The front cover of One Piece Volume 18 displays the title 'ONE PIECE' with the Straw Hat skull logo. Prominent characters include Portgas D. Ace tipping his orange hat, Nami smiling beside him, Luffy in a blue hood sticking out his tongue while holding a staff, Usopp in the background, and Robin at the bottom. Japanese text reads 'Vol. 18 "Ace Appears"' and credits 'Eiichiro Oda'. A map background and barcode with ISBN 4-08-873100-X appear on the back cover along with Jump Comics branding and pricing information '定価本体390円+税'.
Portgas D. AceNamiMonkey D. LuffyUsoppNico Robin
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A Jump Comics advertisement page lists numerous manga titles with issue numbers. On the right side, a color illustration shows a young man in a yellow shirt holding a small panda-like creature. English text reads: 'I HEAR THAT SLEEP ACTUALLY REQUIRES QUITE A BIT OF STAMINA AND ENERGY. IF YOU DO IT RIGHT, YOU CAN SUPPOSEDLY WAKE UP COMPLETELY REVITALIZED AFTER A BRIEF POWER-NAP. SO LIKE THE NAME IMPLIES, THE KEY IS TO SLEEP WITH LOTS OF POWER, AND SO, I DECIDED TO GIVE THIS THING A SHOT. I GOT IN MY BED AFTER GULPING DOWN SOME EXTRA-STRENGTH ENERGY AND VITAMIN PILLS, BUT THEN IT HIT ME... HOW THE HELL AM I SUPPOSED TO SLEEP LIKE THISI' A blue apple logo with 'LOVE J-C' is visible at the bottom.
unidentified young man
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A black-and-white line-art version of the One Piece Volume 18 cover shows the same composition: Ace tipping his hat, Nami, Luffy in a cloak with tongue out, Usopp, and Robin. The title 'ONE PIECE' and Japanese text '巻十八 "エース登場"' appear prominently. Author credit '尾田栄一郎' and 'Eiichiro Oda' along with Shueisha publisher marks are present. A faint world map background fills the right side.
Portgas D. AceNamiMonkey D. LuffyUsoppNico Robin
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The title page features Monkey D. Luffy in a dynamic pose with fists raised and mouth open in a shout. Above him, the 'ONE PIECE' logo unfurls on a scroll with a small bird perched on top wearing a pirate hat. Large text states 'Vol. 18 "Ace Appears"' and 'Oda Eiichiro'. Japanese disclaimer text appears on the right side.
Monkey D. Luffy
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A full-page character introduction spread titled "THE STORY OF ONE PIECE" displays the Straw Hat Pirates and key figures. Monkey D. Luffy appears hooded with wide eyes, labeled as the captain dreaming of becoming Pirate King and reuniting with Shanks. Usopp is shown with his slingshot, self-proclaimed "Captain Usopp." Tony Tony Chopper is introduced as the reindeer doctor who studied under Dr. Hiriluk. Roronoa Zoro is depicted with his swords, aiming to be the world's greatest swordsman. Nami smiles confidently as the navigator and "Cat Burglar." Sanji poses with a cigarette, the cook seeking the All Blue. A small panel shows a smiling woman labeled "Vivi." Other panels introduce Mr. 2 Bon Clay, Miss All Sunday (Nico Robin), Nefeltari Cobra the king of Arabasta, and Mr. 0 Crocodile. A long narration box recounts the crew's journey after Drum Island, heading toward Arabasta while carrying the flag of the Sakura Kingdom.
Monkey D. LuffyUsoppTony Tony ChopperRoronoa ZoroNamiSanjiNefertari ViviMr. 2 Bon ClayNico RobinNefertari CobraCrocodile
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Volume 18 table of contents page titled "Ace Appears." Lists chapters from 156 "A Nice Weather for an Okama" through 166 "Luffy vs. Vivi," with page numbers. A chain border and small pistol illustration appear at the bottom along with translator credits.
