Chapter Summaries

Watatsumi returned from the North Blue with a submarine he had caught, revealing that an unknown force had been investigating the Tru Empire. Vice Admiral Deko realized Clearwater Bay’s defenses had a serious vulnerability underwater.

• Watatsumi surfaced near Clearwater Bay and asked Vice Admiral Deko for food and permission to visit His Majesty.
• Vice Admiral Deko questioned Watatsumi about his training, and Watatsumi said he had been training a Fish-Man army.
• Watatsumi explained that he had chased a strange object from beneath the sea all the way to the North Blue and brought it back.
• Watatsumi lifted a submarine from the water, and Vice Admiral Vic and Vice Admiral Deko recognized it.
• Vice Admiral Deko praised Watatsumi and realized that the submarine exposed a major gap in Clearwater Bay’s underwater defenses.

Watatsumi’s discovery of a massive unmanned submarine exposed a serious security breach at the Tru Empire’s military base. The Admirals identified its markings as belonging to the Vinsmoke Family, but learned its active communications device had been transmitting the Empire’s conversations.

• Vice Admiral Deko ordered an investigation and a thorough search of the seafloor after Watatsumi found the submarine.
• Admiral Abona, Admiral Issho, and Admiral Mosank arrived and learned the submarine was a sophisticated, self-propelled craft bearing the Vinsmoke Family’s emblem.
• A researcher found that the submarine’s communications device was still connected and had been transmitting information from the base.
• Mosank proposed sending fifty thousand troops to the North Blue, while Issho urged the Admirals to report the breach to His Majesty before deciding how to respond.

Vinsmoke Judge’s family was exposed after their unmanned submarine was discovered by the Tru Empire, which demanded a response. Nova dismissed the threat and prepared to depart the next day to speak with Whitebeard about the coming conflict.

• Reiju and Yonji urged Vinsmoke Judge to negotiate with the Tru Empire after learning their submarine had been discovered.
• Abona contacted the Vinsmoke Family through the submarine’s camera and gave them thirty minutes to reply or face a military response.
• Nova told Junhe that the Vinsmoke Family could be dealt with later and ordered tighter security and Fish-Man support for future naval operations.
• Nova decided to depart the next day and speak with Whitebeard, hoping to preserve the Whitebeard Pirates’ strength for the coming conflict.

With the Summit War seven days away, Nova visited Whitebeard aboard the Moby Dick and hinted at a plan involving the World Government. Whitebeard agreed to Nova’s proposal but left its outcome uncertain.

• Nova visited Whitebeard with several days’ worth of fine liquor despite Navy surveillance.
• Whitebeard warned Nova that challenging the World Government would be far more dangerous than he might expect.
• Nova explained that he wanted to help create freedom for everyone, and Whitebeard praised his resolve.
• Whitebeard realized Nova had come with a purpose, and Nova silently pointed upward to indicate what he wanted.
• Whitebeard agreed to Nova’s unspoken request but said Nova would have to see for himself what happened next.

Nova promised Whitebeard that he would protect his family and look after Ace, then set his plan in motion as the Whitebeard Pirates sailed toward Fish-Man Island for the execution. Four days later, the Revolutionary Army began attacks in the North Blue while Koala entered the Tru Empire, unaware that she was being followed.

• Whitebeard asked Nova to look after his family and protect Ace, and Nova agreed.
• The Whitebeard Pirates sailed toward Fish-Man Island, while Nova watched them depart and declared that the old era would end.
• The Revolutionary Army launched attacks across several North Blue countries under Sabo and began extending its reach into the South Blue.
• Koala arrived in the Tru Empire, judged its luxury harshly, and spent her money shopping while telling herself her purchases were for Sabo and Dragon.
• Several people followed Koala through the Royal City as she called Sabo and focused on shopping, unaware that the Tru Empire's security considered her a threat.

Koala was caught in the Tru Empire's Royal City after Sabo desperately urged her to leave. A police squad surrounded her and demanded to know why the Revolutionary Army had come to their country, leaving Koala with no clear way to escape.

• Sabo contacted Koala and urged her to leave the Tru Empire immediately, but she did not understand why he was worried.
• A man slipped a note into Koala's pocket as surveillance officers watched her, prompting their leader to order an arrest.
• Koala attacked the officers who rushed her, while two others subdued the man who had passed her the note.
• The squad leader identified Koala as a Revolutionary Army officer and asked her to cooperate with an investigation.
• The squad leader demanded to know what the Revolutionary Army had come to do in the Tru Empire, and Koala realized she could not leave easily.

Koala was arrested by Imperial Police in the Tru Empire after they discovered her badge, while Sabo learned of her capture during a battle in the North Blue. He continued fighting despite his worry, leaving Koala in the police’s custody and Sabo unable to reach her for nearly half a month.

