Battle occurs on snowy island involving pirate ships attacking a town.
Horned warrior identified as king lies critically wounded inside burning hall.
The confrontation occurs inside a grand ruined hall with architectural details like arches and chandeliers. A door slams shut during the scene involving the horned warrior's cries. The young man with afro hair stands facing the winged woman while holding a sword.
The young man with afro hair claims the fallen man was a celestial dragon. The confrontation between the afro-haired man and the winged woman takes place in a grand hall. The winged woman denies the truth of the slave demand claim made by the king.
The seated man is identified as Knight of God St. Manmayer Groh. The scene includes a distant view of the afro-haired man and winged woman in the ruined hall. A bloodied horned warrior reacts with fear to the seated man's words.
St. Manmayer Groh is speaking about the Great One desiring a rare trait in the young man with afro. The scene takes place inside a large ornate building with arched windows.
Princess Shuri attacks the young man with afro using a sword. The young man with afro claims past familiarity with Princess Shuri from her childhood.
Brook performs a sword attack while singing during the confrontation. The scene involves Brook, Princess Shuri, and the young man with afro in a large hall.
Brook awakens bandaged in a medical tent surrounded by soldiers. Brook survived a sword wound through the head. News arrives that the king is dead and citizens are fleeing.
The cover request illustration shows a snowy forest scene. In the foreground, a young horned boy named Loki sits on the ground wearing a large horned helmet, secretly sketching in a notebook with a smiling face doodle and Japanese text. A large snake with sharp teeth watches him closely. Behind Loki stands a smiling girl named Ida in a dark coat holding a wicker basket, her finger to her lips in a shushing gesture. A fierce lion-like creature with a mane appears in the background along with trees and falling snow. Text at the bottom reads: COVER REQUEST, BY: SUNADANGO: "LOKI COVERTLY DRAWING IDA, WHO IS SECRETLY AMUSED BY IT".
LokiIda
01
A massive battle rages around a burning town on a snowy island. Pirate ships bombard the settlement as explosions rock the buildings. A voice shouts "DON'T GIVE UP!!" while another cries "...OUR ONLY SHOT AT SURVIVAL!!" In close combat, a swordsman clashes with an opponent as someone yells "WINNING INDEPENDENCE IS..." A close-up reveals a bloodied man with an afro and a scar, wide-eyed in shock as he gasps "WHA-?" Nearby, a blonde woman and a bearded man with goggles react with alarm amid the chaos. On the ships, text notes "BROOK'S PAST: THE WORLD GOVERNMENT VS ESPERIA!?"
BrookEsperia townsfolk
02
Inside a grand burning hall, a fallen horned warrior lies injured on the floor while others shout "HANG IN THERE, BIG BRO!! PLEASE, YOU'VE GOTTA!!" "BIG BRO!!" "THE KING IS IN CRITICAL CONDITION!!" and "WE NEED A MEDIC, QUICK!" A tall figure with wings stands nearby. In a flashback panel, a bandaged man with an afro grins wildly and declares "DON'T CALL ME MISTER!!" while being called "BIG BRO!!" Multiple characters react with shock and laughter, including a curly-haired person exclaiming "BIG BRO...!!" and another saying "I SUPPOSE I'LL JUST CALL YOU BIG BRO!!" The final panel shows a devastated town with the caption "YOHO HO, WELL..."
Horned WarriorKing ReuvenBrook
03
The injured horned warrior desperately calls out "WHERE'S THAT DAMN MEDIC?!?" and "BIG BROOO!!!" while clutching his chest. A large door slams shut with a "SLAM!" as someone notes "THIS SUDDEN INTRUSION..." In the hall, a cloaked figure with a scythe stands over the fallen warrior. A flashback shows a young girl named Shuri being protected as a voice explains "YOU SEE... I'VE WATCHED OVER SHURI SINCE SHE WAS A BABY!! SHE'S TOTALLY INCAPABLE OF THIS!!" A blonde horned woman identified as Princess Shuri glares and says "YOU...!! WHO ARE YOU?! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO PRINCESS SHURI?!" while Brook remarks "BROOK... YOU KNOW THAT GUY IS DEAD ALREADY, RIGHT?"
