Chapter 428 opens with the title page, "LET'S GO BACK." The short-term concentrated cover series continues with No. 9, "TO THE FAIRY VEARTH." A small sky-island vessel travels through space toward a huge moon, turning Enel's cover-story journey into a strange, quiet image far away from Enies Lobby. It is useful cover-story material, but not part of the current escape.
Enel
01
The report spreads through the fleet like a shockwave: "EVEN MR. ROB LUCCI, THE LEADER OF THE STRONGEST CP9 GROUP," "IN THE HISTORY OF CIPHER POL," "HAS BEEN DEFEATED BY THE PIRATES...!!" Marines can only stammer, "IMPOSSIBLE...!!" and "W-WILL... LU-" before the truth reaches everyone. From the bridge, the Straw Hats and their allies erupt. They shout, "LUFFY WON!!!" while the warships loom on every side. The impossible victory has happened, but it has happened inside the Buster Call's cage.
Monkey D. LuffyRob LucciNico RobinNamiRoronoa ZoroSanjiSogekingFrankyTony Tony Chopper
02
Lucci lies collapsed in the rubble with Hattori beside him, while Luffy can barely stand, panting "HAA... HAA... HAA..." Zoro looks relieved and says, "GOT ME SCARED FOR A MOMENT. YOU FINALLY DID IT, STRAWHAT!!" The others call out, "LUFFY...!!" and "YAY!!!" before the urgency returns. "GUYS, GET ON THE ESCAPE SHIP NOW!!!" someone shouts. "WE'LL SET OUT!!!" Even the distant ships hear the celebration: "GOOD JOB, STRAWHAT-SAAAN!!" The victory is real, and now everyone has to move before the fleet turns it into a funeral.
Monkey D. LuffyRob LucciHattoriRoronoa ZoroNamiSanjiNico RobinFrankyTony Tony ChopperSogeking
03
A new voice suddenly cuts through the battlefield and tells them they are alive. Marines panic: "I-IDIOT, THEY'LL HEAR US!!" but another voice says, "IT'S OKAY, WE'RE LETTING THEM KNOW!!!" The Straw Hats hear shouting from somewhere through a Den Den Mushi. "BRO!!! BROOO!!" Franky recognizes it: "IT'S THEM." Across the water, the people thought dead at the main gate are alive, and Marines stare in disbelief. "AREN'T THOSE THE PIRATES THAT WE FINISHED OFF AT THE MAIN GATE!?" one asks. "IMPOSSIBLE...!!" Another insists they all fell to the bottom of the ravine and there is no way they could have survived.
FrankyMonkey D. LuffyZambaiOimoKashi
04
The survivors at the main gate are hanging together in a huge rope net, battered but alive. Marines grumble, "...SHIT, THEY SHOULD'VE JUST KEPT THEIR MOUTHS SHUT," but the giants explain the miracle: "IDIOT, GALLEY-LA'S ROPE WON'T SNAP!!" The group shouts over one another as the net strains: "DON'T PUSH!" "I'M GONNA FALL!" "THE ROPE'S GONNA SNAP?" Yet their message is triumphant: "WE'RE ALL SAFE HERE!!!" They explain that the giants took all of the bombardment for them, and now the warships are coming again. They urge everyone to hurry and climb, while one of them laughs that blood is rushing to his head.
ZambaiOimoKashiPaulieYokozunaSodomGomorrah
05
The survivors promise the Straw Hats a path out. "WE HAVE A WAY TO ESCAPE, SO DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT!!" they shout. "WE'LL SEE YOU GUYS LATER, ALIVE!!" Their courage breaks Franky open. He sobs, "GUUUU-UUYZ!!! VIDIOOOD, I WOULD DEVER WORRY ABOUT YOU GUUYZ!!" and the others laugh through the chaos. They say it will all be meaningless if the Straw Hats die now, but it is still good news: their allies lived, and there is still a route to survival waiting beyond the warships.
