CHAPTER 35 "THE STEEP SLOPE AGAIN" 171 THE BEGINNING OF THE COVER PAGE SERIES "THE ADVENTURES OF BUGGY'S PIRATE FLEET" The cover page shows Buggy the Clown looking furious as he rows a small raft made of logs. He is holding a wooden club in one hand and an oar in the other. Surrounding his small raft are three large, menacing fish with sharp teeth, leaping out of the water and glaring at him.
Buggy
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Luffy stands casually on the rocky slope, looking down at his fist. In the foreground, Kuro lies flat on his back on the ground, completely motionless after taking a hit. The Black Cat Pirates watch from a distance, completely shocked by what just happened. The pirates exclaim in disbelief, "WHAT HAPPENED...??" "HOW DID HE KNOCK CAPTAIN KURO DOWN...!?" "FROM THAT POSITION?!" A low rumbling sound effect, "SFX: GOOO", emanates from Kuro's prone body as he lies still on the dirt path.
Monkey D. LuffyKuroBlack Cat Pirates
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Luffy cracks his knuckles, "CRACK CRACK", looking completely unfazed. Kuro remains lying on the ground, but a menacing aura begins to radiate from him. "SFX: GOGOGOGO..." The Black Cat Pirates panic, sweating profusely. "CAPTAIN KURO'S REALLY ANGRY NOW...!!" "WHAT'RE WE GONNA DO...?" A close-up of Kuro's face shows him looking furious, his glasses slightly askew, as he lies on the ground. Jango, watching the scene, suddenly realizes something and grins. "!?" "HERE'S OUR CHANCE!!" Nearby, Usopp and Kaya look on in shock, exclaiming, "AH!!" "AH!" as a rustling sound, "SFX: ZAZAZAZAAA!", comes from the bushes behind them.
Monkey D. LuffyKuroBlack Cat PiratesJangoUsoppKaya
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Suddenly, the three kids from Usopp's Pirate Group - Ninjin, Piiman, and Tamanegi - leap out of the bushes and charge at Kuro, who is still lying on the ground. They yell, "YOU INGRATE BUTLER!!" "DIE, YOU BASTARD!!" "HERE COMES USOPP'S PIRATE GROUP!" They land directly on Kuro's head, whacking him with a frying pan, a shovel, and a baseball bat. "SFX: BOBON!!" They continue to mercilessly beat the downed Kuro. "DIE, BASTARD!!" "YOU DAMN PIRATE! TRYING TO DISRUPT THE PEACE OF OUR VILLAGE!!" "HIT HIM HIT HIM HIT HIM...!!" "SFX: DOKA! GAN!! GAN!! BAKI!!" Usopp watches in absolute shock, his eyes bulging. "HOW DID YOU ALL..." Kaya is equally horrified, yelling, "YOU CAN'T COME HERE...!!"
NinjinPiimanTamanegiKuroUsoppKaya
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Usopp screams at his crew, "STOP IT!!" "STOP IT, ALL OF YOU!!" Zoro watches the chaotic scene, confused. "WHAT ARE THOSE KIDS TRYING TO DO?" Jango is completely bewildered, his jaw dropping. "WAH...!! WHAT THE HELL ARE THOSE KIDS DOING?!" "SFX: AAAAH" The three kids stand triumphantly over Kuro's motionless body and say, "OK! WE'LL HAVE MERCY ON HIM..." "SFX: ZUUU...N" They turn to Usopp, crying, "...OUR CAPTAIN WAS REALLY FIGHTING!!" "WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL US?!" One complains, "THAT'S DISLOYAL," while another corrects him, "WRONG! IT SHOULD BE DISHONEST!!"
UsoppRoronoa ZoroJangoNinjinPiimanTamanegiKuro
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The kids continue to argue amongst themselves until Usopp cuts them off. "IT DOESN'T MATTER IF IT'S DISLOYAL OR DISHONEST!!" he shouts, ordering them, "JUST GET OUT OF HERE!! RUN AWAY!!!" The kids yell back, "WE WON'T LEAVE YOU, CAPTAIN!!" "YEAH! WE WANNA FIGHT TOO!!" "IF WE RUN, WE'LL RUIN THE REPUTATION OF THE USOPP PIRATE GROUP!!" Unnoticed by the kids, Kuro slowly begins to rise behind them, his long blade-claws extending from his gloves. "CRACKLE CRACKLE" The kids finally turn around and see the terrifying figure of Kuro looming over them. They scream in absolute terror, "WAAAAAHHHHH...!!" "SFX: AAAAH!!" Usopp desperately shouts, "IDIOTS, RUN!"
