19 pages · Enies Lobby arc

One Piece Chapter 401: Pirates vs CP9

What happens in chapter 401

Luffy reaches the empty room where Robin was held and realizes everyone has moved on, so he heads straight for the Gates of Justice. Zoro demands the key from Kaku and they clash in a rapid sword fight, with Kaku using Rankyaku and shifting to a four-sword style while Zoro counters with his three-sword stance. Kaku activates a new ability that fills the room with wild intersecting slashes.

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  1. p.0Giant elephant is actively destroying environment on left side of scene.
  2. p.10Swordsman is sent flying by masked CP9 agent's spinning blade attack.
  3. p.16Jabra remains in wolf-man form nearby during the event.
401

Pirates vs CP9

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00
Color chapter cover for Chapter 401, "Pirates vs CP9." The Straw Hats charge through a bright adventure scene with a giant mammoth-like beast behind them. The banner reads, "Have your dream big! Have your game big!! Pirates that exceed the standard subjugate enemies that exceed the standard!! Whoa~!!"
Monkey D. LuffyRoronoa ZoroNamiUsoppSanjiTony Tony Chopper
01
No description for this page.
02
Luffy reaches the room where Robin had been held, panting from the climb. "Haa..." he breathes. "I'm finally here. I wound up climbing up and down the stairs." But the room is empty, ruined from the earlier crash and battle. He calls, "ROBIN!! HEEEY!! I'M HERE--!!!" then realizes, "They were probably in this room earlier... but nobody's here anymore...!" He decides to head straight for the Gates of Justice. Remembering Lucci, he mutters, "Damn that pigeon guy...!!" and then, "... Oh yeah! I know where they are heading to...!!"
Monkey D. LuffyNico RobinRob Lucci
03
In another room, Zoro faces Kaku. Zoro asks bluntly, "You have... the key to Robin's handcuffs, right? Why don't you give it to me before you get killed?" Kaku calls that a silly question. Seated calmly, he says, "I've been regretting... that I didn't get to see your real skill in Galley-La Mansion. And I wouldn't have imagined that pirates would come all the way here..." Zoro warns him, "I'm many levels stronger than I was before... so be careful." Kaku answers that he can feel Zoro's spirit, "an ominous beast-like spirit," and says, "Likely so."
Roronoa ZoroKakuNico Robin
04
Kaku sees Zoro's sword style and remarks, "Nitoryu*, huh?" Zoro answers, "You're a scary man... But... my swordsmanship is the best in CP9... don't underestimate me." The note marks it as "Two Swords Style." Kaku leaps from his chair and attacks with "Rankyaku," sending a slicing kick through the room. Zoro meets the attack head-on, and the room explodes into flying furniture and shattered stone.
Roronoa ZoroKaku
05
Kaku corrects Zoro's assumption with a grin. "Sorry, but actually, Yontou*." The note explains, "Four Swords." Zoro bites down on his third sword and answers, "No problem. Now I remember that your whole body is a weapon." Kaku grips his two swords while using his legs like blades, and the duel shifts into a four-sword assault against Zoro's three-sword stance.
Roronoa ZoroKaku
06
Zoro and Kaku trade slashes in a blur, the fight turning the elegant room into a storm of blades and footwork. Kaku uses his legs like extra swords while gripping two blades in his hands, raining attacks from above and below. Zoro braces with three swords and counters from the floor, sparks and slashes cutting across the panels. As they close in again, Zoro prepares "72-Pound" while Kaku prepares "Rankyaku," the two attacks crossing at the same instant.
Roronoa ZoroKaku
07
Zoro's "Cannon" and Kaku's "Hakurai" collide in a burst of force. The note calls Hakurai "White Thunder." Kaku vanishes with "Soru," and Zoro barely tracks the movement as Kaku reappears and attacks again. Zoro catches the strike, but Kaku is impressed rather than shaken. Zoro asks, "Are you trying to make a fool of me?" Kaku replies, "No... I'm impressed... If you're in such a hurry, then allow me to show you my new 'ability.'"
Roronoa ZoroKaku
08
Kaku begins his new transformation, and Zoro watches warily as the shape of his opponent changes in the middle of battle. The room fills with motion: long, dark limbs, sweeping kicks, and slicing arcs tear across the floor and walls. Zoro dodges and braces through the chaos, trying to read what Kaku has become before the next strike lands. The fight no longer feels like a simple sword duel; Kaku's whole body is becoming a weapon in a new and unpredictable way.
Roronoa ZoroKaku
09
Kaku continues pressing Zoro, sweeping across the room with the strange reach of his changing body. He laughs, "... Wahaha! This is fun!" but Zoro refuses to treat the duel like play. "I have no time for games." Kaku answers with another "Rankyaku," sending a slash tearing toward him, and Zoro challenges him directly: "Then why don't you come and get me?" Their fight keeps ripping up the striped floor and walls as Kaku's new power begins to show, stretching the distance and angles of every attack.
