Chapter 401

Chapter 401 is called "Pirates vs. CP9".

Cover
Color Spread: the Straw Hat Pirates in a prehistoric setting being chased by an enormous mammoth.

Short Summary
A few Straw Hat Pirates begin to fight with one CP9 each.

Long Summary
The chapter starts with Luffy arriving in the room where Robin and Franky were being held. He realizes that they must have been there but are gone now. He then calls out for Robin. He then gets angry at Rob Lucci, but remembers they are headed to the Gates of Justice and runs off to find them.

Zoro is talking with Kaku, telling him to hand over his key before he gets killed. Kaku says that was a silly order, and tells Zoro he regrets being unable to see his real skill when they were in the Galley-La Company mansion, and his surprise that the pirates were able to make it so far. Zoro tells Kaku that he is several times stronger than when they last fought. Kaku believes him, saying he senses an ominous, beastly spirit within Zoro, and that he is a scary man. He stands up and goes on to say that his swordsmanship is the best in CP9. Zoro comments that he uses a Nitoryu fighting style. Kaku uses his swords like crutches to lift himself off the ground and launch a Rankyaku attack on Zoro, which the swordsman redirects to either side of him. The waves destroy the shelves behind and on either side of Zoro. Kaku then contradicts Zoro by saying he is a Yontoryu user, his legs being the other two swords. Zoro tells him it is no problem, as he remembers Kaku's entire body is a weapon. Zoro then runs at Kaku and Kaku moves forward, intercepting the attack. The two then begin to match each other blow for blow. Zoro and Kaku use 72 pound cannon and Rankyaku: Hakurai and the attacks collide in mid air, causing an explosion. Using the blast as a distraction, Kaku charges at Zoro using Soru. Zoro plants his sword, blocking Kaku's attack. Kaku then lets himself be repelled away by Zoro, moving across the room spinning but uninjured, staying on his feet. Zoro then charges at him, which Kaku dodges at the last second by falling on his back. Before hitting the floor, Kaku catches himself and turns his body around to land in a kneeling position. Kaku laughs and says the battle is fun. Zoro responds by saying he has no time for games. Kaku then jumps into the air and tells him to come and get him, launching a Rankyaku: Ran. Zoro wonders how he can control his attack so easily. Outside of the tower, it can be seen that a part of the wall was blasted away. Zoro is then seen catching his breath, having dodged every attack, asking Kaku if he is trying to make him look silly. Kaku contradicts him again, saying he is actually impressed. Kaku then tells Zoro that if he is in a hurry, he will show him his new ability.

The scene changes to Usopp, having just entered Jabra's room. His first observation about the room is that it has too many trees, making it feel like he is outside. He then snaps himself back to the task at hand, getting the key to Robin's handcuffs. Jabra is napping with his key right in front of him. Usopp begins to tip-toe toward the key, figuring everything should be fine as long as he can get the key quietly and run away quietly. He considers himself lucky for being able to avoid fighting. He then notices a rooster walking by Jabra. Usopp realizes the danger the rooster poses to getting the key without fighting. If the rooster crows then Jabra will wake up and kill him. Usopp and the rooster stare at each other with mounting tension, Usopp begging the rooster in his mind not to crow. The rooster then lets out a single, quiet chirp, startling Usopp so much that he couldn't help but yell that roosters don't crow like that. Jabra wakes up from his nap at that exact moment, commenting how a pirate had finally arrived. Usopp cursed the rooster in his thoughts. Jabra picks up his key, asking if he should now cause havoc for Usopp. Jabra then punches Usopp across the room, making Usopp comment on how strong he is. Jabra then recognizes Usopp as the one who shot the World Government flag, saying his sniping skills must be the real thing. Usopp is still on the ground, stunned by how strong Jabra was just after waking up. Jabra apologizes for attacking Usopp all of a sudden, saying it must have hurt. He tells Usopp not to worry as tormenting his opponent wasn't his style while transforming into a human wolf hybrid. Usopp asks if he ate a Devil Fruit, and Jabra tells him he ate Inu Inu no Mi, Model: Wolf. He tells Usopp he will simply slit his throat and that would be all, asking if Usopp agreed that he did not have to suffer before he died. Jabra begins to attack Usopp but realizes he does not look up to fighting him and he doesn't look that strong. Usopp tells he is up to it no matter what as he came to rescue Robin. Little pieces of the ceiling start falling and Usopp realizing that the floor above them is collapsing.

Zoro and a huge giraffe fall through the ceiling. The giraffe turns out to be Kaku, shouting that he meant to transform into the giraffe-human hybrid form but accidently transformed into complete animal form. Usopp is shocked and confused to see a huge talking giraffe. Jabra laughs and tells Kaku that he loves his ability. Zoro sees Jabra and asks if they are in a zoo.

Chapter Notes

 * Jabra ate the Inu Inu no Mi, Model: Wolf.
 * The Devil Fruit that Kaku ate turns him into a giraffe.

Characters

 * Straw Hat Pirates
 * Monkey D. Luffy
 * Roronoa Zoro
 * Usopp as Sogeking
 * CP9
 * Rob Lucci (flashback)
 * Kaku
 * Jabra
 * Hattori (flashback)

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Capitolo 401