Summary:
The “hawk-eyed” man who destroyed Don Krieg’s fleet is revealed to be the same man Zoro was looking for. When the Straw Hat Pirates learn that such strange cases and powerful people will be common in the Grand Line, they are even more inspired to set sail. Despite barely making it back from the Great Line, Don Krieg decides they will steal the Baratis to get back at him. As they begin to lay siege to the ship, their galleon suddenly splits in half. When Luffy, Zoro, and Usopp run out to check on the Going Merry, they find that it, like Nami, is missing. Zeff looks into the distance and sees a man sailing towards them in a small boat that he seems to recognize.
Zeff knows of a man with “hawk eyes” who seems to fit Gino’s description. While the eyes alone aren’t enough, the fact that he destroyed Krieg’s entire fleet is more than enough proof that he means the man he’s thinking about. As Usopp and Luffy discuss that they have never heard of him, Zoro clarifies that he is in fact the man he is looking for. Zoro’s confused look from the previous chapter comes from the fact that he’s looking for the same person and was thought to be found nearby based on some information Johnny gave him. While some of the chefs discuss a previous customer who got really drunk, Zoro figures that Johnny must have gotten his information mixed up. Sanji asks if the hawk-eyed man held a grudge against them, but Gin says he doesn’t remember anything like that and that he just attacked them. Zeff suggests that maybe they disturbed his afternoon nap and pissed Gin off, that was the only reason. Zeff begs him not to get so upset because this sort of thing is common in the Grand Line. This further excites Luffy and he subsequently decides that he must go to the Grand Line. Zoro agrees that his goals are undoubtedly connected to the Grand Line, prompting Sanji to call them all idiots who would rush to their deaths. Zoro acknowledges that Sanji may be right, but warns against calling them idiots. He explains that the day he decided to become the world’s greatest swordsman, he threw away all attachment to his own life, so he is the only person who has the right to call him an idiot. Luffy and Zoro chime in agreement. As Sanji voices his disapproval, something in him is noticeably outraged by their beliefs, causing Zeff to smile. Patty rushes in and reminds everyone that Don Krieg’s fleet is still parked outside their ship.
Meanwhile, Don Krieg’s crew recovers thanks to Zeff’s offering of food. They rejoice that they have been rescued and have finally made it back from the Grand Line, which is also known as the “Pirate Graveyard”. However, Krieg tells them that the plan is indeed to return to the Grand Line. Seeing his men’s lack of motivation to return to where they were nearly killed, he shoots a man who criticizes his decision. The crew quickly change their minds and obey Krieg’s orders. He then explains that they will steal the Baratia without fear of opposition since they are just cooks.
When Krieg’s men attack the restaurant, their galleon suddenly splits in half. The men can’t believe how ugly the waves are shaking the boat. Krieg’s subordinates try to tell him that the ship has been cut up, but he refuses to believe that anyone could cut up a ship as big as them. Luffy, Zoro, and Usopp worry for the others as they remember that Going Merry was also outside in close proximity. Heading to where they left the Going Merry, they find Johnny and Yosaka nearly drowning without the ship. The bounty hunters tell them the ugly truth; Nami fled with the Going Merry and all their belongings. At the same time, Zeff looks over and notices a man in a small boat sailing towards them.