One Piece, Volume 47

Chapter 450
Now face-to-face with Dr. Hogback, Nami confronts the doctor about his work on the zombies, seeking confirmation that he is truly reviving the deceased. Seeing as the "Night Attack" has commenced, Hogback tells the Straw Hats that they may suspect anything that they would like, as it is now too late for them. Hogback does, however, ask what basis Nami has for her accusations, to which she responds that she found Victoria Cindry's obituary. Hogback is flustered at their discovery of his secret. He orders Cindry and a samurai to dispose of them. Ryuma emerges from the destroyed door behind the Straw Hats, laughing in Brook's signature style. Noticing Nami, Ryuma asks to see her panties. Nami is incredibly angered at the question, but remembers she had the exact same exchange with Brook, and wonders how this could be. Dr. Hogback explains that Ryuma is on a different level than the zombies that the Straw Hats have met up until now, as he is a "General Zombie" who holds the body of a warrior from Wano Country in the New World. Hogback points out that the legend of how this samurai cut down a flying dragon has been handed down for centuries, and that the Straw Hats will not be able to escape. Ryuma unsheathes his sword, and is behind the Straw Hats before they can even react. He then tells Cindry to open a nearby pathway for him, and that he would like his night meal. The Straw Hats are confused as to why they have not been cut, and take the opportunity to run for the exit. They are suddenly incapacitated, however, as Hogback explains the phenomenon that those who have been cut by Ryuma obliviously hum for about three meters before they realize that they have been cut. The technique is called "Three-Verse Humming: Arrow Notch Slash" (Hanauta Sanchou: Yahazu-Giri). 

Luffy, Sanji, Robin, Franky, and Zoro finally enter the mansion after seeing that the lock on the door has been completely broken off. They notice that for such a big mansion, not a single person seems to be around, and the room itself looks as if there was some kind of struggle. Luffy directly calls Gecko Moria's name, while Sanji hopes that Nami is ok. Buhichuck comments from his post that Luffy knows the name of "the master", and is quite courageous to have entered the house. Luffy points out the pig talking on the wall, and several other "Surprise Zombies" emerge from their picture frames to attack the Straw Hats. The pirates are completely unfazed, though Luffy is visibly astonished by the zombies being able to come out of picture frames. The attacking zombies are effortlessly dispatched: Sanji kicks the face in of one of the zombies and asks of Nami's whereabouts, while Robin breaks all the bones of her attacker with "Twist".  The zombies wonder if the new arrivals are crewmates of the pirates that passed through earlier, which Franky confirms as he smashes two of their heads together. As Luffy and Zoro finish off the last of the attackers, Luffy laments that they could have been good friends with the zombies. Buhichuck is taken down for interrogation on the whereabouts of Chopper, Usopp, and Nami. He attempts to convince the crew that they are upstairs in a bedroom sleeping safe and sound, but Franky refuses to believe it, as Luffy also looks skeptical. In the midst of this, they notice that Sanji is now gone. While the crew ponders Sanji's sudden disappearance, Zoro notices a few of the zombies laughing amongst themselves and deduce that they have been planning something for quite a while. Luffy is not worried about Sanji's safety in the least, however Robin notes that their time may be limited to save Nami, Usopp, and Chopper. The pig warns the crew not to get cocky because they have some strength, but becomes annoyed when he realizes the crew is not listening to him while Robin discusses the crew's next move. She notes that the zombies have no real reason to tell them the truth, even with the threat of violence, to which Zoro proposes that they take the pig as a guide through the mansion. The Surprise Zombies lying defeated on the floor leave them cryptic warnings about Gecko Moria's strength, telling them that their missing nakama are not safe. Luffy tells the zombies to tell Moria that he will blow him off the island if anything happens to his crew, completely blowing them away with his defiant will. Luffy re-asserts that Sanji will be just fine as he digs in his nose, leading his crew forward. As the crew leaves the room, a few of the Surprise Zombies inform Gecko Moria that the Straw Hats have entered the mansion. 

Outside the mansion, the zombies are having some kind of dance festival with a disco ball as they celebrate the commencement of the "Night Attack". Absalom enters a sanctuary, and calls on his General Zombies to awaken. As they rise from the ground, he tells them that the Straw Hats barely have eight members and orders them to catch them for their master.