FrankyZambaiOimoKashiPaulieYokozunaSodomGomorrah
06
The vice admirals are ready to end the operation, but one report stops them. When someone suggests heading to the main gate immediately, another officer says, "NOT NOW!! THIS IS MORE IMPORTANT!!" The mission is not complete because "PIRATE STRAWHAT LUFFY IS ALSO FATALLY WOUNDED" and must not be ignored. The order is sharp: "DON'T TAKE YOUR EYES OFF STRAWHAT IN THE FIRST PROP!!" A Marine observes that Luffy does not seem to be moving from the spot at all. The fleet shifts back toward the wounded captain.
Monkey D. Luffy
07
The Straw Hats stare across the gap at Luffy. He is almost out of reach, slumped in the ruined first prop while the sea and warships surround him. Sogeking shouts, "HURRY UP AND COME HERE!!" and then explains the problem: "IF WE DON'T GET AWAY, WE WON'T SURVIVE!!!" Luffy tries to answer, but can only breathe, "HAA..." and say, "OKAY." Sogeking yells the plan: "USE YOUR GOMU GOMU AND JUMP OVER HERE!! I'LL CARRY YOU FROM HERE!!" But below them the distance is terrible, and everyone can see how little strength Luffy has left.
Monkey D. LuffySogekingNico RobinRoronoa ZoroNamiSanjiFranky
08
The Marines report that the pirates are going to escape on the convoy, but Luffy cannot move. "MY BODY... CAN'T... WON'T MOVE... AT ALL...!!!" he realizes, staring helplessly from the rubble. Nami refuses to let despair take over: "USOPP!! WE CAN TAKE THE SHIP TO THE PROP WHERE LUFFY IS!! EVERYONE, GET ONBOARD!!" She reminds them, "WE GOT ROBIN BACK, TOO! ALL THAT'S LEFT IS TO GO BACK!!! PLEASE!! YOU CAN DO IT!!!" Sogeking snaps back at Luffy, "...DON'T BE SILLY!!! YOU WON THE BATTLE!!!" but Luffy's body has reached its limit.
Monkey D. LuffyNamiSogekingNico RobinRoronoa ZoroSanjiFrankyTony Tony Chopper
09
The fleet fires. Cannon blasts hit the convoy ship and tear it apart in smoke and water. Nami screams, "NO!!! OUR ESCAPE SHIP!!!" as the one vessel they meant to use is destroyed. Chopper tumbles into the water with Kokoro, Chimney, and Gonbe, and the crew cries their names: "CHOPPER!!!" "KOKORO-SAN!! CHIMNEY!! GONBE!!" Sogeking stares in horror: "WHAT THE HELL...!? WE'RE DOOMED!! THAT SHIP WAS OUR ONLY WAY OUTTA HERE!!!"
NamiSogekingTony Tony ChopperKokoroChimneyGonbe
10
The Straw Hats are thrown from the destroyed ship, battered but alive. Sanji lands with Chopper, Chimney, Gonbe, and others in his arms and says, "SORT OF SAFE~~~!!!" Nami sees him and asks, "WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL THIS TIME!!?" Sanji apologizes: "YEAH, SORRY, I HAD SOME ERRANDS TO RUN!!" He tells the elderly and children to let go and be good while the Marines shout, "THAT'S IT, PIRATES!!!" The crew has survived the blast, but the battlefield has become even worse and their escape route is gone.
SanjiNamiTony Tony ChopperChimneyGonbeKokoro
11
The Marines continue firing and order, "CHASE THEM TO THE SECOND PROP!!!" Explosions drive the Straw Hats and their allies forward while they yell, "RUN!!" and "WATCH OUT!!" The bridge behind them crumbles, and the enemy realizes the pirates are trapped. "SHIT!! THE BRIDGE IS GONE!!" one voice says. "WE'RE TRAPPED ON THE PROP!!" Another shouts, "THERE'S NOTHING WE CAN DO ANYMORE!!!" Yet someone insists there will be stronger ones coming out, so they have no choice but to fight all of them there.
