One Piece, Volume 50

Chapter 482
The sun starting to rise is making everyone despair. Lola and the Straw Hat Pirates who lost their shadows stand patiently for the sun or Moria to eliminate them. Meanwhile, Luffy activates Gear 2. Moria tries to attack Luffy but he dodges Moria's attacks. Luffy uses Gomu Gomu no Jet Rocket on Moria and causes him to spew out some shadows. Luffy then uses Jet Rocket and Jet Bazooka, causing more shadows to be released. Moria starts to lose consciousness and lose control of the shadows. Luffy begins another attack but his attack is interrupted by Moria using Bat Bricks to create a shadow cage and traps Luffy in it. He then smashes the shadow cage against a wall.

The onlookers worry for Luffy. The shadow cage becomes misshaped and falls on the ground. Moria then plans to smash the cage by stepping on it with his foot. The onlookers scream to him to stop, but Moria ignores them and continues to step on the cage. Luffy's arm is later seen out of the cage. Moria tells the onlookers that is what will happen if they challenge a Warlord of the Sea. Brook and Chopper notice Luffy and scream his name, Luffy then breaks out of the shadow cage and stands up. He tells Moria that he cannot even dream of defeating him because he is a rubberman.

The onlookers wonder what is going on and the sun starts to rise higher burning half of one of the onlookers. The others suggest him to hide. Meanwhile, Luffy activate Gear 2 and Gear 3 at the same time, Chopper tells him not to over do it and if he does his body will be torn apart. He continues to use both and attacks Moria with Gomu Gomu no Giant and Jet Shell. The shadows start to leak out but Moria forces to control them by closing his mouth with both of his hands.

Lola starts to yell out to her shadow to return to her while she is getting burned by the sun. Some of her crew mates get her into cover from the sun since her body was disappearing. They then follow her lead and scream out to their shadows to come back to them. Luffy also does the same but asks his shadow if he wants to be the pirate king then he has to stay with Luffy. He later attacks Moria again. More shadows leak out of Moria, and then he falls down on his back releasing the rest of the shadows. But, the sun being higher in the sky starts to annihilate everyone without a shadow.

Chapter 483
Usopp, Nami, Chopper, and Franky all begin to panic as the bodies of Zoro, Robin, Sanji, and Luffy (still shrunken from using Gear 3 earlier) all begin to disintegrate, due to their shadows being robbed from them. Several members of the Rolling Pirates also panic due to the bodies of a number of members, along with Lola, also begin to disintegrate. A perplexed Franky wonders why the bodies are disintegrating when Gecko Moria has been defeated.

Meanwhile, somewhere on the Grand Line, a pirate asks his captain to come onto the deck of their ship, with the captain refusing because their bodies would disappear in the sunlight, their shadows being taken by Moria 2 years ago. The pirate exclaims to the captain that their shadows have returned, prompting a celebration. A pirate wonders if Moria has been defeated, only for the captain to say that's impossible, as Moria equally fought with Kaidou, one of the Four Emperors. Pirates, marines, and civilians around the world begin to notice that their shadows have returned to them, much to their happiness.

Back on Thriller Bark, much to the relief of the other Straw Hat Pirates, Zoro, Robin, Sanji, and an unconscious Luffy's bodies turn back to normal, their shadows having returned to them. Chopper also points out the shadows of the Rolling Pirates have also been returned. With Moria defeated, and everyone's shadows back in their original bodies, the Straw Hat Pirates all begin to take a well-deserved rest.

Back in the castle, Absalom is woken up by Hogback, who proceeds to call him shameful for losing, and proceeds to inform him of Moria's defeat. Back at the courtyard, Zoro asks Chopper if Luffy's body was shrunken before, and Chopper tells him that Luffy's body shrinks as a side effect of his Gear 3. Usopp begins to grow worried that Luffy's new fighting style is too harmful to his body, as he would have to keep using it if more powerful enemies appear in the future. The old man the Straw Hat Pirates met back at the graveyard, along with Lola and the Rolling Pirates, all express their gratitude for saving them and proclaims they will never forget this. Zoro explains that they did what they did for their own reasons, and that the others were saved as an extra, only for Nami to berate him due to the others offering to repay them.

Suddenly, Nami begins to show signs of true terror and fear, having forgotten that another Warlord of the Sea was present at Thriller Bark. As the other Straw Hats ask her what she is afraid of, Bartholomew Kuma is shown to be sitting on a building, talking to someone on a Den Den Mushi. The mysterious person shows perplex that another Warlord has been defeated, as soon as they had found a replacement for Crocodile. As Nami explains to the others that Kuma is a Warlord of the Sea, the mysterious person talking to Kuma hopes that the defeated Moria would be soon able to continue to be a Warlord, as the fact that another Warlord was defeated would hamper their reputation. The mysterious person, revealed to be a representative of the World Government, also explains to Kuma that there should be no eyewitnesses of Moria's defeat and instructs him to assassinate everyone present at Thriller Bark.

