The chapter title "244 'SOS'" is displayed at the top. Below it, a cover story panel titled "WAPOL'S EATING BANZAI Vol. 8 'I, THE GREAT KING, RUN AWAY WITH TEARS IN MY EYES.'" shows Wapol and an unidentified man running frantically along a beach, fleeing from a large, hippo-like dog wearing a patterned cloth. The sun is large on the horizon over the ocean, setting or rising.
WapolHakowanunidentified man
01
A sprawling, detailed view of Lovely Street on Angel Island is shown, bustling with Skypieans going about their day. The buildings and pathways are constructed on fluffy white clouds, with a multi-level layout featuring winding paths, domed roofs, and palm trees. Text boxes introduce the location: "LOVELY STREET, ANGEL ISLAND--", "ANGEL ISLAND", "LOVELY STREET", "SKYPIEA, GOD'S LAND--". In the foreground, Luffy, Sanji, and Usopp walk down the street, accompanied by Conis and her cloud fox, Su. Luffy looks around in amazement, exclaiming, "LOOK, THE SHOP IS FLOATING IN MID-AIR!" and "UWA~~!! IT'S SO NICE HERE!!!". Narration boxes explain, "LOVELY STREET IS THE ONLY MAIN STREET ON ANGEL ISLAND." and "IT WAS DESIGNED TO FULLY UTILIZE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF ISLAND CLOUD."
LuffySanjiUsoppConisSu
02
As the group walks through the town, the local Skypieans whisper among themselves and actively avoid them. Luffy laughs, "AHAHA, IT'S NICE HAVING THE CENTER OF TOWN TO OURSELVES!" Sanji, smoking a cigarette, notes, "...YEAH, THEY PROBABLY KNOW WE'RE CRIMINALS." Usopp looks nervous, asking, "...ARE THEY... TRYING TO AVOID US?" and "YUP, THE ANGELS ARE ALL DEFINITELY AVOIDING US." Sanji turns to Luffy, yelling, "NAMI-SAN AND THE OTHERS WERE TAKEN AS SACRIFICES!!", "LUFFY!! THIS IS NO TIME TO BE FOOLING AROUND!!", and "ARE YOU GOING TO SAVE THEM OR NOT!!". Luffy, distracted by a fruit stand, wonders, "I WONDER IF I CAN TRADE FOR IT WITH SOME TREASURE?". Usopp looks at the strange items for sale, saying, "SO~~NICE~~! IF I ONLY HAD SOME MONEY~~~!" but adds, "--BUT THESE SHOPS ARE SELLING A LOT OF WEIRD THINGS!" Conis walks quietly ahead of them.
LuffySanjiUsoppConisSu
03
Luffy suddenly points ahead, "...EH...", "AH? THERE'S SOMETHING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET!". Usopp, carrying a large sack, says, "ANYWAY, I HOPE THE SHIP IS OKAY.", "IT'S BEEN THROUGH A LOT OF ROUGH TIMES RECENTLY." Sanji replies, "WE CAN'T RELY ON A GUY LIKE THAT!!". Luffy reassures them, "SAVE THEM? DON'T WORRY! ZORO WAS TAKEN WITH THEM!". They stop in front of a large, strange statue with a long face and clasped hands. Sanji scoffs, "STUPID! THIS IS ART!! I CAN TELL!". Usopp observes, "IT LOOKS LIKE A WEIRD MUD DOLL, BUT IT'S PROBABLY A RELIGIOUS FIGURE." Luffy stares at it, asking, "IS IT A FUR SEAL?", "HIS FACE IS WEIRD. WHAT'S THIS?". Conis explains, "THAT'S 'VEARTH.'", "IT'S THE IDOL REPRESENTING THE ETERNAL YEARNINGS OF THE CITIZENS WHO LIVE IN THE SKY."