NinjinPiimanTamanegiUsoppKuro
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Kuro stands fully upright, his claws fully extended and glinting. "CRACKLE CRACKLE CRACKLE..." The kids sit on the ground, paralyzed with fear. "AH..." "WHA... WHAT? DIDN'T HE SEE US...?" Suddenly, Kuro vanishes and reappears right in front of Luffy, slashing at him with incredible speed. "SFX: DOSYAA" Luffy barely manages to dodge, falling backward onto the ground. "UGH!!" The Black Cat Pirates cheer for their captain. "CAPTAIN!!" Kuro stands calmly, looking at Luffy. "I'M A BIT CURIOUS..." "THAT WAS QUITE AN ODD ATTACK YOU JUST USED"
KuroNinjinPiimanTamanegiMonkey D. LuffyBlack Cat Pirates
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Kuro stares down at Luffy. "LOOKS LIKE YOU POSSESS..." "THE POWER OF THE 'DEVIL'S FRUIT'...!!" "SFX: DON..." Luffy grins widely, grabbing his own cheek and stretching it far out to the side to demonstrate. "YUP! I ATE A 'GOMU GOMU FRUIT'!!" "AND I'VE BECOME A RUBBERMAN!!" Jango reacts with shock. "WHAT?! DEVIL'S FRUIT?!" "THIS IS BAD! YOU MEAN IT ACTUALLY EXISTS?!" "NO WONDER THAT GUY'S SO WEIRD" Jango continues to analyze the situation. "SO, RUBBERMAN, THEN THE STRETCHED ARM..." "WASN'T AN ILLUSION" He then looks at Kuro, amazed. "BUT HE CAN STILL STAND UP..." "AFTER GETTING HIT ON THE HEAD BY MY BLADE, THAT'S INCREDIBLE!!"
KuroMonkey D. LuffyJangoBlack Cat Pirates
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Kuro calls out to his first mate. "JANGO!!" Jango, still recovering, responds. "UGH..." "YES... YES!!" Kuro crosses his arms, his blades pointing outward menacingly. "I WILL TAKE CARE OF THIS KID!" "YOU TAKE CARE OF KAYA OJOUSAMA..." "MAKE HER WRITE HER WILL, AND THEN..." "KILL HER!" "SFX: BAA...!!" Jango salutes, ready to follow orders. "GOT IT" Kuro glances over his shoulder at the kids. "AND ALSO... THOSE THREE PUNY ANTS..." "THEY IRRITATE ME" Kaya looks on, her face pale with terror as she realizes Kuro's true intentions.
KuroJangoMonkey D. LuffyKayaNinjinPiimanTamanegi
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Zoro steps forward, drawing his sword and blocking Jango's path up the slope. "STOP!" Jango halts, looking at the swordsman. Zoro points his blade directly at Jango. "I WON'T LET YOU..." "GET THROUGH ME!" Jango immediately calls for backup. "BUCHI!!!" "GRAAAHH...!!" Buchi, the large, overweight pirate in a cat suit, leaps high into the air, descending rapidly toward Zoro with a fierce expression. "SFX: GOUU!! SHHAAAAA...!!"
Roronoa ZoroJangoBuchi
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Usopp watches in horror as Buchi descends. "OH NO!! THAT AGAIN?!" Buchi plummets toward Zoro, yelling his attack name. "CAT TECHNIQUE..." Buchi slams feet-first into the ground with devastating force. "FLYING DROP KICK!!" "SFX: BOOM!!" Zoro barely manages to leap backward out of the way as Buchi's impact shatters the rocky ground, sending huge chunks of debris flying into the air.