NamiSanjiRoronoa ZoroSogekingNico RobinFrankyTony Tony Chopper
12
The order becomes annihilation. "AIM ALL CANNONS AT THE FIRST PROP!!" the fleet commands. "OBLITERATE STRAWHAT LUFFY IMMEDIATELY!!" The crew looks back in horror. "LUFFY'S IN DANGER!!!" someone shouts. Robin tries to use her powers to reach him, but she knows it is no good: even if she pulls him, he will fall into the ocean on the way. The others panic: "STRAW-HAT!!!" "STRAW-HAT-SAAAN!!!" "GERO GEROOO!!!" One of them sums up the disaster: "STRAWHAT-SAN WON, BUT HE CAN'T STAND UP AND IS ABOUT TO BE KILLED!!"
Monkey D. LuffyNico RobinSogekingNamiSanjiFrankyTony Tony Chopper
13
Everyone calls for Luffy at once. "STAND UP, STRAWHAT-SAAAN!!!" "PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER, BRAT!!!" "LUFFY!! STAND UP!!! PLEASE!!!" "CAN'T YOU DO ANYTHING AT ALL, LUFFY!!?" Luffy lies face-down under the guns and admits, "CRAP... I'M REALLY SCREWED...!!" Then a voice cuts through the panic. Sogeking asks, "WH-WHO IS IT?" and Luffy hears it too. The voice has not belonged to any of them for a while, but now it is back.
Monkey D. LuffySogekingNamiSanjiNico RobinTony Tony ChopperFrankyKokoro
14
The strange voice says, "LOOK BELOW." Luffy turns his eyes, confused: "BELOW?" Sogeking cannot hear it clearly and asks, "WHAT!? BELOW..." The voice repeats only through Luffy's awareness, and the crew starts to understand that something impossible is speaking. Nami asks, "WHAT IS IT?" while Robin looks on quietly and Chopper asks, "WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT, REINDEER-CHAN?" Then the fleet gives the countdown: "FIRING AT STRAWHAT LUFFY IN THE FIRST PROP IN 5 SECONDS." Time has almost run out.
Monkey D. LuffySogekingNamiNico RobinTony Tony Chopper
15
The unseen voice commands, "JUMP INTO THE OCEAN!!!" It counts down: "IN 4 SECONDS. 3... 2..." Sogeking repeats it in disbelief: "INTO THE OCEAN!!!" Robin asks, "CAN YOU DROP LUFFY INTO THE OCEAN!?" but another cries, "IDIOT!! ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL YOURSELF!!?" The answer comes with faith: "WE'LL SURVIVE...!! SHE CAME TO SAVE US!!!" Luffy, still unable to move, understands that they still have one more nakama. The order is reckless, but it is their only path.
Monkey D. LuffySogekingNico RobinNamiSanjiFranky
16
Robin moves first. Chopper asks, "DID YOU LOOK BELOW?" and she answers, "I DID!!!" Her hands bloom with "CIEN FLEUR" and form a path beneath Luffy, turning the impossible fall into a rescue. Luffy cries, "OOH!! I'M MOVING! ROBIN?" while the Marines shout that the pirates are jumping into the ocean and cannot survive there. The voice answers from below: "...LET'S GO BACK, EVERYONE!!" and then, "BACK TO THE SEA OF ADVENTURE AGAIN!!" The crew follows the command as gunfire begins.
Nico RobinMonkey D. LuffyTony Tony ChopperSogekingNamiSanjiFranky
17
The Going Merry bursts through the smoke below the bridge. Luffy recognizes her at once: "MERRY~!!!" and the others shout, "THE MERRY~~~!!!" From the ship comes the voice that saved them: "GET ONBOARD. I'VE COME TO TAKE YOU HOME!!" The battered little ship rises beneath the falling crew as cannon fire and collapsing stone rain around her. Their escape ship was destroyed, but their old nakama has come back to carry them home.