LuffySanjiUsoppConisSu
04
Conis smiles gently, adding, "--HMM, IT'S PROBABLY TOO HARD FOR CITIZENS OF BLUE SEA TO UNDERSTAND." Luffy picks his nose and asks bluntly, "EH!? YOU GUYS YEARN FOR THAT LONG?", "IS THERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOU!?". Conis then points down a path, "AH... THE PORT IS THAT WAY...". Usopp is surprised, "EEH!? WE'RE LEAVING THE CITY ALREADY!?", "WHAT DO YOU MEAN!? THIS WAS NEVER OUR DESTINATION!!". As they walk away, Sanji glances back suspiciously. In the background, a man with a scarred face and a white beret is seen watching them from an alleyway.
LuffySanjiUsoppConisSuunidentified White Beret man
05
The group arrives at the "ANGEL ISLAND PORT--", specifically the "gondola port". Luffy excitedly runs ahead, yelling, "BOATS! BOATS!!", "OOH~~~!!". He spots a large, ornate gondola with a dragon figurehead and a canopy. "LET'S TAKE THIS ONE!!", "IT'S SO COOL!!", "WOW!! LOOK AT THIS GONDOLA!!". Sanji angrily kicks at Luffy, "DUMBASS! WE'RE RESCUING NAMI-SAN AND ROBIN-CHAN, SO BE MORE SERIOUS!". Luffy ignores him, grinning, "THIS IS GONNA BE A FUN GONDOLA TRIP!". Conis points to a different, smaller boat, "AH... YOUR SHIP IS THIS WAY." Luffy notices the back of the smaller boat and points, "IT CAN MOVE ON ITS OWN LIKE ONE OF THOSE WAVERS!!", "LOOK AT THE BACK OF THE BOAT!!"
LuffySanjiUsoppConisSu
06
Conis presents a small boat shaped like a black crow. "IT'S CALLED 'KARASU-MARU.'". Usopp is unimpressed, "HUH!! NO WAY!!!", "A CROW...", "IT'S NOT EVEN A SEABIRD...". Conis explains, "I USED IT UNTIL I BECAME ABLE TO CONTROL A WAVER.", "IT'S A LITTLE SLOW, BUT IT HAS TWO BREATH DIALS ONBOARD.", "PLEASE USE IT AS YOU WISH!". Usopp points back to the fancy gondola, "THAT ONE IS BETTER!!", "NO...". Sanji furiously kicks Usopp in the head, yelling, "YOU PIECE OF TRASH!!", "YOU UNGRATEFUL JERK, APOLOGIZE TO HER!!! SINCERELY APOLOGIZE TO CONIS-CHAN!!!!". Conis looks down, apologizing, "THOSE ARE FOR RENT... I DON'T HAVE MONEY TO...", "YOU DISLIKE IT...? I'M SORRY... BUT...", "...YOU...". Usopp, rubbing his head, quickly says, "OH!! I'M... SORRY!!!!"
LuffySanjiUsoppConisSu
07
Conis points towards the distance, instructing them, "THE EXIT IS THE NO.2 GATE.", "YOU CAN GET TO UPPER YARD BY CONNECTING WITH THE MAIN MILKY ROAD.", "THAT'S THE ONLY WAY...". Usopp looks at her, "...HEY, CONIS...". Conis replies nervously, "YE...YES...". Luffy stares at her intently, his expression serious. "HOW COME YOU'VE BEEN SHAKING...", "EVER SINCE WE LEFT YOUR HOUSE?". Conis is shown trembling, sweating profusely, her eyes wide with fear as she remains silent. "......"
