CHAPTER 96 “WORST IN THE EAST”. On the open sea, a large Marine ship sails in the background while a smaller vessel rocks on the waves. In the foreground, a muscular man in a black-and-white striped shirt and striped pants leaps forward with a massive axe raised high, mouth open in a fierce yell. Below him on the deck, a man with curly hair and a striped shirt lies sprawled on his back, looking up in alarm. The attacker’s foot pins the fallen man down as the axe swings overhead. At the bottom of the page, small text reads: “COBY AND HELMEPPO’S DIARY OF THEIR HARSH STRUGGLES ‘MORGAN ESCAPES’”.
Morganunidentified curly-haired man
01
Nami holds up a coin with an annoyed expression and says, “DON’T YOU THINK IT’S GETTING A BIT TOO EXPENSIVEI” and “ANOTHER PRICE-INCREASEI”. A news-delivering bird in a cap and satchel labeled “NEWS PAPER” replies, “WHAT’RE YOU GETTING SO RILED UP ABOUTI IT’S JUST A NEWSPAPER.” and “RAISE THE PRICE AGAIN AND I WON’T BE BUYING YOUR PAPERS ANYMORE.” with a “CLINK” sound as coins are exchanged and “CAWW…”. In the lower panels, a man in a striped hat sits on deck holding a bottle and making a peace sign while declaring, “OK, OK. I’M IN THE MIDDLE OF DEVELOPING MY SECRET TABASCO STAR SO KEEP AWAY!”. Nami snaps back, “THERE’S NO WAY I’M GOING TO BE A PENNILESS PIRATE!” and “DON’T BE STUPID. FROM NOW ON, I’M GOING TO BE SAVING UP MONEY FOR NO ONE BUT ME ALONE.” while striking a pose. She later stands with hands out, complaining, “I THOUGHT YOU WERE DONE WITH SAVING UP MONEYI” and “DAILY EXPENSES ALL ADD UP, DON’T YOU KNOW!I” as the bird flies off with another “CAWW!”. An enemy who gets this in their eye is shown in the background.
NamiNews CooUsopp
02
Usopp recoils in panic, shouting “ABSOLUTELY NOT!” and “OH NO! CAN’T I JUST HAVE AT LEAST ONEI” while dramatic impact lines and “GYAA AAA AA!” fill the panel. Nearby, a man is struck and sent flying with a loud “SPLASH!” and “AGHH!” as someone yells “KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF!” and “WILL BE RENDERED COMPLETELY HELPLESS…”. Sanji stands protectively before an orange tree, hearts floating around him as he declares, “THANKS A LOT, NAMI! REST ASSURED, MY DEFENSE POWERED BY LOVE IS INFALLIBLE!”. Luffy, wearing his straw hat, smiles widely and says, “THESE ARE NAMI’S BELOVED ORANGE TREES! I WON’T ALLOW ANYONE TO LAY EVEN A SINGLE FINGER ON THEM!” and “OH WELL, I’M IN A GOOD MOOD SO I’LL DROP IT THEN.”. In the bottom tier, Nami reads a newspaper with wide eyes as headlines announce “ANOTHER COUP D’ÉTAT IN VILLA…I” and “THE WORLD’S IN SUCH TURMOIL.” while distant figures are blasted away with “GYAA! AAAA!” and someone remarks “WE’RE FINALLY ON OUR WAY TO GRAND LINE!” and “WHAT A TOOL…”.
UsoppSanjiMonkey D. LuffyNami
03
On the sunny deck of the Going Merry, Luffy sits on the railing while Sanji lounges in a striped deck chair reading a newspaper. A flyer flutters through the air with “FLAP…” sounds as Luffy says “IT’S A FLYER.” and the others react with “HUHI” and “HMI”. Close-ups show Sanji’s eyes opening with “OHI”, Zoro sleeping with “ZZZZ”, Luffy jolting awake with “AH!”, Usopp startled with “AGHH…”, and Nami looking concerned with “AH…”. The final wide panel shows the ship sailing away from the viewer toward the horizon under a bright sky, accompanied by a narration box stating “THE SHIP NOW HEADS OUT FOR GRAND LINE.” and a large vertical scream “AHHHHHHHH!” trailing off the page.