Chapter 451
Absalom orders his General Zombies to hunt down the Straw Hat Pirates as they exit the sanctuary that was their resting place. One of the General Zombies known as Captain John slowly passes through the doors as he hiccups on his bottle of liquor. Absalom reminds him that his infamous, life-time reputation is currently weeping, and laments on how hopeless he is as John finally makes it out of the door. Just then, Absalom is accosted a warthog zombie named Lola who asks him to marry her. Absalom orders her to go out and fight as he is the commander, but Lola simply asks him to marry her again. Absalom explains that he is a human and thus wants a human bride, while Lola is a warthog, and a zombie to boot. Lola gets a marriage license and attempts to force Absalom to sign it with his fingerprint, but he manages to free his arm from her grip at the last second to prevent this. Absalom then dodges further attempts to grab his arm and kiss him by a persistent Lola, before he is able to stop her by telling her that he has already selected a bride. Lola warns him that it will be useless once again, but Absalom shows her Nami's bounty poster, and indicates that she is currently one of the pirates that have landed on the island. Determined to not allow this, Lola dashes from the room in pursuit of Nami, with Absalom attempting to stop her. 

In Perona's room, she orders her bear-like creature to bring some coffins to the Dance Hall once the Risky Brothers arrive with them. She asks the bear to confirm that he understands her instructions, and the bear appears very uncomfortable with answering before finally saying yes. As soon as he does, Perona reprimands him for answering, as he is not "cute" when he does. She indicates that she is going off to command the Treasure Recovery Group, and tells him to let her know should anything happen. She asks for his acknowledgment again, and this time he says nothing. Perona is pleased by this, reminding him he is cute when he doesn't talk. However the bear wishes her a safe trip, which immediately triggers her anger again. 

Somewhere outside Hogback's mansion, a couple of zombie squirrels sing as they carry a large black coffin towards a towering building. One of the squirrels loses their footing, causing them to drop the coffin. The coffin opens to reveal an injured Chopper, who immediately begins to wake up. The squirrels panic and attempt to incapacitate Chopper again, but he transforms into Heavy Point and quickly defeats them. Chopper frees Nami and Usopp from their coffins, and they wake up as well. They remember the encounter with Ryuma, and Usopp deduces that he must have used the back of his sword due to their lack of serious injury. Chopper still doesn't understand the situation fully, but nonetheless updates his nakama that they were being carried by the squirrels in their respective coffins. The squirrels are able to escape, stating that they will notify their friends. The Straw Hats note their location as they look up to the mansion, realizing that they've been carried quite a distance. To their rear they notice another mansion, and Nami realizes that they are on the bridge connecting the two buildings, which in itself happens to be a forest. With this being where they were carried after losing consciousness, they discern that the squirrels must have been taking them to the mansion behind Hogback's; likely to turn them into zombies. Chopper and Usopp decide to run, but Nami points out that they will likely only run into more scary experiences after making such a scene. Nami remembers one of the zombies discussing treasure, which prompts Chopper and Usopp to immediately dissuade her line of thinking. She maintains that they are indeed in a dilemma however; as they may run into Ryuma again should they go back the way they came, but going forward to the new mansion might yield even scarier results.

As they talk, they notice three penguins doing a dance routine with their backs turned. The penguins turn and introduce themselves as the Penguin Trio, with it being stated that the third penguin is the newest in the group. They reveal that their comrades behind the Straw Hats are the "Wild Zombies". As the Straw Hats turn and realize they are surrounded, they are welcomed to Perona's "Wonder Garden". The Straw Hats make note of their weird appearances, before the zombies decide to charge at them. Usopp attempts to fire at them with his slingshot, but is fiercely knocked down by two of the penguins. Chopper tries to go help Usopp, but receives a heavy blow from behind by a spiked ball and chain. Nami is helpless as the zombies swarm Usopp and Chopper. One of them attempts to slice Nami, but this triggers something in the newest penguin of the trio, who incapacitates the attacking zombie with a devastating kick. The other zombies tell him not to attack his own nakama, and to instead kick the lady. The penguin states that he doesn't know who the lady is, but even under his master's orders, and at the prospect of death, he absolutely refuses to kick a woman. This draws appalled reactions from Nami, Usopp, and Chopper. The penguin then issues a challenge to the other zombies; should they have a problem with it, they can fight him. 

Back in the mansion, Luffy, Franky, and Robin interrogate Buhichuck about possible subterfuge against the group, as it is revealed that Zoro has gone missing too.

