Title page. The chapter title is "Chapter 291 'We are here!'". The cover story is "ACE'S GREAT SEARCH FOR BLACKBEARD VOL. 17 'THE TOP SECRET MARINE INTELLIGENCE SHIP RETURNS'". The image shows a large Marine ship sailing on the ocean. The ship's sails bear the Marine logo, "G-2", and large kanji characters.
01
In a flashback panel at the top, Mont Blanc Noland is talking to Kalgara and his daughter Mousse. Noland says, "I've got a family of my own back in my country, and even a child around her age. I have to return." Kalgara laughs heartily, "Hahaha, don't be silly... I know! Why don't you take my daughter Mousse as your wife!? Live here, Noland!" In the middle panels, back in the present, Mousse looks shocked. Kalgara looks serious and stern. Mousse asks, "Just when are you and your men going to leave?" Kalgara replies coldly, "Kalgara said... he doesn't ever want to see you." In the bottom panel, Noland stands before the massive Golden Bell in the ancient city of Shandora. He shouts up towards the city, "Kalgara! You're here, aren't you!? Come out! Isn't this too one-sided!? Give me an explanation at least! I can't understand until you talk to me!"
Mont Blanc NolandKalgaraMousse
02
In the top panel, Noland continues shouting towards the ancient city, his arms spread wide. "We'll soon be setting sail! But I don't want to say goodbye like this!" In the middle panels, Kalgara is shown hiding behind a large tree, looking deeply pained and angry. He clutches the tree and thinks, "Agh-" and "Don't you dare show your face before me. Or do you want to part ways here by dying?" In the bottom panel, Noland's crew is packing up their camp in the forest, carrying bags and supplies. Noland looks back over his shoulder one last time. A crewmate nearby says, "Kalgara..."
Mont Blanc NolandKalgaraNoland's crew
03
In the top panel, several Shandia warriors watch from a distance, holding their spears. One asks, "Have they... still not left?" Another replies, "Noland and his men, will leave very soon... Just ignore them for now..." In the middle panel, the Golden Bell stands silent in the ancient city of Shandora. A small bird lands on the wooden structure with a "Step..." In the bottom panels, Kalgara looks sad and resolute. He says, "The bell, will ring no more... It's lost all meaning now..." Nearby, the giant snake Nola looks confused, flicking its tongue and making sounds. "Churarara? Churarara?"
Shandia warriorsKalgaraNola
04
In the top panel, Noland's crew is eating around a campfire. One crewmate notes, "The admiral... seems lonely..." In the middle panel, the crew sits around the fire, discussing the situation. "After meeting a kindred soul, all the way out here on the edges of the world... Well, who knows what happened really." "So we're setting sail first thing tomorrow morning, huh... We can't even approach the villagers since they look like they want to kill us... Oh and also," In the bottom panels, Noland lies on the ground, looking up at the moon. In the Shandia village, Mousse is sitting quietly. The giant snake Nola is near the silent Golden Bell. A voice notes, "The bell didn't ring today either."
Noland's crewMont Blanc NolandMousseNola
05
In the top panels, someone is shown walking, and then a hand knocks on a wooden door. "Tap tap" In the middle panels, a crewmate drinks from a bottle, looking depressed. "What a sad way to leave this island..." Another crewmate sits on a log nearby. In the bottom panels, Mousse approaches the ship's doctor, Honner, in the forest. She asks, "Doctor... Do you have a moment...?" The doctor is shocked to see her. "Mousse!? Umm... Aghh!" In the bottom-most panel, Kalgara sits alone in the dark forest, holding his spear.
Noland's crewMousseDoctor HonnerKalgara
06
In the top panel, Kalgara looks out over a massive field of tree stumps where a dense forest used to be. He says angrily, "And yet you dare... Call yourself a botanist...!?" In the middle panel, Kalgara's face is shown in close-up, looking furious and gritting his teeth. "Noland... If these are the sacrifices for progress you spoke of, then we should have never welcomed you!" In the bottom panels, a flashback shows Noland talking to Mousse. Mousse asks, "'Spirit resting tree?'" Noland replies, "Yes..."
