About this chapter
One Piece Chapter 552: Ace and Whitebeard
- Chapter
- 552
- Summarised
- Pages
- 22
- Arc
- Marineford
- Previous
- Chapter 551
- Next
- Chapter 553
Chapter 552 summary
At Marineford, Ivankov tells Luffy that Ace's father is Gol D. Roger, but Luffy replies that he and Ace have different fathers and that Dragon would not intervene. Whitebeard then triggers a massive seaquake that cracks the air and throws the battlefield into chaos. In a long flashback, Ace arrives as a rookie captain, duels Jimbei for five days, and attempts repeatedly to assassinate Whitebeard after the Emperor offers to make him a son. Ace eventually accepts a place in the crew, becomes commander of the Second Division, and later sets out after Teach despite Whitebeard's warning. Back in the present, Ace weeps on the execution platform while Whitebeard publicly claims he ordered Ace to pursue Teach, and the Whitebeard Pirates vow to rescue him. A returning tsunami rises over Marineford as Sengoku notes Whitebeard's power to destroy the world. The forty-seven ships of the Whitebeard fleet charge while Marine Headquarters and the Shichibukai prepare to meet them.
Guides updated by this chapter
2 guides43 key facts · 33 characters
Key facts in chapter 552
- p0This is the color cover of One Piece Volume 57.
- p2This is the black-and-white volume cover for One Piece Volume 57.
- p5Chapter 552 title page features Chopper fleeing with strange creatures.
- p6Whitebeard's fleet arrives at Marineford in chapter 552.
- p7Whitebeard activates his quake power creating a massive seaquake.
- p7The ocean erupts sending giant waves toward ships and the plaza.
- p7Air visibly cracks in multiple locations during the quake.
- p7Luffy reacts with confusion and shock to the event.
- p8Ace leaves on a small boat flying the Spade Pirates flag.
- p8Ace promises to become stronger before setting sail.
- p8Pirates recognize Ace's Logia ability and rookie status.
- p9Ace seeks out Whitebeard to express thanks for saving Luffy.
- p9Whitebeard crew initially blocks Ace from approaching.
- p9Ace reveals his connection to Luffy during the meeting.
- p10Ace and Whitebeard have been fighting for five days.
- p10Ace refuses help and insists on facing Whitebeard directly.
- p10Ace plants his flag and uses a fire-based attack.
- p11Ace refuses to abandon his crew during the confrontation with Whitebeard.
- p11Whitebeard proposes a conditional deal involving the crew's escape.
- p12Whitebeard formally invites Ace to join his crew as a son.
- p12Ace remains defiant yet visibly shaken by Whitebeard's proposal.
- p13Ace attempts a nighttime assassination attempt on Whitebeard.
- p13Whitebeard remains largely unharmed despite repeated attacks.
- p14Ace has attacked Whitebeard approximately one hundred times.
- p14Whitebeard Pirates view themselves as sons of Whitebeard.
- p15Ace is offered command of the Whitebeard Pirates second division.
- p15Ace recently defeated the Doma gang.
- p15Teach is present during the feast celebrating Ace's feat.
- p16Ace attempts to leave the ship to chase Teach.
- p16Teach killed a fellow crew member named Satch before fleeing.
- p16Whitebeard Pirates division commanders physically restrain Ace.
- p17Ace jumps ship and departs alone in a small boat.
- p17Whitebeard admits he ordered Ace to pursue the enemy.
- p17Crew watches Ace leave in silence from the deck.
- p18Whitebeard confirms he ordered Ace not to pursue Teach.
- p18Marco is present when Whitebeard repeats the order.
- p18The crew reacts with shock upon learning Whitebeard's command.
- p19Whitebeard activates earthquake power causing immediate structural damage.
- p19Tsunami begins forming as direct result of Whitebeard's ability.
- p19Both pirates and Marines show visible fear reactions to the tremor.
- p20Whitebeard Pirates launch frontal assault on Marineford.
- p20Marineford fortress is shown as primary defensive stronghold.
- p20Battle involves 47 New World pirate ships against government forces.
Symbols and visual details177 · show
- p0Massive close-up of Edward Newgate glaring forward with fierce expression and dominant white mustache.
- p0Monkey D. Luffy running forward below with determined grin, blood on face, and clenched fist.
- p0One Piece logo at top featuring skull and crossbones wearing Luffy's straw hat over flames.
- p0Background shows chaotic battle with chained pirates, swords, marines, and large ship silhouettes.