Chapter 452
Luffy has inexplicably acquired a suit of armor, as he searches the halls of Hogback's Mansion with Franky and Robin for signs of Zoro and Sanji's whereabouts. Franky reprimands him for goofing off at a time like this, but Luffy offers a rebuttal that it is a man's "romance" to wear a suit of armor if it is just laying around. Luffy asks if Franky's new hardened body meant that he lost his heart too, which causes Franky to tear up and play a song on a guitar. While Luffy is highly amused at the cyborg's music, Buhichuck observes the antics and wonders if the Straw Hats truly grasp the weight of the situation. Robin notices that they have entered a large arena-like room, as Buhichuck giggles to himself in light of this. Suddenly a heavily-armored figure drops down attempting to impale Franky, but he is able to dodge. Noticing that the figure moves quite adeptly despite having a spear stuck in its body, the Straw Hats conclude that there is a zombie inside the suit of armor. Franky lands a "Strong Right" on the zombie, but this merely pushes it back some as the zombie replies with a cross-shaped flying slash. Franky is again able to dodge, and notes the zombie's strength as the attack destroys the wall behind him. He however points out that he's no stronger than a normal swordsman, and blasts the zombie with "Weapons Left". The zombie actually falls to the ground this time, but gets back up and immediately cuts Franky on the left forearm. Robin and Luffy show concern that Franky was cut, however Franky appears unfazed. He grips the zombie by its entire head, and flings it across the room as he asserts that he won't die from getting hit by a corpse like him. Luffy notices the zombie once again rising to its feet, and Franky comments that this one is on a completely differently level than the other zombies they have met so far. Buhichuck comments from afar on the nature of the zombies, stating that regardless of how much punishment they take, it doesn't actually hurt them. Each of these General Zombies made names for themselves in their lifetimes by being powerful warriors, so they only become more devastating when made immortal. He further taunts the Straw Hats that there is no way they can win, and that none of their nakama are safe. Luffy gives chase to shut the pig up, but Buhichuck runs away and commands a wall zombie to seal off the pathway behind him. The Straw Hats then turn and realize that they are surrounded by the heavily armored General Zombies. 

Franky points out that the group will be slaughtered should they attempt to take them all on at once, to which Luffy agrees. Robin suggests that they get to the courtyard, which they all agree on as the zombies charge. The Straw Hats are able to repel the first wave of zombies easily, but Luffy notices a "36 Pound Cannon" (Sanjuroku Pound Ho) flying toward him that he is barely able to dodge. Recognizing the attack, Luffy asks if Zoro is there. The warrior states that a scar on the back is shameful, but ironically notes that he himself is covered with scars. This causes Luffy to again wonder if this is actually Zoro, but the warrior introduces himself as "Jigoro". This slight distraction gives the General Zombies an opening, and they capture Luffy. Robin and Franky repel another wave of zombies; Robin with "Once Fleur: Slam (11 Flowers)", and Franky with "Fresh Fire". Several of the zombies pour buckets of water on themselves to alleviate this, much to Franky's shock. Robin and Franky escape the room, but notice that Luffy didn't make it out with them. Franky mentions that Luffy's own armor makes it hard to distinguish him from the General Zombies, and Robin realizes that they can't just wait for Luffy there either or the zombies will catch up. Franky calls out to Luffy, but soon notices a coffin sealed with spider-web being slid across a chain above them. A person in the coffin screams to be let out, and Robin realizes that this is Luffy. Robin confirms with Franky that their captain has been captured, and they immediately dash off to save him. Their pursuit is swiftly cut off however, as a gigantic Spider Monkey, Tararan lands in front of them. Tararan notes Luffy's casket making it into the Mast Mansion, as Franky and Robin inquire on the enemy's intentions with their captain. Tararan assures them that whatever happens to Luffy will soon happen to them as well, as he reminds them of their situation: to their front they have to deal with him, but behind them are the rest of the General Zombies that gave chase. With this, he tells the Straw Hats that they are finished.