Roronoa ZoroKaku
10
Kaku unleashes "Ran*!!!" and the note identifies it as "Chaos." The attack fills the room with wild, intersecting slashes. Zoro is forced back and asks, "How can he control that slashing technique so easily...!?" Elsewhere, a blast shakes the tower and someone cries, "OOOOOOH WAAAAH!!!" A startled observer asks, "WHA!? WHAT IS IT!?" Kaku, still calm, says, "No... I'm impressed... If you're in such a hurry, then allow me to show you my new 'ability.'"
Roronoa ZoroKaku
11
Chopper enters a strange room that feels almost outdoors, with trees, rocks, grass, and a sleeping Jabra at the center. He thinks, "This room has... far too much gardening...!! It's almost like being outside here." Then he catches himself: "No, no, this isn't the time! Concentrate on the key to Robin's handcuffs for now..." He notices Usopp already creeping through the grass toward the sleeping CP9 agent and calls in his mind, "Over there!!" Jabra snores, "SNZZZ SNZZZ," while Usopp inches closer.
Tony Tony ChopperUsoppJabraNico Robin
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Usopp tries to steal Jabra's key without waking him. He tells himself, "No need to hesitate!!" and, "If I can just grab it quietly and run away quietly, then I've accomplished my goal. It's a win without casualties!! Yes!! I'm the lucky king!!" But a rooster appears, and Usopp panics: "A rooster...!!" He thinks, "This isn't good!! How could such a noisy bird just happen to be here!?" If it crows, Jabra will wake up and Usopp will be killed. He begs it silently, "Hey, why're you looking at me... and preparing to crow? Stop it." "Don't crow, doooon't." "I beg you, don't."
UsoppJabra
13
The rooster crows loudly, "CHIRP," and Usopp screams, "ROOSTERS DON'T CROW LIKE THAT!!!" Jabra wakes and notices him. "Hm?" "Ah." Then, smiling, he says, "... Oh. You've come, pirate." Usopp realizes the danger: "That bastard rooster...!!" Jabra asks, "... Now then, shall I wreak havoc?" and launches at Usopp with frightening speed. Usopp screams, "HIBEEE!!!" and "TOAH!!!" as the wolf-like CP9 agent strikes.
UsoppJabra
14
Usopp is hurled through the garden room and realizes, "He's strong...!!!!" Jabra laughs, "Ha ha... Gyahaha, it's just you." He recognizes Usopp as the one who shot the Government's flag and says, "I guess your sniping skill is the real deal. Wahaha..." Usopp tries to recover, but Jabra suddenly apologizes with eerie politeness: "I'm sorry for attacking all of a sudden. That was painful, wasn't it...!?" Usopp understands too late, "Th-that was his power right after waking up...!?" and stares in fear.
UsoppJabra
15
Jabra reveals the nature of his power. "Despite my appearance... torment isn't how I do things." He tells Usopp, "I'll just slit your throat... and that's the end!! You don't need to suffer before you die... agreed?" Usopp realizes, "A wolf..." and Jabra's ability is revealed: "Inu Inu no Mi, Model: Wolf." Chopper rushes in, yelling that he came all the way here to rescue Robin, but when he sees Jabra's true form, he stammers, "What...? Are you up to it? You don't look that strong..." before forcing himself to shout, "Shut up! I'm up to it no matter what...!!!" The ceiling begins caving in as Usopp and Chopper face the wolf.
JabraUsoppTony Tony ChopperNico Robin
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The chaos from above crashes into Jabra's garden room: Kaku has transformed too, but not as expected. He says, "I was trying to go to 'human-beast form'... but I went all the way to giraffe!!" A massive giraffe body drops through the ceiling. Zoro shouts, "Whoa!! Crap!!" while everyone below reacts in disbelief: "A talking giraffe is falling!!" "A giraffe!!?" "A wolf!!?" "A frickin' zoo!!?" Jabra laughs, "Kaku!! I love your ability!!! Gyahahahaha!!" while Kaku, embarrassed and dangerous, crashes into the room.
KakuRoronoa ZoroJabraUsoppTony Tony Chopper
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SBS bonus page. A reader opens with a joke-filled hard-to-read greeting, and Oda responds by reading it aloud before realizing the reader started the SBS ahead of him. Another reader asks whether Captain Kuro's "Shakushi" is faster than CP9's "Soru." Oda explains that in terms of speed they are about equal, but Kuro moves so fast that even he does not know who he is attacking, while CP9 members can control themselves at that speed, so CP9 would win overwhelmingly. A final reader asks why writing "instrumental" on a test did not earn credit, and Oda jokes that the result does not matter; the real treasure is the courage gained by taking that step forward.
Eiichiro OdaCaptain KuroCP9
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End of chapter19 pages