KalgaraMont Blanc NolandMousse
07
In the top panel, Mousse explains the significance of the trees to Noland. "These white, holy trees house the spirits of our ancestors, who died on this island, when they are guided back by the sound of the bell." In the middle panel, Mousse and Noland sit in the forest. Mousse continues, "The spirits of all our ancestors even back during Shandora's heydey, rest in these trees to watch over us. For us Shandia, these spirit resting trees... are as important as our very lives." In the bottom panels, Mousse looks sad as she finishes her explanation. "And we've gone and cut'em all down... The warriors wanted to immediately take up arms in anger, but because the villagers owed their lives to you, we- I wanted to give you an explanation before you set sail... But at the very least," Noland looks down, realizing the gravity of his actions. "Right, I get it now... That's why you've been so cold towards us... Even if you cut them down for your research... And had no idea of their importance... I'm afraid my people's anger won't subside..."
MousseMont Blanc Noland
08
In the top panel, Noland's ship is preparing to leave. Crew members shout, "Raising the anchor now." "Agh! It's falling!" "Did you tie it properly!?" "Help me out here!" "Ugh, it's heavy." In the middle panels, Noland looks shocked and sweats profusely as he realizes the truth. "So that's how it was... Trees that house the spirits of their ancestors... We've done something that can never be undone. It's understandable why they're so angry. WE REVERE OUR ANCESTORS LIKE GODS." In the bottom panels, Noland addresses his crew with a serious expression. A crewmate protests, "But admiral! Surely, in this case, we-" Noland interrupts, "Say no excuses... We did what we must, but... Their golden bell is rung not only to sing the praises of their ancient city, but to guide the spirits of their ancestors back to this island... To rest in the very trees we've cut down. There's no way they could ever forgive us." Noland then shouts loudly, "ALL SAILORS, LISTEN!"
Noland's crewMont Blanc Noland
09
In the top panel, Noland's crew reacts in absolute shock, screaming with wide mouths and bulging eyes. "WHAAA AAAA!?" "LEAVE ALL THE GOLD!?" In the middle panel, Mousse runs desperately through the tall grass, panting heavily. In the bottom panel, the Shandia village is shown. A villager notes, "It seems Noland and his men are finally setting sail..." In the bottom-most panels, Mousse runs into the village, completely out of breath. Villagers ask, "Mousse?" "What're you running so desperately for?" Mousse asks frantically, "Where's my father!? Pant... Pant..."
Noland's crewMousseShandia villagers
10
In the top panel, Mousse finds Kalgara and the other warriors. Kalgara asks, "Mousse, where have you been?" Mousse is panting heavily. "If...!" In the middle panel, Mousse is crying and shouting at the top of her lungs. "IF WE KNEW BEFOREHAND THAT THIS DEADLY POISON COULD DESTROY THE ENTIRE ISLAND... WHAT WOULD WE HAVE DONE TO THIS POISONED, BUT CHERISHED TREE OF OURS!?" In the bottom panels, Kalgara is shocked and confused. "What're you talking about, Mousse? What's this all about?" Mousse grabs Kalgara's arm desperately. "FATHER! PLEASE GO AND CALL THEM BACK! IF YOU LET THEM GO LIKE THIS, YOU'LL REGRET IT FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!" Kalgara asks, "What!? Don't you realize what they've-"
MousseKalgaraShandia warriors
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In the top panel, Mousse continues pleading with her father. "DON'T LET THE ONE AND ONLY TRUE FRIEND YOU MANAGED TO FIND BY CHANCE... AND THE SAVIOUR OF SHANDIA LEAVE WITH A SAD AND HEAVY HEART...!" Kalgara is stunned into silence. In the middle panels, a flashback shows Doctor Honner explaining the situation to Mousse. Mousse asks, "What!?" The doctor says, "This may sound like just an excuse, but I'll say it anyway for the sake of our admiral's honour." In the bottom panel, the doctor explains the grim reality. "The sacred forest of yours, had already died. The truly fearsome aspect of tree fever is the fact that it can infect both plants and humans. From forest to human, and human to forest, the disease will spread and spread. There've been countless small islands like yours which have been wiped out entirely from it."
MousseKalgaraDoctor Honner
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In the top panel, Doctor Honner continues his explanation to Mousse. "Its because our admiral knows well, of tree fever's true terror, that he so desperately tried to get your people to listen to him. Risking the lives of him and his crew is nothing compared to the death toll that tree fever can wrack up. It's because he stepped in when he did that your island was saved without further deaths." In the middle panel, the doctor explains their actions. "We cut down trees all over this island's forest, including your sacred spirit trees, because they'd already long been infected by tree fever and it was too late to save them. If they weren't cut down immediately, they would go on to infect other plants, and eventually, your entire island." Mousse is shocked to hear this. "IS THAT TRUE...?" In the bottom panel, the doctor finishes. "But don't you worry. Yesterday, we finished our inspection of the whole forest. But we apologize for cutting your precious trees without even an explanation... I'm not sure if you'd forgive us even if we explained, but... Just remember that a botanist doesn't go around cutting down trees for no reason. IT'S NOT THAT OUR ADMIRAL HATES YOUR GODS OR THE CONCEPT OF GOD..."