Monkey D. LuffyRoronoa ZoroNamiUsoppSanji
04
A massive splash erupts near a wooden bridge as a frog watches from the water. The sound effect "カポーン...!" echoes across the scene. The view shifts to Marine Headquarters, its sign reading "海軍" (Marines), with dramatic sound effects "ゴォォォォォ" and "ドォォォ" shaking the building. Inside the vast hall, rows of seated Marines listen as an officer declares, "ARE UNABLE TO DEAL WITH THIS PARTICULAR PIRATE CREW...I" Another continues, "SO IN SHORT, OUR BRANCH FORCES," while a subordinate responds simply, "YES."
Marine officersMarines
05
Three large wanted posters are displayed: Arlong the Saw at 20 million beli, Don Krieg at 17 million beli, and Buggy the Clown at 15 million beli. Marine Headquarters Commander Brannew points emphatically and explains, "THESE 3 PIRATE CREWS HAVE MANAGED TO LABEL THEMSELVES AS THE TOP-DOGS, EACH LED BY CAPTAINS WITH BOUNTIES OF OVER 10 MILLION. YET EVEN THEY HAVE ALL BEEN CRUSHED. HERE IN EAST BLUE, WHERE THE AVERAGE BOUNTY IS 3 MILLION." He continues while revealing a new poster, "LIKE WEEDS, EVIL MUST BE UPROOTED WHEN THEY ARE MERELY BUDS! AND SO, THOUGH IT WOULD SEEM THAT AN INITIAL BOUNTY OF 30 MILLION MIGHT SEEM A TAD EXCESSIVE, I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT IT IS AN APPROPRIATE PRICE TO ISSUE." The poster shows Monkey D. Luffy with a massive grin, labeled "DEAD OR ALIVE MONKEY D. LUFFY 30,000,000."
BrannewArlongDon KriegBuggyMonkey D. Luffy
06
A fierce Marine officer in ornate uniform roars, "FOR WE ARE THE SOLE FORTRESS OF PEACE IN THIS AGE OF PIRATES, EVEN THE SLIGHTEST COWARDICE IS UNFORGIVABLE! THOSE WHO WISH TO FLEE, I ORDER YOU TO DO SO THIS INSTANT!" Three lower-ranking Marines in caps discuss among themselves: "FOR THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO DEPEND ON THE JUSTICE THAT WE SHOULDER," "IT IS NO CRIME FOR THE MASSES TO BE WEAK," and "IT IS OUR DUTY AS MARINES TO GO OUT AND EXTERMINATE IT!" Below, a Marine ship fires its cannons at a distant target as the narration states, "AS LONG AS THERE IS HEINOUS EVIL PROWLING THE SEAS."
Marine officerMarines
07
Rows of Marines in flowing justice coats emblazoned with "正義" salute sharply before Marine Headquarters. They shout in unison, "YES, SIR!" and "ALL UNDER THE NAME OF 'ABSOLUTE JUSTICE!'" Enormous impact sound effects "バシャァァァ...!!" and "どどどどん!!" shake the scene as the coats billow dramatically.
Marines
08
Luffy grins widely while holding up his own wanted poster, laughing, "NAHAHAHAHA! LOOKS LIKE WE'RE WANTED MEN NOW!" The poster reads "DEAD OR ALIVE MONKEY D. LUFFY 30,000,000" with the note "IT SAYS 30 MILLION BELI!" The crew reacts on the ship deck. Usopp points excitedly at the poster, "LOOK! MY PICTURE'S HERE FOR THE WHOLE WORLD TO SEE! I MIGHT BE FAMOUS!" Nami sweats nervously as someone warns, "WITH THAT BOUNTY, I'M SURE THE MARINE HQ AS WELL AS OTHER STRONG BOUNTY HUNTERS WILL COME AFTER YOU... DON'T YOU REALIZE THIS MEANS YOUR LIFE IS AT RISK!I" Sanji adds, "ONCE AGAIN, YOU SPLENDIDLY FAIL TO UNDERSTAND THE GRAVITY OF YOUR SITUATION..." Luffy brushes it off, "DON'T BE JEALOUS NOW! ONCE WE BECOME MORE INFAMOUS, WE MIGHT ALL GET ONE!" From the crow's nest, someone spots land: "HEY, I SEE AN ISLAND UP AHEAD." The crew cheers, "AYE, AYE! ALRIGHT, MEN! LET'S HEAD STRAIGHT FOR GRAND LINE!" Nami looks concerned, thinking, "...WITH THIS, WE CAN'T AFFORD TO JUST LOITER AROUND IN EAST BLUE ANY LONGER."