06
The Going Merry sails across open sea under clear skies. Narration states it has been five days since leaving Drum Island and the ship heads toward Arabasta despite minor troubles. Luffy, Usopp, and Carue fish from the railing. Luffy yells, "THAT WAS ONLY THE ITTY BITTY BITS STUCK TO THE BOTTOM OF THE LID!" Usopp retorts, "But you ate some too." Luffy complains, "HOW DO YOU EXPECT US TO CATCH ANYTHING WITH NO BAIT!I" Nami appears on deck asking, "Luffy! Usopp! Have you caught anything y-" A loud "CARUEEEE!!!" and "QUACK!" erupt as something yanks the line. Usopp and Luffy tumble backward with a "GOGON!!" and "GYAAAA!!" Nami reacts with surprise, "What's thatI"
Monkey D. LuffyUsoppNamiCarue
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A dramatic full-page splash shows the crew lounging atop a massive white whale skeleton arching over the sea. Luffy sits on the highest rib looking ahead. Sanji reclines below him, pouring red wine from a large "Romance Wine" bottle into a glass. Usopp stands ready with his slingshot and a small backpack. Chopper in his reindeer form stands beside him. The chapter title "Chapter 156 'A Nice Weather for an Okama'" is displayed at the top.
Monkey D. LuffySanjiUsoppTony Tony Chopper
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On a bright sea under swirling clouds, the Straw Hats sail aboard a massive skeletal ship built from enormous bones. Sanji lounges in the foreground, casually pouring red wine from an oversized bottle labeled "Grand Cru" into a delicate glass while a cigarette rests in his mouth. Luffy sits cross-legged atop a huge curved bone, grinning widely with his straw hat on his back. In the midground Usopp stands with his slingshot ready, while Chopper in his small form looks up curiously from the deck below. The skeletal structure stretches into the distance beneath a clear sky.
SanjiMonkey D. LuffyUsoppTony Tony Chopper
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Thick steam rises from the ocean surface as dramatic sound effects "ドーン!!" and "モワ..." fill the sky. Someone shouts "SMOKE!I". Below deck, Sanji bursts through a door yelling "NAMI, COME QUICK! THERE'S SOMETHING AHEAD!". Luffy sticks out his tongue in confusion while Usopp stares wide-eyed; Luffy wonders "Maybe it's cotton candyI" and Usopp replies "The heckI". In close-up Nami smiles confidently and says "It's nothing but steam. Oh, don't worry."
SanjiMonkey D. LuffyUsoppNami
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Luffy asks "What's a hot spotI" as Nami explains the phenomenon. Chopper exclaims in surprise while Nami continues: "Yes, in fact, there are more volcanoes underwater than there are on land." Chopper wonders "A volcano can exist underwaterI" Nami answers "It's what we call a place that spews magma. Underneath here is an underwater volcano." The narration states "The underwater volcano here will give birth to a new island in some thousands or ten thousands of years from now." Luffy reacts with "Oooohhhh..." while the Going Merry sails through rising steam.
Monkey D. LuffyNamiTony Tony Chopper
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Nami smiles and says "This is an amazing place, isn't it..." while Sanji gushes "Oh Nami, you're sooo intelligent!" Luffy declares "Not a chance. That is, if you're human." Chopper adds "In some ten thousands of years, huh... Wonder if I'll be alive thenI" A duck quacks "GUAAACK!". Thick steam continues to rise with sound effects "モワ" and the crew coughs; someone notes "IT STINKS OF SULPHUR!". Suddenly a flamboyant figure appears on a nearby ship shouting "MR. 2 BON KUREI!!" as the crew reacts in shock: "SMOKE SIGHTED AT 12 O'CLOCK!", "WHAT IS IT!I", and "PAY NO HEED! SAIL STRAIGHT THROUGH IT! AYE-AYE!" with large impact sound effects.
NamiSanjiMonkey D. LuffyTony Tony ChopperMr. 2 Bon Kurei
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The ship barrels through rough seas at full speed. "FULL SPEED AHEAD!" someone yells as waves crash and the vessel surges forward. The crew shouts in relief, "WE'RE FINALLY OUT!" while others panic, "I CAN'T SEE ANYTHING!" and "AHH!" amid the storm and thick clouds. Below deck or on the main deck, chaos erupts as figures search frantically. "HE'S NOT HERE! THAT CAN'T BE!" one cries. "SEARCH THE SHIP!" another orders. The realization hits hard: "MR. 2 BON KUREI'S GONE!I" and "MR. 2 BON KUREI!!!" Voices echo in alarm as the search intensifies, with one man clutching his head in shock near a grand doorway marked with large lettering.
