Sabaody Archipelago Arc

The Sabaody Archipelago arc is the nineteenth story arc in the series, and the second in the Whitebeard War Saga of the manga and anime series One Piece. The arc marks a turning point for the Straw Hat Pirates since they were all utterly defeated by powerful opponents such as Admiral Kizaru, several Pacifista, Bartholomew Kuma and Sentoumaru, even though they have grown stronger in their own right.

The Halfway Mark and the Mermaid
A few days after departing from the Florian Triangle and the ghost ship Thriller Bark, the Straw Hats continued to follow the Log Pose in the direction it had been pointing since it last set on Water 7. After making their way through bizarre weather and fighting massive Sea Kings, they finally arrive directly above the location indicated by the pose, Fishman Island. However, instead of finding the long-sought after destination, the Straw Hats encounter another obstacle: the Red Line, the continent that encircles the main meridian of the world. Having originally entered the Grand Line at Reverse Mountain on the other side of the Red Line, this means that the crew have traveled half-way around the Grand Line. With the continent blocking access into the New World, and therefore to both Luffy's dream of becoming Pirate King and new crew mate Brook's dream of getting back to Reverse Mountain and reuniting with Laboon.

Therefore, the presence of the Red Line poses many problems to the Straw Hats. For one thing, the extremely tall Red Line looks impassable, preventing passage into the New World. Also, their exact location is close to many of the crucial government landmarks, including the holy land of Mariejois and Marine Headquarters. With the log pose continuing to point downwards, Luffy, Robin and Brook decide to use the ship's Shark Submerge to search for any signs of Fishman Island, only to find nothing after reaching the limit of 5000 meters except an angry rabbit Sea King. Chased to the surface by the creature, Luffy defeats it easily with his Gomu-Gomu no Rifle, which made it spit out a small mermaid (who lands right on a super-excited Sanji) and a starfish.

The mermaid, revealed to be named Keimi, introduced herself by trying to sell the crew some takoyaki: as previously revealed in a cover story arc, she is the assistant for Hatchan's Takoyaki 8 stand. Keimi, after having introduced herself and her talking starfish, Pappug, calls Hatchan, but is shocked when someone else answers his Den Den Mushi. The Macro Fishman Pirates have caught Hatchan, intending to sell him into slavery. Keimi wishes to save him and Luffy agrees to do so, after consulting with Nami.

Keimi uses her ability to be able to speak with fish and navigates the ship towards Grove 44 of the Sabaody Archipelago, having been told that Hatchan is being held at the base of the Flying Fish Riders, which lies on this route. Before they arrive, they are attacked by the Flying Fish Riders, who after a brief battle return to their base to report back to their leader, Duval, an extremely tall man in an iron mask. After hearing that the ship has been identified as belonging to the Straw Hat Pirates, the mysterious man states his intention to kill "the man who destroyed my life". Meanwhile, the Straw Hats approach the base, attempting to figure out ways to defeat the flying fish, although Luffy really just wants to ride one. Keimi is worried about Hatchan, although Pappug assures her that he'll be safe.

Flying Fish Riders and The Man in the Iron Mask
The Macro Fishmen Pirates attempt to ask Duval why he made them retreat, and he replies by shooting harpoons at them whilst ranting about the man who ruined his life, striking fear into his own crew as well as the Fishmen. Macro himself tries to apologize to Duval for the stupidity of his own crew, but Duval congratulates them for revealing the Straw Hats to him. Meanwhile Hatchan (former Arlong Pirate crew member, now Takoyaki salesman), who is tied up in front of Duval is both concerned about Keimi and also afraid of hearing the Straw Hat name mentioned again.

The Thousand Sunny is spotted near the base and Duval is informed that "that man" is aboard the ship, whilst Hatchan tries to bribe Macro with takoyaki to release him, however it does not work. As the Sunny nears the base, Keimi is worried that her friend is in danger. Sanji goes lovestruck promising Keimi that he will rescue her friend, but Keimi mentions how many time she got caught by Macro crew (at least 30 times), making Usopp exaggerate about the number of times, she has been captured as well as being eaten up by sea kings.

As the Straw Hats enter the base, they notice it is too quiet and they find out that the base is not an island, but a small village built in the middle of the sea. Keimi and Pappug call out to Hatchan, who after seeing the Jolly Roger of the Straw Hats, covers himself in his own ink to disguise himself in order to protect his friends. The Straw Hats know that they are walking into a trap, but Keimi and Pappug freak out when Franky yells at them of how blind they are to the obvious. They find Hatchan in a cage in front them warning them about the trap.

The Straw Hats recognize the voice and shape of the octopus Fishman and Sanji tricks him to talk about Arlong and his crew, revealing to the crew that Keimi's friend Hatchan is really their former enemy, Hatchan of the Arlong Pirates. Luffy's mind however is between his memories of the past and his own appetite while Keimi is excited that they know him, but Zoro states that they are not his friends and Nami is considering to turn away. This makes Keimi sad and Pappug angry at the Straw Hats, calling them nitwits, after which they both jump in to the sea only to be immediately captured by the Macro Pirates.

Fortunately, Nami convinces the other Straw Hats to save Keimi and Pappug since after all, Keimi and Pagagg are their friends. Duval orders the Flying Fish Riders to attack whilst Luffy rescues Keimi and Pappug using his devil fruit abilities and orders Zoro to free Hatchan and the rest of the Straw Hats to battle.

Hatchan asks Keimi and Pappug to get out of the way, while the Macro Pirates fume over getting Keimi back. Luffy says that he is ready for them all, while Keimi and Pappug cheer for him. Zoro, Sanji and Chopper prepare themselves as dozens of Flying Fish Riders emerge all around Thousand Sunny. Luffy is however distracted because of his fascination with the flying fish, and tries to find one to ride - then grabs hold of one by holding on to the rider.

Meanwhile the Flying Fish Riders begin to bombard the ship, leaving Sanji to deflect all of the bombs being dropped. Luffy manages to pilot one of the fish, but the attack leader orders the entire crew to dive underwater including Luffy, which renders him helpless. Chopper and Brook try to save him only to realise that they can't swim as well. This infuriates both Nami and Franky who rescue them while complaining about extra work that they caused. The Macro Pirates see an opportunity and try to capture Keimi, only for them to find that Zoro freed Hatchan from his cage while they were not looking. Hatchan defeats them quickly by uppercutting them into the air.

