Summary:
The zombies in the Mast Mansion stand in utter disbelief over their defeated comrades, saddened that someone other than “Humming” Brook discovered their weakness. They lament that their greatest advantage, the inability to die, has been nullified. Franky, Robin, Usopp, and Chopper rush up the long staircase in front of the mansion after hearing that this is the path used to transport those whose shadows were stolen. Usopp and Chopper inform Franky that Nami was taken from them while they were chasing Luffy. Chopper wonders if Nami will be okay, to which Usopp assures him that he will definitely save her. Franky asks about the loud roar he and Robin heard earlier and mentions that is what prompted them to come to their aid. Usopp states that it was Luffy’s voice and will explain more later, but still confirms that their situation has changed drastically.
Inside the Mast Mansion, several zombies frantically rush to bring food to the rowers, as his incredible appetite can cost them their entire supply of food. Gecko Moria is amused by Oars’ appetite, while Perona angrily asks Kumashi why he hid Nami, Usopp, and Chopper inside him. Oars tells Moria that he doesn’t even know his own identity and appreciates all the food he gets, but tells the Warlord that it’s still not enough. The zombies express their disapproval of the oar’s disobedience to their master, but once the oars look at them, they all quickly bow and apologize. Moria gives Oars a quick overview of his history; stating that 500 years ago he was a great warrior who left behind countless legends. He explains that Oars is now his subordinate, which the animal quickly denies. Vesla claims to have a dream, much to the astonishment of the other zombies. Vesla wants to go outside and possibly the sea as the zombies remind him that they are in an incredibly dense freezer made of iron. Oars effortlessly breaks through the walls of the mansion with “Gomu Gomu no Pistol”, stunning the zombies present as they try to dissuade him from leaving. As Oars jumps down from the tower, he notes that he felt like his arm was going to stretch out for some reason. The oars shout loudly that he will become the pirate king.
At Hogback’s Mansion, Brook confronts Ryuma. He teases Brook about their last battle, reminding him how he begged Ryuma not to damage his afro. Brook counters that such a thing won’t happen again as he similarly recounts the events of the day in his head. In a flashback, Brook is running through the woods of Thriller Bark, frustrated that the zombie he was fighting was able to get up no matter how many times he slashed her. He is determined that there must be some kind of weak spot for the zombies, because even if he finds his own zombie with his shadow, it won’t be enough. Brook then notices that the zombie has passed out and listens to his friends point out that the zombie just ate grilled salt fish. Brook is later seen interrogating Dr. Hogback with his sword drawn on him and demands to know which zombie has his shadow. Brook threatens Hogback with a supply of fish, which the doctor quickly scoffs at. Brook tells himself that it can’t be the salt, but when he notices Hogback’s furious reaction at the mention of it, he concludes that it must be the salt. Under the full moon that night, Brook reflects on how scary zombies are, especially at night. He remembers that he can sing a song to distract himself from things because he is easily startled by a nearby grasshopper. Brook decides that if he sings and moves with his increased speed so that he can’t see the faces of the zombies as he feeds them salt, he will most certainly find his shadow. A few zombies in the graveyard notice someone humming a song. Brook then cuts through them all with amazing speed, cleaning them up in the process as he then flees in fear. Absalom learns of Brook’s reign of terror from his Soldier Zombies when they describe his buzzing as a sign that he will appear soon. Kumashi also informs Perona of the problems and it is revealed that Brook has completely destroyed the Soldier Zombies. Sometime after that, Brook finally comes face to face with Ryuma; he recognized his distinct laughter as proof that the zombie did indeed have his shadow. Brook is heavily outmatched by the zombies despite having the exact same swordsmanship. For some reason, he is unable to keep up with the zombie’s power, which confuses Brook that he is no match for his own shadow in combat. Ryuma tells him that his efforts are useless and considers cutting off Brook’s “annoying” afro as a means of moving faster. Brook vehemently pleads with Ryuma to stop, confused that the zombie doesn’t understand the meaning of his afro despite having his own shadow. Ryuma replies that he has forgotten his days with Brook and that his only masters are Moria and Absalom. Ryuma goes on to say that it’s ridiculous that he would get along with a skeleton that cares so much about the afro as he tries to cut it off Brook’s head. Brook fends off most of the attempts, but eventually Ryuma impales him with his eye socket. As Ryuma holds Brook by the eye socket with his sword, Brook begs for his life and says he will leave immediately. Recognizing that it would be problematic for him too if Brook died, Ryuma orders him to disappear.
Back in the present, Ryuma reminds Brook not to have another pathetic speech like their last meeting. Brook assures him that he has been training for the past five years to become stronger for this second chance as their swords clash. In another room, Absalom arrives with an unconscious Nami. He places her on the table and tells the zombie priest to begin the wedding ceremony immediately. She orders another zombie who looks like a tailor to dress her up and bring her to the ceremony hall.
Outside the Mast Mansion, Robin, Franky, Usopp and Chopper finally made it down the stairs. Realizing that the explosion and scream they heard earlier is likely the start of Luffy’s zombie rampage, they figure they need to hurry. When they reach the Thousand Sunny, they notice its new location and are able to understand more about how the inhabitants of Thriller Bark captured their prey. Usopp gets to the ship first and informs the crew that the ship has been ransacked by zombies. Once everyone boards, they eventually find Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji in the cafeteria. All three are unconscious. However, they were seated on chairs with various objects stuck in their nostrils, mouths, on top of their heads, as well as with their hair tied in ridiculous fashion. Franky screams and uses violence to wake them all up, but this proves ineffective. Franky tries to use his bazooka instead, but Usopp has a better idea. Usopp shouts that “a beautiful lady swordsman with a ton of flesh” has just arrived, which