16 pages · Impel Down arc

One Piece Chapter 543: Strawhat and Blackbeard

What happens in chapter 543

On Level 1, guards raise the drawbridge and open fire on the Blackbeard Pirates, but Shiryu appears and identifies the intruder as Marshall D. Teach. Blackbeard laughs and confirms his identity while the two sides face each other. On Level 4, Luffy's escape group pushes forward past defeated guards until Sadi-chan arrives and strikes the prisoners with her whip.

  1. p.0Chapter 543 title is STRAWHAT AND BLACKBEARD.
  2. p.7Magellan uses the technique Inferno Hell Cart combined with Hanny a Carnival.
  3. p.13Blackbeard stands over fallen figures during the conversation.
543

Strawhat and Blackbeard

Read on Viz
00
Chapter title page: Chapter 543, "Strawhat and Blackbeard." The cover illustration begins Sanji's short focused serial: "Keep Your Cool in Hell, Sanji!" volume 1, "Adventure on an Island of No Escape." Sanji runs in panic through a corridor while a large okama figure and other pursuers chase him with nets and smiling faces. The image is a standalone side-story opener and not part of the Impel Down riot itself, but it serves as the chapter's title card before the action cuts back to Luffy's escape and Blackbeard's intrusion.
Sanjiokama pursuers
01
On Level 1, Crimson Hell, guards raise the drawbridge and order each other not to let Blackbeard's crew cross. They say there are only five enemies and shout, "Stop the Blackbeard Pirates!!!" Some guards are confused, asking what betrayal means, because the intruders were pirates from the start. Others confirm that Blackbeard has betrayed them and is not on their side, then open fire. The page shows Blackbeard and his crew advancing calmly through smoke and gunfire, with Teach's group treated less like reinforcements and more like a second disaster striking the prison from above.
Marshall D. TeachBlackbeard PiratesLafitteJesus BurgessVan AugurDoc QStrongerImpel Down guards
02
The guards panic when Head Guard Shiryu appears, asking when he got out. Someone says there are five enemies, but Shiryu notes that someone dangerous seems to have shown up and asks whether it is Magellan. He identifies the intruder as "Marshall D. Teach...!! Blackbeard, right?" Blackbeard laughs, "Zehahahaha!! Yeah, that's right!! Who're you!?" The meeting is tense rather than immediately hostile: the prison's death-row head guard faces the pirate whose betrayal has just turned Impel Down's entrance into another battlefield.
Shiryu of the RainMarshall D. TeachBlackbeard PiratesImpel Down guardsMagellan
03
On Level 4, Inferno Hell, Luffy's escape army keeps breaking through. Guards shout that the Demon Beast Guards have been beaten and there is no way to stop the fugitives. The door to Level 3 is close, but the guards warn that the prisoners' numbers are still increasing. Ivankov asks how they can stop these guys, while Luffy keeps running with a fierce grin. Crocodile, Jimbei and the others move with him through smoke and fallen opponents. The page makes the prison's lower defenses feel exhausted: even elite beasts were not enough, and the riot keeps swelling.
LuffyEmporio IvankovCrocodileJimbeiInazumaDemon Beast GuardsImpel Down prisonersImpel Down guards
04
Sadi-chan arrives and is offended that the Head Guard is being credited. She says, "Silence!! Call me Sadi-chan!!!" and lashes out with "Arousal Manifesto, Red Demon Whip!!!" while scolding the escapees for hurting her cute servants. Prisoners are blasted aside and scream as the whip tears through the crowd. Ivankov, however, tells everyone to push through because Sadi is just a distraction, and Luffy runs past, still focused on the stairs. Sadi realizes one of them is not stopping and calls him a bastard while the escape pressure keeps moving upward.
Sadi-chanLuffyEmporio IvankovCrocodileJimbeiImpel Down prisonersImpel Down guards
05
Ivankov transforms and counterattacks. Sadi-chan asks in shock whether Ivankov transformed into a woman, and Iva answers, "Make way, eccentric girl!!" before striking her with a long leg. Iva jokes, "Nfufu, right now... I feel like a woman!!!" and Sadi calls Iva an ambiguous anarchist. Luffy, still panting, asks who that is and says she talks like Iva, but keeps moving. He shouts for the stairs, and Inazuma promises to open the gate. Someone mutters that this is the fortress of hell and no matter who comes, it will not be easy to leave.
Emporio IvankovSadi-chanLuffyInazumaImpel Down prisonersImpel Down guards
06
Hannyabal blocks the path at the stairs with the prison's Bazooka Squad behind him. He spins into his Hannya Carnival rhythm and declares "Inferno Hell Cart!!!" with the fire and blades of his weapon whirling around him. Guards shout that they can count on him and that the vice warden has his naginata, Kessui, meaning he is serious. Hannyabal tells Luffy, "Strawhat, your acts of piracy are unprecedented!! To ensure a bright future for the feeble citizens, I will enforce the penalty in the warden's place!!!" Luffy tells him to move, but Hannyabal refuses, saying, "No way!!!"
HannyabalLuffyEmporio IvankovInazumaBazooka SquadImpel Down guardsImpel Down prisoners
07