Chapter 453
In Perona's "Wonder Garden", the zombies are in shock and bewilderment that Inuppe was able to defy their master's order. He has defeated several of the zombies in order to protect Nami, displaying a level of strength on par with a General Zombie. Inuppe states that "Love Is A Hurricane" in reference to his power, causing Nami, Usopp, and Chopper to note his similarity to Sanji. When the latter two ask the zombie directly about this he responds with aggression, though a distant voice quickly grabs their attention.
This is revealed to be Absalom; he is trying to stop Lola the zombie, who is running directly toward the Straw Hats. When she spots Nami she accuses her of being a thief and pulls out a gigantic axe to attack her. She tells a perplexed Nami that she won't let her have "Ab-sama", but before she can land a blow Inuppe jumps in front and breaks the axe with a powerful kick. His endeavor ultimately fails however, as Lola is incensed at his involvement and angrily throws him far away. Usopp and Chopper ask Inuppe why he didn't attack, and he responds that "Even if I die I wont kick a woman!!". Usopp and Chopper applaud that Inuppe was able to deduce that Lola was a woman, but with Lola busy, Absalom finds the chance to run away with Nami using his ability. Usopp initially thinks Nami is flying, though Chopper quickly reminds him of the "Invisible Man" that had appeared on the Thousand Sunny earlier. Nami recalls him as well, and upon Absalom finally introducing himself to her as her future husband, she attacks him with 'Thunder Charge'. This makes Absalom stop temporarily but he quickly shakes off the feeling, wondering if it is love. Lola, now even angrier and brandishing two katanas, continues pursuing the Straw Hats. 
As the other zombies rally themselves to chase the fleeing pirates, Inuppe questions his inexplicable desire to protect Nami and grows frustrated that his body can't move the way he wants it to. Absalom warns the "Wild" Zombies not to harm Nami in any way at all, though they brush this off as his usual perverted nature and remind him that by Moria's order they are Perona's subordinates. Absalom roars loudly, freezing them in their tracks. He recognizes that they are under Perona's authority, but warns the zombies that they should not anger him. Inuppe then confronts Absalom, asserting that he won't allow him to pursue Nami. Absalom aims his palm at Inuppe, and suddenly a massive shockwave completely blows him and all the zombies in the surrounding area away. As the other zombies look on in fear, Inuppe appears to be incapacitated. Meanwhile, Lola is in hot pursuit of the Straw Hats, though Usopp notices that she seems to be primarily interested in Nami. He proposes that they split up, which earns him a slap on the head. 

On the General Zombies' side, Franky and Robin find themselves trapped on a bridge between zombies and Tararan. Franky is quite surprised to learn that Luffy, Sanji and Zoro are all trapped behind the giant spider zombie in a room. Tararan warns that the same thing is about to happen to the two of them, as the zombies behind them draw closer. Franky realizes that Tararan is behind the giant web that trapped the Sunny, and the zombie is proud to reveal that Perona's "Ghost Network" has been tracking all of their movements. Franky notes how desperate their situation appears to be and asks Robin if she'll trust him in getting them out of it, to which she happily obliges. With a 'Coup de Vent' Franky destroys the bridge from beneath them, and Robin saves them by creating wings with her Devil Fruit. Franky is astonished by her ability to fly, though she notes that she can only do this for five seconds. Franky assures her this is plenty of time, as he uses a "Strong Right" to extend his arm and grapple to the doorway across from them. Robin lands safely and notes that the zombies have all fallen down, though Franky is upset with her for using him as a stepping stone to jump to safety. Tararan warns them that he is a spider and can get back up there in no time, but their conversation is halted when Brook is seen falling from the sky. He lands right in the pile of zombies that just fell from the bridge.

Chapter 454
Lola keeps chasing Nami, with Usopp and Chopper trying to stop her. They fail, and Lola is ready to attack Nami. When she tries to kill her, Nami shouts that she is in fact a man. Lola believes her, and Nami asks her to be friends. When Absalom appears again, Lola runs towards him and Nami and the others find a chance to leave.

In Thousand Sunny, Perona is stealing the Straw Hats' treasures. Hildon appears and tells Perona that Moria is calling for a meeting. She goes to her room, just to find Absalom and Kumashi there already. Nami, Usopp and Chopper are hiding inside Kumashi just to participate in this meeting.

Outside, Franky and Robin witness Brook falling from the sky and lands badly on the ground. Tararan uses his web to reach them, but Robin and Franky trap him inside his webs while Franky deals some damage to him too. They think they defeated him, but he recovers and his spiders trap Robin and Franky.

Out of nowhere Brook appears in front of them, finishing off Tararan with a deadly slash.

Chapter 455
The chapter begins after Brook slashes Tararan. Franky warns Brook that it will get up again but he responds saying he has already dealt with it. After Tararan saying he has seen Brook somewhere before, a black substance starts emerging from his body and flies away, much to the shock of Tararan's subordinates and Franky. Brook describes it as "the soul of a zombie". The subordinates then quickly scurry away, going to inform Moria. Brook tells Franky that the web is vulnerable to fire and Franky manages to break free using his fire-breathing skills. Franky is surprised that Brook knows so much about the island and tells him that Luffy, Zoro and Sanji have been kidnapped. Brook replies that it might be too late, which gets Franky angry. Brook then tells another "skull joke", which rills up Franky even more and aims at him, making Robin telling him to not fire at him, as he's already dead.