Mr. 2 Bon Kureiunidentified crew members
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Luffy and Usopp stare ahead with intense expressions from the ship's railing. A sudden commotion breaks out as a man is flung through the air, screaming "QUAAAAACK!" while clutching a large duck-like creature. "Whatever am I thinking!I" he yells mid-flight. The duck quacks loudly as the man tumbles, "Oh my! Hugging onto the first duck that quacks along my way." Another panel shows him crashing into the sea with a splash, "AH-". On the deck, a voice exclaims, "WE CAUGHT AN OKAMAAA!" as the distant ship rocks in the waves and the crew reacts to the bizarre catch.
Monkey D. LuffyUsoppMr. 2 Bon Kureiunidentified crew members
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A flamboyant figure in a swan-themed outfit dramatically poses with two swans, apologizing, "Please forgive this foolish little swan. For wandering onto your boat." The scene shifts to the ship's interior where the same person, now revealed as Mr. 2 Bon Kurei, dramatically declares, "Now then... I am a little peekish and a hot bowl of soup right about now would be smashing, if you please. I shall never forget the debt I owe to you!" while bowing. Crew reactions erupt: "OH HELL NO!" and "WE'RE STARRING OVER HERE TOO!" Nami sweats nervously, muttering "WHAT A WEIRDO..." as Sanji reacts with wide eyes, "Such a cute little thing you are, and just my type too!" and "Oh my!"
Mr. 2 Bon KureiNamiSanjiunidentified crew members
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Usopp reacts with surprise, "ReallyI Which oneI" as Mr. 2 Bon Kurei explains, "Yes. For you see, I've eaten a devil fruit. So you can't swim, huhI" The flamboyant man strikes a pose, "BEHOLD MY ABILITY!" while declaring, "Allow me to treat you to daisies to a show." Luffy crouches nearby, responding, "HmI Well, since I do have some time to kill until my crew comes looking for me." In a sudden burst of action, Mr. 2 delivers a powerful kick, sending Luffy flying with an impact "OOF!" and dramatic motion lines as the ability activates.
UsoppMr. 2 Bon KureiMonkey D. Luffyunidentified crew members
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A massive impact sends Luffy flying backward in a spray of debris as a powerful kick lands. Someone shouts, "LUFFY!" The Straw Hats react in shock: Nami's eyes widen in alarm, Sanji glares furiously, Chopper stares in disbelief, Usopp's jaw drops with a sweat drop, and a fierce man with an X-marked hat snarls, "WHAT'RE YOU-" while gripping a weapon. The same man, now shown with a sword, yells, "WHA...!I" and declares, "Didn't I say I'd treat you to a showI" Luffy, unfazed and pointing forward with an intense glare, snaps back, "HOLD YOUR HORSES!"
Monkey D. LuffyNamiSanjiTony Tony ChopperUsoppBentham
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Luffy leans in with a wild, toothy grin and shouts, "JOOOKING AROUND! SO STOOOP." The okama performer, now revealed as Bentham, dramatically transforms with swirling effects and declares, "SurprisedI SurprisedI GAAAHA-HAHA!" Nearby Straw Hats react with confusion and shock: "HE'S IDENTI-CAL!" "WhatI" "It's me!" Bentham explains while posing, "This is the power of the 'Mane Mane Fruit' I ate! And if I touch my face with my left hand... Tada! Back to normal!" A note reads, "*Mane means mimic in Japanese."
Monkey D. LuffyBenthamNamiSanjiUsopp
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Bentham continues his demonstration with flair, saying, "Of course, there really was no need for me to hit you." Luffy exclaims, "SOOO COOOOL! THAT'S-" Nami and Usopp observe in awe, "Even his body shape was identical...!" "His voice..." Bentham explains his ability in sequence: "I can copy their faces," "Then as you can see," "And touch someone's face," "If I take my right hand..." while demonstrating with sound effects. Someone yells, "QUIT IT!" as the group reacts with surprise and motion lines. Bentham concludes, "As well as their bodies!"