Usopp shows concern that they are forced to engage another Warlord of the Sea right after defeating one, and Zoro tells him that he'll handle it, as Nami begins to explain that Kuma is an ability user. Kuma teleports in front of the crowd, surprising everyone. While several members of the Rolling Pirates desperately trying to attack him. Kuma, showing off his powers, fires some kind of cannon from his hand to effortlessly knock the pirates back. Teleporting right behind Zoro, Kuma identifies him and exclaims he'll be the first.

Chapter 484
As members of the Rolling Pirates try to tend to the pirates attacked by Bartholomew Kuma, Lola comments that this is cruel, as they battled for their shadows for years, and as soon as they are free, another Warlord appears to assassinate them all. As the Rolling Pirates try to challenge Kuma, commenting he is nothing compared to Gecko Moria and Oars, Zoro yells at them to stand back, reminding them that Kuma challenged him first and threatened them not to humiliate him. Kuma comments to Zoro that they have earned quite the reputation and that Luffy gathered a number of skilled crew members, the rest of the Straw Hat Pirates show signs of modesty that Kuma complimented them, only for them to be told not to be flattered by Lola. As Kuma further comments that it is no longer just Luffy who is being noticed, Usopp yells at Zoro not to fight as he is too beaten up. While Zoro comments that if he dies here, it would show his limits as a man, he attacks Kuma with Nitoryu Iai: Rashoumon, but Kuma teleports behind him, preparing to attack him with his palm.

Zoro, noticing something odd about his palm, dodges the attack. Kuma's paw is shown to leave a paw-shaped mark in the rubble. Kuma fires another paw-shaped attack at Zoro, who barely dodges it. Usopp notices that while Kuma has hardly done anything, Zoro is breathing hard. As the others point out that Kuma has paws on his hands, Zoro attacks him with Sanjuroku Pound Ho, but it was deflected by Kuma's paws, causing Zoro to realize Kuma has the ability to repel everything.

Kuma explains that he has eaten the Nikyu Nikyu no Mi, becoming a paw-man. As Franky does not take this seriously, wondering if there are "cute" Devil Fruits in the world, he begins to wonder if Kuma isn't a big threat after all, only for Kuma to attack him with Pad Ho, asking Franky if this is the limit of his strength. Robin deduces that Kuma can repel the air itself, commenting that normal cannons have no effect on Franky. Kuma then attacks Zoro with Tsuppari Pad Ho, but Zoro manages to dodge them and attacks Kuma with Toro Nagashi, however the attack was blocked by his paws, sending Zoro crashing to the ground. As the Rolling Pirates wonder how Zoro can keep on fighting due to his injuries from Oars, as they were enough to kill a normal man, Kuma prepares to attack a fallen Zoro, only for Sanji to attack Kuma's face with Concassé.

Sanji's attack didn't seem to phase Kuma, as he falls to the ground, holding his leg in pain. Sanji begins to wonder if Kuma's body is made of steel. Usopp, panicking, attacks Kuma with his Fire Bird Star. Kuma deflects this attack effortlessly as well, identifying Usopp as "King of Snipers" and Sanji as "Black Leg." Kuma, commenting that due to the weakness of the Straw Hats makes him think defeating them is no fun at all, prepares a large-scale attack. As Robin and Nami point out that compressing a large amount of air to a small state can trigger a devastating explosion, Kuma announces that he will spare everyone's lives, in exchange for Luffy's head. Usopp asks Kuma if he expects them to sell out their friend, while Kuma asks them what their decision is, as if the World Government is handed Luffy's head, they will not complain that the rest of them have been spared.

The Straw Hat Pirates, along with Lola and the Rolling Pirates, bravely yell to Kuma that they will decline, telling him to "forget it." As Kuma expresses disappointment in their decision, telling them that it is a pity, Kuma launches his Ursus Shock attack, causing a huge explosion.

Chapter 485
Thriller Bark is still floating, but everything on the island is destroyed due to Kuma's Ursus Shock attack. The Rolling Pirates and Straw Hat Pirates all appear to be badly injured and knocked unconscious. Kuma passes by all of the knocked out pirates, stopping at where Luffy is at. He picks Luffy up, but Zoro suddenly comes out and attacks Kuma with Ittoryu Iai: Shishi Sonson, revealing Kuma's body as metal. Kuma then fires a laser from his mouth, which Zoro barely dodges but it ends up grazing him. Kuma then reveals that he is a Pacifista created by the World Government, a superior cyborg in comparison to Franky. Zoro has no idea what that is, so Kuma goes on to explain what a Pacifista is, saying that they were made by the scientist Dr. Vegapunk, and made advancements that others would have made five hundred years later.

