Summary:
Koby explains to Luffy how he got his training and how he got to the Grand Line. He also talked about the New World and how the pirate who conquered it would become the Pirate King. Garp lets the Straw Hat Pirates go free. While everyone is busy celebrating their huge victory in Enies Lobby, Robin is confronted by Aokiji.
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Long summary
Garp reveals that he will not capture his own grandson. He more or less came to make sure he was okay and for Koby and Helmeppo to see him. While the marines repair the damage to Iceburg’s building, he lets the three take a moment to gather and talk, though he strikes Luffy once more when Luffy shows no reluctance. Nami, Chopper and Sanji realize where Luffy gets his stubborn and stupid traits.
After Garp leaves, the rest of the Straw Hats discuss Garp’s revelations. Robin in particular is overwhelmed by the connection with Drake, not realizing that Luffy will be connected to something even more dangerous than the scholars from her home island of Hounds. Zoro is not with Luffy because his bond with Koby was weak; his history is more with Luffy than anyone else. Nami is notably absent; Chopper notes that she wanted to look up some Marine Corps information while they were here, but instead went to the pool with Kokoro and Chimney. Hearing this, Sanji rushes to the pool.
Outside, Luffy learns to his surprise that the Marines have found a way to cross the Calm Belt safely, meaning they don’t have to go through Reverse Mountain to reach the Grand Line. Thanks to the work of a scientist named Dr. Vegapunk Marines covered the bottoms of their ships with sea rock. Due to the Kairoseki’s natural sea energy emissions, this hides their presence from the Sea Kings, meaning that if they can address the issue of power, they can come and go more or less freely, giving them a huge advantage in maneuverability.
Unbeknownst to them, Baby Den Den Mushi is hiding near their location. Nami was actually by the pool listening to Koby on Black Den Den Mushi. Stores knowledge of the Kairoseki trick for future use. He also learns that it was Vegapunk who found a way to infuse Devil Fruits into inanimate objects – leading to things like Spandam’s elephant sword Funkfreed – as well as a better understanding of how Devil Fruits actually work. The conversation then turns to Garp, revealing that all three admit he’s an advocate of “tough love”: it can test you to the point of death, but in the end it makes you stronger. Additionally, Koby and Helmeppo are grateful that he took them in after the Axe-Hand Morgan escape incident. Nami finally decides not to learn any more secrets and finally goes for a swim, but when she passes under Kokoro in her mermaid form, she almost inhales the water: some things just never cease to shock.
Luffy, Koby and Helmepp’s reunion is unfortunately short lived as they have to return to HQ to resume training. But before he leaves, Koby leaves behind an exciting fact: the back half of the Grand Line is known as the “New World.” It is becoming a focal point for pirates and marines alike, and is likely where the next Pirate King will be crowned. Luffy realizes that he has to be a part of this action. Koby hopes that one day there, even as adversaries, they can meet and compete to see who will come true first: Luffy will be the next pirate king or become the next admiral. Luffy acknowledges this and without a hint of mockery challenges him to fulfill this dream and meet him in the New World as a worthy opponent. Encouraged, Koby rushes away, and a confused Helmeppo follows.
Back on Garp’s ship, Koby wonders if the Straw Hats are fully aware of how the World Government is portraying the Enies Lobby incident. Helmeppo points out that Koby sees the darker side of world government: a government that is determined to keep its power in power by hook or by crook. Such cover-ups are to be expected. At that point, Garp stops remembering and brings them back to training.
Back at the pool, Sanji is preparing a barbecue. Everyone agrees it’s delicious and the taste is enough to make you overlook Kokoro in mermaid form for now. Just then, Zambai and the Franky Family join them, encouraged by the news that Luffy is awake. Luffy invites them to eat and starts a comical cavalcade of other new arrivals: Oimo and Kashii, Sodom and Gomorrah, shipwrights Iceburg and Galley-La Company, Franky, Mozu and Kiwi. Even Usopp can join in his Sogeking disguise. What started as a friendly little barbecue between the crew soon turns into a gigantic celebration.
As the sun begins to set, Robin finds some peace and quiet at the wall. At that moment, a familiar voice addresses her from the other side of the wall. This is Aokiji. She begins by asking why Robin didn’t run away like she did for 20 years. Robin replies that she can’t run away anymore: not now that she’s finally found her friends. Then Aokiji drops a bombshell: Jaguar D. Saul, who he was forced to kill 20 years ago, was his close friend. But even though he was compelled by duty that day, he also allowed himself one favor: making sure Robin was safe. So for 20 years he followed the homeless Robin without friends. By the time they met before Water 7, Aokiji was ready to believe that Robin was becoming too dangerous. Then Enies Lobby came along and complicated things. No one really thought the Straw Hats would go through CP9 and Buster Call to save her. So he asks again, “Did you finally find a tree to call home?” Robin finally answers, “Yes.” And Aokiji is finally relieved. With true friends, Robin can stop running from her past and stand tall as the last survivor of Ohara. He tells Robin to live her life with determination and then leaves. By the time Robin reaches where Aokiji was, there is only an icy “X” left. Luffy finally pulled her back to the party. As Aokiji calmly drives away, Robin realizes that Saul’s greatest wish has indeed been granted; he is already homeless and friendless.