Brook then goes on about his past, saying that he tried to get out of the area, but his rudder was broken and he drifted onto Thriller Bark. He says that he went into the island to look for parts to fix his rudder, but was captured and brought into the castle. There he witnessed a person's shadow being cut off and says another skull joke, making Franky hit him. He then goes on with the story saying that the shadow was pushed into a corpse, and it came alive. His shadow was then cut away from him. He then goes on to explain about shadows and reveals Moria has eaten the Kage Kage no Mi. He explains that through Hogback's experiments, Moria is able to animate the corpses of others, as well as legendary warriors. Franky realizes that with the method he uses, it does not seem like he can actually bring back the dead, which Brook confirms, since the shadow used will always have the same personality and fighting style as the person it was stolen from. He then explains that the stronger the person, the stronger the shadow and explains that Moria wants people with bounties because he wants stronger zombies. He goes on to explain that zombies are obedient and people who have their shadows taken are set adrift on the sea. Brook then tells Robin and Franky to listen to his plan, which makes him start twirling around in happiness because it's the first time he has negotiated with someone in years. Robin asks him to continue and Brook explains his plan.

Back at the Mansion, the three commanders, Perona, Absalom and Hogback, arrive. Moria is then officially introduced, stating his former bounty and motto. Luffy is then revealed in a cage calling Moria a leek and asking for his friends back. Moria is shown to be oblivious about the Straw Hat Pirates, apart from Luffy and Zoro. Nami, Usopp and Chopper are shown to be hiding inside Kumashi. Hogback then questions about the three of them, but Perona says that they never arrived. Kumashi tries to tell her they are inside him but is silenced. Absalom then gets angry at Hogback as he realizes he must've harmed Nami (who he calls his bride). Cindry then answers that she will never come for him, which makes Hogback to try to silence her, but he says that the bride will never come for him either. Moria then tells everyone to be quiet and tells them that they are bearing witness to the birth of an exceptionally strong zombie. Luffy tries to escape by eating through the bars but is stopped by Perona. Moria then cuts Luffy's shadow from him, making Luffy faint.

Chapter 456
The chapter starts with Franky questioning why he should return back to the Thousand Sunny. Brook explains that Luffy's, Zoro's and Sanji's shadows have probably already been taken, so they would've been returned back to their ship. Brook goes on to explain that even if their shadows are taken, they will not die but lose consciousness for two days. Franky asks why they do not just kill them while they are down but Brook tells him that if the body dies, the shadow will die too so they ship them away and make sure they aren't killed as well as stopping them from being able to get their shadows back too. Brook then tells them that if all of the Straw Hats' shadows are taken, they will be sent adrift, so he hurries them to claim Luffy, Zoro and Sanji's shadows back. He then reveals to them that salt is the zombies' weak point because their power originates from a Devil Fruit, and salt has the power of the sea, so if they put it into zombies' mouths, the shadow will return to their owner, leaving the corpse inanimate. Robin questions how he knows so much, and Brook tells her that his shadow was also taken five years ago and was sent adrift. Fortunately, he woke up while he was being sent back and returned to the island to reclaim his shadow, but failed. He then mentions that he needs his shadow to fulfill his promise to a friend. Just as he is about to leave to try reclaim his shadow a second time, Franky holds him back and demands him to tell them the part he missed out.

Back at the mansion, Luffy's shadow had just been extracted from him with a terrified Usopp, Nami and Chopper watching inside Kumashi. While Luffy's shadow is confused and struggling, Hogback mentions that he has been working on "Number 900" for a few years and it will be the strongest zombie ever created. Absalom and Perona state their dreams and Moria mentions he drew with Kaidou, one of the Four Emperors, in the New World. He then calls out to his subordinates to head into the freezer while Absalom orders some Spider-Mice to put Luffy's body on the ship. Before they start, they give a report to him saying that Captain Tararan has been beaten and his shadow has been extracted, causing Hogback to panic. Hogback explains that Brook had been causing trouble, purifying all the zombies. Absalom and Perona both do not know what he actually looks like and Absalom states that he will have no trouble passing through the surveillance. Moria, however, does not seem to be troubled and tells them to do something about it, heading into the freezer. The Spider-Mice then proceed to put Luffy back onto the ship while Usopp, Nami and Chopper stay inside Kumashi and plan to take Luffy's shadow back when they get the chance.

Back at the bridge, the General Zombies arrive on the scene and are surprised Tararan was defeated. Franky and Robin run up some stairs with Franky crying. At Hogback's lab, Brook encounters his zombie and asks his shadow to come back to him. At the mansion, Moria and his subordinates continue into the freezer and reveals "Number 900" is a large giant named Oars.