LuffyUsoppConis
08
Sanji also looks serious, asking, "DOES... IT LOOK THAT WAY...?", "YEAH. LIKE YOU'RE AFRAID OF SOMETHING...". Conis stammers, "I...". Usopp questions her actions, "YET, YOU LED US HERE... AND LENT US YOUR BOAT...", "THE OTHERS ON THE STREET WERE CLEARLY AVOIDING US.", "BUT... WILL YOU BE ALRIGHT?", "...WOULDN'T THAT MAKE YOU A CRIMINAL LIKE US?". Sanji suddenly shifts to his usual swooning demeanor, "I'M SO TOUCHED~~ YAH~~!!", "CONIS-CHAN~~~~!! YOU MUST BE WORRIED ABOUT US~~". Conis suddenly yells out, "NO!!". Luffy looks at her calmly, "YOU KNOW, YOUR FACE LOOKS KINDA PALE...", "YOU SHOULD'VE TOLD US IF YOU WERE THAT SCARED. WE COULD'VE COME HERE BY OURSELVES."
LuffySanjiUsoppConisSu
09
Conis looks down, her face shadowed. "I...", "IT'S NOT LIKE THAT...". Luffy looks confused. Conis continues to sweat, looking distressed. Sanji's expression hardens, and he warns, "DON'T SAY ANYTHING UNNECESSARY...!!". Usopp looks shocked, realizing something. "IS SHE...". Usopp pieces it together, "CAREFULLY EXPLAINING THE ROUTE TO THE TRIALS...", "AND THEN TAKING YOU HERE...", "IT'S LIKE I'M LEADING YOU TO COME HERE...", "IT'S STRANGE, RIGHT?". In the background, the scarred man with the white beret is seen watching them from behind a Skymart sign.
LuffySanjiUsoppConisunidentified White Beret man
10
Luffy stares silently. Conis looks completely overwhelmed with guilt and fear. Usopp yells at her, "HEY!! STOP! DON'T SAY SUCH FOOLISH THINGS!!". Usopp looks horrified. Sanji looks grim, asking, "ARE THEY ALL IN ON IT...?". The scene cuts briefly to Conis's father, Pagaya, sitting alone in his house, holding his head and crying, "OOH...", "SUU SUU!".
LuffySanjiUsoppConisPagaya
11
Conis falls to her knees on the cloud ground, crying openly. "COULD YOU PLEASE JUST... RUN AWAY?". Usopp yells in disbelief, "WHAT ARE YOU SAYING!!". Conis screams through her tears, "STOP!!!", "I'M SORRY!!!". A close-up shows her face streaming with tears as she confesses, "WAS ME...!!!!", "THE ONE WHO CALLED FOR THE SUPER-EXPRESS SPEED SHRIMP..."
LuffySanjiUsoppConisSu
12
Usopp is terrified, "WE WILL BE KILLED!!", "AFTER DISCOVERING A CRIMINAL, IF WE DON'T TAKE THEM TO THE JUDGEMENT GROUND,". Sanji is furious, "!!! FOOLISH GIRL...!!!", "THE SHRIMP THAT KIDNAPPED NAMI-SAN AND THE OTHERS!?", "CONIS-CHAN CALLED FOR IT!?", "DO YOU WANT TO DIE...!? THAT'S YOUR DUTY!". Usopp yells, "THAT'S CRAZY...!!!", "I'M SORRY!!!!". Conis, still crying, explains, "--THIS IS OUR 'CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY'...!!!". Sanji yells, "THAT'S BLASPHEMY AGAINST GOD!!!", "STOP IT!! DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'RE SAYING!!?", "STOP THAT GIRL!!!". A wide shot shows the port as a voice says, "...EVERYTHING IS...!!", "IT'S REALLY STRANGE... RIGHT!?"
LuffySanjiUsoppConisSu
13
Conis continues to cry, "SO WHY...". Luffy looks down at her, "YOU DID IT BECAUSE YOU HAD NO OTHER CHOICE, RIGHT...!!?", "YOU'RE REALLY STUPID...". Suddenly, Luffy, Usopp, and Sanji all look up in shock, their faces pale. "WHY DID YOU TELL US!!?", "NOW YOU'RE GONNA BE TARGETED!!!". Conis sits on the ground, looking up in despair. "THE 'JUDGEMENT' IS COMING!!", "GET AWAY FROM HER!!!", "TOO LATE!!!", "NO, IT'S..."