Hatchan reunites with Keimi and Pappug, but they are attacked by a Flying Fish Rider, though they are quickly saved by Zoro. Hatchan thanks Zoro for rescuing him and tries to apologize for the events in the past. Usopp defends the ship by using a cannon to shoot down the flying fish, with Chopper praising his skill. As the Straw Hats find out that there are a multitude of flying fish riders in the sky, Brook becomes ashamed that he can't lend a hand in his first fight as a Straw Hat pirate. He then unsheathes his blade and jumps high in the sky and uses his violin to unleash a musical sound wave that puts the riders as well as Chopper and Luffy to sleep.

This move allows Brook to perform a quick attack on the sleeping riders while running on water, and it also allows Luffy to grab a flying fish only to find it and it's rider are asleep which causes him to plummet into Duval's room, wherein Luffy sees his unmasked face - with an extremely shocked reaction. Meanwhile, Brook spots that Zoro's wounds after his battle against Kuma still have not healed, however he tells Brook that he's fine enough to take on the Flying Fish Riders.

Hatchan complains to Zoro and Brook that they should still keep their guard up, but Keimi and Pappug praise Hatchan. Hatchan turns his back and lowers his guard only to be attacked by another rider, but is saved by both Zoro and Brook. As the group of Riders attack the Sunny, they fall to a combination attack of Nami's Clima-Tact and Robin's clutch skills.

Chopper goes into Arm Point and attacks a fish and using a new technique - Kokutei Diamond, which leaves a diamond shaped impression on the fish's skin, while Franky uses Strong Hammer on a rider, after the above-mentioned realizes that bullets don't affect him. Keimi and Pappug watch the battle, amazed by the strength of the Straw Hat crew, while Usopp advises Franky that they must dock the ship because the riders still have an advantage on open sea, Franky accepts this advice but tells him that the ship is their pride.

Luffy appears running towards Zoro, Brook, Hatchan, Keimi and Pappug, announcing that a giant iron masked man on a giant cow is approaching them, when they hear the bull's roar. They realize that it is the Duval's beloved bison, Motobaro.

Duval's Tragedy
Duval shouts that he does not need the base anymore - his only wish is to kill the Straw Hats. He reveals that "that man" is none other than Sanji. The Straw Hat crew on the ship try to remember who he is, but Sanji draws a blank. Suddenly, Duval shoots his scorpion poisoned tipped harpoons at them and screams at him that it is something just recent - confusing Sanji even further.

As Sanji tries to tell Duval that he does not know him, Luffy tells Zoro that he has seen his face and that the whole Straw hat crews knows this face well. As Luffy violently removes Duval's mask, it is shown to the whole crew and the riders that by a cruel twist of both fate and irony, Duval was born with a face that is perfect replica of Sanji's wanted poster. Duval shouts that he wants his life back and that marines and bounty hunters have been after him since the poster appeared, but Sanji, upon seeing the face, leaves the Sunny, swims to the base dock, and immediately kicks Duval in the face, claiming he doesn't care.

Sanji and Duval argue with each other about the wanted poster, while the Straw Hats on the ship are amazed that something like this could happened - Franky has one of his emotional moments whilst the straw hats on the dock are amazed at what they are seeing. Brook just laughs (prompting Sanji to yell "Oh I'm so kicking your ass later Brook"). Sanji argues to Duval that he could have changed his appearance all this time, making Duval and the riders sport a "why did not I think of that" face while Sanji remarks on their stupidity. Duval reveals his past to everyone: He was once a mafia boss on a remote island doing his usual job until powerful bounty hunters and marines came after him and forced to wear his iron mask to protect himself. Sanji beats him up and says he has had enough of his accusations. Duval orders his riders to reveal a steel fishing net and trap Sanji in it, dragging him into the sea.

Luffy tries to rescue Sanji and Zoro also tries to go in Luffy's place - however, Hatchan says that he's faster underwater and he will go. Duval then states that the Flying Fish are the fastest creatures underwater and it is futile to try to chase them. Suddenly, Keimi jumps into the sea to rescue Sanji, and Pappug remarks that Duval is wrong; he agrees that the fish are fast but that there is nothing faster in the oceans than a mermaid. Luffy is amazed at this revelation, and Pappug says that if they she keeps her guard up, Keimi is uncatchable.

Whilst they were distracted by this, the Flying Fish Riders reveal that they are carrying a very huge anchor from and extraordinary large ship and are planning to drop it on the Thousand Sunny. Usopp asks Franky if they could use the "paddle" or "Burst" get them away. Franky states that there is not enough time but reveals that he has built in a secret weapon for times like this. Reaching the bow of the ship, Franky tells everyone to believe in Sunny. As the Riders drop the anchor, Sunny's figurehead spins like a propeller revealing the emergency evasion secret weapon "Chicken Voyage" to everyone and making the ship go into reverse.

The riders are baffled about the prospect of a reversible ship. Franky tells Usopp that there is a secret compartment inside the prowl and reveals a new feature of the sunny, much to the excitement of Luffy and Chopper. A cannon reveals itself from within Sunny's figurehead's mouth, and Franky tells Usopp to get as many riders as he can. Usopp locks on and fires, revealing the incredible destructive power of the "Gaon Cannon".

Luffy cries in his amazement, Zoro says it's too awesome, Usopp claims that it's a monster and Brook said that he was so amazed that his eyes fell out (even though he has no eyes Yohohohoho). Franky mentions that it takes 3 barrels of cola for "Coup de Burst" and 2 Barrels of cola for "Gaon Cannon", warning them only to use it in emergencies. Meanwhile, Keimi manages to rescue Sanji and has trapped the Fish riders in their own steel net. As Keimi reaches the surface, Nami asks if Sanji is alright and Keimi says that he is safe but bleeding from his nose (due to his usual pervertedness).

Duval is now furious that Sanji is still alive, but Luffy remarks that his henchmen are now all gone. This further infuriates Duval and he unleashes the full rage of his bison Motobaro onto Luffy. But, to everyone's surprise, Luffy, reminiscent of Shanks, somehow makes the bison drop his rider, trod a few feet away and then faint. The Straw Hats, including Luffy, are amazed and confused about how he did it, further angering Duval. However, at this point Sanji arrives back on the dock, and tells Luffy he'll take care of the rest.