UsoppBuchiRoronoa Zoro
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Buchi lands heavily amidst the flying rocks. "SFX: TAP TAP TAP" The impact creates a massive crater. "SFX: BOOM!!" Usopp and his crew are blown back by the shockwave, screaming. "WAH...!!" "THE GROUND CRACKED...!!" "SFX: DOKOOO" Zoro lands safely but looks strained, realizing the danger. "DAMN!! HE'S EVEN MORE POWERFUL THAN BEFORE!!" Buchi stands up in the crater, roaring furiously. "YAAAAAAA...!!"
BuchiUsoppNinjinPiimanTamanegiRoronoa Zoro
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Luffy watches Buchi's display of power, impressed. "SO POWERFUL...!!" "WHO IS HE?!" Kuro suddenly attacks Luffy, his claws swiping through the air. "IDIOT... HE CAN'T CONTROL HIS OWN STRENGTH..." "SHAAA..." Luffy leans back, narrowly dodging the deadly blades. "SFX: ZUDOOO!!" Meanwhile, Zoro is locked in a fierce struggle with Buchi, using his swords to block the large pirate's immense physical strength. Zoro grits his teeth, straining against the pressure. "SFX: GYUUU"
Monkey D. LuffyKuroRoronoa ZoroBuchiKaya
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Zoro continues to block Buchi's heavy strikes with his swords, sparks flying from the clash. Buchi glares down at Zoro. "YOU..." "LOST TO ME BEFORE..." "DON'T..." Buchi delivers a powerful kick directly to Zoro's midsection. "GET IN MY WAY!!" "SFX: DOKA!!" Zoro is sent flying backward from the force of the blow, crying out in pain. "ARGHH!!"
Roronoa ZoroBuchi
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Zoro crashes hard onto the rocky ground. "SFX: BA-N!" He struggles to push himself up, bleeding and exhausted. "DAMN...!! I FEEL DIZZY, I CAN'T GET UP...!! BUT I MUST STOP THE ENEMIES...!!" Usopp watches Zoro fall in despair. "OH NO! HE..." Usopp then turns to his three young crewmates, his face serious, and calls, "USOPP PIRATE GROUP!!" The kids answer, "YES, CAPTAIN!!" Usopp starts to say, "I... I TOLD YOU..." but the kids interrupt him, insisting, "CAPTAIN, YOU'RE BADLY INJURED! WE CAN'T JUST RUN AWAY!!" and "WE WILL DESTROY YOUR ENEMIES!!"
Roronoa ZoroUsoppNinjinPiimanTamanegiKuroJango
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Usopp's face is shown in a close-up, covered in blood and sweat, his eyes wide with desperate resolve. He screams his order: "PROTECT KAYA!!" Kaya looks at him, moved and worried. "USOPP-SAN..." Kuro watches the exchange coldly. Usopp, still lying on the ground, points toward the forest. "I'M GIVING YOU THE MOST IMPORTANT TASK!" "TAKE KAYA AWAY FROM HERE SAFELY!"
UsoppKayaKuroNinjinPiimanTamanegi
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Usopp continues to yell at his crew. "THIS IS THE CAPTAIN'S ORDER!!" "YOU MUSN'T REFUSE!!" The three kids salute sharply, tears streaming down their faces. "YES...!!" "YES, CAPTAIN!" "SFX: BISHII!!" Zoro, still on the ground, observes this. "IDIOTS! YOU CAN'T ESCAPE" "HE PUTS IT NICELY..." "BUT BASICALLY, HE'S JUST TELLING THEM TO RUN AWAY" The kids grab Kaya's hands and start pulling her away. "KAYA-SAN, RUN!" "GO IN THE FOREST! WE KNOW IT REALLY WELL!" Kaya hesitates, looking back. "UH..." Jango steps forward, spinning his sharp chakram on his finger. "WHERE CAN YOU RUN TO?!" "SFX: SPIN SPIN..."