Doctor HonnerMousse
13
In the top panel, the doctor's words continue in Mousse's memory. "IT'S SIMPLY THAT HE REALIZES, NO MATTER WHEN, WHAT'S MOST IMPORTANT FOR US HUMANS..." Kalgara and the Shandia warriors are shocked by the revelation. In the middle panel, Mousse is crying. "He's always been thinking of nothing but how to protect our lives... While we continued to complain at what's already been lost...! AND IF WE CONTINUE TO DO SO, THEN THIS TIME, WE'LL TRULY LOSE WHAT'S IMPORTANT...!" Kalgara suddenly runs off. "KALGARA!" In the bottom panels, Kalgara sprints towards the shore. "So then they... Cut down the spirit resting trees... For our sake...? And yet we..." Someone yells, "Kalgara! Even if you run after them now... They've already set sail!" Kalgara thinks frantically, "I'M SORRY, NOLAND! DON'T GO JUST YET!"
KalgaraMousseShandia warriors
14
In the top panel, Noland's ship is sailing away from the island. Crew members shout, "ARE YOU ALL READY!?" "RAISE THE ANCHOR!" "Everyone's on board, right!?" "Did we leave anything behind!?" "Check again, because we'll never be returning to this island!" "Anything left behind!?" In the middle panels, Noland looks sad. "Yes... We did leave 'something' behind... Aghh, stop grumbling! Give it up already!" Noland commands, "Then it's time to set sail! Set our course for Marie Joie and contact North Blue! It's time to return to Lvneel Kingdom!" In the bottom panel, Kalgara runs desperately through the forest. "PLEASE WAIT, NOLAND! WHAT HAVE I DONE...!?" Noland commands his crew, "RAISE THE SAILS!"
Noland's crewMont Blanc NolandKalgara
15
In the top panel, the ship sails further away. Suddenly, a loud ringing sound echoes across the water. "Kalaaaan Kalaaaan" In the middle panels, Noland and his crew hear the bell. "ADMIRAL! IT'S THE GOLDEN BELL!" Noland is shocked. "!! What? But why!?" The giant snake Nola hears it too and looks up. "RING THE BELL!" In the bottom panel, Kalgara and the Shandia warriors are pulling the massive log to ring the Golden Bell with all their might. "RING HARDER! HARD ENOUGH TO REACH NOLAND'S SHIP!" Kalgara is crying and shouting. "RAHHHHH! FORGIVE US, NOLAND!" Mousse is crying too.
Mont Blanc NolandNoland's crewNolaKalgaraMousseShandia warriors
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In the top panels, Kalgara shouts towards the sea. "NOLAAA-AAAND!" Noland hears him from the ship. "ADMIRAL! LOOK!" In the middle panel, Kalgara stands on the shore, tears streaming down his face. "COME ONCE MORE!" In the bottom panels, Kalgara shouts with all his heart. "I WILL BE HERE! RINGING THE BELL AS I WAIT FOR YOU! WE WILL ALWAYS BE HERE...!" Noland is shown crying as he listens to his friend's promise.
KalgaraMont Blanc NolandNoland's crew
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In the top panels, Noland is crying but smiling brightly. "MY TRUE FRIEND! LET US MEET AGAIN FOR SURE ONE DAY IN THE FUTURE!" The ship sails away. Kalgara shouts, "SO THAT YOUR SHIP WILL NOT LOSE ITS WAY WHEN YOU COME AGAIN! SO THAT YOUR SHIP CAN FIND THIS ISLAND EVEN IN THE ROUGHEST OF STORMS!" In the bottom panels, Kalgara shouts with all his might, tears flying. "I WILL RING THE BELL! AND WAIT FOR YOU! WE WILL MEET AGAIN, ONE DAY IN THE FUTURE!" Noland's crew is crying. "Admiral! Admiral! So you'll... let me come here again...?" Noland replies, "Yes, of course! I will definitely come back!"
Mont Blanc NolandKalgaraNoland's crew
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An SBS page featuring a flowchart quiz titled "A One Piece compatibility match quiz for the boys!" It includes small drawings of various female characters like Vivi, Nami, Tashigi, Conis, Robin, Alvida, and Dr. Kureha. There is also a word search puzzle at the bottom.