LuffySanjiUsoppConisSu
14
Luffy looks up in horror, yelling, "NO! IT'S TOO BIG...". Usopp grabs his head and runs, screaming, "GYAH!!!", "AH". A massive, blinding pillar of lightning strikes down from the sky, obliterating the area where Conis was sitting. The sheer force of the strike creates a huge explosion, sending debris and clouds flying.
LuffyUsopp
15
The smoke from the lightning strike begins to clear. Sanji stands nearby, gritting his teeth, "KU...". The Skypieans in the background look on in shock. A massive, perfectly circular hole has been blasted through the island clouds, revealing the dark sky below. Voices cry out, "CONIS-CHAN~~~~N!!!", "LUFFY!!?", "WHAT HAPPENED!!?", "!!! WHAT'S THIS?". Suddenly, Luffy's voice calls out, "THESE TWO ARE SAFE!!". Sanji looks up, saying, "THE ALMIGHTY GOD ENEL IS ALWAYS WATCHING...", "IT'S USELESS...". Usopp yells frantically, "LUFFY!!?", "CONIS!!!!", "HEY!! WHERE DID YOU GO!!?"
LuffySanjiUsopp
16
Emerging from the smoke, Gan Fall, riding his giant bird Pierre (who is in a pegasus-like form), flies into view. He is carrying both Luffy and Conis. Gan Fall says, "NO... I WOULD BE THE KNIGHT OF THE SKY!!", "THIS IS A SERVICE.", "WE'RE SAVED...". Sanji looks relieved, "CONIS-CHAN...", "THANK GOODNESS...". Usopp is surprised, "STRANGE?", "AAH!! IT'S THAT STRANGE MISTER!!". Gan Fall speaks to Luffy, "NOW YOU KNOW THE TRUE FEELINGS BEHIND THIS COUNTRY... AS WELL AS THE POWER OF ITS 'GOD.'", "WILL YOU CONTINUE TO MOVE FORWARD?". Luffy, dangling from Gan Fall's grip, replies, "WAH!". Gan Fall then drops Conis safely onto the clouds. "I WILL TEMPORARILY TAKE CARE OF THIS GIRL. I WILL NOT LET HER BE ATTACKED.", "AH", "POI", "IT'S GAN FALL-SAN..."
LuffySanjiUsoppConisGan FallPierre
17
Gan Fall looks down at them, "THEN GOOD LUCK TO YOU.", "I SEE...". Luffy, looking determined, says, "BUT WE HAVE NAKAMA ON GOD'S ISLAND!!!", "THIS COUNTRY'S BUSINESS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH US!", "GET ON!!", "YOU GUYS SET SAIL AFTER I PUSH YOU OFF!!", "YOU'RE COMING, TOO!". Usopp is dragged along, yelling, "GYAH!", "GU!". Luffy, Sanji, and Usopp board the Karasu-maru. Luffy sits at the front, grinning widely, "TO UPPER YARD!!!", "ALRIGHT, LET'S GO!!!"
LuffySanjiUsoppGan Fall
18
Gan Fall and Pierre fly away into the sky. Gan Fall says, "THEY WILL CONTINUE ON THE PATH THEY HAVE CHOSEN... IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT.", "WHAT ABOUT THEM...?". Conis watches them go, looking sad. "NO... EVERYONE KNOWS...", "I WOULD BE THE KNIGHT OF THE SKY.", "--I... KNOW WHO YOU ARE.". A close-up of Gan Fall's face shows him looking serious. Conis calls out, "GOD!", "PLEASE COME BACK...!"
ConisGan FallPierre
19
A rough draft preview for chapter 247 is shown. The title is "247 'TRIAL OF BALLS'". It features rough sketches of Luffy, Usopp, and Sanji in action, with various Japanese text notes and dialogue scribbled around them.
