Chapter 269

Chapter 269 is called "Concerto".

Cover
Volume: 29 Pg.: 86-87

Color spread: the Straw Hat Pirates are relaxing in a Japanese garden.

Short Summary
Conis and her father decide to blow the horn on the Little Crow to ward off enemies. This invigorates the two, and Conis makes a vow to get Usopp and Sanji better soon. The Bilkans chase the Shandians to the upper ruins. Enel smiles as his prophecy is about to come true. Wiper attacks Gan Fall. Nola attacks Wiper. Wiper shoots Nola with his bazooka, but it doesn't work. Ohm explains how his sword works to Zoro and then splits up with Holy to finish everyone off faster. Several Bilkans come to Ohm's aid while several Shandians come to Wiper's aid. Aisa and Nami appear on the Waver being chased by Bilkians and for a second Wyper and Zoro join forces, destroying the Bilkians. They then begin fighting again. Gan Fall rescues Nami and Aisa from the fight only to be swallowed by Nola. Holy and Ohm attack Wyper and Zoro while there guard is down. Both of them fall to the ground and the chapter ends.

Plot Points

 * Nola swallows Nami, Aisa, Gan Fall, and Pierre.
 * The chapter title "Concerto" once again follows the established pattern of titles being described by musical terms. A concerto (originating from the word conserere - to join, to weave, to entwine - with the word certamen - a competition or a fight) is another Baroque era piece where a single instrument, usually a piano or a violin, is set at odds with the rest of the orchestra. The two take turns as if fighting but will join together for some parts. The chapter is called "Concerto" as a poetic portrayal of the upper ruins fight where the five groups at odds with each other will occasionally join for a common goal until that is accomplished, and then continue to fight each other.

Anime Episode
Episode 176