• Koala faced an encircling crowd until the squad captain used Soru to knock her unconscious.
• The squad captain apologized to the crowd and took Koala away with two officers, debating how to handle the arrest.
• Sabo learned Koala had been captured in the Tru Empire and told Dragon he wanted to end the war and go to her.
• Dragon urged Sabo to focus on the battle, and Sabo attacked the enemy with his Dragon Claw stance and Armament Haki, killing more than a hundred soldiers.

Koala was held by a police squad in the South Blue, while the men debated their duties and dreamed of joining the special forces. A voice they recognized as the King’s ordered them to release her and warn the Revolutionary Army.

• Koala woke in captivity and shouted at the squad, who had fed her well but refused to let her leave.
• The captain learned that Keli had identified Koala as a Revolutionary Army member from photos in his brother’s records.
• The squad captain told his men they were unlikely to see action and urged them to dream of joining the special forces.
• Koala, unable to escape because the men were stronger and she wore Suppression Bracelets, feared for Sabo and the others and began to cry.
• A voice ordered the squad to release Koala and warn the Revolutionary Army that the King would destroy them if they came again.
• Keli and the others recognized the voice as the King’s and reacted in shock.

Nova ordered Koala released, and the Tru Empire’s soldiers escorted her toward a ship bound for the North Blue. As the date of the coming event at Marineford drew near, Nova studied a map while the world’s forces began putting their plans into motion.

• The squad captain obeyed Nova’s order and told Koala she would be released, warning her to tell the Revolutionary Army’s leader not to interfere with the Tru Empire.
• Koala hesitated because she had not finished her mission, but the squad captain insisted she leave and had Keli escort her to a merchant ship bound for the North Blue.
• Keli warned Koala that she would be killed if she tried to linger in the Tru Empire.
• Nova observed Koala’s release, chose not to confront the Revolutionary Army yet, and studied an electronic map of Marineford.
• With only three days until the appointed date, forces across the world began expanding their territories and carrying out their plans.

With the execution one day away, Marines prepared for Whitebeard’s assault as Koby worried about the coming battle and Helmeppo dismissed the danger. Vice Admiral Kazuna warned them to stay away from the front, leaving Koby uneasy about what tomorrow would bring.

• Marine Headquarters kept its forces on high alert as broadcasts of the execution grounds began test runs and crowds gathered to watch.
• Koby asked Helmeppo what he thought tomorrow’s war would be like, but Helmeppo said they could stay in the rear and simply observe.
• Vice Admiral Kazuna caught Koby and Helmeppo slacking off and ordered them to help with preparations.
• Vice Admiral Kazuna warned the two to protect themselves and stay away from the front during the battle.
• Koby felt more troubled after Kazuna left, while Helmeppo remained confident they would not be harmed.

Marine leaders prepared for the war against the Whitebeard Pirates, with Sengoku announcing he would resign as Fleet Admiral afterward. The meeting ended with uncertainty over the World Government’s secret forces and whether its intelligence about other threats could be trusted.

• Sengoku told the assembled Marines that he would step down as Fleet Admiral after the war and urged them to defend Marine prestige.
• Akainu reviewed the battle plan, while Sengoku said the Whitebeard Pirates were expected to reach the first half of the Grand Line before Ace’s execution at eleven the next morning.
• Sengoku assigned ten Marine Vice Admirals to escort Ace from Impel Down to Marine Headquarters under Buster Call-level protection.
• Aokiji questioned the World Government’s secret forces, and Garp told him to focus on the frontal battlefield.
• Tsuru reported that CP intelligence showed the other major powers were unlikely to intervene, while Kizaru warned that the Marines should adapt to unexpected developments.

As the Marines prepared for Ace’s execution, Sengoku ordered them to concentrate their forces on Whitebeard and refused to explain the World Government’s secret preparations. A report that Luffy had broken into Impel Down shocked Garp, but Sengoku dismissed the crisis and continued the meeting.

• Akainu and the other Admirals questioned Sengoku about the World Government’s preparations, but Sengoku refused to reveal details and accepted responsibility for the war’s outcome.
• Sengoku reviewed the Marines’ battle plan and told them to focus their overwhelming forces on Whitebeard.
• A Marine clerk burst into the meeting and reported that Luffy had broken into Impel Down and was heading down from the first level.
• Garp reacted with shock and weary laughter when he heard that Luffy was in Impel Down, while Sengoku angrily blamed him for his family’s trouble.
• Tsuru wondered how Luffy had entered Impel Down, but Sengoku said Magellan would handle the incident and resumed the war meeting.

Hancock left Impel Down after delivering Luffy and argued with Gion about the coming war and Luffy’s chances. As the Whitebeard fleet surfaced, Whitebeard explained to Marco that his deal with the Tru Empire required him to protect Ace and risk his life to uncover the nature of the World Government’s territory.

• Hancock asked Gion whether Emperor Tru had arranged anything else after Luffy was delivered, and Gion said she had helped Hancock but would not do so again.
• Gion warned Hancock to stay back during the war, and Hancock retorted that Gion should watch out for herself.
• The Whitebeard fleet surfaced, with the Moby Dick leading the ships.
• Marco asked Whitebeard what deal he had made with the Tru Empire and how it would affect Ace’s rescue.
• Whitebeard told Marco that the agreement required him to ensure Ace’s safety and use his life to discover what the World Government’s territory was like.