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About this chapter

One Piece Chapter 401: Pirates vs CP9

Chapter
401
Summarised
Pages
19
Arc
Enies Lobby
Previous
Next

Chapter 401 summary

Luffy reaches the empty room where Robin was held and realizes everyone has moved on, so he heads straight for the Gates of Justice. Zoro demands the key from Kaku and they clash in a rapid sword fight, with Kaku using Rankyaku and shifting to a four-sword style while Zoro counters with his three-sword stance. Kaku activates a new ability that fills the room with wild intersecting slashes. In another room Usopp tries to quietly take the key from the sleeping Jabra, but a rooster crows and wakes him. Jabra attacks at once, reveals his Inu Inu no Mi Model Wolf form, and easily overpowers Usopp until Chopper arrives to help. Kaku then crashes through the ceiling in full giraffe form, landing amid the chaos as Jabra laughs and the others react in shock.

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36 key facts · 13 characters

Key facts in chapter 401

  • p0Color splash page depicts Straw Hat Pirates in chaotic forward motion.
  • p0Giant elephant is actively destroying environment on left side of scene.
  • p2Luffy reaches empty ruined hall after climbing stairs.
  • p2Luffy plans to proceed directly to Gates of Justice.
  • p3Sanji confronts seated man inside grand hall with striped flooring.
  • p3Masked man comments on Sanji's spirit during confrontation.
  • p4Zoro clashes with CP9 swordsman using two-sword style.
  • p4CP9 agent unleashes Rankyaku that destroys hall interior.
  • p5Zoro fights Jabra using three-sword style against four swords.
  • p5Jabra lands crushing overhead strike that slams Zoro into the striped floor.
  • p6Jabra and Zoro simultaneously launch Rankyaku waves that collide in midair.
  • p6Sparks and impact effects mark the rapid sword exchange on striped floor.
  • p7Jabra transforms into wolf-beast form and uses Haku-Rai attack.
  • p7Zoro and Jabra ultimate techniques collide causing ceiling collapse.
  • p8Masked CP9 agent is struck by massive black leg attack.
  • p8Swordsman with pistol evades and counters with sweeping slash.
  • p9Masked CP9 agent and swordsman clash inside Enies Lobby building on striped floor.
  • p9Swordsman uses flying slash technique called Rankyaku.
  • p10Swordsman is sent flying by masked CP9 agent's spinning blade attack.
  • p10Enies Lobby tower appears in background during the fight.
  • p11Scene takes place in large indoor garden room inside Enies Lobby.
  • p11Characters discuss Robin's handcuff key while in the garden area.
  • p12Cloaked man encounters a rooster named Funkfreed while sneaking outdoors.
  • p12Rooster attacks and sends cloaked man flying during the encounter.
  • p13Funkfreed rooster produces enormous crow that physically shakes targets.
  • p13Jabra identifies cloaked figure as a pirate upon arrival.
  • p13Jabra fires long-range weapon at the cloaked man.
  • p14Jabra confirms the cloaked man shot the government flag.
  • p14Cloaked man acknowledges Jabra's sniping ability.
  • p14Jabra decides against prolonged torment after the attack.
  • p15Jabra transforms into wolf-man using Devil Fruit power.
  • p15Cloaked man is revealed as long-nosed man in black outfit.
  • p15Long-nosed man states his goal is rescuing Robin.
  • p16Kaku unintentionally transforms into full giraffe form.
  • p16Giraffe Kaku crashes through a building.
  • p16Jabra remains in wolf-man form nearby during the event.
Symbols and visual details160 · show
  • p0Luffy leaps high gripping massive wooden pillar, mouth wide open, pointing forward with intense expression.
  • p0Zoro charges forward with three swords drawn, intense focus and battle posture.
  • p0Nami rides wheeled boat contraption with focused expression.
  • p0Sanji sprints carrying long staff over shoulder.
  • p0Usopp runs in panic with mouth open and arms raised.