LuffyUsoppSanji
20
No description for this page.
End of chapter21 pages
Discussion
p7Exit to Upper Yard is through No.2 gate connected by milky road.
p7Conis shows visible trembling and fear after leaving her house.
p7Scene occurs at the port overlooking the milky road path.
p8The group stands together on a Skypiea street while locals avoid them.
p8Conis reacts emotionally to Usopp's words about her potential criminal status.
p9Pagaya admits his actions could be seen as leading the crew to the trials.
p9Tension rises as locals react to the conversation about criminal implications.
p10Luffy shows no visible reaction while others display worry and suspicion.
p10A separate scene shows a snoring character in an ornate interior room.
p11Conis kneels and begs the Straw Hats to flee the area.
p11Luffy takes responsibility for summoning the speed shrimp during the outburst.
p12Skypieans react with panic to Conis's actions regarding a discovered criminal.
p12Judgement ground is referenced as the required destination for criminals.
p13Luffy defends Conis's actions as having no alternative.
p13Skypieans fear becoming targets after learning the truth from Conis.
p14Luffy performs a powerful attack sending a large creature flying.
p14Massive destruction occurs across Shandora ruins with dust and debris.
p15Shandora ruins are shown after massive impact event.
p15Gan Fall is visible among survivors in the background.
p15Survivors react to the scale of destruction and search for Luffy.
p16Gan Fall rides a winged horse above the clouds.
p16Usopp and Sanji observe Gan Fall from below.
p16Gan Fall carries a girl on his horse while departing.
p17Luffy refuses involvement in the country's conflict.
p17The crew prepares to sail toward Upper Yard on their ship.
p17Gan Fall parts ways with the Straw Hats.
p18Gan Fall flies away on his winged horse.
p18Gan Fall cries while calling out for God to return.
p19Page 19 is a rough draft preview for chapter 247 Trial of Balls.
p19Sketches depict Luffy and others in chaotic falling sequences.
What is said, page by page
p0Caption describes Wapol as the great king fleeing desperately with tears in eyes.
p1Townspeople note a shop floating in mid-air.
p1Character exclaims LIWA in excitement about the town.
p1Text states Lovely Street is the only main street on Angel Island.
p1Explanation notes design utilizes island cloud characteristics.
p2Luffy comments positively on having the town center to themselves.
p2Zoro notes the townspeople probably know they are criminals.
p2Sanji wonders if angels are trying to avoid them.
p2Crew confirms angels are definitely avoiding them.
p2Sanji mentions Nami and others were taken as sacrifices.
p2Usopp yells at Luffy to stop fooling around.
p2Luffy wonders if he can trade for treasure.
p2Nami calls out about shops selling weird things.
p3Luffy reacts with surprise at something in the street.
p3Zoro hopes the ship is okay after rough times.
p3Sanji notes the ship has been through a lot.
p3Usopp yells they cannot rely on a guy like that.
p3Luffy says not to worry because Zoro was taken too.
p3Nami insists the idol is art and she can tell.
p3Text identifies the idol as representing eternal yearnings of sky citizens.
p3Text labels the idol as Vearth.
p4Conis explains that Blue Sea citizens probably cannot understand certain Skypiea matters, delivered with a gentle smile.
p4Luffy reacts with shock asking if the group yearns for something long, in an incredulous tone.
p4Luffy demands if there is something wrong with them, fist clenched in agitation.
p4Luffy yells in surprise that they are already leaving the city.
p4Off-panel voice questions the meaning and states this was never the destination.
p5Townspeople shout boats boats in excitement at the port.
p5Nami declares they should take the ornate gondola.
p5Usopp exclaims the gondola is cool.
p5Luffy yells in amazement at the gondola design.
p5Luffy points out the back of the boat and notes it moves like wavers.