UsoppNinjinPiimanTamanegiRoronoa ZoroKayaJango
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Suddenly, Usopp fires his slingshot from the ground. "SPECIAL TECHNIQUE, NAMARII-BOSHI!!!" The lead pellet strikes Jango squarely in the face. "UGH!!" "SFX: DOSU!!" Jango is knocked backward, falling to the ground. "SFX: DODOOO..." Usopp, still lying down, laughs weakly. "HEHHEH! SERVES YOU RIGHT!!" Kuro looks on, unamused. Jango quickly recovers, clutching his face in anger. "YOU... YOU BASTARD...!!" "SFX: KACHI-N" Kuro barks an order. "JANGO, QUICK! AFTER THEM!!" Jango scrambles to his feet. "O... OKAY!!"
UsoppJangoKuro
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The kids and Kaya run desperately into the dense forest. "KAYA-SAN, THIS WAY!!" "SFX: TATATATATA" Kuro stands calmly on the slope, facing Luffy and Zoro. "IT'S NO USE, I KNOW VERY WELL HOW WEAK KAYA IS..." "THEY'LL NEVER BE ABLE TO OUTRUN JANGO!!" "IF YOU WANT TO HELP THEM, YOU CAN GO" Kuro adjusts his glasses, his eyes cold. "THAT IS..." "IF YOU CAN GET THROUGH THIS SLOPE ALIVE...!!" "SFX: DON" Zoro, still struggling to stand, curses. "...DAMN!" "THIS SITUATION'S REALLY BAD...!!" Usopp looks on in despair. "USOPP!" Luffy steps forward with a confident grin and says, "LEAVE THIS TO US!" "SFX: DODON!"
KayaNinjinPiimanTamanegiKuroRoronoa ZoroUsoppMonkey D. Luffy
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SPECIAL COLORING CORNER A special illustration showing Nami, Zoro, Luffy, and Usopp riding in a wooden cart pulled by a cow. The cart is overflowing with giant vegetables, including a massive onion, carrot, and potato with faces. They are passing a wooden sign that reads "VILLAGE".
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End of chapter21 pages
Discussion
p7Luffy reveals he is a rubberman due to the Gomu Gomu Fruit.
p7Kuro and the cloaked figures react with surprise to Luffy's ability.
p8Klahadore turns dramatically on the cliff path with arms extended.
p8Jango is shown defeated and sprawled after impact.
p8The three Usopp Pirates stand together observing the scene.
p8Kaya displays a shocked expression with sweat drop in close-up.
p9Zoro blocks the path with arm extended and sword drawn.
p9Buchi and Sham attack with fierce expressions and motion effects.
p9Large SFX GOUU!! appears during the confrontation.
p10Buchi performs a spinning cat technique attack.
p10The flying drop kick creates massive impact and debris.
p10Sham shows visible shock at the technique.
p11The ground cracks and shatters from the attack force.
p11Buchi and Sham are sent flying by the impact.
p11A large dust cloud covers the cliffside after the strike.
p12Kuro attacks with both clawed hands extended.
p12Luffy is hurled backward by a powerful blow causing debris explosion.
p12A masked fighter in black cap observes the impact nearby.
p13Luffy uses a pipe to block Kuro's claw attack.
p13Luffy kicks Kuro during the counterattack causing him to recoil.
p13Both fighters clash violently among rocks with significant impact force.
p14Usopp Pirate Group rushes onto the battlefield despite Usopp's protests.
p14Multiple fighters including Luffy and Usopp are down on the ground.
p14Klahadore observes the scene from a standing position in the background.
p15Usopp gives his crew the task of safely escorting Kaya from the battlefield.
p15Kaya reacts emotionally to Usopp's resolve while standing near Klahadore.
p15Usopp Pirate Group children receive direct orders from their injured captain.
p16Usopp Pirates obey an order to run away.
p16Kuro uses spinning claw technique against the group.
p16Kaya leads the children into the forest for escape.
p17Kuro launches spinning claw special attack.
p17Jango is ordered to chase the children.
p17Spherical pirate is left behind on the path.
p18Kaya leads the escape through the forest slope.
p18Masked swordsman and straw-hatted boy block the pursuers.
p18Jango and spherical pirate continue the chase.