Chapter 457
Moria took Luffy's shadow to resurrect the ultimate zombie Oars. Having witnessed what had happened, Usopp and Chopper fall out into view, letting Moria and Perona know they were there. Immediately Absalom spots Nami claiming that she is his bride. He begins asking her is she doing there. The Wild Zombies attempt to capture them. Oars finally wakes up; Nami, Chopper and Usopp run away at full speed with Absalom running after them. While running away Nami sees that Oars' first word was meat figuring out what has happened to Luffy, Sanji and Zoro. Chopper gets angry because he finds out that Hogback wasn't a good doctor, and he didn't even care about peoples' lives; he is just a villain.

As they run to the Thousand Sunny where Luffy, Sanji and Zoro's bodies are, Absalom suddenly catches up to them abruptly burning Usopp and Chopper. He kidnaps Nami because he wants to marry her. Usopp attacks Absalom but it was too late since Absalom had already disappeared with Nami. A group of wild zombies then surround Chopper and Usopp isn't unable to beat all of them. They're suddenly helped by Robin and Franky.

Chapter 458
The zombies in the Mast Mansion tower stand in absolute disbelief over their defeated comrades, mortified that someone other than "Humming" Brook has discovered their weakness. They lament that their biggest advantage, the inability to die, has been nullified. Franky, Robin, Usopp, and Chopper dash down a long staircase outside the mansion, as they heard that this is the pathway used for the transport of those whose shadows were stolen. Usopp and Chopper update Franky that Nami was taken from them while in pursuit of Luffy. Chopper wonders if Nami will be alright, to which Usopp assures him that they will definitely save her. Franky inquires about the loud roar that he and Robin heard earlier, mentioning that it is what spurred them to come to their aid. Usopp states that it was Luffy's voice and he will explain more later, but nonetheless confirms that their situation has changed drastically. 

Inside the Mast Mansion, several zombies frantically rush to bring Oars food, noting his incredible appetite may cost them their entire food supply. Gecko Moria is amused by Oars' appetite, while Perona angrily questions Kumashi on why he harbored Nami, Usopp, and Chopper inside of him. Oars tells Moria he doesn't even know his own identity and is appreciative of all the food he is receiving, but tells the Warlord that it is still not enough. The zombies express their disapproval of Oars' insubordination to their master, but quickly all bow and apologize once Oars looks their way. Moria gives Oars a quick brief of his history; stating that 500 years ago he was a great warrior that left behind countless legends. He explains that Oars is now his subordinate however, which the beast quickly denies. Oars states he has a dream, much to the astonishment of the other zombies. Oars wants to go outside, and possibly go out to sea, as the zombies remind him that they are in an incredibly dense freezer made of iron. Oars effortlessly breaks through the walls of the mansion with "Gomu Gomu no Pistol", astonishing the zombies present as they attempt to dissuade him from leaving. As Oars jumps down from the tower, he notes that he had a feeling his arm would stretch for some reason. Oars loudly exclaims that he will become the Pirate King. 

In Hogback's Mansion, Brook confronts Ryuma. The latter teases Brook about their last battle, reminding him how he begged for Ryuma not to damage his afro. Brook retorts that such a thing won't happen again, as he similarly recounts the events of that day in his head. In a flashback, Brook is running through the forests of Thriller Bark, frustrated that a zombie he had fought kept managing to get back up no matter how many times he cut it. He is determined that there has to be some kind of weak point for the zombies, as even if he finds his own zombie with his shadow, this will not be enough. Brook then notices a zombie pass out, and listens in as his comrades point out that the zombie had just eaten grilled fish with salt. Brook is later seen interrogating Dr. Hogback with his sword drawn on him, demanding to know which zombie has his shadow. Brook threatens Hogback with a supply of fish, which the doctor quickly ridicules. Brook ponders to himself that there's no way it could be the salt, but noticing Hogback's frenzied reaction to the mention of it, concludes that it must be the salt. Under the full moon that night, Brook reflects on how scary zombies are, especially at night. He remembers that he can sing a song to take his mind off of things, as he becomes easily frightened by a grasshopper nearby. Brook decides that if he sings and moves with his enhanced speed so that he doesn't see the zombies' faces as he feeds them the salt, he will most definitely find his shadow. A few of the zombies in the graveyard notice someone humming a song. Brook then cuts through them all with amazing speed, purifying them in the process as he then runs away in fear. Absalom learns from his Soldier Zombies about Brook's reign of terror, as they describe his humming as a sign that he will soon appear. Kumashi informs Perona of the trouble as well, and it is revealed that Brook has completely annihilated the Soldier Zombies. Sometime after, Brook finally comes face-to-face with Ryuma; recognizing his distinct laugh as proof that the zombie indeed has his shadow. Brook is heavily outclassed by the zombie, despite having the exact same swordsmanship. He is for some reason unable to keep up with the zombie's strength, which confuses Brook that he can't match his own shadow in combat. Ryuma tells him that his efforts are useless, and considers cutting off Brook's "bothersome" afro as a means for him to move faster. Brook vehemently begs for Ryuma to stop, perplexed that the zombie doesn't understand the significance of his afro despite having his own shadow. Ryuma replies that he's forgotten all about his days with Brook, and that his only masters are Moria and Absalom. Ryuma goes on to state that it is laughable that he'd get along with a skeleton who cares about an afro so much, as he tries to cut it off of Brook's head. Brook deflects most of the attempts, but is ultimately stabbed through the eye socket by Ryuma. As Ryuma holds Brook by the eye socket with his sword, Brook begs for his life, saying he will leave immediately. Ryuma acknowledges that it would be problematic for him as well if Brook died, and commands him to get lost. 