Just as Duval about to attack, Sanji performs the same face bashing techniques that he did on Wanze on the sea train.

Aftermath
The story then moves ahead with the Sunny back at sea and The Straw Hats are heading for Sabaody Archipelago now while they have a takoyaki party with Hatchan cooking. Hatchan carefully asks Nami if she likes it,to which she replies that she hasn't forgiven him yet, but likes his takoyaki nonetheless.

The entire crew enjoy the takoyaki (with even Sanji being amazed at the flavor),until the "eating trio" of Usopp,Luffy and Chopper can continue no longer(just as well as Hatchan collapses exhausted from trying to keep up with their servings). It then that Duval,whose face has become handsome,finds them. He expresses his gratitude for the change (and gets into fits about his own beauty) before gives the crew his den den mushi number, saying if they need anything to just call him up before and his gang (Now renamed the Rosy Flying Riders) depart.

The Islands of Bubbles and Nobles
The crew arrive at Sabaody (after Pappug and Keimi explain to them about the two ways of getting to the new world-one,requesting permission from the government and passing through Mariejoa and the second to go through Fishman Island), and are amazed at its structure (large trees, blowing bubbles). Hatchan then says they'll need a special coating to make sure the ship gets to Fishman island all right. Hatchan promises in to take them to a mechanic he would "bet his life on", but they have to promise not to oppose the World Nobles, people who are allowed to live in Mariejoa and are sometimes seen walking around Sabaody, even if someone was to be killed before their very eyes.

Usopp, Franky and Sanji stay on the Sunny to fix the damages to the ship (or in Sanji's case to look after the treasure at the behest of Nami) while the others explore the island. Zoro is the last to leave much to the shock of the others as they know of his lack of direction. But Zoro points out he just has to look at the numbers on the grove trees to remember where they're dock and to ask directions if his gets lost. The three agree to this though tell him not to trust himself while he remembers the number of the dock as "1". However a bubble had floated in the way at the time revealing the dock to actually be "41".

Meanwhile Luffy, Nami, Chopper, Robin and Brook tour the island with Hatchan, Keimi and Pappug acting as guides. Hatchan warning them not to draw attention to themselves as even though pirates walk freely on the island so do marines and bounty hunters, plus if they're captured and sold as slaves the law will not help them. He also mentions to treat Keimi and himself as regular people calming it'll be easier for them (even bandaging the mark on his forehead, something Luffy notices).

After which the Fishman shows the Straw Hats' the wonders of island and how they make use of the bubbles, from making bikes out of them and using them for transportation to holding their souvenirs in balloon like bubbles to even creating hotels and shopping malls out of them the latter of which Nami and Robin depart from the group. However Robin can't but notice Keimi acting reserved since they've gotten to the island.

No sooner then they leave the group, a pirate captain run through the town, begging the citizens to removes a collar from his neck. He pleas that he given up on the new world and just wants to leave, even claiming he has a wife and child, the latter whose never even seen him since he was a baby. Hatchan however tells the group not to help him as he a slave of the World Nobles. After mentioning this fact, the collar activates and blows up the captain though he surprisingly survives still feebly begging to leave while shadowed figure holding an axe and bounty poster identifies the captain from above a building. Two nobles, Roswald he and his daughter, Shalulia, show up afterwards causing everyone to bow as they pass. After their dog urinates on the charred captain, Shalulia kicks him before shooting him with a pistol, Luffy nearly attacks them after seeing this but Hatchan stops him. Roswald and she then causally walk away talking buying another slave.

The group then talks about the oddity of it since the pirate looked strong enough to deal with both nobles. But Pappug comments that wounding one would make the offender the target of one the admirals. When asked what gives the nobles such special treatment, the starfish tells them that they are the descendants of the ones that created the World Government, and due to this they have become abusive with their influence.

The Eleven Supernovas
Despite having witnessed the cruelty of the nobles, the group continue on encountering a few bounty hunters along the way. After Luffy, Chopper and Brook easily take care of them, the group find themselves in Grove 16 which Hatchan explains is a lawless region of the island. He goes on to explain that Grove 1-29 which make up the interior of the island are like this while the surrounding Groves house the entertainment and shopping districts. Finally after a bit of traveling, they reach Grove 13 and a bar where the coating engineer is said to stay.

Upon entering they meet the owner of the bar Shakuyaku (Shakky for short), a former pirate and friend of Hatchan. After the usual meet and greet, Shakky reveals she been following the Straw Hats' exploits and that she was even chased by Garp during her pirate career. When asked about the engineer Rayleigh, Shakky tells them he isn't there though hasn't left the island. When Luffy suggest waiting for him, she reveals that he hasn't been back in a half a year pretty much wandering the island's bars and casinos. Hearing this, the group agree on searching for him to which Shakky warns them to be careful in doing so, as since the Straw Hats arrival, that now make eleven rookie pirate with over 100,000,000 Beli bounties on them that have reached the Red Line. Luffy being the second highest of the ranks.

The story then shows said pirates, most who are in grove 24. First off comes Capone Gang Bege (138,000,000 Beli), a mafia type pirate whose dining at a restaurant and complaining of the food. When one of his crew tries to warn him of the marine, he attacks him with a fork. Then we meet "Big Eater" Jewelry Bonney (140,000,000 Beli), who's in the same restaurant and living up to her title by eating an enormous amount of food and demanding more of it despite the cooks going as fast as they can. There is also "The Magician" Basil Hawkins (249,000,000 Beli), who tells a pirate who got spaghetti spilled on him that its an unlucky day for him. In another section of the grove two of the rookies Eustass Kid (315,000,000 Beli) and "Roar of the Sea" Scratchmen Apoo (198,000,000 Beli) are fighting against one another.

Meanwhile, in Grove 21, two more pirates are doing the same: "The Mad Monk" Urouge (108,000,000 Beli), a Bilkan, and a masked individual called "Massacre Man" Killer (162,000,000 Beli) are about to go all out until "Red Flag" X. Drake (222,000,000 Beli), a former marine officer, breaks the two up. As Drake walks on, the last of the rookies, "Dark Doctor" Trafalgar Law (200,000,000 Beli), asks him how many people he has killed.