Hannyabal launches his Hannya Carnival with a musical chant of "Hannya!!" and "The Nyabal!" then charges with "Inferno Hell Cart!!!" Flames whip around the weapon as he rushes Luffy. Luffy dodges through the heat, sweat dripping, while Hannyabal warns him not to laugh because it would be pathetic for the vice warden to be beaten that easily. Luffy is impatient and says he is going to save Ace; if Hannyabal will not move, he will send him flying. The page sets Hannyabal's stubborn duty against Luffy's even stronger urgency.
HannyabalLuffyEmporio IvankovImpel Down guardsImpel Down prisoners
08
Luffy powers up and attacks. He says "Gomu Gomu..." and unleashes "Jet Gatling!!!" against Hannyabal, battering the vice warden with a barrage of blows while Hannyabal screams. The impact smashes through the spinning weapon and sends the surrounding guards into shock. Luffy is not trying to win a formal duel; he is forcing his way through because every moment matters for Ace. Hannyabal is struck down hard, but the paneling lingers on his resistance, making clear that his will to defend the prison has not disappeared.
LuffyHannyabalEmporio IvankovImpel Down guardsImpel Down prisoners
09
At the Level 4 large elevator, guards announce that Warden Magellan has arrived. Luffy and the others notice the danger, but Hannyabal, badly beaten, still insists, "It's not over yet!!!" Magellan asks where the leaders of the riot are. Guards report that even with Vice Warden Hannyabal's help, they can barely hold the prisoners off, and that the leaders are in front of the stairs to Level 3 on the opposite side of the floor, quite far away. Magellan begins moving toward them while the guards plead for him to hurry. The page turns the chase into a tightening vise: Hannyabal in front, Magellan behind.
10
Magellan charges after the fugitives while guards shout, "Follow the vice warden!!! Don't falter!!!" Luffy tries to leave, but Hannyabal staggers up again, groaning, "Not yet!!!" and grabbing at him. Luffy knocks him down and keeps running, but Hannyabal reaches out once more and yells, "Wait!!!" Even after taking Luffy's attack, he crawls back into the path. The page is almost wordless motion and persistence: Hannyabal is clearly outmatched, but he refuses to let the prisoners walk out through the stairs uncontested.
LuffyHannyabalMagellanEmporio IvankovImpel Down guardsImpel Down prisoners
11
Hannyabal makes his stand. Beaten and bleeding, he says this is the fortress of hell built to shut away the worst criminals and protect peace for the masses. If it were broken, the world would fall into the depths of fear, and he will not let them take even one step out. Guards beg him to stay down or he will die, but he condemns the escapees as bastards who cause trouble outside as pirates and rebels, asking if they want to save a brother at the cost of letting scum with no right to say such pretty things terrify people who cannot sleep at night for fear of losing their loved ones. Luffy answers that his brother's life is precious too and tells Hannyabal to move.
HannyabalLuffyEmporio IvankovInazumaCrocodileJimbeiImpel Down guardsImpel Down prisoners
12
Before the argument can resolve, Blackbeard's darkness crashes into the battlefield. Teach says there is no answer and calls Luffy an idiot as his black vortex swallows people and rubble. Crocodile remarks that they have got a hell of a crowd, and Blackbeard laughs that Luffy looks like he was in the middle of something. Jimbei recognizes Teach and asks why he is here. Blackbeard says Ace was a dangerous companion choice and that Luffy was barking up the wrong tree. Luffy and the others are stunned, and someone identifies the darkness as "the guy from Jaya." The sudden appearance changes the battlefield from prison escape to a confrontation with the man who defeated Ace.
LuffyMarshall D. TeachBlackbeard PiratesJimbeiCrocodileHannyabalEmporio IvankovImpel Down guardsImpel Down prisoners
13
Luffy finally understands who is standing in front of him. He repeats, "Blackbeard?" as memories and reports connect: Ace chasing a serious criminal, people saying a man's dream will never end, and the news that a pirate named Blackbeard beat Fire Fist Ace and became a new Shichibukai. Teach laughs, "Zehahaha...!! It's been a while, Strawhat Luffy!!! I never expected you to be my squad captain Ace's little brother!" He adds that Luffy can hardly afford to stay because his brother's execution is going to start any minute. Luffy asks, "You're Blackbeard!?" as the enemy behind Ace's capture stands directly before him.
14
SBS question corner page. A reader says they want to go to Disneyland, and Oda jokes that he will take them to ride Blue Mountain because it is coffee. Another reader points out that Saldeath, not Inudeth or Umadeth, seemed to have a spear that looked like a black phole, explaining that it can be used as a whistle and that the sound controls the Blue Gorillas. Oda confirms the observation, saying it was hard to convey in the art without stopping the action. A final reader asks why the residents of Newkama Land all wear fishnet stockings and whether Oda likes them. Oda says he would not say he likes them, but when working on a manuscript he is of the school where only fishnets and fur jackets are worn; Kama Land people wear fishnets because they are there, like people climb mountains because they are there.
Eiichiro OdaSaldeathBlue GorillasNew Kama residents
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End of chapter16 pages