In the present, Ryuma reminds Brook not to have another pathetic display like their last encounter. Brook assures him that for the past five years, he has trained to become stronger for this second chance as their swords clash. In a different room, Absalom arrives with an unconscious Nami. He places her down on a table, and tells the zombie priest to start the wedding ceremony immediately. He orders a different zombie, who appears to be a tailor, to put her into a dress and bring her to the ceremonial hall.

Outside the Mast Mansion, Robin, Franky, Usopp, and Chopper have finally made it down the steps. They realize that the explosion and outcry that they heard earlier is likely the beginning of Luffy's zombie going on a rampage, and surmise that they must hurry. As they make it to the Thousand Sunny, they note its new location and are able to understand more about how the denizens of Thriller Bark capture their prey. Usopp gets onto the ship first, and informs the crew that zombies have looted the ship. Once they all board, they eventually locate Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji in the dining room. All three of them are unconscious. However, they have been sat in chairs with various objects stuck inside their nostrils, mouths, on the top of their heads, as well as their hair tied up in ridiculous fashion. Franky yells and uses violence to attempt to wake them all up, but this proves ineffective. Franky instead tries to use his bazooka, but Usopp has a better idea. Usopp yells that a "beautiful lady swordsman with a ton of meat" just arrived, which immediately wakes up the "Monster Trio". They respond to their individual desires; Sanji to a "beautiful lady", Luffy to "meat", and Zoro is awoken at the prospect of a swordsman. Chopper is astonished that such a crude method proved effective contrary to the use of actual force, causing him to call them all hopeless.

Chapter 459
Luffy awakens in a hostile mood, seeking retribution for Gecko Moria taking his shadow. He is calmed by Franky however, as Zoro and Sanji also come to their senses. The trio wonders how they ended up back on the Thousand Sunny, and Zoro notices that he no longer has a shadow. Luffy is more concerned that there is no longer anything to eat, despite stuffing his face with a huge block of cheese. Sanji points out however that they specifically left them with the non-perishable food items. The trio finds themselves all very disappointed; Zoro for letting down his guard, Luffy for not having anything to eat but cheese, and Sanji notices that Nami is missing. Sanji becomes livid with Usopp upon learning that Nami was taken from them, demanding to know why they didn't chase the aggressor, who the person is, and where he is located. Usopp is quite frightened by Sanji's vigor, but nevertheless rebuts that Sanji needs to listen to the whole story. Usopp establishes that there are two things that they can't afford to not get back; Nami and their shadows, though Luffy interjects with "food" as a third item. 