Going MerryMonkey D. LuffyNamiSogekingNico RobinSanjiFrankyTony Tony Chopper
18
The extra page presents an "Are You All Nakama!?" quiz from Lost Marimo. It asks what Captain Kuro, Dr. Kureha, Ms. Doublefinger, Admiral Aokiji, and Sogeking have in common, with a hint that they all have another name. The upside-down answers identify them as Kurahador, Doctorine, Paula, Kuzan, and Usopp. This is useful bonus material for names and aliases, but it is not part of the chapter's main story.
KuroDr. KurehaMiss DoublefingerKuzanSogekingUsopp
19
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End of chapter20 pages
Discussion
p7Tower collapses during escape attempt.
p7Luffy is bloodied but continues moving.
p7Group is surrounded by ocean and warships.
p8Nami is bruised and directing escape toward Luffy's position.
p8Large-headed pirate blocks the crew's plan verbally.
p8Marines observe the pirates trying to flee on a convoy.
p9Escape ship is destroyed by cannon fire.
p9Nami reacts with horror to loss of the vessel.
p9Chopper and Kokoro group are endangered by the explosion.
p10Franky carries the crew to safety on his shoulders.
p10Sanji rejoins the group after running errands.
p10Marines continue pursuit and demand surrender.
p11Bridge collapses leaving crew trapped on the prop.
p11Thousand Sunny and another ship are stranded in rubble.
p11Marines pursue the crew toward the second prop.
p12Luffy is positioned on the first prop structure under cannon fire.
p12Robin attempts to reach Luffy using sprouted limbs.
p12Foxy pirates and marines are firing on the battlefield.
p13The first prop structure has collapsed onto the ground.
p13Luffy is down after the impact.
p13Crew continues shouting encouragement to Luffy.
p14A voice from below the battlefield is heard by Chopper.
p14Cannon is preparing to fire at Luffy's position.
p14Five-second countdown to cannon fire has begun.
p15Usopp has arrived to assist the crew.
p15Robin is ready to use her ability to move Luffy.
p15The escape plan involves dropping Luffy into the ocean.
p16Crew leaps from collapsing tower into ocean.
p16Robin uses Cien Fleur during descent.
p16Chopper confirms he looked below.
p16Marines believe ocean fall means certain death.
p16Going Merry approaches to rescue crew.
p17Going Merry smashes through fortress walls.
p17Usopp reacts with shock to Merry's arrival.
p17Merry offers rescue to the crew.
What is said, page by page
p1Narration states Rob Lucci leader of CP9 has been defeated by pirates, impossible in Cipher Pol history.
p1Crowd voices scream shock at Lucci defeat with partial cries "W-WUU... LU-...!!!".
p1Crowd cheers victory with "WON!!!".
p1Voice calls out "LUFFY" toward central figure.
p2Allies urge group to board escape ship immediately.
p2Voice expresses relief that Luffy finally succeeded.
p2Luffy yells his own name in triumph.
p2Crowd cheers "YAY!!!" and "GOOD JOB, STRAWHAT-SAAAAN!!!".
p3Marines report unknown voice coming through den-den mushi.
p3Panic over identity of voice and risk of being heard.
p3Marines realize the pirates survived the ravine fall.
p3Voice questions how the pirates could have survived.
p4Goggled Marine curses that others should have stayed silent, angry and stressed mood.
p4Marine insists Galley-La rope will hold, defiant tone during collapse.
p4Multiple Marines shout not to push and fear falling as rope strains.
p4Marine credits giants for taking bombardment, relieved yet urgent voice.
p4Marine warns warships will return and urges quick escape, panicked intent.
p5Clown-like Marine calls out farewell and promises escape method, cheerful yet reassuring tone.
p5Agonized Marine screams distorted words of worry, pained and desperate mood.
p5Group of Marines roar collective yells of distress.
p5Fighters on bridge discuss survival and good news amid battle.
p6Fierce commander challenges enemy to attack, aggressive battle mood.
p6Commander orders mission completion and focus on priority target.