Zoro asks why he must kill Luffy, and he says it's his best offer. Zoro, commenting that his body is too battered to do what he tells it to do, offers Kuma to take his head instead of Luffy's, and Kuma asks him why he would give up his ambition to be the world's best swordsman and die in Luffy's place and how would his ambition be satisfied if Zoro dies. Zoro responds by saying Luffy must become the Pirate King. Sanji then intervenes and says that Zoro is an idiot and Kuma should kill Sanji if someone must die, also commenting that while Sanji's bounty isn't particularly high, he would soon be the most dangerous member of the Straw Hat Pirates. Zoro then knocks Sanji out, and Sanji calls him a bastard for it before fainting. Zoro throws his swords on the ground, continuing his deal with Kuma.

Kuma, admiring Zoro's spirit, remarks that his honor would be at stake if he laid a hand on Luffy after this. Telling Zoro he will experience hell, Kuma picks Luffy up and uses his powers and extracts all of Luffy's pain and fatigue. Kuma allows Zoro to have a taste, giving him a small amount, which appears to greatly injure Zoro and leave him on the ground in pain. Zoro then decides he wants to move to another location. Later, Kuma comments about how amazing Dragon's son is to have such great companions. Sanji and everyone else wake up to find Kuma gone and Luffy is miraculously better and no longer injured. Sanji, noticing Zoro is not with them, goes off to find Zoro extremely wounded with blood scattered all over the area. Sanji asks Zoro what happened and if he's still alive, and Zoro replies that nothing happened.

Chapter 486
An unseen vessel leaves Thriller Bark as two men wonder where Perona is. Absalom shuts off his invisibility to reveal that he and Hogback are on a smaller ship with a still-unconscious Moria. Absalom wonders what 'Tyrant' Bartholomew Kuma was doing on Thriller Bark. Hogback claims that before they were de-shadowed, the three zombies Gyoro, Nin, and Bao told him that Kuma had come to report that a new Warlord of the Sea had replaced Crocodile- a pirate named Blackbeard. Absalom reads a newspaper article stating that the Whitebeard Pirates' Second Division Commander Portgas D. Ace is now being held in Impel Down. Hogback claims that with such an infamous Whitebeard Pirate in their custody, the World Government scored big, and it could mean a change in the Grand Pirate Era, so it is no time for Moria to be out. Absalom concedes the point, but he just wants to get married. Hogback offers to produce a zombie of his liking, Absalom yells that he wants to marry a human.

Back in Thriller Bark, a whole day has passed since Moria's defeat. On the Thousand Sunny, Luffy demands food, but Sanji tells him to just eat cheese instead. Luffy complains that cheese cannot fill him up, and Sanji tells him to move everything to the courtyard, where the Victims Association are. Lola explains that it is because they have not felt the sun in so long and they want to spend as much time as possible in the sun, while Usopp wonders at Luffy's energy. Lola wonders who could have stocked the Sunny with so much food and treasure, which Nami is enjoying. Luffy finds a glass armband in the pile, and when Usopp gets nervous about Nami's reaction, she explains that she will let Luffy keep it, as it does not have any jewelry in it. She goes to tell Lola that she will not get any either, but Lola tells Nami that they were not planning on taking anything from their saviors. Lola wonders why she added 'zo' to Nami's name, and Nami realizes that Lola's shadow was used to animate the Zombie-Lola. Grateful to see her friend in human form, Nami gives Lola some treasure, shocking Luffy and Usopp.

In the courtyard, the Straw Hats begin setting up for their feast, while Chopper takes care of Zoro, wondering how the swordsman could have gotten so heavily injured. As the Straw Hats try to figure out if something happened with Kuma, the Risky Brothers chime in, claiming to know what happened. Before they can talk, though, Sanji takes them aside for a private discussion. The brothers tell him what Kuma did to Zoro in the previous chapter. They want to tell everyone, but Sanji orders them not to; Zoro did not take Luffy's suffering to be thanked, and Luffy would feel awful if he knew what had happened. The Risky Brothers are amazed at how cool Sanji is, unaware that their conversation had been overheard by Robin, using her Hana Hana no Mi powers. When Luffy asks what happened, the brothers just imitate Sanji, claiming that since everyone is alright, it is no big deal, confusing him.

Soon the feast is well underway, with Brook launching into his usual skull joke antics, with Franky chiming in. Brook soon pulls up a piano, offering to play background music. He confides in Sanji that he also saw what was going on with Zoro, amazed at the men of the crew. As he plays Binks' Sake, Robin and Luffy claim to have heard this song before, the latter from Shanks' crew. Brook explains that the song is one that all pirates of old sang. Luffy asks if Brook is gonna join the Straw Hats, now that his shadow is back. Brook begins to explain about Laboon, but Luffy claims he already knows, as the Straw Hats saw Laboon at the Twin Capes. Usopp and Sanji vouch for Luffy, and the Straw Hats captain offers his amazement that Brook was part of the crew Laboon was waiting for. Shocked, Brook begins to tear up at the thought of Laboon still alive and waiting.

