Chapter 979

Orochi rests easy, believing the intelligence fed to him by Kanjuro has let him head off the rebels, never realizing the raid is already underway. Kanjuro, however, has tied up Momonosuke and gotten thoroughly lost inside Onigashima, leaving his report undelivered. The disguised alliance presses inland with Franky's new battle vehicles, only to discover that Luffy and Zoro have slipped off alone. Within the castle, Kaidou orders the six enforcers to locate Yamato, dangling a shot at an All-Star's seat as the reward.

Franky rolls out the Kurosai FR-U IV and hands the Brachio Tank V to a delighted Chopper, while Nami, Sanji, Carrot, and Shinobu sort out their seating amid the usual squabbling. Jinbe reflects that crewmates who keep things light often prove decisive in dire moments. King reveals he, not Kaidou, summoned the Tobiroppo, prodding the former captains Who's-Who and Sasaki about their ambitions. The Shinuchi Bao Huang reads out the festival's schedule, hinting that Kaidou intends a major announcement once his alliance with Big Mom is sealed.

Bao Huang debuts, and it is established that both Who's-Who and Sasaki once captained their own crews. Luffy, searching for the impulsive Kid, gets a pot of red bean soup dumped on him by Beasts Pirates who mock the beggars of Okobore Town. The sight of the spilled sweet enrages him, recalling how joyfully Tama once savored the same dish on her birthday. The cover follows the Tontatta Pirates discovering a drifting ship carrying Pound.