Horned WarriorPrincess ShuriBrook
04
In the grand hall, the young man with the afro hair stands facing the winged woman. He shouts, 'THIS GUY WASN'T MY REAL FATHER. DID YOU KNOW THAT?' The woman responds with shock, '!?'. He continues, '...A CELESTIAL DRAGON? ...THAT I'M...' and demands, 'DID YOU KNOW... THEN TELL ME, BROOK...' Someone protests, 'DON'T CALL HIM "THIS GUY"!!' and another voice questions, 'HUH...?' The young man rages, 'IT ISN'T! THIS IS LIFE CHANGING NEWS! I SHOULD HAVE BEEN RAISED AS A CELESTIAL DRAGON. THESE PAST 16 YEARS WERE A COMPLETE WASTE!! DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND HOW ANGRY THAT MAKES ME?!' The winged woman replies, 'THAT'S IRRELEVANT WHEN IT COMES TO THE BOND BETWEEN A PARENT AND CHILD!!!' He yells, 'CAN YOU PROVE THAT? YOU ARE THE CHILD OF KING LEUVEN!! THAT'S A FACT!! WHAT ARE YOU EVEN SAYING?!' The young woman with horns steps forward, declaring, 'THIS GUY WAS A GOOD FOR NOTHING KING WHO POINTLESSLY LED HIS PEOPLE TO THEIR DOOM!! STOP CALLING HIM THAT!! THIS GUY JUST DIDN'T WANT TO HAND ME OVER!! AND THAT DEMAND FOR 1000 SLAVES? IT ISN'T TRUE.'
Brook (age 11)Princess ShuriPrince Reuven
05
The confrontation continues in the ruined hall. The young man with the afro stands with sword drawn beside the winged woman as debris and smoke fill the air. A voice states, 'THAT IS NO LONGER MY CONCERN.' Another adds, 'BUT DEFEAT WILL MAKE OUR NATION A LAWLESS LAND!!' The winged woman says, 'WITH THE KING DEAD, THIS WAR CAN END.' The young man replies, 'THAT'S WHY I MADE HIM TAKE RESPONSIBILITY.' In the foreground, St. Manmayer Groh sits with legs crossed, adjusting his gloves. He recalls, '...AMONG CANDELLE'S ATTENDANTS. THERE WAS A KID WITH AN AFRO... I REMEMBER YOU NOW...' The young man looks up at him and says, 'YOU WEREN'T ALLOWED TO COME NEAR ME.' A nameplate identifies the seated figure as 'KNIGHT OF GOD ST. MANMAYER GROH'.
Brook (age 11)Princess ShuriSt. Manmayer Groh
06
St. Manmayer Groh continues speaking while the young man with the afro sits on the ground in shock. Groh explains, '...AND THE GREAT ONE DESIRES THEM. BEING BORN WITH THAT TRAIT IS TRULY RARE... THIS KID POSSESSES THOSE MISMATCHED EYES. ...TO RETRIEVE A SINGLE BRAT, BUT... WE WOULDN'T NORMALLY COME ALL THE WAY TO A BACKWATER COUNTRY LIKE THIS...' The young man mutters, 'I DIDN'T AWAKEN IT MYSELF, BUT...' Reactions ripple through the group: 'HUH...', 'HEY, SHURI...', 'OH, FORGIVE ME, GREAT ONE...', 'THOU HAST SAID TOO MUCH, GROH.', and 'SHE MIGHT...'. The young man stares in disbelief as Groh stands amid the flames and rubble.
Brook (age 11)Princess ShuriSt. Manmayer Groh
07
The young man with the afro cries out, 'I KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU, PRINCESS!! I USED TO CHANGE YOUR DIAPERS...!!' Princess Shuri stands silently as he continues, 'THIS IS JUST A DREAM, RIGHT?!' She attacks with her sword, motion lines and impact effects filling the panel. He pleads, 'NO, WAIT...' The young man insists, '...I WON'T NEED YOU ANYMORE. IF I GO TO THE HOLY LAND NOW... I DESERVE STRONGER PROTECTION...' Princess Shuri retorts, 'SHEDDING TEARS LIKE THAT IS BEYOND PATHETIC... YOU'RE SO PATRONIZING...!!' In a series of close-ups, the young man weeps and smiles through tears, recalling, 'I COULDN'T PROTECT BIG BRO... THE MAN WHO SAVED MY LIFE...!!' He shouts, 'GAVOTTE...' as Princess Shuri leaps into action. The final panel shows a young child with horns smiling peacefully.