What is said, page by page
p0Caption at bottom describes the start of the cover page series “THE ADVENTURES OF BUGGY’S PIRATE FLEET” with Japanese header text.
p1Luffy and onlookers express shock at how Kuro was knocked down from that position.
p1Speech bubbles convey disbelief and questions about the sudden defeat of Captain Kuro.
p2Black Cat Pirates panic over Captain Kuro’s rising anger.
p2Usopp’s group shouts that this is their chance to attack.
p2Kaya and others yell in alarm as the charge begins.
p3Usopp Pirates yell insults at the butler and declare their attack.
p3Attackers shout to disrupt the village peace and demand hits on the target.
p3Kaya warns the group not to approach the fight area.
p4Usopp Pirates shout in panic to stop the attack on their captain, conveying fear and loyalty.
p4Kuro questions what the children are trying to do, showing cold curiosity.
p4Jango reacts with shock asking what the kids are doing, expressing alarm.
p4Usopp Pirates declare they will show mercy to Usopp while standing over him, indicating reluctant mercy.
p4Usopp Pirates argue that abandoning their captain would be disloyal and dishonest, showing strong group resolve.
p5Usopp Pirates declare they will not run to protect the group's reputation and loyalty to their captain.
p5Kuro orders the children to run away immediately, dismissing loyalty concerns.
p5One Usopp Pirate yells for the others to run after the attack begins.
p6Usopp Pirates react with shock asking if Kuro saw them.
p6One Usopp Pirate cries out CAPTAIN as Usopp is struck.
p6Cloaked figures comment that the attack was odd and express curiosity.
p7Kuro recognizes the power of the Devil's Fruit in shock.
p7Luffy declares he ate the Gomu Gomu Fruit and became a rubberman.
p7Cloaked figures confirm the stretch was not an illusion and react with alarm at the Devil's Fruit existence.
p7Background pirates discuss how Luffy withstood the earlier blade attack.
p8Klahadore commands Jango to force Kaya to write her will then finish the task with cold authority.
p8Distant voice affirms taking care of the kid while Klahadore issues orders.
p8Kaya reacts with horrified intent to kill her target amid visible distress.
p8Jango acknowledges the order while lying defeated on the ground.
p9Zoro shouts stop and blocks the path refusing to let anyone through.
p9Buchi and Sham yell battle cries while charging forward aggressively.
p10Sham cries out in alarm at the repeated cat technique attack.
p10Buchi launches the flying drop kick with powerful rotation.
p11Observers note the attacker is even more powerful than before.
p11Characters react to the cracked ground and massive impact.
p11Distant scream echoes amid the destruction.
p12Luffy yells in shock at the overwhelming power and unknown identity of the attacker.
p12Kuro mutters coldly that the attacker cannot control his own strength.
p12Luffy reacts with visible panic and confusion during the violent clash.
p13Kuro growls a warning not to lose to him again.
p13Luffy retorts defiantly while being sent flying.
p13Kuro cries out in pain after receiving a direct hit from the pipe.
p14Luffy mutters in realization while lying dazed.
p14Usopp groans about dizziness but insists he must stop the enemies.
p14Usopp Pirate Group children shout loyalty and intent to destroy enemies for their captain.
p14Usopp screams in horror at his crew entering the dangerous battlefield.
p15Usopp roars a desperate command to protect Kaya.
p15Kaya whispers Usopp's name with visible emotion and tears.
p15Usopp orders his crew to take Kaya away safely and assigns them an important task.
p16Usopp Pirates shout desperate agreement to captain's order with urgent mood.
p16Kuro calmly notes that Usopp is basically telling the group to flee.
p16Octopus attacker yells threats that escape is impossible with aggressive intent.
p16Kaya urges children to enter the forest where they know the terrain well.
p16Kuro demands to know where the targets can possibly run while attacking.
p17Kuro shouts special technique name Namarii-Boshi during claw strike.
p17Spherical pirate laughs that the attack serves the target right.
p17Spherical pirate gasps OKAY while rising from the ground.
p17Kuro urgently orders Jango to pursue the escaping group.
p17Kuro yells YOU BASTARD at the fleeing targets with rage.
p18Kaya calls for the group to follow her direction through the woods.
p18Spherical pirate warns that Kaya is too weak to outrun Jango.
p18Usopp cries out in alarm at the worsening situation.
p18Masked swordsman states that survivors must get through the slope alive.
p18Straw-hatted boy declares that the slope defense is left to them.