p5Nami scolds Luffy to be serious because they are rescuing others.
p6Conis reacts with shock at the crow boat name.
p6Nami notes it is a crow and not a seabird.
p6Conis suggests a different boat is better.
p6Luffy refuses the alternative boat.
p6Conis explains the boat has two breath dials and offers it for use.
p6Conis mentions she used the boat until she could control a waver.
p6Sanji yells at Luffy to apologize to Conis.
p6Conis apologizes for the boat being for rent.
p7Luffy asks Conis why she has been shaking since leaving her house.
p7Conis answers softly with hesitation.
p7Conis explains the only route to Upper Yard via the main milky road and No.2 gate.
p8Bystanders note the group looks afraid of something with worried tone.
p8Usopp questions if helping the crew makes Conis a criminal like them.
p8Conis expresses being touched and worried about the crew with emotional blush.
p8Luffy comments that the crew could have come alone if told the truth.
p9Luffy denies the implication with surprised sweat drops.
p9Man warns against saying unnecessary things with aggressive tone.
p9Pagaya explains that guiding the crew resembles leading them into danger.
p9Bystander remarks that the situation seems strange.
p10Man yells to stop saying foolish things with angry tone.
p10Sanji questions if everyone is involved in the situation.
p10Luffy stares ahead silently with blank face.
p11Conis pleads for the crew to run away with desperate tone.
p11Luffy shouts stop and apologizes with intense expression.
p11Someone yells what are you saying in reaction to the plea.
p11Luffy declares he was the one who called the super-express speed shrimp.
p12Distressed Skypiean shouts warning of death if criminals are not taken to judgement ground, conveying extreme fear.
p12Angry Skypiean accuses Conis of calling for punishment and questions her duty, showing outrage.
p12Headband-wearing man protests the plan as crazy with disbelief and panic.
p12Skypiean insists on civic responsibility to deliver criminals, emphasizing duty with tension.
p12Conis apologizes repeatedly while kneeling, expressing guilt and sorrow.
p13Luffy tells Conis she had no choice and calls her stupid, showing understanding mixed with bluntness.
p13Group of Skypieans shout why Conis told them the truth, expressing shock and anger.
p13Voice warns that Conis will now be targeted, conveying urgency and fear.
p13Skypieans yell that judgement is coming and order others to get away from Conis.
p13Voices react with surprise and confusion at the unfolding events.
p14Luffy shouts that the target is too big while straining.
p14Large creature screams in pain while being launched.
p15Voices call out for Conis and Luffy asking what happened.
p15Characters note that the two are safe amid the aftermath.
p15Skypieans state that Enel is always watching and resistance is useless.
p15Group shouts Luffy's name and questions his whereabouts.
p16Gan Fall declares he would be the knight of the sky and that this is a service, firm heroic tone.
p16Usopp and others react with awe calling the rider a strange mister and expressing they are saved, relieved mood.
p16Sanji mutters Conis-chan while watching, concerned tone.
p16Gan Fall explains the true feelings of the country and power of its god, serious explanatory mood.
p16Gan Fall states he will temporarily take care of the girl and not let her be attacked, protective intent.
p17Gan Fall says then good luck to you, calm farewell tone.
p17Luffy acknowledges but states they have nakama on God's island and the country's business has nothing to do with them, determined mood.
p17Voice yells you're coming too and orders the crew to set sail after being pushed off, urgent action.
p17Luffy shouts to Upper Yard and alright let's go from the ship, excited command.
p18Voice states they will continue on the path they have chosen and it is not your fault, reassuring tone.
p18Gan Fall reflects that everyone knows and reaffirms he would be the knight of the sky, resolute mood.
p18Gan Fall shouts God please come back with tears, desperate pleading intent.
p19Characters shout frantic reactions including falling warnings and surprise sounds in rough draft panels.
p19Multiple impact and movement SFX accompany chaotic falling action.