Brook's flashback begins. A small whale follows a pirate ship, and its crew wonders if it is lost. A tall, skinny violin player with an afro offers that they should play the baby whale a song, because the Rumbar Pirates can bring a smile to any face. The ship's captain Yorki agrees, and that they should play 'that song.' As they play, the sad whale begins to cheer up.

Chapter 487
The chapter begins continuing the flashback started in the previous chapter. This is 50 years ago. Brook is revealed to have been 38 years old during the flashback. Brook wakes the entire crew, telling them to start today's song. He announces that they will sing Black Handkerchief of Happiness and asks everyone to sing along. As Brook sings, some of the pirates tell Brook to stop the noise in the morning, while others shout that they are awake. Yorki tells Brook to play "that song". Brook accepts, commenting that that is the captain's favorite song. Suddenly, the whale sings near the ship. One of the pirates asks if he is the whale from the previous day and then tells him to go find his pod. As the whale keeps singing, all the pirates are in awe of the mammal's cuteness.

At some point after that, the crew continued to sail as the sun was setting. One of the pirates asks the whale how long he is going to follow the crew and suggests that the whale's mother is worried about him. Another pirate gives Laboon some food, while another asks when did he name the whale.

Later, the Rumbar Pirates confront another group of pirates with a panda head Jolly Roger and a ship with a panda head figurehead. Yorki's crew shoots cannons at the enemy ship and then prepare to fight them in combat. Some of the Rumbar Pirates fall overboard and ask for help. Some other members report that there are injured men overboard. Yorki commands Brook to throw lifesavers and decided to save them later as they don't have enough men at the moment. Brook comments that he can't do anything since he can not swim. Laboon saved the overboard men, and Brook is happy about the whale's help.

Later, after the fight ended, the crew decided to sing "that song". Later, it's snowing and one of the pirates comments that it is cold. Later, while the pirates are on an island, they found treasure and they celebrate it with Laboon. They decide to have a feast. Later, a giant bull Sea King appeared attacking the whale. The pirates shouted to protect Laboon. They shot their cannon at the monster defeating it. Later, Yorki comments that Laboon is the most attached to Brook. The Afro Pirate, lowered with a platform to the sea level near Laboon, comments that the reason for this is that Laboon loves music. Another pirate says that the reason for Laboon's attachment is that he and Brook have similar shaped heads. Another pirate and Brook laugh.

The chapter moves back to the present, having Brook still singing the piano and crying. The story then moves back into the flashback.

Brook asks Yorki if there is anything they can do, but the captain answers that he won't listen to anything they said. He comments that they no longer have the power to protect him. He continues by saying that they can't bring that kid to the Grand Line. Brook is again lowered to sea level to talk with the whale. The pirate tells him that they need to talk, but Laboon keeps singing. Brook tells him to stop for a bit, and he tells him that they are his crew mates, but he is a whale. The whale sings even louder despite Brook's attempts to talk with him. The pirate continues by telling Laboon that the Grand Line is a dangerous ocean and that the whale is not an adult yet and there are brutal creatures there, much stronger than the ones in West Blue. Laboon dives into the water while still singing, even though Brook tries to tell him to listen. Brook is lifted back and he reports to Yorki that Laboon does not listen to him. The captain suggests to sing "that song" first, but Brook comments that this strategy would only backfire.

Later, Laboon is back near the ship and he is singing, while being ignored. Yorki comments that it is painful, but he orders his crew not to make eye contact with the whale. He also prohibits music or singing until Laboon separates from the ship. Laboon almost cries because he is ignored.

Later, one of the pirates mentions that the storm is so big that they almost fall off from the ship. Another pirate notices the lighthouse that marks the entrance to the Grand Line and alerts his crew. Yorki asks if Laboon is still nearby. A pirate answers that he hasn't seen the whale for a week. The captain mentions that what they did was sad, but it was for Laboon's sake, and if he is lucky, he can return to his pod. Yorki shouts asking the crew if they are ready to enter the greatest ocean in the world, to which the crew affirms.

Later, the crew has entered the Grand Line and has reached the Twin Capes. The lighthouse keeper Crocus introduces himself, congratulates the crew for crossing the Reverse Mountain and welcomes them to the pirate graveyard. One of the pirates got mad at Crocus' attitude. Yorki introduces himself as "Calico Yorki", as he is known in the West Blue. He apologizes because their ship is damaged, so Crocus tells them that they can stay however long they want, but they must take care of the light house keeper's food and drinks. Yorki accepts the offer. One of the pirates tells Crocus to celebrate with them at the feast they are planning to have. The Lighthouse keeper asks the crew if the whale they brought is their pet, and the entire crew is surprised by this. They notice Laboon sitting in the water.