- p0Whitebeard wears dark captain's coat with red interior and golden shoulder accents.
- p0Luffy in yellow vest and red shorts with straw hat on back.
- p0Composition places Whitebeard's face dominating upper frame over smaller Luffy figure.
- p0Japanese text at top reads volume 57 and '頂上決戦' motif.
- p0Author credit '尾田栄一郎' at bottom center.
- p2Luffy in straw hat and dark shirt sits on giant creature's head holding barrel and extending massive fist.
- p2Crew members Nami, Usopp, and Chopper visible on creature's back eating and drinking.
- p2Small bird wearing pirate hat perches on One Piece logo scroll above.
- p2Large creature has prominent eye and textured skin in foreground.
- p2Volume 57 'ULTIMATE SHOWDOWN' text at bottom with author name.
- p2Dynamic forward motion lines and food items scattered across scene.
- p2Luffy's wide grin and extended arm create central focal point.
- p5Chopper in top hat fleeing in terror with wide eyes and open mouth.
- p5Strange creatures run alongside including one with spiked weapon and one with telescope.
- p5Smoke clouds and motion lines indicate rapid escape from unseen threat.
- p5Chapter title 'ACE AND WHITEBEARD' centered at top.
- p5Caption at bottom reads 'CHOPPER'S "I'M NOT FOOD, DAMN IT!" NO. 1: "THE TANUKI HOTPOT FLEES."'
- p5Panel shows low-angle view emphasizing fleeing group and large weapon.
- p6Whitebeard's massive fleet of ships approaches Marineford harbor with large impact SFX 'ドドドドドドドド!!!' and 'ウオオオオオオオオオオ!!!'.
- p6Whitebeard stands on high platform with arms crossed wearing crown-like headpiece and dark coat.
- p6Luffy stands nearby with wide grin and thought bubble 'HIKONISO...'.
- p6Explosion on one ship with SFX 'えええええ!!!' and 'WHA-AAAA!!I'.
- p6Marineford plaza visible below with soldiers and cannons.
- p6Multiple speech bubbles discuss Ace's father being Pirate King Roger.
- p6Whitebeard declares concern about Ace's father appearing.
- p7Whitebeard stands with arms raised activating quake power, massive dark SFX 'ズズズズズズ' radiating outward.
- p7Enormous seaquake erupts with giant curved waves towering over Marine ships and plaza.
- p7Air visibly cracks in multiple jagged lines around Whitebeard and distant locations.
- p7Luffy shown with wide eyes, open mouth, sweat drops, and shocked expression in foreground.
- p7Crowd of soldiers and pirates react with open mouths and raised arms in panic.
- p7Multiple ships tossed violently by waves with broken masts and tilted decks.
- p7Whitebeard laughing posture with open mouth and broad stance on rocky ground.
- p7SFX 'バキバキバキ' placed near cracking air effects on right side panels.
- p7Luffy's face close-up with sweat and mist-obscured background.
- p7Distant plaza filled with Marines looking upward at incoming waves.
- p7Whitebeard's cloak and naginata visible in wide stance during power use.
- p8Young Ace stands on rocky shore wearing dark hat with goggles, open shirt, and necklace, waving with bright grin.
- p8Ace's small boat flies black Spade flag with skull design in background.
- p8Pirates on shore show shocked expressions with wide eyes and open mouths.
- p8Sun rays and dynamic speed lines emphasize Ace's departure scene.
- p8Close-up of Spade flag with bold 'SPADE' lettering.
- p8Pirates point toward the boat while reacting to the unknown flag.
- p8Ace's boat sails away with trees and coastline visible behind.
- p8Pirates display varied expressions of surprise and recognition.
- p8Ace's posture shows confidence with one arm raised in farewell.
- p9Ace smiles confidently while wearing hat with goggles and open shirt.
- p9Large silhouette of Whitebeard holding naginata towers over Ace from behind.
- p9Whitebeard crew members show alarmed expressions and raised hands.
- p9Ace stands in foreground with speech bubbles above his head.
- p9Whitebeard's massive figure partially obscured by rocks and clouds.
- p9Crew member steps forward with warning gesture toward Ace.
- p9Ace's face shows determination with slight sweat drops.
- p9Whitebeard's cloak and weapon dominate the upper panel composition.
- p9Background shows rocky terrain and distant mountains.
- p10Ace hurled through the air amid explosion with limbs extended.
- p10Massive Moby Dick ship rests on the beach with crew gathered below.
- p10Whitebeard Pirates stand on shoreline watching the fight.