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No description for this page.
End of chapter20 pages
Discussion
p7The trees are considered as important as lives to the Shandia.
p7Noland's crew cut down the spirit resting trees without knowing their significance.
p7Shandia villagers are angry over the tree cutting.
p8Sailors are raising anchor on a beached ship near a tropical shore.
p8Wild-haired man and sweating companion discuss ancestor reverence inside a stone building.
p8Seated man in dark coat explains the cultural significance of the trees to the crew.
p9Shandia villagers react in horror to the departing ship and gold.
p9Dark-haired young woman runs through tall grass toward the village.
p9Headband man and cloaked figure confront the running woman in the plaza.
p10Dark-haired young woman arrives out of breath and collapses in the village.
p10Wild-haired man confronts her about her absence and the situation.
p10Cloaked figure introduces the poisoned tree analogy to the group.
p11Wild-haired man urges not to let the saviour leave Shandia.
p11Headband man reveals tree fever has already spread and killed the sacred forest.
p11Dark-haired young woman shows repeated shock at the revelations.
p12Noland stepped in and saved the island from additional tree fever deaths.
p12Tree fever infection spreads to other plants if infected trees are not removed immediately.
p12The group cut down sacred spirit trees across the entire island after inspection.
p13Shandia warriors realize Noland was trying to protect their lives by cutting the trees.
p13The Lvneel ship has already departed the island.
p13Kalgara is urged not to pursue the departing ship.
p14The Lvneel Kingdom ship is preparing to depart permanently.
p14Mont Blanc Noland orders return to Lvneel Kingdom via Marie Joie.
p14The crew acknowledges leaving something behind on the island.
p15The golden bell begins ringing loudly as the ship sails away.
p15Kalgara leaps from the island in an attempt to reach Noland's ship.
p15Shandia warriors ring the bell in a final attempt to contact the departing crew.
p16Kalgara rings the large shore bell while partially submerged in water.
p16Noland watches from the deck of the departing Lvneel ship.
p16The bell ringing is accompanied by large onomatopoeia across multiple panels.
p17Noland promises the bell will serve as a beacon for future visits.
p17Kalgara commits to ringing the bell continuously as a signal.
p17The Lvneel ship departs while the bell rings from shore.
What is said, page by page
p1Noland states he has family and child back home and must return
p1Wild-haired man laughs and suggests Mousse as Noland's wife while declaring he lives here
p1Wide-eyed man demands to know when Noland and crew will leave
p1Voice calls out to Kalgara near the pyramid ruins
p2Noland declares he does not want to part ways and they will soon set sail
p2Noland threatens not to show face or they part by dying
p2Bandaged man mutters Kalgara's name with intense gaze
p3Villagers note Noland and men will leave soon and suggest ignoring them
p3Caption states the bell will ring no more and has lost all meaning
p3Snake-like creature emits CHURARARA sound with surprise
p4Unknown voice notes loneliness while bowl is stirred.
p4Unknown voice mentions the admiral near cross symbol.
p4Headband man states crew will sail first thing tomorrow morning, reflective mood.
p4Crew member replies after meeting a kindred soul, calm context.
p4Headband man notes they cannot approach villagers who want to kill them.
p4Crew member remarks they are all the way out on the edges of the world.
p4Headband man adds another point before being cut off.
p4Seated figure concludes well who knows what happened really.
p4Unknown voice states the bell did not ring today either.
p4SFX CHURARA near bell silhouette.
p5Headband man remarks what a sad way to leave this island while drinking.
p5Hooded woman asks doctor if he has a moment.
p5Unknown voice calls out MOUSSE.
p5Man in woods reacts Umm... AGHH with motion.
p5Bearded man sits silently under moonlight.
p6Angry man yells call yourself a botanist with large impact effect.
p6Angry man shouts then we should have never welcomed you.
p6Angry man states if these are the sacrifices for progress you spoke of.
p6Unknown voice calls Noland.
p6Noland answers yes quietly.
p6Noland questions spirit resting tree.
p7Mousse explains who died on this island are guided back by the sound of the bell.
p7Mousse states these white holy trees house the spirits of our ancestors.
p7Mousse says for us Shandia these spirit resting trees are as important as our very lives.
p7Mousse describes spirits resting in trees to watch over us even from Shandora's heyday.
p7Noland admits even if you cut them down for research and had no idea of their importance I am afraid my people's anger won't subside.