We then go back to Luffy's group as Shakky tells them all the pirate beyond this point are the best of the best. She also reveals that Eustass only has a higher bounty than Luffy himself because he caused damage to civilians and that she's rooting for the Straw Hats. Even after hearing this, Luffy responds that he'll just relax for the time being but is a bit worried for the engineer. However Shakky tells him Rayleigh will be fine because he's 100 times stronger than all the rookies.

Kidnapped!
Finished at the bar, Luffy's group soon head out to look for Rayleigh. Shakky sees them off, informing them that although the marines are aware of some of the big names on the island, they have their hands full with another matter and gives one last warning not to make a big scene before they head out. Meanwhile in another section, another kidnapping group led by a large individual name 'Hound Pets' Peterman has found out about Keimi being a mermaid through the bounty hunters the Straw Hats encountered earlier and plans to kidnap her. Luffy's group reach Grove 32.33.34 known as Bubbles Island which is the haven of Sabaody Park, the theme park of the island and begin their "search" there. Though moreover spend their search riding the rides and having good time, even fulfilling Keimi's dream of riding the Ferris Wheel. However unknowest to them, their being followed by Peterman.

Meanwhile in Grove 24, we meet another noble Saint Charloss who was left behind by Shalulia and their father, which he blames on the pirate he riding like house by kicking him. Charloss then spots some doctors transporting an gravely injured man by stretcher and stops them. One of the doctors plead with Charloss to let them pass so they can save the man, the hospital being right in front of them. Charloss however "helps" by kicking the stretcher over, asking which is more important: the lives of commoners or the respect for him. He then spots the nurse with them and instantly claims her to be his wife. Both the nurse, named Marie, and one of the doctors, who incidentally is her fiancee, object to this which Charloss responds by shooting the man with his pistol much to Marie's horror. Charloss then has his servant take Marie away as she pleas for someone to help her lover. Zoro just happens to walk by, minding his business (and of course ignorant of the rules about nobles) but catches the attention Charloss who steps in his way.

Zoro ask if he need directions which angers Charloss, the noble instantly pulls his pistol on Zoro and fires. But the swordman easily dodges and goes for a counter attack. Bonney however tackles Zoro into the ground before he can do so, putting up an act as if he was shot and killed. Charloss, at first thinking Zoro dodged, shrugs it off and buys it before he and his subordinates go on their way. Once gone, Bonney instantly chastises Zoro for his actions and almost bringing the Admirals on them. Zoro however is clueless to the whole situation while most of the supernovas, who were watching and commenting on everything, are impressed by his strength. Zoro then picks up the doctor that was shot and goes to locate a hospital, much to the confusion of Bonney since after all he is a pirate.

Back on the Sunny, Franky, Usopp and Sanji are taking a break when the den den mushi calls revealing Chopper on the other end, he frantically informs them that that Keimi was kidnapped (yet again). Peterman's gang somehow got the drop on Luffy's group and manage to steal her away, making matters worse is that they don't know which group took her and where she is since the island is very big and there are many human shops. Sanji tells them to stand by, since they're dealing with a kidnapping gang they need experts in this field. To which Sanji reveals he's calling the Flying Fish Riders.

Duval and his gang soon reach the Sunny Go (albeit late), with him still going on about how handsome he is. But soon he and the Straw Hats get to the task at hand. Back at Sabaody Park, Luffy, Hatchan and Pappagg have split off to search for Keimi despite Sanji telling them to stay put, leaving Chopper and Brook behind. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Brook pretty calm about it even having a cup of tea. Chopper yells at him for this but Brook convince him to relax by mentioning Sanji has it covered till they get there. However they take the calming bit overboard by the time the Fish Riders reach them, earning them some bumps on the head before they set off to search. The Flying Fish Riders then split up to find kidnapping teams while a few go off to collect the remaining Straw Hats.

Meanwhile in a human shop in Grove 22, Luffy shaking down the owner on if they have Keimi, but the shop doesn't the only mermaid they have being an extremely ugly one. The three leave with Luffy and Pappagg shouting out for Keimi and drawing attention to themselves. Pappagg cries, blaming himself for the mermaid kidnapping as it was when he went to go get ice cream for Keimi was when she was abducted. The starfish then goes on about how he shouldn't have brought her to island in the first place, claiming it wasn't just kidnappers but that the whole island was their enemy. In a shopping mall in Grove 30, Robin explains to Nami the history of the relationship between human, fish, and mermen. Two hundred years ago, the Fishmen race was classified as just that, fish, and were persecuted by humans. Even with their superior strength, human numbers outweighed their own with kidnapping and slave trade being the most common of methods on the Fishmen. Finally the World Government signed a treaty with Fishman Island and these method were abolished though Sabaody Archipelago still continues this trade. As she finishes the explanation with her theory on why Hachi and Keimi have to hide their true form, some of the Fish Riders arrive with Franky quickly explaining what happen to Keimi.

Back in 22, Pappagg also finishes explaining this story to Luffy and continues to rant about not letting Keimi come to the island. Hachi tries to apologize for the trouble but Luffy dismisses the apology by telling them they've done nothing wrong, and tells the two that all three of them are their friends now and that he vows to save Keimi no matter what. Just as he makes this claim, they spot the Flying Fish Riders heading toward them. We then shift to Grove 1 which is home to an human auction ground. Peterman has just left the ground, having given them Keimi while Roswald and Shalulia soon arrive at the house. Also there are Kidd, Killer and their crew, as well as Trafalgar Law who flips Kidd off after catching his glance. Meanwhile, in the waiting room of the building, Keimi is brought before the head auctioneer named Disco who is excited to have a young mermaid in the auction. Keimi yells that Hatchan will make them pay which earns her a slap and beating from Disco though the pleas of his subordinates stop him as he "damaging the merchandise". However Keimi still presses her threat, before Disco can become more angry with her though he suddenly passes out.

As his staff rush to find a doctor, one of the captive, a giant, tells another that he knows he was the cause of Disco fainting with his "burst of spirit". When asked who he is, the culprit just claims hes an old man that can't ignore a young girl. This man however turns out to be none other then Silvers Rayleigh, which we discover was the "right hand" of the pirate king.