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About this chapter

One Piece Chapter 543: Strawhat and Blackbeard

Chapter
543
Summarised
Pages
16
Previous

Chapter 543 summary

On Level 1, guards raise the drawbridge and open fire on the Blackbeard Pirates, but Shiryu appears and identifies the intruder as Marshall D. Teach. Blackbeard laughs and confirms his identity while the two sides face each other. On Level 4, Luffy's escape group pushes forward past defeated guards until Sadi-chan arrives and strikes the prisoners with her whip. Ivankov transforms and knocks Sadi-chan aside, allowing the group to continue toward the stairs. Hannyabal blocks the path with his naginata and attacks Luffy, but Luffy dodges and defeats him with Jet Gatling. Magellan reaches the floor and moves to intercept the fugitives while Hannyabal struggles to rise and hold Luffy back. Blackbeard's darkness suddenly engulfs the area, and Teach tells Luffy that Ace chose a dangerous companion. Luffy recognizes Blackbeard as the man who defeated Ace, and Teach notes that Ace's execution will begin soon.

Questions chapter 543 answers

1

41 key facts · 28 characters

Key facts in chapter 543

  • p0Chapter 543 title is STRAWHAT AND BLACKBEARD.
  • p0Title illustration shows Blackbeard seized by unknown long haired figure holding butterfly net.
  • p1Blackbeard Pirates consist of only five members inside Impel Down.
  • p1Level 1 is labeled Crimson Hell.
  • p1Drawbridge is being raised to prevent the pirates from crossing.
  • p2Shiryu is identified as Head Guard.
  • p2Blackbeard confirms his identity to the marines.
  • p2Five enemies are present including Blackbeard and Shiryu.
  • p3Level 4 is labeled Inferno Hell.
  • p3Demon guards have been defeated allowing prisoner advance.
  • p3Luffy is actively fighting amid the Level 4 chaos.
  • p4Sadi-chan uses a technique called Arousal Manifesto Red Demon Whip.
  • p4The attack sends multiple prisoners and guards flying.
  • p4Luffy is directly hit and knocked backward by the whip strike.
  • p5Ivankov has transformed into a woman during the confrontation.
  • p5The group reaches the fortress gates while the battle continues.
  • p5Someone offers to open the gate for the escaping prisoners.
  • p6Magellan is referred to as the Vice Warden.
  • p6A thousand members of the Prison Bazooka Squad are positioned on the stairs to Level 3.
  • p6Hannyabal is identified as the Vice Warden of the prison.
  • p7Magellan uses the technique Inferno Hell Cart combined with Hanny a Carnival.
  • p7The poison attack burns and engulfs the surrounding area.
  • p7Luffy remains standing but is visibly affected by the heat and impact.
  • p8Luffy performs Jet Gatling against Hannyabal inside Impel Down.
  • p8The attack creates a large explosion of smoke and debris.
  • p8Hannyabal remains standing after the initial barrage.
  • p9Magellan arrives at Level 4 during the ongoing riot.
  • p9The disturbance is occurring near the stairs leading to Level 3.
  • p9Hannyabal is bloodied but still engaged in combat.
  • p10Hannyabal continues to block Luffy's attacks inside the prison corridor.
  • p10The surrounding stone architecture is visibly damaged by the fight.
  • p10Luffy is briefly knocked back but recovers immediately.
  • p11Hannyabal delivers a speech defending Impel Down's purpose.
  • p11Luffy remains determined despite visible injuries.
  • p11A large sword is held by a figure standing above Luffy.
  • p12Blackbeard appears in the ruined plaza during an ongoing clash.
  • p12Jinbe is present and chained while addressing the scene.
  • p12Luffy reacts with visible shock and tension to the confrontation.
  • p13Blackbeard directly addresses Luffy about Ace’s execution.
  • p13Luffy learns Blackbeard’s identity in this encounter.