Later, the crew sings and some of the pirates even dive to play with the whale. Yorki asks Brook to sing "that song", and the Afro Pirate answers that the captain really likes that song, to which Yorki answers that that is the song of pirates. As Laboon is singing, Yorki mentions that Laboon likes that song too. Brook asks Crocus if he has a request, but he answers that he can play anything, and Brook says that being pirate means singing.

The story shifts three months later, the crew still at the Twin Capes with the ship repaired. Crocus is sad that the pirates are leaving, but Yorki says that they have prolonged their stay too much. Brook is talking with Laboon, and he is telling the whale that he is glad that he finally understands. Brook explains that it only be two-three years, and that they will go straight through the ocean and arrive at the other side of the Red Line and then they will cross the wall again and be back. As the entire crew is on the ship, Brook finishes his speech by saying that they hope that Laboon will wait for them, saying that the whale will have grown much larger by then. Yorki then completes that at that time they will be able to go anywhere together. Mizuta Madaisuki tells Laboon to adventure together, since they are crew mates. As the whale is singing, the pirates are leaving and they are shouting, declaring that they will travel the world and return.

The scene changes to three years later in the Florian Triangle. The ship is very damaged and abandoned, only the skeleton body of Brook remaining, walking around. He finds Mizuta Mawaritosuki's skeleton with a sword in his skull and Brook remembers his deceased friend praising him for his quick kills, asking the Afro Pirate to teach him his skills. Brook collects his skull and puts it into a coffin full of other skulls of his former crew member. Brook looks into the distance and remembers a moment when the crew encountered a whirlwind while traveling. The skeleton remembers commenting that it was hot and sunny very recently, and another pirate answered that they should retreat because common sense doesn't apply in this ocean. As Brook walks through the dining hall, he remembers a day in which everyone was partying. One of the pirates mentioned that the Grand Line is annoying, because it is impossible to predict and the body can not keep up. Another pirate said that at the end of the day, the sake is delicious. Yorki asked Brook to play "that song", and Brook answers that he expected this. As Brook continues to walk on the ship, he walks past a mirror and when he sees himself, he gets scared and falls to the ground. He realizes that he became a skeleton. Brook then remembers another time when Yorki hanged two of his subordinates upside down, saying they have fought over something stupid. One of the pirates answered that the other almost killed him with a cannon in battle, but the captain answered that he is alive and that the other apologized already. He then told him to not hold a grudge over something that is done with. Yorki then hit him in the head, telling him that the pain is proof that he is still alive and the pirate affirms. Brook then remembers another time when he saw a clean sky during the night, and he wondered if Laboon was also looking at the same sky. Yorki then called everyone, telling them that Brook is getting sentimental. Later, they encountered a Marine battleship. One of the pirates wondered what to do, but Yorki answered to attack. Later, the crew sees a wanted poster for the captain and mentioned that his bounty went up again. The captain happily decides to have a feast. The crew sung Yorki's name, and then the captain asked the afro pirate to sing "that song".

As Brook is trying to steer the ship, he remembers another time when one of the pirates came to announce that the captain was sick. After the ship doctor inspected him, he declared that his room is off limits and that there are about ten other people infected. The doctor suspected that the captain got the disease from the jungle they landed at earlier. He continued saying that it is an unknown disease that he can't treat. He then followed up, mentioning that if the disease is treated wrong, it could wipe out everyone on the ship.

Later, the ship landed at an island. The entire crew went to visit their captain. As they were shouting for him, Yorki told them not to let out such pained voices, saying that the crew that makes crying children smile can not cry themselves. Since the current ship is damaged, the captain ordered the crew to continue on a new ship, saying that he will leave the grand line. He declares that they will escape from the Calm Belt. As the entire crew is crying, Yorki told them to give his regards to Laboon, and told them not to make such sad faces.

Later, when the captain was alone with Brook, he declared that the situation is the worst. The Afro Pirate hold his captain's hand in his own and declared that he will never forget his words, since they are carved into his heart. Brook then says that life is precious and asks that both of them survive and meet again later. As his last order, Yorki tells Brook to send him off with his favorite song.

Back to skeleton Brook, he steers the ship as he sings Binks' Sake.

Chapter 488
In a flashback, it has been ten years since leaving Laboon at the Twin Capes, and Brook drifts aimlessly through the Florian Triangle all alone aboard his ship. Brook dances, sings, and makes jokes to keep himself occupied, but ultimately remembers that he has no audience for his antics. He eventually lays down, drifting into a deep sleep. 

In a dream sequence, Brook is awakened in his human body by his crew frantically trampling over the deck of the ship. They have spotted a summer island off in the distance, and prepare to sing the "landfall" song. His crewmates are puzzled by his delayed reaction, reminding him that they can't start the song without him. Brook is overjoyed to see the crew, but questions the fact that they are all alive. Confused by his questioning, Yorki asks Brook if he is still dreaming. Brook slams his face into the deck, assured that this is all real since he could feel the pain. He is now sure that the traumatic events of the past few years was instead the dream, but quickly comes to his senses when he lifts his head to see himself all alone once again. 