- p10Ace plants his Spade flag into the ground before attacking.
- p10Ace uses fire attack with SFX 'ボォォォ!!!' and flame effects.
- p10Whitebeard's voice emanates from off-panel during the clash.
- p10Crew members react with shock and raised weapons.
- p10Ace stands firm facing Whitebeard with determined posture.
- p10Explosion debris and dust clouds fill the upper panels.
- p10Moby Dick's curved hull dominates the midground composition.
- p11Ace shown in close-up with bloodied face, sweat drops, gritted teeth, and desperate shouting posture.
- p11Whitebeard's massive hand silhouette reaching downward toward Ace on the battlefield.
- p11Ace glaring upward with intense eyes and open mouth in defiance.
- p11Whitebeard standing tall with naginata, coat flowing, dominating the smoky battlefield background.
- p11Ace on the ground with hunched posture and furious upward glare toward Whitebeard.
- p11Close-up of Ace's face with wide eyes, sweat, and roaring mouth during scream.
- p11Whitebeard's smirking face with narrowed eyes and visible teeth in amusement.
- p11Battlefield smoke, debris, and distant crew silhouettes in background panels.
- p11SFX lines and impact marks around Whitebeard's hand and Ace's position.
- p11Ace's torn dark clothing and visible injuries on upper body.
- p12Ace with bloodied face and shocked wide eyes staring upward at Whitebeard.
- p12Whitebeard's massive seated form with crossed arms and horned hat silhouette.
- p12Whitebeard leaning forward with fierce grin and extended hand gesture.
- p12Ace reacting with surprise exclamation marks near his face.
- p12Ship deck background with masts and distant crew figures.
- p12Satch identified as Fourth Division commander in speech panel.
- p12Ace kneeling with head down and sweat drops after the offer.
- p12Whitebeard's broad muscular torso and coat details visible in large panel.
- p12SFX 'DOSA' near Whitebeard's movement.
- p12Crew members watching from ship railings in lower panels.
- p13Ace lunging with knife raised in nighttime attack on Whitebeard.
- p13Whitebeard's sleeping face with closed eyes and slight smile before impact.
- p13Ace's bloodied body mid-air after being struck.
- p13Ship interior panels showing crew waking in alarm.
- p13Explosions and impact SFX across deck during the fight.
- p13Ace leaping across the ship with knife in aggressive posture.
- p13Whitebeard enduring multiple strikes with minimal reaction.
- p13Crew members shouting and reacting in shock from deck.
- p13Ace hurled backward with limbs flailing from Whitebeard's counter.
- p13Night sky and ship railings visible in outdoor panels.
- p14Crew members observing the ongoing fight from ship deck.
- p14Whitebeard standing calmly with hand raised amid explosions.
- p14Ace being struck repeatedly with impact lines around his body.
- p14Marco shown in close-up with neutral expression and speech.
- p14Ace kneeling on deck with head lowered in exhaustion.
- p14Crewmate eating from a bowl while commenting on the situation.
- p14Ace questioning why crew calls Whitebeard 'old man'.
- p14Whitebeard Pirates flag and ship structure visible in background.
- p14Ace's defiant posture while being offered the choice to stay or leave.
- p14Crew smiling and laughing while explaining their loyalty.
- p15Ace stands with arms crossed and thoughtful expression while listening to crew discussion.
- p15Whitebeard seated and laughing heartily with open mouth in upper right panel.
- p15Large ship with sails visible in background during news of Ace's victory.
- p15Teach seated at feast table with wide grin and casual posture next to Ace.
- p15Marine onlooker with sunglasses and serious face commenting on new recruit.
- p15Ace shown in close-up with sweat drops and uncertain gaze during conversation.
- p15Whitebeard and Ace facing each other in lower panel with Whitebeard smiling.
- p15Feast table filled with food and bottles indicating celebration scene.
- p15Ace wearing beaded necklace and dark clothing with visible sweat on face.
- p15Background ship and sea setting repeated across multiple panels.
- p15Whitebeard with large mustache and relaxed seated posture at table.
- p16Ace restrained by multiple division commanders on the Moby Dick deck.
- p16Commanders showing angry and desperate facial expressions while holding Ace.
- p16Ace struggling violently with gritted teeth and intense eyes.
- p16Whitebeard seated with serious expression and crossed arms in close-up.
- p16Background view of the Moby Dick ship on the sea.
- p16Close-up of angry crew member faces recounting Teach's betrayal.