Monkey D. LuffyNamiUsoppSanji
09
The Going Merry sails toward a distant island as Nami stares ahead. A voice notes, "THAT ISLAND, IS PROOF THAT WE'RE CLOSE TO THE GRAND LINE!" Nami questions, "YOU DO...I" The ship draws closer, its skull flag flying. Narration explains, "IT'S THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE PIRATE KING ROGER... AS WELL AS HIS EXECUTION SPOT. ON THAT ISLAND, THERE'S A FAMOUS TOWN CALLED 'LOGUETOWN.' IT'S ALSO KNOWN AS THE TOWN OF THE BEGINNING AND THE END." Nami turns with a smile and suggests, "SHALL WE GOI" Luffy reacts with wide-eyed surprise beside her. The final panel shows Nami saying, "SO THAT'S THE TOWN THAT THE PIRATE KING DIED AT..."
NamiMonkey D. Luffy
10
The crew enters bustling Loguetown under a grand arch reading "Loguetown" with a sign noting "(TOWN OF THE BEGINNING AND THE END)." Luffy marvels, "WHOA! WHAT A BIG TOWN!" Sanji remarks, "SO THE PIRATE AGE ALL BEGAN FROM HERE, EHI" Usopp declares, "I'M GOING TO GO LOOK FOR SOME EQUIPMENT TO BUY." Nami adds with a heart, "SEEMS LIKE I CAN GET SOME GOOD INGREDIENTS AND FOOD HERE. As well as fine women." Luffy pumps his fist, "OK, THEN! I'M GONNA GO SEE THE EXECUTION STAND!" Nami smiles and offers, "I'LL HAPPILY LEND YOU SOME MONEY. AT 300% INTEREST, THAT IS." Sanji replies while thinking, "I DO HAVE SOMETHING I WANT TO BUY TOO BUT..."
Monkey D. LuffyNamiUsoppSanji
11
Zoro walks through the crowded streets carrying his swords as townspeople react around him. Someone yells, "IT'S ALL BECAUSE OF YOU THAT OUR BOSS IS IN PRISON!" Another voice taunts, "SEEMS LIKE THAT MONSTER AIN'T WITH YOU TODAY!" A man in a hat watches from the side. In another street, a swordsman challenges Zoro, "IF YOU STILL HAVEN'T LEARNED YOUR LESSON, I SHALL GLADLY BE YOUR OPPONENT." Zoro turns to face him. Meanwhile, Buggy and Alvida appear in a dramatic panel with a large "ズズゥー" sound effect. Buggy shouts, "DID I JUST HEAR THAT CORRECTLY!I A LITTLE MISS LIKE YOU IS GOING TO BE OUR OPPONENT!I" Alvida laughs, "WELL, WHY NOT!"
Roronoa ZoroBuggyAlvida
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The woman in the floral shirt drives her sword upward in a powerful strike, sending the large pirate flying backward with a massive impact. "THAT OUR DREAM OF GOING TO GRAND LINE WAS BROKEN ALL BECAUSE OF HIM!" the pirate yells as he crashes. "WHEN YOU DIE, TELL THAT MONSTER FRIEND OF YOURS," he continues. Nearby, a man with a sword reacts with "HMI" while another figure sweats nervously. In the next moment the woman unleashes a furious slash, the blade flashing with huge motion lines and impact effects as the pirate is hurled through the air, "!!I" and "どぉどぉ" sound effects exploding around them.
Tashigiunidentified pirate
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The pirate lies sprawled on the ground beside a dropped sword and broken objects, groaning "OWW!" and "Drop..." as the woman stands over him. "AH, AH, AH..." he wheezes. She turns away, sword in hand. In the street a crowd gathers; a man with curly hair picks up handcuffs and says "HEY, LOOKING FOR THESEI" while another voice calls "WHISTLE! AIN'T YOU A STRONG ONE, MISSY!" The woman, now revealed as Tashigi without her glasses, bows politely and replies "S... SORRY FOR TROUBLING YOU. TH... THANK YOU VERY MUCH." A sweating man watches her with concern.
Tashigiunidentified piratecurly-haired man
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On a certain island surrounded by ocean, two powerful figures clash. "HAWKEYES! JUST WHAT'VE YOU COME HERE FOR!I" a voice shouts from the shore as Mihawk stands with his massive cross-shaped sword. "AGHHH!" another cry rings out. Mihawk faces a group of pirates and calmly states "NO NEED TO GET ANTSY, I'VE NO BUSINESS WITH THE REST OF YOU." A pirate demands "WHERE'RE YOUR OFFICERSI" Below, crew members panic and run, shouting "CAPT-AAAAA-IIINNN!" while their captain lies on the ground, the sound effect "ずだだだだ" marking the impact.