Brook has a flashback to the events proceeding his former Captain Yorki's departure into the Calm Belt. A few of Brook's crewmates ask him to play the piano as part of a quintet, as the crew resolves to follow Yorki's wish to circle the globe and return to Laboon. While playing the piano in the present, Brook has more memories of his time as acting Captain of the Rumbar Pirates: he recalls waking them up in the morning with his violin, sailing through a treacherous storm as they sang together, earning his first bounty, going to battle on a particular island, and visiting other islands as he played music with his crew. 

Presently on Thriller Bark, Brook stops playing the piano, much to the disappointment of Franky and Chopper. To Luffy, Sanji, and Usopp's amazement, Brook opens the top part of his skull, and removes a tone dial. Brook explains the origins of it and how it works, but Luffy informs him that they have experienced this type of dial in Skypiea. Brook explains that he's kept it with him all this time, and that there's a song on it that he wants Laboon to hear. The dial holds the last song of the Rumbar Pirates together, as they wanted Laboon to know that they lived joyously until the end. He asks Luffy if he can play the song now, which the latter happily accepts. As the dial plays, Lola recognizes the song and encourages the Rolling Pirates to join her in singing it. 

Brook has another flashback, recalling the final moments of his crew after they had suffered a devastating enemy attack. His crew informs him that no one can be saved - as the doctor has been killed, and the enemy poisoned their weapons. They are resolved to accept their fate as pirates, but note that they have one lingering regret - they never made it back to Laboon. One of his crewmates reminds Brook that he ate the Yomi Yomi no Mi, but Brook is still unsure of the process since he has never died before. Nevertheless, Brook proposes that if they are going to die anyway, then they might as well spend their final moments having fun. He convinces the crew to sing one final song (theirs, Yorki's, and Laboon's favorite) as he pulls out the tone dial, assuring them that if he does come back, he will take the song to Laboon without fail. The crew happily agrees, and state that no one can die until they finish the song. The Rumbar Pirates all join together in happily playing their instruments, while in the present, Brook briefly thinks back to being on the ship alone. 

In the present, the Rolling Pirates and Straw Hats all sing and dance together as the song is revealed to be Bink's Sake. At the same time, Brook also recalls his crew singing the song together in their final moments, and his memories on the ship alone after their death. He recalls how much Laboon loved the song as well, while the pirates continue to sing with each other in the past and present. In the past however, Rumbar Pirates begin to succumb to the poison one after another, until it is down to just a quartet of them playing the song. Another crewmate falls, reducing them to a trio. Yet another crewmate dies to the poison, with Brook tearfully remarking that they are down to a duet. When the last Rumbar Pirate dies, Brook sobs as he notes that he is now a solo act. He has a couple of final memories as he finishes the song - joining the crew under Yorki's love for music, and leaving Laboon in the Twin Capes as the crew sailed off into the Grand Line. 

As Brook finishes the song in the present as well, he asks Laboon that if he's truly been waiting for 50 years, if he wouldn't mind waiting just a few more. He feels renewed in his convictions, having his pride as a pirate, and his promise that he intends to keep to his nakama.

Chapter 489
Brook stopped playing the piano, revealing the historical reason for the Tone Dial. He states that it was the Rumbar Pirates' final song and that he heard it so many times during the 50 years he was alone. He looks into the Tone Dial and has a flashback to one of the Rumbar parties. Brook goes on to say that the song made him feel alive and seals away into his head by lifting the top part of his cranium, shocking Sanji and Usopp while amazing Luffy.

Brook states that he is overjoyed that Laboon was still alive, saying that now he had a goal in life, to deliver the Tone Dial to the whale. He shouted that he was glad to be alive. He then asks Luffy the question: if it was alright if he could join the Straw Hat Pirates. Luffy simply replies with a "sure". This shocks Usopp, Sanji, Franky and Chopper, horrifies Nami, makes Robin laugh and there is no response from Zoro as he is unconscious. Nevertheless, the men from the crew welcomed their new musician, saying that he was interesting. While Robin seems to enjoy the loudness, Nami comments that the Straw Hats have gathered weird crewmembers. Brook leans up against a wall at a 45 degree angle, calling it his "45 degrees", creating laughter.

Brook has a flashback to Laboon, silently talking to Laboon, that he would return and deliver the Tone Dial to Laboon.

At Twin Cape, Laboon suddenly cries out in joy, making Crocus happy as Laboon was in such good spirits.

Back to Thriller Bark, Brook kneels down and shows everyone a wanted poster for Humming Brook, himself. He reveals that he has a 33,000,000 bounty and that he once was a leader of a battle convoy in an unknown kingdom and later became captain of the Rumbar Pirates. Brook then kneels in front of Luffy, pledging his allegiance.

