Chapter 1147: What We're Afraid Of

A flashback recalls Saul cautioning Robin and Chopper to stay concealed, since he knew Sommers from before and understood that these foes cannot die, urging them to await the right opening. In the present, with Saul collapsed, Gunko brings the bound Straw Hats to Sommers, but Killingham warns against keeping prisoners lest they provoke Luffy, pressing to wrap up the job. Gunko levels an arrow-blade at Brook and orders him to become her slave and compose for her forever, exposing herself as an admirer; Brook refuses out of devotion to Luffy and takes a beating, all while clutching at her own chest for reasons unclear.

Through the hijacked Den Den Mushi, Sommers broadcasts to the whole island, owning up to the strange events, announcing ten child hostages, and reporting Saul's injuries. Killingham gathers the children's names from Ange so their parents will know, then wakes the captives. The children find themselves on Branch 8, unable to halt or break from the arrow, and Colon, lumped in among them, vows to guard everyone despite his terror of the watching beasts. The Great Eirik tries to turn back but is holed by a beast that resembles an angry mother, and the giants realize the monsters mirror their wives' rage. The ship's island clouds are ripped away and it crashes, which Sommers watches from afar.

Sommers tells Jarul, leader of the kingless giants, that they are to become battle slaves, and reads off the kidnapped children, among them Ylva and Oimo's grandson Olav, noting that Colon was added after playing hero, to Ripley's dismay. His terms are the destruction of every school and library plus an oath of loyalty. Ange counters that the school embodies Elbaph's peace and the library safeguards its ancient history alongside the knowledge Ohara's people preserved, treasures belonging to far more than Elbaph alone, but Sommers merely tells her to settle down. Gaban moves out to save his son, and Robin steps from hiding, unwilling to watch her people's legacy burn.