  • p0Chopper tumbles mid-air near Usopp with wide eyes.
  • p0Robin sits inside the boat contraption observing surroundings.
  • p0Giant elephant trunk and head dominate left side smashing rocks and trees.
  • p0Bold blue title text spans top of page above action.
  • p0Chapter title and author credit appear at bottom center.
  • p0Debris and dust clouds fill midground around charging crew.
  • p0Tropical island background with palm trees and stone ruins visible.
  • p2Luffy close-up shows heavy panting, sweat drops, facial scratches, and wide eyes.
  • p2Luffy stands alone in ruined stone hall with arched barred windows.
  • p2Rubble and broken crates scatter across tiled floor around Luffy.
  • p2Luffy runs toward damaged gate with dynamic motion lines.
  • p2Close-up of Luffy shouting with gritted teeth and determined glare.
  • p2Silhouette of unknown man with goatee appears in final panel.
  • p2Large SFX characters emphasize impact and movement in hall.
  • p2Thought bubbles float near Luffy indicating empty room realization.
  • p3Sanji glares intensely with furrowed brows and gritted teeth.
  • p3Small panel shows tower with large onomatopoeia SFX.
  • p3Sanji stands in grand room with striped floor facing seated figure.
  • p3Seated unidentified man wears dark clothing and sits in ornate chair.
  • p3Sanji holds sword in right hand with multiple swords strapped to back.
  • p3Fireplace and framed pictures visible in background of hall.
  • p3Masked unidentified man with goggles appears in lower panel.
  • p3Sanji shows surprised expression with sweat drop in final close-up.
  • p4Zoro faces unidentified swordsman with serious expression.
  • p4Unidentified swordsman stands near fireplace holding two swords.
  • p4Rapid sword clash panels show motion lines and impact effects.
  • p4Unidentified swordsman is sent flying backward with dynamic pose.
  • p4Unidentified swordsman lands and prepares flying slash attack.
  • p4Large Rankyaku air blade rips across striped floor.
  • p4Furniture and walls shatter from slash impact creating debris cloud.
  • p4SFX and speed lines emphasize powerful sword exchange.
  • p5Zoro grips two swords in mouth and hands with intense glare and sweat drops on face.
  • p5Jabra in black coat and hat holds four swords with wide grin and visible eye.
  • p5Small note label reads *FOUR SWORDS near Jabra panel.
  • p5Zoro slammed flat on striped floor with crossed swords and impact dust clouds.
  • p5Jabra looms overhead with large black legs and heavy downward strike motion lines.
  • p5Multiple impact stars and speed lines radiate from floor collision point.
  • p5Discarded swords scattered around Zoro on the ground.
  • p5Jabra silhouette dominates upper frame while Zoro lies below in lower panel.
  • p5Zoro facial expression shows clenched teeth and narrowed eyes during overhead blow.
  • p6Rapid sword clash produces multiple large impact SFX and flying sparks.
  • p6Zoro hurled backward with motion lines and crossed blades in defensive posture.
  • p6Striped floor and walls visible in background during midair exchange.
  • p6Jabra delivers downward sword strikes with black silhouette and extended limbs.
  • p6Zoro recovers and crosses swords while shouting technique name.
  • p6Two opposing Rankyaku waves collide forming cross-shaped explosion of force.
  • p6Debris and dust clouds erupt from the colliding air blades.
  • p6Jabra shown with four swords in motion during rapid attack sequence.
  • p6Zoro maintains low stance with intense expression and sweat drops.
  • p7Massive explosion shatters ceiling with radiating debris and shockwaves.
  • p7Jabra in full wolf-beast form leaps high with claws extended.
  • p7Zoro launches upward counter strike with both swords drawn.
  • p7Technique names Haku-Rai and Cannon appear in large speech bubbles during clash.
  • p7Note label *WHITE THUNDER appears near Jabra technique.