Brook (age 11)Princess Shuri
08
Brook leaps forward with his sword drawn, striking a dramatic pose as he sings. "OF THE DEAD YOU'LL FIND, ONLY BONES GET LEFT BEHIND!" A musical note floats beside him. "FROM FROGS TO CATTLE, FROM KINGS TO CHATTEL!" he continues. "BOND EN AVANT!" he shouts in a large speech bubble. A massive impact effect erupts as his blade swings. In the lower panels, a grand hall appears with a cloaked figure standing amid debris and a winged figure soaring through the air. "THAT'S JUST THE WAY THE STORY GOES!" Brook sings. "BONES ALONE!! AS EVERYONE KNOWS!" The cloaked figure and the winged one move through the ruined cathedral-like space filled with arches and stained glass.
Brook
09
Soldiers and crew members crowd around the awakening Brook. "HE'S AWAKE!!" one yells. "IT'S A MIRACLE!!" another exclaims. "COMMANDER BROOK!!" they shout repeatedly. In the medical tent, Brook lies bandaged while others discuss his survival. "THE BRAIN ITSELF-" "IT'S A MIRACLE IT MISSED YOUR MAJOR BLOOD VESSELS AND THE BRAINSTEM!!" "...AND YOU SURVIVED!!" "I'M SHOCKED! A SWORD WENT THROUGH YOUR HEAD..." Brook, now sitting up with a headband and eye patch, asks "WHAT ABOUT THE KING...?" Outside, the ruined town burns. "WE FAILED..." "...THE KING IS DEAD..." Brook clutches his head. "WE SHOULDN'T GIVE YOU TOO MUCH OF A SHOCK, COMMANDER..." "I'M NOT SURE HOW MUCH YOU REMEMBER, COMMANDER..." "UGH..." "NO... I WANT YOU TO TELL ME..."
Brook
10
Brook continues listening as reports come in. "IT DOESN'T MATTER WHERE THEY GO NOW, THEY'LL BE REFUGEES NOW." "MOST CITIZENS HAVE ALREADY FLED THE COUNTRY..." "...BOARDING A GOVERNMENT SHIP" "AN EYEWITNESS SAW PRINCESS SHURI..." A blonde woman reacts with shock. "AAAH!!" Brook's eyes widen in the next panel. Suddenly Brook cries out in agony as his wound reopens. "COMMANDER!!" "OH NO, HIS WOUND REOPENED NOW!" "COMMANDER!! STAY WITH US!!" His scream echoes across the landscape. "WAAAAH!!!" Multiple voices call "COMMANDER!!" as Brook collapses, blood pouring from his head while crew members desperately try to hold him.
BrookPrincess Shuri
11
In the present, Brook reflects. "I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW WHAT A DEVIL FRUIT WAS..." A skeletal Brook appears in the background. "BACK THEN..." The scene shifts to a chaotic battlefield with smoke and ruins. A blonde woman and a horned warrior stand together. "HEY, YOU GUYS..." "BUT I ALWAYS THOUGHT I WAS HALLUCINATING..." "IT WAS CHILLING...!! SHE LOOKED JUST LIKE A DEMON...!!" "THE PRINCESS SEEMED SO DIFFERENT AFTER THE KING'S MURDER...!!" "IF THAT WAS ACTUALLY REAL THOUGH...!!" The townsfolk react with horror. "...PUT MY FAITH IN PRINCESS SHURI ONCE MORE?!" one cries with tears. "DO YOU THINK IT'S OKAY IF I..." Brook's skeletal face appears in shadow with a determined expression.
BrookPrincess Shuri
12
Brook races across the landscape carrying Princess Shuri while a horned creature tumbles through the air amid impact lines. A voice urges, "RUN... BROOK!!" In the next panel Brook glances back as another voice declares, "IF SHE IS A VICTIM THEN..." The scene shifts to a close-up of Brook's skull face, tears streaming, shouting "PRINCESS SHURI...!!! I WANT TO SAVE HER!!!" Princess Shuri watches with a concerned expression, asking, "IS THAT JUST 'CAUSE I'M THEIR DAUGHTER?" From the side a massive furry figure and several round black creatures stand ready as Brook cries out, "LEND ME YOUR STRENGTH!!!" and "PLEASE, EVERYONE..." A large sound effect "がばっ!!" erupts in the center.