Whitebeard told Marco that he expected to die in the coming war and entrusted the Whitebeard Pirates to him. He remained uncertain what the World Government would unleash, but considered the blue pill Nova had given him.

• Whitebeard told Marco that he would not return from the war and that the Whitebeard Pirates would be his responsibility.
• Marco broke down in tears but promised to protect his brothers and sisters and lead the crew.
• Whitebeard said he did not know the World Government's hidden trump card, though he suspected Nova knew more than he had revealed.
• Whitebeard looked at the small blue bottle Nova had given him and considered whether it would work.

Nova explored Water 7, encountered CP9 agent Bruno, and invited him to join the Tru Empire while waiting at Bruno’s bar for two people. Bruno declined for now, and Nova considered the World Government’s influence over its agents as he drank.

• Nova surveyed Water 7 and unexpectedly ran into Bruno, a CP9 agent who had remained in the city.
• Bruno tried to use his Door-Door Fruit to escape, but Nova prevented him from activating it and said he had no interest in harming CP9.
• Nova asked Bruno to take him to his bar and requested a drink while he waited for two people.
• Nova offered Bruno a place in the Tru Empire, but Bruno said he might consider it someday, not now.
• Nova read Bruno’s thoughts with his Mind-type Devil Fruit, then drank the cocktail Bruno had made.

Nova reunited with Robin and Enel in a Water 7 bar, where CP9 agents including Rob Lucci recognized them. CP9 decided not to intervene, and Bruno served the newcomers drinks as the conversation continued.

• Rob Lucci and the other CP9 agents entered the bar and spotted Nova, while Bruno calmly prepared drinks.
• Robin arrived with Enel, and Rob Lucci identified Enel as a powerful Vice Admiral of the Tru Empire.
• Enel and Robin went to Nova's booth, and Robin told him she had been well during their separation.
• Rob Lucci decided CP9 would not interfere and said he would report the encounter to their leader.
• Enel complained that Nova was ignoring him, and Bruno brought him a drink while Enel joked about Bruno's bar business.

Nova sent Robin home to rest for two years and reunite with Miyuki, while he and Enel traveled to prepare for the coming war. As the major powers braced for a conflict that could reshape the world, Kaido led the Beasts Pirates toward an undisclosed mission.

• Nova told Robin to wait two years before reuniting with her companions and revealed that Chopper was safe in the South Blue.
• Robin agreed to return home and spend time with Miyuki while Nova and Enel prepared to leave on the Endless.
• Nova told Enel that war was approaching and discussed the uncertain plans and dangers facing the Tru Empire.
• Nova, Whitebeard, the Navy Admirals, and the World Government watched the approaching war with growing unease.
• Jack asked Kaido why the Beasts Pirates were heading to an unknown destination with their elite forces.

Kaido suspected Shanks might be secretly involved with the World Government and decided to keep the Red-Haired Pirates from reaching Whitebeard’s war. Shanks tried to pass, but Kaido blocked his way, leaving both crews facing a standoff.

• Kaido told King and Jack the Drought that he distrusted Shanks and would prevent him from joining Whitebeard’s war.
• Kaido and Shanks met in former Whitebeard territory, and Shanks urged Kaido to move so they could stop the war.
• Shanks threatened to start a war if Kaido did not let him pass, and their Conqueror’s Haki collided.
• King advised Kaido that holding the Red-Haired Pirates back for three hours would keep them from reaching the war in time.
• Beckman recognized that Kaido was stalling, while Shanks decided that forcing a fight would cost too much time.

Nova positioned the Endless near Marine Headquarters to observe the coming war and prepare the Tru Empire’s forces. As Ace was brought to the execution platform, Whitebeard’s fleet emerged from the sea, and the Marines braced for battle.

• Nova ordered the Endless to stop five kilometers from Marine Headquarters and wait for the battle.
• Nova watched the Marines prepare while planning for the Tru Empire’s main force to arrive.
• Sengoku confirmed the Marine preparations, ordered Ace brought to the execution platform, and watched Garp approach him.
• Whitebeard’s ships rose from beneath the sea, prompting the Marines and Admirals to ready themselves.
• Whitebeard called out that he had come to take Ace home.

Whitebeard arrived at Marineford with his fleet to rescue Ace, while Nova and Enel watched from the Endless. As Ace despaired over the danger his companions faced, Whitebeard rose from his seat and prepared to come for him.

• The Moby Dick came into view, and Nova told Enel that they had come only to observe the war.
• Garp told Ace he could not stop the coming conflict and admitted he felt powerless to save him.
• Ace begged Garp to find a way to spare the Whitebeard Pirates, then broke down when Whitebeard and the pirates called out to him.
• Whitebeard removed the needles from his body and promised to come take Ace home.