  • p13Blackbeard stands over fallen figures during the conversation.
Symbols and visual details135 · show
  • p0Blackbeard staggers forward with wide terrified eyes, open screaming mouth, one hand clutching head, sweat drops visible.
  • p0Long wavy haired figure with dramatic eye makeup and open mouth grips Blackbeard from behind, intense stare over shoulder.
  • p0Large butterfly net held by the long haired figure positioned near Blackbeard's head.
  • p0Blackbeard wears open black coat, striped shirt, belt with round buckle, dark pants.
  • p0Ornate stone architecture with columns, framed emblems, and hanging lantern in background.
  • p0Dramatic swirling cloud effects and motion lines surround the two central figures.
  • p0Title text 'Chapter 543: STRAWHAT AND BLACKBEARD' centered at top of page.
  • p0Bottom text labels 'SHORT FOCUSED SERIAL 12: KEEP YOUR COOL IN HELL, SANJI!' and 'VOL 1: ADVENTURE ON AN ISLAND OF NO ESCAPE.'
  • p0Central composition places terrified Blackbeard in foreground with captor looming directly behind.
  • p1Stone fortress corridors of Impel Down with raised iron drawbridge and heavy chains.
  • p1Sign clearly labels area 'Level 1, Crimson Hell'.
  • p1Multiple guards in uniform shouting and aiming weapons toward bridge.
  • p1Prisoner silhouette falling or thrown near bridge edge.
  • p1SFX 'DON!! DODON!!' near rising drawbridge mechanism.
  • p1Close up of marine officer with cigar and striped sleeves holding weapon.
  • p1Marine with hat and rifle firing with SFX 'ドン!! ドドン!!'.
  • p1Alarm bells and motion lines indicating chaos and pursuit.
  • p1Background shows multiple levels of stone architecture and hanging chains.
  • p2Close up of Blackbeard laughing with wide open mouth and intense eyes.
  • p2Close up of Shiryu with cigar in mouth, scarred face, and wide grin.
  • p2SFX 'ゴォォォ...' near Shiryu face.
  • p2Marines in background reacting with shock and raised weapons.
  • p2Large 'H... HEAD GUARD SHIRYU!!!' text bubble indicating recognition.
  • p2Silhouettes of five figures standing against marine forces.
  • p2Marine coat with large kanji visible on back.
  • p2Panic expressions and sweat drops on multiple guard faces.
  • p2Stone corridor architecture with chains and railings.
  • p3Luffy in center panel with wide eyes, gritted teeth, sweat drops, shouting in frustration.
  • p3Multiple prisoners and allies charging forward with weapons raised.
  • p3Massive chains and spiked structures swinging through the air.
  • p3Sign labels area 'Level 4, Inferno Hell'.
  • p3Heavy smoke, debris, and impact SFX throughout panels.
  • p3Background shows stone fortress walls, stairs, and barred windows.
  • p3Close ups of wounded or exhausted prisoners with blood and bandages.
  • p3Motion lines and large SFX indicating ongoing melee and chaos.
  • p3Luffy surrounded by allies and enemies in crowded battle scene.
  • p4Sadi-chan stands atop rubble with long curly hair, cat-ear headpiece, flowing cape, and spiked heels while holding a massive whip.
  • p4Sadi-chan's whip strikes with large black impact lines and debris clouds sending multiple figures flying.
  • p4Luffy lies on the ground with wide eyes, open mouth, sweat drops, and spiky hair amid rubble and flames.
  • p4Background shows broken stone architecture, chains, and scattered debris from the impact.
  • p4SFX bubbles with PURU! and large impact lettering dominate the upper panels.
  • p4Guard figures in the background point and shout while partially obscured by smoke.
  • p4Sadi-chan's facial expression shows furrowed brows and open mouth indicating fury.
  • p4Whip handle features visible heart motifs and dark shading.
  • p4Lower panel shows Luffy's body twisted with arms raised in defensive posture.
  • p4Rubble includes broken wooden beams and stone blocks scattered across the floor.