BenthamMonkey D. LuffyNamiUsoppSanjiTony Tony Chopper
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Bentham strikes a dramatic pose and announces, "FOR MY NEXT ACT..." The excited crowd urges, "SHOW US SOME MORE!" "YOU'RE AMAZING!" Bentham hesitates, "I'm afraid this is all I can risk showing you right n-" An onlooker notes, "Well he's easily convinced." Bentham continues, "I do not forget! A face I've touched once in the past." Luffy cheers, "ALRIIIIGHT! I'LL SHOW YOU MY MEMORY ABILITY!" while striking a pose. Nami and Sanji react with, "Whatever..." "HuhI" as Bentham prepares another transformation with sound effects.
BenthamMonkey D. LuffyNamiSanjiUsoppTony Tony Chopper
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Mr. 2 Bon Kurei strikes a flamboyant pose on the deck, arms and legs outstretched dramatically as he shouts, "How was itI My hidden talents!I" Below him, Usopp, Chopper, and Sanji lie sprawled on the floor in exaggerated defeat, with Usopp yelling "BRAVO! BRAVO!" and Mr. 2 adding, "This isn't something I ordinarily show to others, you know!" Nami points toward the horizon and asks, "Could that be your shipI" Vivi replies, "Yeah... You guys just keep doing whatever the hell you want." Mr. 2 dances wildly, laughing "STOOOP JOOOKING AROUND!" as the crew reacts in shock. On the ship railing, Mr. 2 waves goodbye, declaring, "Don't cry, my silly billies. Farewells are an inevitable thing if you sail the seas! But remember this!" Luffy and the others stare in disbelief as he continues, "Oh phooie, time to part ways alreadyI What a pity..." A massive "WHAAAAAAT!I" erupts from the crew.
Mr. 2 Bon KureiUsoppTony Tony ChopperSanjiNamiViviMonkey D. Luffy
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Mr. 2 Bon Kurei leans in close with a fierce expression, declaring, "Has no bearing on true friendship! The length of time spent together," while flashing a thumbs-up. On the deck, he strikes another dramatic pose with his swan coat, shouting "YES SIR, MR. 2 BON KUREI!!" as the crew cheers "LET US BE OFF!" and "LET'S MEET AGAIN SOMEDAY!" The Going Merry and a smaller ship sail away across the open sea under clear skies, with a large "!!!!I" reaction bubble appearing as the vessels part ways.
Mr. 2 Bon KureiMonkey D. LuffyUsoppTony Tony Chopper
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Luffy leans over the railing in shock, yelling "MR. 2!I" as the crew processes the encounter. Vivi exclaims, "VIVI! YOU WEREN'T AWARE OF HOW HE LOOKED LIKE!I THAT WAS... MR. 2 BON KUREI!" Usopp sweats nervously while saying, "I'm afraid not... I've never met Mr. 2 or Mr. 1 and his partner... I also don't know about their abilities..." Nami adds, "You really, really, really should've realized it sooner. That he looks and talks like an extremely flamboyant okama, and wears a swan coat that reads 'Okama Way' on the back..." Sanji and Zoro stand nearby as someone mutters, "But I have heard rumours about Mr. 2..."
Monkey D. LuffyViviUsoppNamiSanjiRoronoa Zoro
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Nami clutches her head in realization, thinking "Just what on earth... Has he been using my father's face for...!I When he was showing off all the faces he memorized, I noticed that one of the people was my father...!" Usopp and Chopper discuss nearby: "He was an enemy...I" "Seems we let a dangerous one slip past our fingers." Sanji concludes, "Then there's a whole lot of damage he could do... If a guy like him could transform into the King of Alabasta." Nami continues, "If he realizes that we were his enemies... Then with that memory skill, he'll be able to change into any one of us... Making us unable to trust each other anymore." She finishes with a determined look, "Yes... He's quite a troublesome enemy to face..."