The Auction House Incident
At a marine base, it is revealed to Garp that Rayleigh is being sold at the auction house, who comments that he probably is selling himself to pay off a gambling dept. He also tells the marine not to mention this to anyone else and he will take care of it as not to underestimate Rayleigh just because of his age and many good men could be hurt or worse if handled the wrong way.

The Auction soon begins with a pirate musician and wine maker is the opening item as the Straw Hats continue there search. While questioning the kidnapping team that brought the giant mentions a mermaid at the auction house to Usopp, who alerts the others searching. Duval is berated by Sanji for traveling so slowly, who in turn questions Sanji as to why he did not change course when the location was revealed. He was heading to Grove 1 all along, but soon receives a kick from Sanji for claiming to be first but only to have been beaten there by Chopper. Franky, Nami, Pappagg, Hatchan all arrive while the others are on there way with Zoro lost on foot.

After questioning an employee who refuses to help them, Franky suggests using force to save Keimi, but is reminded that the nobles could be inside and could alert the admirals. Nami suggests they then play by there rules and try to buy Keimi back, which causes Hatchan and Papagg to cry over her desire to help them and not being able to repay her. When entering the auction house they are soon noticed by Kidd who notices Luffy is missing and wondered how big of an idiot he really is.

Meanwhile, several of the other supernovas are reading the paper, when they discover the reason behind the marine shortage in Sabaody even though so close to HQ. Ace has been scheduled for a public execution, which is commented that will bring Whitebeard's wrath and start a war between him and the marines.

Back at the auction, Charloss soon arrives, once again blaming his slave for his delay and telling his servant to sell him off. He soon joins with with the other nobles there as the next auction, a pirate captain named Lucueva, begins. However before any bids are made, Lucueva's mouth suddenly starts bleeding before he promptly collapses. Disco quickly closes the curtain while Sanji comments that Lucueva bit his own tongue off, preferring to face death to slavery. With this incident, Disco decide it time to bring out Keimi next whose been fitted with an explosive collar and put into a fishbowl.

With a grand bravo, he introduces her to the crowd prompting Nami to get ready to bid for her. However Charloss blindsides her and everyone in the house with an instant bid of 500,000,000 Beli. Needless to say, no one has the money to outbid him. As Disco begins to close out Keimi's auction, something crashes into the house. That something being Luffy as the fish rider he was with couldn't land properly (that and he took Luffy's comment "Smash right in there" literately), Zoro is with the two as well having been picked up on the way to the house. The Straw Hats themselves were astounded by the sudden arrival of their two most powerful members, as do everyone else in the auction. Upon seeing Keimi, Luffy rushes the stage despite the protest of Hachi, who is forced to use his remaining arms to try and restrain him. This unfortunately reveals his identity as a Fishman to the crowd, and they immediately raise a panic, confirming Robin's earlier story of discrimination against fish people.



A shot suddenly rings out, stopping the commotion. Charloss has shot Hachi with his pistol, much to the horror of the Straw Hats, Papagg, and Keimi, who pounds furiously on her fishbowl. Charloss then begins to gloat while Luffy makes his way toward the world noble. Hachi tries to stop him, reminding Luffy about the promise not to harm them and citing the fact that he was a pirate and that he deserved it anyway. He apologizes further, stating he only wanted to make up his past actions to Nami and help any way he can but only got in the way. Charloss hears enough and tries to shoot him again. Luffy, already angered, no longer restrains himself and, and not caring about the rules anymore, gets up and punches Charloss in the face.

The whole room is speechless after such an attack (save for Law and Kidd who can't help but smirk) while Luffy apologizes to his crew for the attack though they understand given the circumstances (Zoro even commenting he wanted to slice Charloss). Roswald is obviously not pleased, sending the place into yet another panic. The audience quickly clears out to avoid the world noble's wrath while the guards set upon the Straw Hats, and a fight ensues. While Roswald demands for an admiral and shoots at Luffy (to no avail) Zoro slices Keimi's fish bowl in half, freeing her. More fish riders arrive, dropping off Brook, Robin and Usopp who accidentally falls on Roswald, knocking him out and sparking more of the guards' anger as they take it as an attack. Luffy tells the group that they would leave once Keimi has rid herself of her collar, but Law informs him that the marines already have the place surrounded. Shalulia suddenly makes her way to Keimi's fish bowl, intending to kill the mermaid. However, before she can pull the trigger, she suddenly faints.

The back wall is suddenly ripped open, revealing Rayleigh and the giant prisoner from before. The giant states that RayLeigh was just there to take the auction house's money as well as any from whomever buys him, though RayLeigh adds that no one would buy an old man for a slave anyway. As the guards stand there in shock, confused as to what they should do about this new development, Rayleigh spots Hatchan and asks what he doing there. Upon seeing Keimi, however, he connect the dots before using another burst of spirit on the guards, knocking them all out. Rayleigh then spots Luffy, commenting that he been waiting to meet him.

The news of Luffy hitting a world noble quickly spreads throughout the island, causing more widespread panic. Most of the supernovas quickly decide to leave the island to avoid the inevitable dispatch of an admiral, though a few who are curious decide to stay behind and see which admiral will come. At Mariejois, the news has reached Sengoku, who becomes greatly irritated upon hearing that it was Luffy who committed the act. A marine informs him that the pirates have taken the world nobles "hostage" at the human auction house (or "Public Employment Security Office" as he calls it) but haven't yet given any demands. An admiral, Kizaru speak up suddenly, telling Sengoku that he'll handle it.

Back at the auction house, Disco has called his boss, revealed to be Doflamingo, about the situation. However Donflamingo has no interest in the conflict or the slavery trade any more and leaves it to Disco, effectively abandoning it. He also states that the Shichibukai have been called together to engage the Whitebeard Pirates. As the marines continue to mobilize outside the house, Rayleigh manages to remove the collar from Keimi and throws it aside before it explodes without the need for a key, much to the astonishment of the Straw Hats and to the annoyance of Franky who had just found the keys; he throws them to the remaining slaves to free themselves. Rayleigh apologizes to Kidd and Law for the blast from the collar, though comment they can't be normal if they managed to survive it. Both brush it off, rather amazed to have run into the "Dark King" himself. Rayleigh replies that he is merely a simple coater now and warns not to use the former title as he would prefer to live a peaceful life. He then checks on Hachi and thanks the Straw Hats' for saving him before telling the group that they should leave. However, the marines have the place covered by now and demand that they release the World Nobles.