BrookPrincess Shuriunidentified horned creaturefurry giantround black creatures
13
A chef-hatted giant roars, "...IS OUR BEST BET!!! A RADICAL BEAM..." while a woman with light hair declares, "I WONDER IF LIGHTNING WILL DO THE TRICK!!" and a large horned warrior growls, "LET'S HURRY AND SMASH THAT ICE!! NO NEED TO BE SO FORMAL!!" The chef adds, "IT SEEMS LIKE EXPLOSIVES DON'T WORK, WHAT SHOULD I DO?!" Brook's skull face appears in shock with "WHOA!!!" as a cloaked swordsman dashes forward in a flurry of motion lines, someone shouting "HEY, BROOK, WAIT UP!!" Nearby a sign reads "WALRUS SCHOOL CAFETERIA" while a giant complains, "HUFF... HUFF... THEN... THAT CRAZY NEW GUY IS ELBAF'S ENEMY, RIGHT?!" and another figure yells "I'M STUFFED!!!" amid "AWWAAAH!!!"
Monkey D. Luffy appears with a fierce grin, declaring "HE'S MY ENEMY TOO!!! I'M OVERFLOWING WITH POWER!!" while an explosion erupts nearby. A long-haired figure questions, "THOU ART IGNORANT OF THE REASON THEN?" as Luffy retorts amid debris. The long-haired figure continues, "THE WORLD GOVERNMENT SURE PLAYS DIRTY...!!" and "HUFF... HUFF... TARGETING KIDS...!!" while offering, "SHALL I ENLIGHTEN THEE...?" In a close-up the long-haired figure states, "...WERE DEFEATED IN A BID TO RESCUE THEIR CHILDREN. 800 YEARS AGO, THE GIANT RACE..."
Monkey D. Luffylong-haired figure
15
Luffy and the long-haired figure argue heatedly, with Luffy yelling "HEY, DUMBASS...!!!" and the other retorting "YOU PRICK! WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO SAY?!" A massive impact "バチンズ" shakes the panel as Luffy shouts "GET OFF OF ELBAF!!!" The long-haired figure explains, "A FEW CENTURIES IS NOT NEARLY ENOUGH TO CHANGE THE NATURE OF A RACE!!" and "800 YEARS AGO! WHAT ARE YOU SAYING?!" while scenes show children being taken and giants kneeling. The figure concludes, "...WHEN THINE OFFSPRING ARE TAKEN. WITHOUT FAIL, THINE PEOPLE INEVITABLY BEND THE KNEE..." and "IGNORANCE OF THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WHAT IS OCCURRING IS IRRELEVANT. HISTORY ALWAYS REPEATS ITSELF. 'TIS ALREADY TOO LATE. THOU ART ALL SLAVES OF MU!!" The page ends with "ONE STRIKE!!" and the chapter close.
Monkey D. Luffylong-haired figure
End of chapter16 pages
Discussion
Brook receives reports about fleeing citizens and Princess Shuri. Brook's head wound reopens during emotional reaction. Scene shifts to destroyed town with ongoing chaos.
Brook recalls events before knowing about Devil Fruits. King's murder scene involves Princess Shuri and a horned creature. Flashback depicts battlefield destruction and crew reactions.
Brook is carrying Princess Shuri while fleeing across open terrain. A horned creature is shown tumbling from an impact. Brook expresses intent to save Princess Shuri despite possible personal doubt.
Giant characters propose using a radical beam and lightning against an enemy. Brook is still fleeing with Shuri while others coordinate attacks. A sign identifies the Walrus School Cafeteria in the scene.
Luffy joins the fight claiming the enemy as his own. Long-haired figure references the world government targeting children and past defeat 800 years ago. Explosion occurs near Luffy during his declaration.
Luffy directly orders an opponent to get off Elbaf. Confrontation occurs between Luffy and a long-haired warrior figure. Dialogue references events from 800 years ago. Speech mentions offspring being taken and forced submission. References to slaves of Mu appear in dialogue. History repeating itself is stated as a recurring theme.