Dracule MihawkShanksunidentified pirates
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Mihawk and Shanks sit facing each other under a large striped canopy. Mihawk muses "HMMI" Shanks grins and says "AH, HAWKEYES. QUITE A RARE GUEST I'VE GOT TODAY." Mihawk replies "HMPH... AS IF I'D WANT TO SETTLE THINGS WITH A MAN WITH ONLY ONE ARM. I'M NOT IN SUCH A GOOD MOOD RIGHT NOW BUT... HAVE YOU COME FOR A FIGHTI" Shanks answers "AH, HAWKEYES..." In flashback panels Luffy appears as a child, wide-eyed, while Buggy reacts in shock "WHA!I YOU MEAN...!I" and "ガダム!!" Shanks recalls "THAT STORY ABOUT AN INTERESTING LITTLE KID IN A CERTAIN VILLAGE... AND I WAS REMINDED OF THAT STORY YOU TOLD ME LONG AGO. I CAME ACROSS SOME INTERESTING PIRATES."
Dracule MihawkShanksMonkey D. LuffyBuggy
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A close-up reveals a grinning man with a scar over his left eye and wild hair, his face half-shadowed. Large bold text declares "SO YOU'VE COME OUT AT LAST," followed by the name "LUFFY." A scroll identifies him as "CAPTAIN OF THE RED-HAIRED PIRATES RED-HAIR SHANKS." Below, a lively tropical village scene unfolds with palm trees, a thatched-roof bar, and villagers celebrating. One man shouts, "YOU DUMBASS! HOW COULD A MAN NOT DRINK ON A DAY AS JOYOUS AS THIS!I" Another retorts, "DRINKI BUT WEREN'T YOU GRUMBLING OVER YOUR HANGOVER JUST NOW!I" A cheerful voice calls out, "HEY, EVERYONE! LET'S DRINK! IT'S TIME FOR A PARTY!" Someone adds, "HAWKEYES! YOU SIT DOWN AND HAVE A DRINK TOO!"
Red-Haired Shanksunidentified villagerunidentified villager with hangoverunidentified partygoer
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In Fuusha Village, locals gather in the street near the bar and windmill. Speech bubbles read: "NOT BAD!" "MAYBE OUR VILLAGE WILL BECOME KNOWN FOR BEING THE HOME OF A FAMOUS PIRATE!" "THAT'D BE GREAT!" "LOOK, LUFFY'S BECOME A WANTED MAN." A smiling dark-haired woman asks, "ARE YOU WORRIED...I" A reply states, "IT IS HIS DREAM, AFTERALL." Another declares, "A PIRATE IS A PIRATE!" followed by "HAHA, BUT LOOK, CHIEF. LOOK HOW HAPPY LUFFY SEEMS." The striped-hat chief angrily yells, "STOP CELEBRATING, YOU FOOLS! JUST WHAT'S THERE TO BE HAPPY ABOUT HAVING A CRIMINAL COME FROM OUR VILLAGE!I" while worried onlookers mutter "OR HIS FATE...I" and "IS IT HIS DREAM...I"
A labeled diagram titled "5. Cannon Deck and Anchor Room" details a ship's interior. Visible items include "Lifesavers (dangerously floaty)," multiple "Rope (An essential item on ships)," "Weapon Storage," "Cleaning Supplies," "Cannonballs," "Gunpowder," and a single forward "Cannon." The "Capstand (Rotate to pull in anchor)" is shown with an arrow and note "This is how you wind the rope." An "Anchor Line" connects to the anchor. A note states "This room is often called 'Military Storage.'"
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End of chapter20 pages
Discussion
p7Marines salute in front of Marine Headquarters.
p7Marines affirm commitment to absolute justice.
p8Luffy bounty is confirmed at 30 million beli.
p8Crew reacts to first collective wanted status on ship deck.
p9Loguetown is birthplace and execution site of Pirate King Roger.
p9Going Merry approaches Loguetown from the sea.
p10Crew enters Loguetown through main archway.
p10Crew members split to pursue individual goals in town.
p11Zoro is recognized and confronted by townspeople in Loguetown streets.
p11Buggy and Alvida appear together in Loguetown.
p12Tashigi defeats a large unidentified pirate with an upward sword strike followed by a horizontal slash.
p13Tashigi is revealed without her glasses after the fight.
p13Curly-haired man recovers handcuffs from the street.
p14Mihawk arrives alone on an island occupied by pirates.
p14The pirate captain is already defeated on the ground.
p15Mihawk visits Shanks on a beach under a striped canopy.
p15Shanks references a past story about a child told to Mihawk.
p16Shanks appears in close-up with visible left-eye scar.
p16Shanks is labeled Captain of the Red-Haired Pirates.
p16Scene is set in a tropical village with bar and palm trees.
p16Villagers are celebrating Luffy's news with drinks.
p17Scene takes place in Fuusha Village.
p17Luffy's wanted poster is shown to villagers.
p17Striped-hat chief is drinking while expressing anger.
p17Dark-haired woman discusses Luffy's situation with the chief.