Two days later, Brook is in awe of the workmanship of Franky and Usopp as they had made a grave for the Rumbar Pirates. Franky states the Rumbar Pirate corpses could not be taken aboard the Thousand Sunny, so they constructed the grave. Brook also reveals that Thriller Bark came from the Rumbar Pirates' home seas, and with that, maybe the fallen pirates could be at peace easier. As Brook plays some music in front of the grave, Zoro sits down next to him, plunging his sword, Yubashiri, into the ground, stating that he was holding a small funeral for a dead katana. Brook tells Zoro that he has joined the crew. Zoro comments that Brook had bad luck and that the crew was varied. Brook simply laughs and says that he would devote everything.

The Straw Hat Pirates begin to leave and say their goodbyes. Franky tells Lola that he had fixed Brook's ship, so they could use that to sail. Lola asks Franky to marry her, but Franky says that he is too super and it would not be a good match. Luffy gets excited at the prospect of going to Fish-Man Island while Brook and Sanji have their own perverted views. The tall Risky Brother reveals that mermaids did not wear panties but their beauty was even greater than the pirate empress Hancock. Usopp asks the short Risky Brother how they knew so much and it is discovered that Lola's pirates had passed through Fish-Man Island as they had originated from the New World. Lola says that her mother was a pirate. Remembering something, Lola rips apart a piece of paper and hands one half to Nami, saying that it was a Vivre Card and she gave it to Nami as they were like sisters. Apparently, Lola's mother is a famous pirate in the New World and Nami is advised to look after the Vivre Card.

Nami asks what a Vivre Card is. Lola tells her that they only worked in the New World and that it would never burn or get wet. Lola states that if you took a fingernail to a certain shop, they would create a special paper. She goes on and says that you tear the paper up and give it to a special person. Lola places the Vivre Card on a desk and it jumps. She reveals the main point of a Vivre Card, saying that it would allow you to meet with the special person. Lola says that if they ever had a problem, they could go to her mother for help.

Luffy, in deep thought, states that he had a similar sort of paper and Nami agrees. In a flashback, Ace is seen saying that the paper would let them meet again. Luffy retrieves the card from his hat and notices it burning and getting smaller. Lola then says that the paper was a representation of the person's life. Luffy tells her that it came from Ace and she states that his life was vanishing by the minute.

Chapter 490
As the Straw Hat Pirates leave Thriller Bark, they are waved off by the Thriller Bark residents, who thank them for all that they have done. As the Straw Hats leave, Lola appears to see something in the mist, but her companions say that it does not matter anymore. They then start to tell the story of the Straw Hats as three large figures loom ominously in the mist behind Thriller Bark.

Meanwhile, the Straw Hats, free of the Florian Triangle, continue on towards Fish-Man Island, said to be the "paradise on the ocean floor." On the Thousand Sunny, Nami questions Luffy's decision to leave Ace alone despite his Vivre Card burning, but Luffy states that it is fine. Brook chimes in, stating he does not mind taking an alternate route, but Luffy, stating that Ace hates to be looked down upon, chooses to keep going on their current route. Sanji states that the Vivre Card will repair once Ace heals, and gives the crew drinks to celebrate the arrival of their new crew member, Brook.

At Mary Geoise, Sengoku scolds Bartholomew Kuma for allowing the Straw Hats to escape. Garp laughs at his grandson's actions, but Sengoku tells him off and continues by telling Kuma he should have at least retrieved Luffy's head. Garp states that Luffy is not the kind of man to boast of Moria's defeat by Luffy's hand, but Sengoku, still angry, tells Kuma that because of his failure, the Straw Hats are nearing Marineford. Garp interrupts by offering tea and cookies to Sengoku, who yells at him again.

On the Thousand Sunny, the crew passes a number of strange phenomena, including a rain of candy, a round rainbow, a sea raccoon, and spiral currents. Some days later, the crew arrives at the Red Line, and they discuss the monumental achievement this is. The crew states that they must be careful at the World Government's doorstep, but soon Chopper and Usopp are swimming in a pool protruding from the Soldier Dock System, and Zoro is lifting weights. On the deck, Nami and Franky are talking to Luffy, Brook, and Robin, who are below the surface in the Shark Submarine. Once they reach a depth of 5000 meters (the limit of the sub), they encounter a sea rabbit, and are forced to escape to the surface. As the crew contemplates their predicament of reaching Fish-Man Island, the submarine surfaces, followed by the Sea Rabbit. With the surface advantage, Luffy quickly dispatches the beast with a Gomu Gomu no Rifle, causing it to spit up two creatures onto the Thousand Sunny. When they land, they are revealed to be a starfish named Pappag and a mermaid who states that she has been swallowed by sea monsters twenty times already. Camie, the mermaid, offers them some takoyaki, but suddenly realizes that since she is not in a store, she cannot sell it to them.