What is said, page by page
Voice shouts encouragement not to give up during the assault. Desperate cry stating survival depends on this single chance. Text references winning independence as the goal of the fight.
Group pleads for injured warrior to hold on and survive. Alarm raised that the king is in critical condition. Urgent call for a medic to arrive immediately. Characters repeatedly address the fallen figure as big bro.
Injured horned warrior desperately calls for a medic and shouts for big bro, conveying intense pain and urgency in the hallway. Observer notes the sudden intrusion with a calm remark as the door slams shut in the grand hall. Young man with afro hair reveals to the winged woman that the fallen man was not his real father, seeking confirmation with intense emotion. Winged woman reacts with visible shock to the young man's statement about the celestial dragon revelation.
Young man with afro hair asserts to the winged woman that the man was not his real father and questions if she knew he was a celestial dragon, showing anger and revelation. Winged woman reacts with shock to the claim about the celestial dragon identity. Young man with afro demands the winged woman prove the bond between parent and child while denying relevance of past events. Winged woman angrily tells the young man to stop calling the fallen king by that name and declares the demand for slaves is false.
Voice states that the king's death and the war's end are no longer a concern while another voice notes defeat will make the nation lawless. Seated man identified as St. Manmayer Groh recalls a kid with an afro among Candelle's attendants and questions the young man's presence. Seated man tells the young man he was not allowed to come near him.
St. Manmayer Groh explains that the Great One desires the mismatched eyes trait which is rare and possessed by this kid, with serious intent in a formal hall setting. St. Manmayer Groh states they came to retrieve a single brat despite the remote location, conveying determination and justification. Young man with afro reacts with denial saying he did not awaken the trait himself, showing confusion and distress.
Young man with afro shouts that he knows everything about Princess Shuri and used to change her diapers, expressing emotional attachment and shock. Young man with afro questions if the situation is just a dream, conveying denial and panic. Princess Shuri attacks while calling the young man's tears pathetic and patronizing, showing cold rejection.
Brook sings that of the dead only bones get left behind, from frogs to cattle and kings to chattel, with theatrical performance intent. Brook shouts Bond en Avant while striking with sword. Brook declares that bones alone is how the story goes and everyone knows it.
Soldiers shout that Commander Brook is awake and call it a miracle with excited relief. Medical discussion notes sword wound missed major vessels and questions survival of the king. Brook asks about the king then reacts with denial and demands more information on the outcome.
Reports state citizens have fled the country and become refugees boarding a government ship. Eyewitness account mentions Princess Shuri seen during the chaos. Soldiers warn that Brook's wound reopened and urge him to stay conscious.
Brook reflects that he did not know what a Devil Fruit was back then. Flashback describes the princess appearing different after the king's murder and resembling a demon. Crew members question whether to place faith in Princess Shuri again.
Urgent off-panel voice commands Brook to run while carrying Shuri, conveying immediate danger. Brook internally questions if saving Shuri is only because she is their daughter, showing conflicted resolve. Brook shouts determination to save Princess Shuri with intense skull-faced expression. Light-haired woman wonders if lightning will work against the threat, suggesting tactical idea.
Chef-hatted giant declares a radical beam is their best bet with roaring intensity. Light-haired woman suggests lightning might work against the target. Horned warrior urges to hurry and smash the ice without formality. Brook is called to wait up by an off-panel voice during escape. Character notes that explosives do not work on Elbaf's enemy.
Luffy declares the enemy is also his and that he is overflowing with power. Long-haired figure asks if Luffy is ignorant of the reason for events. Luffy states he does not think he can lose amid explosion. Long-haired figure reveals the world government plays dirty and targets kids. Long-haired figure states they were defeated 800 years ago while trying to rescue children.
Luffy yells at long-haired figure demanding they leave Elbaf, conveying aggressive rejection. Long-haired figure retorts angrily questioning Luffy's intent during heated exchange. Long-haired figure declares a few centuries insufficient to change a race's nature, showing dismissive resolve. Long-haired figure questions Luffy about events 800 years ago with confrontational tone. Long-haired figure states that offspring are inevitably taken and people bend the knee, conveying inevitability. Horned figure notes ignorance of occurring significance with serious expression. Long-haired figure asserts history always repeats itself in final panel outburst. Horned figure declares it already too late and all are slaves of Mu with ominous delivery.