  • p7Jabra reverts to human form after landing with coat and swords visible.
  • p7Zoro stands ready with blades drawn amid falling rubble.
  • p7Background furniture and broken ceiling fragments shown in blast radius.
  • p7Large motion lines and impact SFX fill the entire clash panel.
  • p7Jabra silhouette in beast form contrasts with Zoro's human stance below.
  • p8Masked CP9 agent watches fight with speech bubble HMM...
  • p8Large black leg with studded sole swings down from above.
  • p8Swordsman with pistol twists aside while gripping blade and firearm.
  • p8Sweeping slash produces curved motion lines and debris spray.
  • p8Masked agent is hurled backward through dust clouds and impact lines.
  • p8Scattered weapons lie on floor around tumbling agent.
  • p8Swordsman presses forward with flowing coat and extended sword arm.
  • p8Multiple speed lines and impact stars emphasize violent exchange.
  • p8Background shows framed pictures and hall architecture during fight.
  • p8Agent silhouette tumbles across striped floor after being struck.
  • p9Large black leg silhouette crashes down from above onto striped floor with debris and impact lines.
  • p9Swordsman with multiple swords and pistol skids backward across striped floor after impact.
  • p9Masked CP9 agent with wide grin and open mouth faces swordsman during clash.
  • p9Flying slash effect radiates from swordsman's blade toward masked agent.
  • p9Mid-air clash panel shows two figures exchanging blows with motion lines and flying debris.
  • p9Swordsman maintains stern expression with narrowed eyes and clenched jaw.
  • p9Masked agent displays exaggerated wide grin and laughing posture.
  • p9Architectural background features arched windows and columns of Enies Lobby interior.
  • p9CLINK SFX placed near blade contact point on striped floor.
  • p9Swordsman launches upward strike with extended arm and flowing coat.
  • p10Massive spinning blade whirlwind effect with large CHAOS lettering and radial motion lines.
  • p10Swordsman hurled through air with body twisted and swords extended.
  • p10Enies Lobby tower visible in background below the airborne clash.
  • p10Masked CP9 agent stares upward in shock with wide eyes and open mouth.
  • p10Wide-eyed man in foreground yells with exaggerated facial expression and sweat drops.
  • p10Debris and rubble fly from powerful impact on striped floor.
  • p10Heavy breathing SFX HAA HAA shown in close-up panels of masked agent.
  • p10Masked agent points forward while declaring new ability.
  • p10Swordsman stands among rubble responding calmly with impressed tone.
  • p11Grotesque masked figure with long mustache and extended arms appears in close-up panel.
  • p11Large indoor garden room with trees, bridge, hanging vines, and small shrine structure.
  • p11Sleeping figure lies on ground with SNZZZ SNZZZ text and relaxed posture.
  • p11Masked CP9 agent points dramatically toward background while shouting.
  • p11Startled figure wakes up suddenly with motion lines and sweat drops.
  • p11Flying debris and impact effects scatter across garden floor.
  • p11Birds fly above the indoor garden trees and bridge.
  • p11Hanging chains and ceiling beams visible in the vast garden hall.
  • p11Figure in dark clothing stands near shrine in mid-ground.
  • p12Cloaked man sneaks low across rocky ground toward small object with cautious posture.
  • p12Rooster stands triumphantly near fallen cloaked man after impact.
  • p12Large impact SFX ギクッ!!! erupts near cloaked man's body.
  • p12Cloaked man sent flying backward with startled expression and motion lines.
  • p12Rooster crows with open beak and upright posture in victory pose.
  • p12Multiple TMP SFX indicate quiet footsteps across the scene.
  • p12Bridge and trees visible in rocky outdoor landscape background.
  • p12Cloaked man thinks about being the lucky king after being attacked.