p7Mousse says I wanted to give you an explanation before you set sail but at the very least.
p7Noland realizes right I get it now that's why you've been so cold towards us.
p7Mousse notes the warriors wanted to immediately take up arms in anger and we've gone and cut them all down.
p8Sailor questions if rope was tied properly, urgent and alarmed tone.
p8Sailor screams that something is falling, panicked mood.
p8Voice announces raising the anchor now, procedural intent.
p8Sailors grunt about weight and request help, strained effort.
p8Wild-haired man declares reverence for ancestors like gods, fierce conviction.
p8Sweating companion states it is understandable why they are angry, empathetic tone.
p8Seated man in dark coat explains trees house ancestor spirits and irreversible action, explanatory mood.
p8Seated man notes how it happened, resigned context.
p8Man in dark coat tells all sailors to listen, commanding presence.
p8Man in dark coat admits no forgiveness possible and explains golden bell purpose, heavy tone.
p8Man in dark coat says they must do what they did but offers no excuses, conflicted mood.
p9Shandia villagers scream to leave all the gold, mass panic and horror.
p9Dark-haired young woman pants heavily while running through grass, exhausted state.
p9Voice notes Noland and men are finally setting sail, observational tone.
p9Villager cries where is my father, desperate search.
p9Headband man questions why she is running so desperately, confused demand.
p9Cloaked figure calls out Mousse, recognition and concern.
p10Cloaked figure poses hypothetical about poisoned cherished tree affecting forest and humans, serious tone.
p10Wild-haired man demands where Mousse has been, intense questioning.
p10Villagers ask what this is all about regarding Mousse, confused reactions.
p10Dark-haired young woman shouts what they would have done to the poisoned tree if known beforehand, desperate and tearful.
p10Wild-haired man warns letting them go will cause lifelong regret, threatening intensity.
p10Dark-haired young woman pleads father to call them back, urgent emotional appeal.
p11Wild-haired man states the saviour of Shandia leaves with sad heavy heart and warns not to let the true friend go, emotional intensity.
p11Cloaked figure says he will speak for the admiral's honour anyway, formal tone.
p11Wild-haired man claims this may sound like just an excuse, defensive mood.
p11Dark-haired young woman reacts with shock and repeated what, stunned state.
p11Headband man explains the fearsome infectious aspect of tree fever from forest to human and human to forest, informative tone.
p11Headband man states the sacred forest had already died, grim fact.
p12Dark-haired woman explains that Noland's intervention prevented further deaths from tree fever, serious and firm tone.
p12Headband man states the admiral understands the true terror of tree fever, calm explanatory mood.
p12Forest woman questions if the tree-cutting claim is true, surprised and uncertain.
p12Tall forest man explains trees were cut because they were already infected and too late to save, matter-of-fact.
p13Fierce warrior declares that what matters most is realizing Noland's intent no matter when, urgent and passionate.
p13Warrior shouts that Kalgara has always thought only of protecting their lives, desperate tone.
p13Dark-haired woman cries out an apology to Noland that the crew has already set sail, tearful and regretful.
p13Warrior warns Kalgara not to go just yet even if he runs after the ship, urgent plea.
p14Crew calls out checks for anything left behind and readiness to raise anchor, hurried and practical.
p14Bald man orders course set for Marie Joie and return to Lvneel Kingdom, cheerful and commanding.
p14Crew member admits they left something behind while others grumble, reluctant tone.
p14Feathered figure shouts a plea for Noland to wait while leaping, desperate.
p15Crewman shouts in alarm that the golden bell is ringing, surprised and confused.
p15Feathered warrior yells while leaping desperately toward the ship, frantic.
p15Warriors on shore beg forgiveness from Noland and urge harder ringing to reach the ship, anguished.
p15Dark-haired woman stares in shock at the ringing bell and departing ship.
p16Kalgara shouts 'NOLAAA-AAAND!' with desperate tears and outstretched posture toward the ship.
p16Ship crew member yells 'ADMIRAL! LOOK!' in alarm while pointing at Kalgara leaping into water.
p16Kalgara cries 'COME ONCE MORE!' while swinging from the bell rope with intense expression.
p16Kalgara declares he is ringing the bell as he waits for Noland and will remain on the island.
p16Narration states the group will always be present on the island as the ship departs.
p17Noland calls Kalgara his true friend and promises they will meet again in the future.
p17Noland explains the bell will guide the ship back even through storms.
p17Crew members affirm they will return to the island.
p17Kalgara shouts that he will keep ringing the bell and wait for their return one day.