p6Subordinate questions timing of main gate advance.
p6Report states Strawhat Luffy is fatally wounded.
p6Officer warns not to lose sight of first priority target.
p7Voice cries out for Dadan during tower collapse.
p7Ally shouts to Luffy to hurry and escape.
p7Battered woman reacts with shock to events.
p7Luffy acknowledges with simple okay while exhausted.
p7Marine warns group they are surrounded by ocean and warships.
p7Ally offers to carry Luffy using Gomu Gomu ability.
p8Marine reports pirates attempting escape via convoy with urgent tone.
p8Massive figure internally struggles that body cannot move at all.
p8Nami shouts to Usopp to take ship to Luffy's location with determined intent.
p8Crew member states Robin recovered and only escape remains.
p8Large-headed pirate yells that crew did not win battle and mocks their plan.
p9Voice commands fire during cannon strike on escape ship.
p9Nami cries out that escape ship is destroyed.
p9Crew reacts with shock sounds to the blast.
p9Someone calls out for Chopper amid flying debris.
p9Kokoro, Chimney, and Gombe are shouted for in panic.
p9Large-headed pirate realizes the ship was their only escape and declares doom.
p10Franky declares the group is sort of safe while carrying everyone.
p10Usopp and crew cry out they are dead or exhausted from smoke.
p10Nami questions Sanji about his absence.
p10Franky notes Robin's recovery but laments the ongoing mess and ship attack.
p10Marine orders to release elderly and demands pirates surrender.
p10Another marine declares pursuit of the pirates.
p11Marine commands to chase pirates to the second prop.
p11Crew shouts to run amid heavy fire and explosions.
p11Crew realizes bridge is gone and they are trapped on the prop.
p11One warns not to be stupid as stronger enemies will emerge.
p11Despairing crew states there is nothing left to do.
p12Marines command to aim all cannons at the first prop targeting Strawhat Luffy immediately with aggressive intent.
p12Robin states it is no good to pull Luffy as he will fall into the ocean, worried context.
p12Luffy yells his own name in distress from atop the structure.
p12Crew members shout Luffy is in danger and they should get him to safety, urgent panic mood.
p13Crew urges Luffy to stand up and pull himself together with desperate encouragement.
p13Voices call Luffy by name repeatedly in panic and support.
p13Luffy mutters he is really screwed while lying on the ground, resigned tone.
p13Unknown voice questions whose voice is speaking from below.
p14Mysterious voice urges to look below amid the chaos.
p14Chopper tells the crew to look below, excited realization.
p14Robin asks Chopper what he is talking about, confused.
p14Marines announce firing at Strawhat Luffy in the first prop in five seconds.
p14Crew shouts Luffy's name in horror at the countdown.
p15Voice orders Luffy to jump into the ocean to escape.
p15Crew member calls Usopp's name in surprise and hope.
p15Robin confirms she can drop Luffy into the ocean, determined.
p15Usopp shouts into the ocean as the solution.
p15Crew realizes they still have one more nakama to help, relieved mood.
p15Countdown continues at four seconds for the cannon shot.
p16Chopper shouts confirmation and asks if he looked below, excited and urgent mood during fall.
p16Robin activates technique with short command, focused intent to assist escape.
p16Luffy calls out to Robin while moving, surprised yet trusting tone.
p16Marines yell that escape into ocean is impossible, panicked and disbelieving mood.
p16Marines shout that pirates are jumping into the ocean, alarmed warning.
p16Voice from Merry calls for everyone to go back, determined rescue intent.
p16Marine questions if pirates have gone mad, angry and incredulous tone.
p16Crew urged to follow Luffy, commanding shout amid chaos.
p17Usopp cries out Merry's name in shock, distressed and disbelieving mood.
p17Voice from ship declares arrival to take crew home, confident rescue intent.
p17Merry commands crew to get onboard, urgent and protective tone.
p17Usopp repeats Merry's name with elongated emphasis, emotional reaction.