Chapter 491
Sanji is overcome with joy at meeting his "first" mermaid, though Usopp is quick to remind him of Kokoro. Sanji's enthusiasm is immediately deflated, as he admits that even the horrors they experienced on Thriller Bark did not put as much fear in his heart. While Nami reminds them of how rude they're being, Luffy is surprised to learn that she was a mermaid considering she could walk on land. Luffy expresses disgust at the thought, earning him a punch from Nami. Brook reveals that this is his first time seeing a mermaid as well, and proceeds to ask Camie for money. The question infuriates Sanji to the point he kicks Brook, as Camie is aghast that a skeleton is talking to her. She is quickly amused by Brook being able to open to his skull however, confusing him briefly. Luffy follows this up by asking her if she poops, though Sanji immediately cuts her off when she begins to answer. Amidst the antics, a talking starfish reminds Camie that she forgot something. Camie introduces the starfish as Pappag, though she strangely refers to him as both her pet and her master. Pappag breaks into a song, which ends with him advertising Camie's t-shirt as a popular one of his own design. Luffy interrupts to ask Pappag why he can talk, who explains that he's always thought that he was human. Apparently by the time he realized he was a starfish, he had already become fluent in human language. Luffy questions if it really works that way, and the starfish quickly redirects the subject to thanking the Straw Hats for their help. This reminds Nami that the crew could actually use their help as well, but Luffy is more interested in takoyaki. Camie happily obliges to giving them some, though notes that this requires they meet up with Hatchan. She reaches out to him via Den Den Mushi, though she is answered by Macro of the Macro Pirates. She questions how this could be, to which he boasts that they defeated him. When Camie calls his bluff, Macro admits that they couldn't defeat Hatchan under normal circumstances - however this time they got the help of the Flying Fish Riders. Hatchan manages to get a hold of the Den Den Mushi somehow, and implores Camie not to come looking for him. Macro dares her to, after claiming that they are going to sell Hatchan for quite the price.  He reveals that they are at the Saboady Archipelago, at the Flying Fish Riders base in the waters 5 kilometers east of Grove 44. Hatchan again warms Camie not to come, before being forcefully hushed by the Macro Pirates.

Luffy cheerfully asks about the takoyaki again, getting him hit by Franky for his horrible timing. Nami muses to herself that Hatchan's voice sounded familiar, but ultimately dismisses her thoughts. She instead proposes to Camie that they can help her find her friend, in exchange for being shown how to get to Fish-Man Island. Luffy agrees to help Hatchan out, but wonders just who he is. When Camie explains that they make the best takoyaki in the world at their shop, Luffy adamantly riles up the crew for the rescue mission. Nami asks Camie and Pappag for directions, who reveal that they should reach Grove 44 as long as they continue due west. Camie reveals an ability to summon a large quantity of fish to the Thousand Sunny, and to also communicate with them, as she asks for directions to the Flying Fish Riders hideout. The fish reveal that they know their location and can lead them, but won't get too close to the gang due to their own fears. Nami is highly fascinated by this ability, though is curious how the fish are able to hear her while underwater. Before Camie can respond, Luffy notes that they could eat a lot of fish when she's around - which causes Sanji to pull on his face for not minding the audience of his comment. The fish form an arrow pointing in the right direction in the sea, much to the astonishment of the crew. Usopp takes to the helm of the ship, following Robin's guidance to turn the ship around to the 4 o'clock direction. Zoro emerges on the deck, wondering if the crew has found the way to Fish-Man Island. Luffy diverts his attention to the mermaid aboard their ship. Zoro notes that there is a first time for everything, much to Chopper's befuddlement that the memory of Kokoro disappeared right in front of him. As Camie becomes worried about what may be happening to Hatchan, Pappag assures her that he will persevere. He more notably asks the Straw Hats if they are confident in their abilities, as the area is home to quite a few gangs. Trading people is a big business around the area, and mermaids in particular are worth quite a bit on the market - which is why the Macro Pirates have had their eyes on Camie for quite some time. Knowing this, he ventures to guess that Hatchan most likely got captured seeking them out after he and Camie did not return for a while. Zoro recalls them mentioning that he is an octopus and is called "Hachi", wondering if this might the same person they dealt with in Arlong Park. Sanji is doubtful,  but Pappag nonetheless mentions that the involvement of the Flying Fish Riders complicates things. Franky inquires who they are, and Pappag reveals that they are a notorious kidnapping gang that recently made a name for itself. They are led by a man named Duval who wears an iron mask, so no one has seen his face. Duval is currently said to be looking for someone specific. Luffy attempts to give Camie some assurance, and asks Brook to play a song to lighten the mood.

Camie is soon informed however of an approaching threat from the fish. The Flying Fish Riders fly by the Sunny, shooting it in the process. They circle back around the ship as they fly away, with two of them noting to each other that they have discovered the Straw Hat Pirates, which Duval will love. At the Flying Fish Riders base, Duval notes to the Macro Pirates that the pirate ship Camie is aboard is the specific one that he has been searching for. Duval vows to kill the man that has ruined his life.