  • p5Sadi-chan leaps mid-air with whip extended and flowing curly hair trailing behind.
  • p5Ivankov appears with dramatic star-shaped eyes, open mouth, and flamboyant pose.
  • p5Sadi-chan's outfit includes fishnet stockings, skull accessories, and dark bodysuit.
  • p5Lower panels show a group running toward large fortress gates with Luffy in front.
  • p5A feathered figure with goggles and ruffled collar stands near the gate.
  • p5SFX lines emphasize motion and speed during the leap and attack.
  • p5Ivankov's face shows exaggerated expression with wide eyes and grin.
  • p5Background includes swirling smoke and distant stone walls of the fortress.
  • p5Luffy wears his straw hat and dark vest while facing forward with determined posture.
  • p6Magellan appears in full demonic form with striped arms, horns, and trident weapons.
  • p6Magellan looms over Luffy with crossed arms and massive body dominating the panel.
  • p6Poison swirls around Magellan in spiral patterns with dark shading.
  • p6Luffy stands facing Magellan with clenched fists and determined expression.
  • p6Bazooka squad soldiers in uniforms block the lower path with rifles raised.
  • p6Prisoners in the background show mixed expressions of cheering and panic.
  • p6Large impact SFX and motion lines surround the poison attack.
  • p6Magellan's face features sharp teeth and intense glare.
  • p6Luffy's posture shows forward lean indicating refusal to retreat.
  • p7Magellan summons Inferno Hell Cart with crossed arms holding tridents amid swirling poison and flames.
  • p7Musical notes and rhythm SFX surround Magellan during the technique activation.
  • p7Magellan's demonic form features striped clothing, horns, and flowing dark hair.
  • p7Luffy stares in shock with sweat flying from his face and wide eyes.
  • p7Poison attack engulfs the area with flame-like shapes and impact lettering.
  • p7Small panels show Magellan striking a pose with tridents and musical motifs.
  • p7Luffy's expression shifts to horror as the attack lands.
  • p7Background includes stone walls and scattered debris from the poison strike.
  • p7SFX includes repeated PIPIPIPI and large onomatopoeia for the technique.
  • p8Luffy stretches right arm forward with clenched fist and intense wide-eyed expression during wind-up.
  • p8Hannyabal shows gritted teeth, sweat drops, and narrowed eyes in close-up reaction panel.
  • p8Massive central explosion panel with radiating debris lines, smoke clouds, and impact stars.
  • p8Luffy's multiple afterimage fists visible in rapid barrage sequence.
  • p8SFX 'ZAZA!!' placed near Hannyabal's head indicating shock recoil.
  • p8Large bold 'JET GATLING' text overlay on explosion panel.
  • p8Luffy's lower body braced in wide stance amid flying rubble.
  • p8Hannyabal's striped uniform partially visible through smoke and debris.
  • p8Small panel shows Luffy's gritted teeth and sweat during technique shout.
  • p8Background architecture fragments and dust clouds emphasize destructive force.
  • p9Stone fortress interior with large elevator shaft and hanging chains in background.
  • p9Magellan stands in full dark uniform with white polka dots and horned hat.
  • p9Alarm SFX 'ズズズーン!!' displayed across upper panels.
  • p9Hannyabal appears bloodied with torn clothing and gritted teeth in close-up.
  • p9Guards shown with panicked wide eyes and open mouths in small panels.
  • p9Magellan’s stern furrowed brow and forward gaze in arrival panel.
  • p9Large elevator sign labeled 'Level 4, Large Elevator' visible on wall.
  • p9Foreground guards hold weapons while reporting from lower angle.
  • p9Smoke and dust rise from distant battle area behind Magellan.
  • p10Luffy's arm extended in punch with motion lines and impact burst.