Kidd offers to take care of the marines while the others escape. However Luffy and Law seem to take it as an insult and join him in battle. The Straw Hats ready themselves for a fight and the giant slave from before offers to get the other slaves out while they thank the Straw Hats for freeing them. Back outside, the marines open fire with mortars but Luffy and Kidd reflect them back, with Luffy doing so using his 'Fuusen' move, and the latter using only his hand to do so. Law meanwhile covers an area with a spherical barrier and cuts off one of the marines' heads within the sphere, though the action doesn't kill him. Instead he replaces it with a cannonball that promptly explodes hitting those that were near his decaptitated body while Law hold the marine's head in his hand. It now becomes clear that the two other captains alongside Luffy are no mere pirates and the marines realize that they are dealing with devil fruit users.

Despite this revelation, the marines continue to press the attack. Luffy, Kidd and Law easily decimate them all. Luffy uses his Gear 3rd technique, Law his "ROOM" move as he chops up body parts and rearranges them on the marines, and Kidd his power over metal as he forms an arm of said material and strikes at the marines with it. Soon, the Straw Hats arrive and see the damage caused by the three captain's rampage. Rayleigh delights in all the mayhem being caused.

The marines reinforcements are deployed hoping to contain the offenders until Kizaru arrives. The pirates, however, have no intention of staying that long. Kidd prepares to pull out and warns Luffy, stating that the next time they meet he won't be as merciful. Though Luffy replies that he'll be the one to find One Piece which shocks Law and Kidd. Kidd then comments that anyone who makes that claim in the Grand Land would be laughed at, though in the New World they'd be good as dead. He then concludes by telling Luffy and Law that they should all meet in the New World again someday. With that he and his crew bowl through the marines and head out. Law decides to head back to the auction house as his bear, Bepo, defends him. The Straw Hats soon join the fray, spotting Duval and the Fish Riders. The marines prepare to shoot him but Robin saves Duval before they can do so. The others clear a path for Franky and Rayleigh to get Keimi, Hachi and Pappagg out first before they follow. Nami covers their escape with a Thunderbolt Tempo.

Law soon emerges from the house with a slave who was under the Roswalds, Jean Bert, a former pirate captain who joins his crew as thanks for freeing him, though Law states that half of his thanks should go to Luffy. Meanwhile, Kidd's crew manages to clear the house and destroys a bridge to keep the marines at bay. However, just when it seems they will get away, Kidd is suddenly hit. To their horror, the culprit blocking their escape is one of the Shichibukai, Bartholomew Kuma.

The Truth of Roger and the Admiral's Arrival
The Heart Pirates are still fighting off the remaining marines at the auction house, tearing through them to escape. However, they come across the Kidd Pirates, most of whom are already wounded due to Kuma. The Shichibukai immediately identifies and attacks Law but Law manages to dodge the attack. With the marines starting to close in from behind, Kidd and Law, despite their mutual dislike of the other, tell Kuma they're leaving and prepare to face him. In Grove 8, Peterman has been thrashed by the the Straw Hats and the Rosy Life Riders for his earlier abduction of Keimi (though Duval's face ended up getting messed up in the process again). After giving back Keimi's backpack, they depart promising to aid them till they leave the island.

The Straw Hat then head back to Shakky's bar to heal Hachi's gun wound. As they do so, they talk with Rayleigh where he reveals his relation with Gold Roger, much to their surprise (Hachi apparently knew this too but didn't tell them since they just needed a coater). Rayleigh also reveals how he met Hachi (the Fishman had saved Rayleigh's life when he was a kid, and they had remained friends till Hachi joined Arlong's crew then named the Sunny Pirate Gang). Sanji then question how he still could be alive if Roger's crew were captured to which Rayleigh reveals that Roger actually turned himself in. The government just made it seem that way to show their strength to the public. Rayleigh goes on to tell the reason why was because four years before he was executed, Roger came down with a incurable disease. His crew however had came across Crocus at the entrance of the Grand Line and asked him to join him on his final journey to keep his disease in check. Finally after three years they had managed to conquer the Grand Line. This surprises the Straw Hats, Brook especially, since Crocus did reveal to them he was a pirate doctor for a time. Rayleigh even tell them that the reason Crocus joined was to find a certain pirate crew which the Straw Hats figure must have been the Rumbar Pirates, bringing tears to Brook's eyes sockets.

Rayleigh continues, telling that after they conquered the sea, Roger was dubbed the Pirate King. However the title was meaningless since he was about to die. But Roger enjoyed it anyway through parties and fighting as a way to coop with the future. Eventually Roger disbanded his crew who silently went their separate ways, fates unknown. One year later, Roger turned himself in to the marines who decided to make a public execution of him to throw fear into pirates around the world. However Roger had other plans, his last words to Rayleigh being "I ain't gonna die, partner". Then on the fateful day of his execution, Roger made his famous speech to the world which in turned created the current age of piracy. Say the least the Straw Hats are astonished by the story. Rayleigh then tells the group about Buggy and Shanks apprenticeship aboard Roger's ship, the latter of which ran into Rayleigh ten years afterward who told Rayleigh about Luffy, claiming that Luffy had said the same thing as Gold Roger.



The story suddenly shifts to a harbor at Grove 27, where a pirate crew is about to set off. Before they can do so, they spot a ship on the horizon that suddenly fires a cannonball with a person actually standing on top it. The ball lands in the harbor amidst the pirates and the figure, revealed to be Kizaru, awaits orders from his Den Den Mushi.

Back at Shakky, Rayleigh congrats Luffy for making it this far into the Grand Line and offers to do the coating job for free much to the Straw Hats' pleasure. Robin then speaks up and asks about the Blank Century, explaining to Rayleigh her findings from the Poneglyph in Skypiea. Rayleigh replies he did indeed find out the history of it however advises that she continue looking for it on her own as if he told her now she wouldn't be prepared for it. Still he offers to reveal it to her but she politely turns him down agreeing with his earlier advice. Rayleigh also revel that Roger couldn't decipher everything and express sorrow that Ohara was destroyed complimenting that Clover could hear the voice of all things. Usopp then ask Robin if she would want to let an opportunity like this get away and start to question Rayleigh about One Piece. Luffy stops him however demanding that the mystery of the treasure remain hidden since countless pirates were risking their lives just to search for it. He then threatens to quit being a pirate if any of the crew ask Rayleigh about it stating "I DON'T WANT TO GO ON A BORING ADVENTURE LIKE THAT!!!"

