The Man Who Makes No Sound

Arriving to find the Black Cat Pirates floundering against a pack of kids, Kuro demands an explanation. Jango reminds him that the captain himself had insisted Usopp posed no threat, but Kuro simply dismisses his former crew as far weaker than he believed. Sham and Buchi, stung by the insult, argue that years of raiding villages and clashing with rivals have hardened them while their captain grew soft in hiding.

The pair try to cut Kuro down before he can do the same to them, only for him to slip the attack entirely. He flickers behind them, then reappears behind them again, his Cat Claws hovering at their throats. Jango observes how the weapons let Kuro move in total silence, and how the captain's habit of nudging his glasses up still unnerves everyone present. Kuro gives the Nyaban Brothers five minutes to kill the Straw Hats, or he will slaughter the entire group.

Spurred by fresh hope, Buchi and Sham charge Zoro. Nami kicks the swordsman his two stolen blades, much to his irritation, and once all three swords sit in his hands he drops both brothers with a single move. Zoro then levels a blade at Kuro and names him the next target.

Buchi, however, clings to life. He begs Jango to hypnotize him into greater strength so the fight can continue. While Zoro takes on the entranced Buchi, Nami breaks away to wake the knocked-out Luffy. Jango spots her doing so and hurls a ring in her direction.

This installment belongs to the Syrup Village Arc. Its Animal Theater cover shows Zoro and Nami piloting biplanes through the sky, with Luffy and an enormous gorilla riding along on Zoro's craft. The personal Jolly Roger flags of both Zoro and Nami appear for the first time on that cover. Dialogue also confirms that Jango alone cannot defeat both Nyaban Brothers, even though Kuro overwhelms them with ease.