  • p12Rooster faces cloaked man with aggressive stance and feathers raised.
  • p12Small round object lies on ground near initial sneaking position.
  • p13Large rooster Funkfreed emits massive crow sound waves across top panel.
  • p13Cloaked man tumbles mid-air with netted bundle and shocked posture.
  • p13Goggled man Jabra stands in side panel observing with neutral expression.
  • p13Jabra aims oversized weapon in intense close-up panel with focused gaze.
  • p13Massive blast SFX radiates from weapon muzzle with impact lines.
  • p13Small cloaked figure flies through air with trailing motion lines.
  • p13Rooster Funkfreed appears in foreground of multiple lower panels.
  • p13Cloaked man shows wide eyes open mouth and sweat drops from shock.
  • p13Background architecture shows railings and structures behind action.
  • p13Jabra's goggles and headpiece visible in aiming panel.
  • p13Sound effect placement emphasizes rooster crow shaking the scene.
  • p13Netted bundle remains clutched by tumbling cloaked man.
  • p14Jabra yawns amid smoke and debris in upper panel.
  • p14Damaged building interior shows rubble and broken ceiling.
  • p14Cloaked man lies on rubble pile with weakened posture.
  • p14Jabra stands over fallen cloaked man with weapon ready.
  • p14Small rooster Funkfreed emits quiet chirps near background.
  • p14Jabra aims weapon directly at prone cloaked man.
  • p14Sweat drops and motion lines indicate recent impact on cloaked man.
  • p14Jabra displays laughing expression with open mouth.
  • p14Cloaked man shows gritted teeth and strained face while speaking.
  • p14Debris and dust clouds fill the ruined room.
  • p14Jabra's goggles and coat details visible in close panels.
  • p14Rooster stands beside small structure in background.
  • p15Jabra transforms into massive wolf-man form with fur and claws.
  • p15Wolf-man Jabra looms over cloaked man with aggressive posture.
  • p15Cloaked man gasps upon seeing wolf transformation.
  • p15Long-nosed man in black outfit revealed as cloak falls away.
  • p15Wolf-man grabs long-nosed man by the arm.
  • p15Long-nosed man shouts while being held with staff weapon nearby.
  • p15Wolf-man Jabra shows fangs and intense expression.
  • p15Background shows damaged trees and rubble from impact.
  • p15Small panels depict ceiling collapse and falling debris.
  • p15Masked CP9 agent reacts with shock in lower panels.
  • p15Wolf transformation SFX and motion lines emphasize change.
  • p15Long-nosed man's goggles and black clothing fully visible.
  • p16Kaku appears in unintended full giraffe form with long neck and spots.
  • p16Massive giraffe body crashes through building causing destruction.
  • p16Jabra in wolf-man form snarls while watching the fall.
  • p16Masked CP9 agent cheers for Kaku's ability.
  • p16Marines show panic and shock at talking giraffe.
  • p16Giraffe Kaku displays sweat drops and distressed expression.
  • p16Debris and structural fragments fly from impact zone.
  • p16Wolf-man Jabra positioned in foreground with open mouth.
  • p16Background shows multiple agents and marines reacting.
  • p16Giraffe neck and head dominate central panel composition.
  • p16Kaku's attempt at human-beast form is visually contrasted.
  • p16Masked agent points excitedly toward giraffe.

Theories built on chapter 401

Enies Lobby arc

  1. 398Declaration of War
  2. 399Jump to the Fall!!
  3. 400The Key to Release
  4. 401Pirates vs CP9
  5. 402Handcuff Number 2
  6. 403Mr. Kishido
  7. 404Franky vs. Fukuro

Cite this chapter

One Piece, ch. 401 — Pirates vs CP9https://loresquare.com/one-piece/source/chapter/401

Every page of One Piece chapter 401 has an address of its own. Add #page-10 to the link above and it opens on page 10 instead of at the top — so a comment that says “see chapter 401” can point at the panel it actually means. Or press Cite beside any page in the reader above and that link is copied ready to paste.