Usopp apologizes for his actions before Rayleigh asks Luffy if he can really conquer the Grand Line. Luffy reply that he doesn't really intend to conquer it, only that the person with the most freedom in the ocean would be the pirate king which bring a smile to Rayleigh and Shakky's faces. Rayleigh then tells the crew he'll have their ship coated in three days which until then the crew will have to avoid trouble. Thus the Straw Hats decide their best bet is to split up and draw attention away from the shop. Shakky gives each member a Biblicard so they can keep track of each other and find their way back to Rayleigh once the coating is finished who decides to move the Sunny Go to a safer location. With that they bid Hachi, Keimi, Pappag, and Shakky farewell for the time being and head back into the groves. Luffy suggesting to hide in the theme park though the others (save for Chopper and Brook) reject this idea.

In Grove 27, pirates are trying their best to distance themselves from Kizaru whom we're finally introduced to properly. One pirate tries to shoot the admiral but the shot doesn't even seem to phase him. Kizaru then blurs in front of them trying to ask them where he can find someone named Sentoumaru but the pirates run away in fear. Kizaru then attack them with a light coming from his foot which he kicks out outward that not only hits the pirates. But topples a mangrove in the process much to the disapproval of his troops. Apoo, whose nearby, however seem impressed by his power. In another part of the area a few of the marines have been turned into either old man or children, the culprit of such being Bonney who laughs at them as she stuffs her face. A few more marines encounter and surround Capone but he informs them they've already lost. Kizaru then come across Hawkins whose crew wish for him to run, he calmly tell them though that today isn't his day to die. Back with the Straw Hats, as Usopp tries to convince Luffy not to go back to the amusement park, a figure stands before them prompting Luffy to ask who he is.

Sabaody Chaos
The marines confronting Capone quickly find out, to their bewilderment, what he meant by his earlier statement as he opens up compartments on his chest. Inside are his crew, now miniatures, who quickly attack the marines with cannons before charging at them on horses. In both cases growing to normal size once outside of Capone to overrun the squad. In Grove 41 Urouge has an encounter with Kuma and having difficulty fighting him. While back in Grove 24, Hawkins's crew keep pleading for him to run as Kizaru approaches but the captain is more focused on his pack of tarot cards. Reading his chances of fighting Kizaru, running from him, defending himself, and survival of the encounter the last of which read zero percent. Hawkins then tell Kizaru that he hasn't seen the person he looking for. Kizaru then replies he gets bored easily and that he can't let a high bounty like Hawkins get away before firing his "speed of light" kick at him then firing off another shot from his fingers. However in Grove 27 and the harbor, two pirates suddenly double over from pain, getting hit from seemingly out of nowhere. It then reveal that Hawkins has a voodoo like ability, having transfer both of the attacks to dolls that grow on his right arm.

Urouge suddenly topples by them, bruised badly and citing his bad luck at running into a Shichibukai and, upon seeing Kizaru, an admiral as well. Hawkins informs him that the shadow of death isn't upon him yet though he takes this news as a joke. X. Drake suddenly appears and kicks Kuma aside. Kizaru instantly recognizes the pirate while X.Drake comments he wasn't trying to run into an admiral. Urouge then recovers, taking off his shirt to reveal a large figure underneath and having suddenly gotten bigger. Now ready for a counter attack while Apoo continues to look on from a roof enjoying whats occurring before him.

Back in Grove 12, the Straw Hats encounter yet another Kuma who fires a beam at Luffy though he manages to dodge it (as well as be amazed by it along side Chopper). His crew then inform him of their encounter with Kuma on Thriller Bark before Franky fires a Coop De Burst on the Shichibukai in retaliation for that attack, knocking him back. Realizing that Kuma is very strong, Luffy goes into Gear 2 while Sanji and Zoro prepare to attack as well though the latter realizes that this Kuma seems different from their previous encounter. Meanwhile in Grove 49, the axe-wielding shadowed figure from before commenting Kizaru is late and that if he doesn't hurry there won't be anything left.

Back at Grove 2; Franky, Usopp and Brook just barely avoid a blast from the Kuma they're facing. As Kuma goes to fire again, Luffy, Sanji, and Zoro rush him and preform a combo attack, managing to knock him down. Luffy then questions Zoro on if the Kuma they're fighting is a fake which he confirms due to this Kuma's attack style not fitting the one they faced before. The group then comes to the conclusion that there's more then one Kuma running around.

Meanwhile, Urouge is pounding away at the Kuma he fighting but is shot in the shoulder in retaliation, X Drake notes that Doctor Vegapunk has even managed to integrate Kizaru's light based powers into the Pacifista cyborgs. Kuma then attacks X Drake who retaliates with his Zoan Devil Fruit and manages to injure Kuma though he get's injured in the process as well. Urouge takes note of the Kuma's injury too but is kicked from behind by Kizaru through three buildings. Seeing this, Hawkins transforms into a large voodoo doll like creature and attacks Kizaru but is easily repelled. Just when it seems Kizaru will finish him off, he's saved by Apoo who severs Kizaru's right arm before exploding him with a blast of sound. Apoo starts gloating and leaves only for an annoyed Kizaru to blind Apoo with a blast of light before kicking him straight through a building, Kizaru then sends X Drake flying before defeating Hawkins by blasting him with a laser. With all 4 of the supernovas defeated he is contacted by the axe-wielding figure who yells at him, he decides to then go after either Law, Kid or Luffy.