NamiUsoppTony Tony ChopperSanjiVivi
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Luffy stares in shock, eyes wide and mouth agape. "HuhI" A large impact sound effect crashes above him. "ReallyI" he blurts out. In the next panel Mr. 2 Bon Kurei stands with arms crossed, flanked by two companions. "Gahahaha! I planted myself a small seed of friendship, that's why!" he laughs. Someone remarks, "Mr. 2 Bon Kurei, you seem to be in an awfully good mood." Luffy's face twists into a determined grin as he declares, "Because now, we can set up a counter-measure." Nearby voices debate: "We should consider ourselves lucky for having met him just now." "Hold on just a sec. Even though our captain probably doesn't have any real reason for thinking this way, I don't think he's wrong either. There's no reason to panic already." Another warns, "Don't you realize how serious this is, LuffyI"
Monkey D. LuffyBentham
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SBS Question Corner header with a large snake-like creature illustration. D begins: "Hey, you guys who always start the SBS!! Have you ever thought of Oda-sensei's feelingsI! Sheesh!!! Oh... sorry, Oda-sensei. Please say, 'Please say "Start the SBS!" today.' Huh... Are you sureI Oh, but I couldn't. Very well, if you insist... START THE SBS!" O replies, "Hey... I didn't say anything." D continues frantically about Oda-sensei's fly being open, then asks about Dr. Kureha's secret to youth. O answers it would be "BEING HAPPY!!" A letter from Grapemint Tanisugi demands: "IF YOU WANT AFRODA-KUN'S LUNCH MONEY BACK, PRINT THIS IN THE SBS." O concludes, "So it was you!!"
Eiichiro Oda
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No description for this page.
End of chapter27 pages
Discussion
p11Steam carries a noticeable sulphur odor affecting the crew.
p12The ship accelerates through rough seas and thick clouds.
p12Mr. 2 Bon Kurei disappears from his vessel during the escape.
p13Luffy and Usopp observe a sudden aerial commotion from the ship railing.
p13An unknown man falls into the sea while holding a large duck creature.
p13The crew reacts to the arrival of an okama on their ship.
p14Mr. 2 Bon Kurei is the rescued individual in swan costume.
p14Mr. 2 requests food after being saved by the crew.
p14The Straw Hats react negatively to Mr. 2's presence and request.
p15Mr. 2 states he has eaten a devil fruit.
p15Mr. 2 demonstrates his ability by kicking Luffy.
p15Luffy accepts the demonstration while waiting on deck.
p16Luffy receives a powerful kick from Mr. 2 and is sent flying.
p16Straw Hat crew members react with shock and anger to the attack.
p16An unknown swordsman with X-hat reacts aggressively to the event.
p17Bentham ate the Mane Mane Fruit.
p17The fruit enables face copying and body mimicry.
p17Touching the face with the left hand reverts the transformation.
p18Mane Mane Fruit allows copying both faces and bodies.
p18Right hand touch activates full body mimicry.
p19Bentham remembers every face touched once.
p19Demonstration occurs on ship deck.
p20Mr. 2 Bon Kurei performs on the Straw Hat ship deck.
p20An unknown ship approaches from the horizon.
p20Mr. 2 departs after the demonstration.
p21Mr. 2 Bon Kurei parts ways with the Straw Hats on the open sea.
p21Going Merry and a smaller ship sail away under clear skies.
p22Straw Hat crew realizes the man they met was Mr. 2 Bon Kurei.
p22Usopp confirms he has no prior knowledge of Baroque Works officer appearances.
p23Nami recognizes her father's face among those Mr. 2 displayed.
p23Crew discusses potential damage from Mr. 2 impersonating the King.
p24Luffy shifts from shock to a determined grin after learning about Mr. 2.
p24Mr. 2 Bon Kurei remains in good spirits after parting with the crew.
What is said, page by page
p4Character labels describe Luffy's dream of Pirate King and reunion with Shanks in calm narrative tone.
p4Usopp label states self-proclaimed Captain Usopp who inherited slingshot from Yasopp.
p4Chopper label notes he is a reindeer doctor who studied under Dr. Hiriluk.
p6Luffy yells about only eating bits stuck to the lid while fishing.
p6Usopp retorts that Luffy ate some bait too.
p6Luffy complains they cannot catch anything with no bait.
p6Nami calls out asking if they caught anything.
p6Nami asks what the loud noise is after the sudden event.
p9Sanji shouts to Nami to come quickly because something is ahead, urgent tone inside cabin.
p9Luffy wonders if the steam ahead is cotton candy, playful confusion.
p9Usopp reacts with disbelief to Luffy's cotton candy guess.
p9Nami calmly states it is only steam and tells the crew not to worry, reassuring mood.
p10Luffy asks what a hot spot is while on deck.
p10Nami explains there are more underwater volcanoes than on land.
p10Chopper reacts with surprise that a volcano can exist underwater.
p10Nami defines the location as an underwater volcano spewing magma.
p10Narration states the volcano will form a new island in thousands or tens of thousands of years.