- p16Ace shown with open mouth yelling about Satch's soul.
- p16Whitebeard wearing dark cap and large mustache in focused panel.
- p16Silhouettes of crew members reaching toward Ace in lower panels.
- p16Sweat drops and motion lines indicating physical struggle.
- p17Ace standing at ship railing with back turned to the crew.
- p17Crew members watching in silence with concerned expressions.
- p17Whitebeard seated with grave expression and heavy gaze.
- p17Lone distant figure standing on a separate platform in background.
- p17Ace leaping from the ship into a small boat below.
- p17Boat speeding away across water with Ace aboard.
- p17Whitebeard remaining seated with serious face after Ace departs.
- p17Multiple ships visible in harbor background during departure.
- p17Ace with outstretched arm and shouting posture mid-leap.
- p17Whitebeard shown in close-up with furrowed brows and downturned mouth.
- p18Crew members reacting with shock and anger on the deck.
- p18Marco visible among the crew with surprised expression.
- p18Whitebeard seated and confirming he heard the order with his own ears.
- p18Ace viewed from behind in small boat heading away from fleet.
- p18Multiple ships of the Whitebeard fleet visible in harbor.
- p18Crew shouting support and vowing to come rescue Ace.
- p18Whitebeard telling Marco he explicitly forbade Ace from going.
- p18Large motion lines and boat wake showing rapid departure.
- p18Crew member with cross emblem on clothing speaking in panel.
- p18Whitebeard with intense serious expression addressing the crew.
- p19Whitebeard stands tall with billowing cloak at center of massive earthquake panel.
- p19Cracked and tilting buildings surround Whitebeard during violent ground tremor.
- p19Large stylized SFX dominate upper panels showing intense rumbling and shaking.
- p19Sweat drops and wide-eyed terror on multiple Marine and pirate faces.
- p19Tsunami wave forming behind Whitebeard with skull-shaped crest detail.
- p19Whitebeard identified in narration box as user of Gura Gura no Mi.
- p19Cloaked figure with naginata weapon visible near Whitebeard.
- p19Marine soldier with cap labeled MARINE shown in shock.
- p19Background architecture cracking under seismic force.
- p19Close-up of bloodied scarred face with gritted teeth and sweat.
- p19Panel composition emphasizes Whitebeard's imposing silhouette against collapsing city.
- p19Speech bubbles positioned around crew members reacting to tremor.
- p19Small skull motifs on Whitebeard's clothing visible.
- p19Ground lines and motion effects convey violent shaking.
- p20Large battle cry SFX and charging pirate silhouettes fill top panels.
- p20Close-up faces of Whitebeard Pirates with headband, spiky hair, and tongue out.
- p20Marine officer wearing cap labeled MARINE and sunglasses shown stern.
- p20Wide-eyed close-up of unknown figure with glasses emphasizing tension.
- p20Massive Marineford fortress with Japanese characters 海軍 on front wall.
- p20Fleet of 47 pirate ships sailing under Whitebeard banner toward fortress.
- p20Dramatic smoke and impact SFX frame the battlefield overview.
- p20Text boxes detail defensive forces of Marine Headquarters and Shichibukai.
- p20Text boxes detail attacking force of 47 New World pirate ships.
- p20Central panel shows Marineford architecture with surrounding ships and smoke.
- p20Hand gestures and intense facial expressions on foreground characters.
- p20Narration box declares the war is beginning.
- p20Composition contrasts pirate charge with Marine defensive stance.
- p20Large world-destroying power statement in speech bubble.
Theories built on chapter 552
THE FAILED WORLD THEORY Argues nearby
THE FAILED WORLD THEORY
Plausible5 evidence
The One Piece Treasure is the Sun of the Dawn that can grow the trees that Spawn Devil Fruits from people's imagination Argues nearby
The One Piece Treasure is the Sun of the Dawn that can grow the trees that Spawn Devil Fruits from people's imagination
Strong1 evidence
The One Piece is the return of the Ancient Kingdom! Argues nearby
The One Piece is the return of the Ancient Kingdom!
Plausible7 evidence
The Tontattas came from the Moon City Birka!!!!!! Argues nearby
The Tontattas came from the Moon City Birka!!!!!!
PlausibleNo evidence filed yet
The Man Marked by Flames, Vander Decken Argues nearby
The Man Marked by Flames, Vander Decken
Strong4 evidence
My Blackbeard theory: The Man of Two Worlds Argues nearby
My Blackbeard theory: The Man of Two Worlds
Strong3 evidence