Chapter 981

Granted permission to kill, the Beasts Pirates swarm Luffy, Zoro, Kid, and Killer, with even the giant Hatcha of the Numbers piling in. The four are forced to retreat together. Part of Kin'emon's column peels away to slip into Kaidou's fortress, aiming both to encircle him and to free Momonosuke. Far out at the waterfall, the Big Mom Pirates try once more to ascend into Wano to learn why their captain has allied with Kaidou, only for Marco to knock their ship loose as he arrives alongside Nekomamushi and Izou.

Killer deduces that Apoo's sound attacks only reach targets who can hear him and shields the group by covering their ears. The Beasts Pirates note that a SMILE has turned Killer into a Pleasure, nearly provoking Kid before Luffy stops him. Who's-Who steers his team toward hunting Yamato rather than the intruders, voicing his own urge to kill someone. Kin'emon's group reaches a bridge fronting Black Maria's brothel and divides, sending Nami, Carrot, and Shinobu after Momonosuke while the rest push for the rear entrance. Crossing underwater, they leave Big Mom with only a glimpse of Chopper.

Hatcha is fully revealed, and it is disclosed that Orochi forced Killer to eat his SMILE fruit. Sanji's scouting of the empty brothel lets the samurai cross safely. The Big Mom Pirates debate their captain's choices as Perospero recognizes Marco, the former Whitebeard commander, confirming the alliance is real before he topples their vessel. As with the previous chapter, Meltan can be spotted among Kid's summoned metal.