p11Nami remarks that the location is an amazing place.
p11Sanji compliments Nami's intelligence with exaggerated affection.
p11Luffy states the speaker is not human.
p11Chopper questions whether he will still be alive in ten thousands of years.
p11Crew notes the strong sulphur smell amid coughing from steam.
p11Mr. 2 Bon Kurei announces his name from the other ship.
p11Crew shouts about smoke sighted at 12 o'clock and questions the figure.
p12Crew orders full speed ahead through the storm.
p12Voices report they are finally out of the steam.
p12Panic spreads as crew members state they cannot see anything.
p12Search reveals Mr. 2 Bon Kurei is no longer on the ship.
p12Multiple crew members shout that Mr. 2 Bon Kurei is gone.
p13Crew member shouts about catching an okama with excited and surprised intent from the deck.
p13Falling man expresses sudden realization and confusion while mid-air.
p13Falling man comments on hugging the first quacking duck with startled tone.
p14Mr. 2 apologizes for boarding the boat with dramatic and theatrical intent.
p14Mr. 2 requests soup while promising to remember the debt with flamboyant tone.
p14Crew members refuse the request loudly with angry and rejecting mood.
p14Nami internally notes the weirdness of the situation with wary expression.
p15Usopp asks which devil fruit Mr. 2 ate with surprised tone.
p15Mr. 2 confirms eating a devil fruit and notes inability to swim.
p15Mr. 2 announces he will demonstrate his ability with showy intent.
p15Luffy agrees to watch the demonstration while waiting for his crew.
p16Crew shouts Luffy's name in alarm after the kick.
p16Man with X-hat questions the attack with angry intent.
p16Mr. 2 reminds that he offered to show an ability.
p16Luffy tells the attacker to hold horses with defiant posture.
p17Luffy shouts about joking around with wild excited expression.
p17Bentham announces surprise twice while laughing during transformation.
p17Luffy and crew react with shock at identical appearance.
p17Bentham explains Mane Mane Fruit power and left-hand face touch reversion.
p18Bentham states no need to hit Luffy earlier.
p18Luffy exclaims the ability is cool.
p18Nami and Usopp note identical body shape and voice.
p18Bentham describes copying faces then bodies via touch.
p18Someone yells for Bentham to quit the demonstration.
p19Bentham announces next act with flamboyant pose.
p19Crowd cheers for more transformations.
p19Bentham admits limited risk in showing further abilities.
p19Bentham states he never forgets a touched face.
p19Luffy volunteers to test memory ability with excited pose.
p19Nami and Sanji react with disinterest.
p20Mr. 2 asks how the group liked his hidden talents.
p20Usopp cheers bravo from the floor.
p20Mr. 2 notes he rarely shows the ability.
p20Nami asks if the approaching ship belongs to Mr. 2.
p20Vivi comments the crew does whatever they want.
p20Mr. 2 dances while repeating joking around phrase.
p20Mr. 2 bids farewell with dramatic gestures.
p21Mr. 2 Bon Kurei declares friendship length has no bearing on true bonds with intense expression and thumbs-up.
p21Mr. 2 Bon Kurei shouts 'YES SIR, MR. 2 BON KUREI!!' while striking pose on deck.
p21Crew cheers 'LET US BE OFF!' and 'LET'S MEET AGAIN SOMEDAY!' during departure.
p22Luffy yells 'MR. 2!?' in shock while leaning over the railing.
p22Vivi exclaims that the flamboyant okama in swan coat was Mr. 2 Bon Kurei.
p22Usopp admits he never met Mr. 2 or Mr. 1 and lacks knowledge of their abilities.
p22Nami states the crew should have realized sooner due to the okama appearance and 'Okama Way' coat.
p23Nami realizes Mr. 2 has been using her father's memorized face.
p23Usopp notes they let a dangerous enemy slip away.
p23Sanji warns that Mr. 2 could transform into the King of Alabasta.
p23Vivi states Mr. 2 is a troublesome enemy due to his memory skill.
p24Luffy reacts with 'Huh!' and 'Really!' to new information.
p24Mr. 2 Bon Kurei laughs that he planted a seed of friendship.
p24Companion notes Mr. 2 seems in an awfully good mood.
p24Luffy declares they can now set up a counter-measure.