Meanwhile all the Straw Hats work together to bring down the Kuma clone; Zoro was the first to go down, and Sanji encourages Luffy to first bring down the clone before tending Zoro's injuries, though the former notes that Zoro still suffers from the aftermath of the events that occurred in Thriller Bark. Chopper uses Roseo Metel on Kuma enraging him and causing him to try and blast Chopper only for Franky to nail him with his Strong Hammer, Kuma easily sends Franky flying but Franky is saved by Robin who uses her Spider Net to catch him, Brook tries to attack him from above only for Kuma to try and blast him, he is saved by Usopp who uses Atlas Suisei to distract Kuma. Suddenly it seems like Usopp's attack managed to injure it badly, Franky notes that the Kuma clone is like him; enhanced with weapons but still only human and that one of Usopp's explosive projectiles must have went inside his mouth and dealt severe internal damage. Kuma tries to blow them all away with a laser from his mouth only for his mouth to be clamped shut by Robin causing to shoot himself, Nami quickly strikes him with a Thunderlance Tempo. This however only causes Kuma to go berserk, Sanji uses Flambage Shot to knock him back, Zoro uses Asura and Makyuusen to damage Kuma before Luffy uses Gear third and Gigant Rifle to finish him off.

After doing so, the Straw Hats are completely wiped, having had to use all their strength just to fight the Kuma clone. They soon start to discuss what to do next when someone calls out to them. Out from the sky drops the ax wielding figure, along with yet another Kuma cyborg, in the middle of the Straw Hats. The figure introduces himself as Sentoumaru and the Kuma clone as PX-1 (the one the Straw Hats defeated was PX-4). PX-1 soon fires on the group forcing the Straw Hats to dodge. This prompts Luffy to decides they must now split up and run. Sanji sticks with Nami with Franky tagging along. Usopp goes with Zoro with Brook joining as well out of concern for Zoro's injuries. Leaving Luffy, Robin, and Chopper together. The three groups run in different direction promising to meet up in three days.

Usopp tries to cover their escape with a smoke bomb. But the PX-1 blows up a bridge preventing Sanji's group from escaping before appearing right in front of them. Sentoumaru goes for Luffy's group prompting Luffy to try to Gatling him. But Sentoumaru easily deflects the attack with his palms and sends him flying much to Luffy's shock. Sentoumaru then hits him again and knocks Luffy into a tree, managing to actually hurt him as the marine reveals he not a devil fruit user. An explosion nearby halts the fight, which Luffy notices it came from where Zoro's group ran. Indeed his group ran into the worse possible scenario as Kizaru reveals himself before them. Zoro himself has taken the brunt of the admiral's attack and, compounded with his previous injuries, can no longer move while Brook and Usopp try desperately to keep Kizaru from killing Zoro. However none of their attacks work since, as Kizaru reveals, he eaten the Pika Pika no mi (Light Light) Fruit, a logia type that essentially makes him a light man. Kizaru then goes to finish Zoro off but the attack is suddenly thwarted by RayLeigh's intervention who manages to kick Kizaru's leg and divert the light attack. Kizaru greets the "Dark King" while Rayleigh tell him not to pluck the fine sprouts (i.e: the Straw Hats) since their era is just beginning.



Afterwards, Luffy orders for everyone to concentrate on running away, telling them they can't fight. They all start to run, with Franky using a Coup de Vent to distance himself, Nami and Sanji from the Pacifista. Kizaru however, heads for Zoro's direction to attack him, but Rayleigh stops him in his tracks, even managing to cut his cheek. Afterwards, The Pacifista begins to attack Zoro, but is temporarily stopped by Sanji and Brook, both of whom are quickly defeated. Luffy is then attacked by Sentoumaru and knocked into one of the mangrove trees. Rayleigh and Kizaru begin a sword fight, with Kizaru using a light sword. The Pacifista then attacks Usopp, causing him to drop Zoro. Chopper enters Monster Point to try and help. The Pacifista is stopped from it's attack by the real Bartholemew Kuma, who then asks if Zoro were to go on a trip, where would he like to go. Zoro then disappears right in front of Usopp's eyes.

The crew is completely shocked by Zoro's disappearance. Luffy demands to know what has happened to him to which Sentoumaru unwittingly answers, telling him if a person touched by Kuma's paw they go flying for three days though where they end up is uncertain. Sanji and Usopp continue to question where Zoro is just as the PX-1 prepares to fire at them from behind. Kuma, however, warps to it and makes it disappear confusing both the Straw Hats' and Sentoumaru. Luffy yells for the remaining Straw Hats' to run to which they oblige. Kuma however advances on the injured Straw Hats' (Sanji, Usopp and Brook) prompting Brook to try to defend the latter two. However he is vanished by Kuma. Sanji quickly gathers himself and goes for an attack but is easily knocked aside leaving Usopp to himself. He tries to fire a star but vanishes before he can do so. Angered, Sanji rushes the Kuma again but is vanished as well.

Luffy is quickly losing his morale after seeing four of crew disappear right before his eyes while Rayleigh continues to battle Kizaru. Kuma passes by them and whispers something to Rayleigh prompting him to question what he is doing. Kizaru inquires as well but Kuma brushes him off. Luffy then enters Gear 2, Kuma ignores him and goes for Franky and Nami. Despite counterattacks from Franky and Luffy, none deter the Shichibukai before he causes Franky to vanish. Nami is next to go as she is in the midst of calling Luffy for help. Luffy again tries to attack Kuma but he warps to Robin and Monster Chopper, causing them both to vanish despite Luffy pleas for him to stop. Now alone, Luffy loses any remaining will to fight and collapses to the ground in despair. Tearfully asking himself what's wrong with him for not being able to save even one of his nakama. Kuma then appears before Luffy, paw raised, he tells the captain they won't meet each other again before Luffy too disappears at his touch. A caption then comes up saying that on this day in Grove 12 of the Sabaody Archipelago, the Straw Hats were completely and utterly defeated.

Trivia

 * Up until this point, Devil Fruit users have mentioned the name of their devil fruit after demonstrating their powers. This is the first story arc that doesn't follow this pattern so this is the first time there have been unidentified devil fruit powers. (The names of the devil fruits eaten by all of the supernovas except for Luffy, Zoro, and Killer still remain unknown, with Luffy's Devil Fruit having already been revealed while Zoro does not possess a Devil Fruit, and Killer is not confirmed to have any Devil Fruit ability). This trend would later continue in the Impel Down and Marineford arcs.
 * This arc also marked an incredible turn of events for the entire series as all of the Straw Hats were separated from each other. This leads the rest of the series (up until now at least) to a story that will focus completely on Luffy and his attempt to rescue Ace from his execution and doing so by entering in the conflict of Whitebeard. Though these events have already ended, the Straw Hats still remain separated.