What is said, page by page
p0Bottom caption describes Coby and Helmeppo's diary entry about Morgan's escape with serious tone.
p1Nami complains to News Coo about rising newspaper prices with irritated mood.
p1News Coo defends the price increase casually while delivering the paper.
p1Usopp declares he is developing a secret tobacco star and refuses to be penniless with boastful tone.
p1Nami warns Usopp about daily expenses and saving money with scolding intent.
p2Usopp refuses something emphatically with panicked tone.
p2Sanji thanks Nami and declares his love-powered defense infallible with dramatic flair.
p2Luffy agrees to drop the issue in a good mood with cheerful tone.
p2Nami reads about another coup d'état in a country with concerned expression.
p3Luffy announces the flyer arrival with surprised tone.
p3Crew members react with confusion and shock to the flyer content.
p3Narration states the ship now heads out for the Grand Line.
p4Marine officer states they are unable to deal with this particular pirate crew.
p4Another officer summarizes that branch forces must handle the threat.
p4Subordinate Marine replies YES in agreement during the meeting.
p5Brannew explains that three high-bounty crews were crushed in East Blue.
p5Brannew states evil must be uprooted while still buds.
p5Brannew declares Luffy's 30 million bounty is appropriate.
p6Marine officer declares they are the sole fortress of peace and orders cowards to flee.
p6Lower Marine states the masses should depend on the justice they shoulder.
p6Lower Marine claims it is no crime for the masses to be weak.
p6Lower Marine affirms it is their duty to exterminate evil.
p7Marines shout YES SIR in unison.
p7Marines declare all under the name of ABSOLUTE JUSTICE.
p8Luffy laughs loudly about becoming wanted men with high bounty.
p8Usopp excitedly claims his picture makes him famous worldwide.
p8Nami warns that the bounty will attract marines and bounty hunters endangering their lives.
p8Sanji notes they have become more infamous and might attract more bounties.
p9Voice states the island proves they are close to the Grand Line.
p9Nami questions the statement about the island.
p9Narration identifies the island as Loguetown town of beginning and end.
p9Nami suggests they go to the island.
p9Luffy reacts with surprise to the plan.
p10Sanji notes the pirate age began from this town.
p10Luffy marvels at the size of the town.
p10Usopp announces he will buy equipment.
p10Nami states she can find good ingredients and food here.
p10Luffy announces he will go see the execution stand.
p10Nami offers money loan at high interest.
p11Townspeople blame Zoro for their boss being imprisoned.
p11Townspeople taunt that Zoro is alone without his monster companion.
p11Swordsman challenges Zoro to a fight for not learning his lesson.
p11Buggy questions if he heard correctly about facing opponents.
p11Buggy declares he and Alvida will fight the group.
p12Pirate yells in rage that his crew's Grand Line dream was destroyed by a monster friend of Tashigi's, intent to curse before death.
p12Curly-haired man reacts with surprised 'HM?' while gripping sword.
p12Background figures shout in alarm during the slash sequence.
p13Pirate groans 'OWW!' and 'Drop...' while lying defeated on the ground.
p13Curly-haired man calls out 'HEY, LOOKING FOR THESE!' while holding handcuffs.
p13Crowd member shouts 'WHISTLE! AIN'T YOU A STRONG ONE, MISSY!'
p13Tashigi bows and apologizes 'S... SORRY FOR TROUBLING YOU. TH... THANK YOU VERY MUCH.'
p14Voice from shore shouts 'HAWKEYES! JUST WHAT'VE YOU COME HERE FOR!?'
p14Mihawk states calmly 'NO NEED TO GET ANTSY, I'VE NO BUSINESS WITH THE REST OF YOU.'
p14Pirate demands 'WHERE'RE YOUR OFFICERS!?'
p14Crew members scream 'CAPT-AAAAA-IIINNN!' while fleeing.