  • p10Hannyabal blocks strikes with crossed arms and defiant posture.
  • p10Stone walls and arches crumbling with falling debris in background.
  • p10Luffy knocked backward with surprised expression and trailing smoke.
  • p10Multiple impact SFX 'ドン' and 'ズドン' scattered across panels.
  • p10Hannyabal's striped sleeves and blood stains visible during counterattack.
  • p10Luffy recovers with determined glare and open mouth shouting 'WAIT!!!'.
  • p10Smoke and dust clouds fill the corridor space between fighters.
  • p10Guard silhouettes in distance urging pursuit of the vice warden.
  • p11Hannyabal's close-up face with wide mouth, sweat, and intense eyes during speech.
  • p11Luffy shown bruised with visible injuries and determined expression.
  • p11Large sword held vertically by silhouetted figure in lower right panel.
  • p11Background prisoners and guards scattered amid rubble and smoke.
  • p11Hannyabal's striped arms raised in passionate gesture.
  • p11Luffy's torn vest and bloodied face visible in reaction panels.
  • p11Dramatic low-angle view of sword bearer towering over Luffy.
  • p11Multiple small panels show Luffy's shifting expressions from anger to surprise.
  • p11Prison architecture with broken stone blocks and chains in background.
  • p11Silhouetted guards and prisoners reacting with raised weapons.
  • p12Large SFX 'ドドド' dominates center-right panel amid black smoke and debris cloud.
  • p12Blackbeard in dark coat with white fur collar and wide stance amid explosion.
  • p12Jinbe stands chained with arms forward in left midground.
  • p12Fish-man character with open mouth and raised hands in lower left panel.
  • p12Luffy with wide eyes, sweat drops, and gritted teeth in bottom right panels.
  • p12Multiple background figures including chained prisoners and guards reacting in panic.
  • p12Black smoke and flying debris fill the ruined plaza background.
  • p12Blackbeard Pirates members visible standing behind Blackbeard.
  • p12Small panel showing fallen figures and dust clouds at bottom center.
  • p12Luffy group silhouettes watching from lower left background.
  • p12Vice Warden Hannyabal visible in lower right panels with shocked expression.
  • p12Explosive impact lines and cloud shapes emphasize central clash.
  • p13Blackbeard towers in center with open coat, exposed chest, and wide grin.
  • p13Luffy stands in foreground with sweat flying, gritted teeth, and intense stare.
  • p13Large SFX 'ズドドド' near Luffy's face indicating impact or tension.
  • p13Close-up of Luffy's wide eyes and open mouth showing disbelief.
  • p13Blackbeard has multiple weapons visible at his waist.
  • p13Fallen bodies lie at Blackbeard's feet in foreground.
  • p13Small side panels show background characters discussing Blackbeard's reputation.
  • p13Blackbeard’s dark coat with white interior flaps dramatically.
  • p13Luffy’s posture is tense with fists clenched at sides.
  • p13Blackbeard’s necklace and bracelets visible in full body view.
  • p13Speech bubbles positioned around Blackbeard emphasize his dominance in frame.
  • p13Sweat drops and motion lines accentuate Luffy’s shocked reaction.

Theories built on chapter 543

  1. 540Level 6, Infinite Hell
  2. 541The Likes of Which Has Never Been Seen
  3. 542Another Tale to Tell
  4. 543Strawhat and Blackbeard
  5. 544Even Hell's Gates Open
  6. 545Out into the Sunlight
  7. 546Captain of the Fishman Pirates, the Shichibukai Jimbei

Cite this chapter

One Piece, ch. 543 — Strawhat and Blackbeardhttps://loresquare.com/one-piece/source/chapter/543

Every page of One Piece chapter 543 has an address of its own. Add #page-8 to the link above and it opens on page 8 instead of at the top — so a comment that says “see chapter 543” 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.