Sanji becomes incredibly infuriated that Nami is involved with a wedding, to the point that he literally appears to be on fire. Luffy mentions that Absalom must be brave to want to marry Nami, and is also surprised that his shadow is in a giant. Zoro on the other hand, deduces that they must already know the zombies that have Luffy and Sanji's shadows. While Chopper and Usopp become frightened after learning that Moria is a Warlord, Luffy remembers that he met Zoro's zombie. Zoro is curious about his zombie, but nonetheless affirms that they can get their shadows back by finding the three zombies  with them and feeding them salt. He commends the crew for being able to find out the zombies' weakness. Franky however clarifies that they learned of the weakness to salt, and that they should look for their nakama without shadows thanks to Brook, much to Luffy's delight. Franky explains that he was initially very rude to Brook, and refused to acknowledge him from the moment Luffy asked him to join the crew. However the more Franky talked to him, he realized that despite just being a skeleton, Brook is truly a real man. In a flashback to when Brook saved Franky and Robin from Tararan, Franky is shown to be very abrasive to the skeleton about his appearance. He asks Brook if he is aware of the kinds of reactions that he will get to people meeting him, even if he does manage to make it out of the Florian Triangle. Franky goes on to say that you can't be friends with something so creepy, and that Brook is sure to die of shame. He says that his fate would be the same as all the years he has spent in this sea, and since Brook stated himself that he is incredibly sad, he personally would have given up living a long time ago. Franky ends by asking Brook what promise he made to his crew that was so important. Brook explains that a long time ago, his crew left one of their nakama behind at a certain place, with a promise to absolutely return. Their crew was annihilated at sea, and so as to not break that promise, Brook remained on that ship for over fifty years after the crew died. Franky interjects that he wasn't even born fifty years ago, and that the person couldn't have possibly waited that long. Brook explains that he is well aware, and their nakama had every right to leave, but if by some small chance they did indeed honor the promise, they must be incredibly lonely now. They may think that the crew betrayed them, but if they did indeed wait, then they must have some very strong pent-up feelings. Brook reveals that the crewmember they left behind was named Laboon. He explains that they certainly couldn't take a young whale through the dangers of their journey, and that he must be so big by now. Brook can't help but feel as if Laboon has truly believed in them all this time, and is waiting for the day that they return and play their music for him. Brook doesn't believe that Laboon would forgive them for dying irresponsibly, and that if he could he would yell to them all that "Death isn't an apology", because a man once said that they would absolutely come back. Robin and Franky are deeply moved by Brook's sentiments. 

Back in the present, Franky concludes his story by affirming this is Brook's reasoning for being on his ship for so long, but Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, and Usopp all remember Laboon from their initial entry into the grand line. Franky asks them to explain. Sanji complies, telling him the story of how they met Laboon at the Twin Capes: he was trying to break through the wall that divides the world's seas, eagerly awaiting the return of a certain pirate crew for 50 years. Laboon had heard that something happened to the pirates, and thus was attempting to break free to reach them. Sanji explains that Luffy eventually convinced it to not behave in such a suicidal manner, but Laboon is definitely still waiting at that location. Usopp is astounded that the crew and Laboon have kept their promise to each other for so many years, while Zoro is similarly shocked that Brook is one of the people that Laboon has waited for all this time. 

Brook and Ryuma's battle is on in full force, with the two warriors shown to be in an intense fencing exchange. Ryuma acknowledges that Brook has indeed become stronger in the last five years, but because they think similarly, he has as well. Brook is able to dodge a thrust from Ryuma, but is impaled by a follow-up attack that sends him flying back. As Brook lays on his back, Ryuma once again admonishes him for attempting to protect his afro. Brook rises and charges Ryuma with a flurry of strikes, as he muses to himself if Laboon still remembers the crew. He jokes that it must be heart-wrenching to think of how Laboon feels right now, although he doesn't have a heart anymore. As Ryuma again overpowers Brook in a fencing exchange, Brook laments that their nakama have all passed away, and that even he has lost the body and face that Laboon remembers. Ryuma makes more attempts to cut Brook's afro, causing the latter to parry the sword strikes from his position on the ground as he begs him not to damage his hair. Brook laments that Laboon definitely wouldn't recognize him now in his skeletal form, but remembers that his afro always made Laboon laugh. Brook is thus determined to preserve his current look until the very end, as he is coming to see Laboon at their promised location. Brook rises to his feet again for another clash with Ryuma, but is again impaled through the midsection. 

Back on the Thousand Sunny, Franky is in tears over Brook & Laboon's story, much to the annoyance of the crew. Luffy is overjoyed; taking into account that Brook is a musician, a talking skeleton, has an afro, has an amusing laugh, and was Laboon's nakama, Luffy is more determined than ever to have Brook join the crew. Luffy asks if the crew has a problem with it, to which a highly amused Robin asks if it would change anything if they did. Usopp wholeheartedly agrees with Brook joining, while Chopper and Franky tearfully agree as well. Sanji angrily interjects that they must stop Nami's wedding first, and Zoro departs the ship, saying that the number of shadows they need to get back has now increased. Luffy happily announces for the Straw Hats to get ready for their counterattack, as they are going to blow down Thriller Bark.