room, and Sharly closed her eyes and began using the crystal ball.