Inside Cover: I think there are ancient and modern languages because words don't get passed down well. In his diary, a person from the Heian Period once wrote, "Young people nowadays have a terrible grasp of language." Since I find it funny that only complaining gets passed on correctly, I think I'll do that when I get old. Volume 42 barf-gins.
Back Cover: Spandam puts an assassination order on the heads of Luffy's crew for attacking the Tower of Justice!! Can they overcome the agents of CP9 who stand in their way, and safely rescue Robin?! The Straw Hat Crew vs. CP9 battle begins!! An ocean adventure romance in search of the "One Piece"!!
The Story of One Piece, from Volume 1 to Volume 42: It is the Great Pirate Age. Countless
pirates have raised their flags and gone to battle to find the legendary pirate king Gold Roger's
hidden treasure, "One Piece." Luffy, who yearns to be one of those pirates, sets off on a
voyage to become the Pirate King!!
Having successfully arrived at the Grand Line, Luffy and crew reach the "Water Metropolis"
Water Seven, to find a shipwright for the crew. But the damage to the Going Merry is too great,
and they must leave it behind for a new ship. Usopp is unwilling to leave Merry, so he
furiously quits the crew. On top of this, Robin abandons them as well, leaving the crew in
shambles...
In order to steal the plans to the Ancient Weapon "Pluton," CP9 apprehend Franky, the owner of
the plans, and Robin, the only living person who can read ancient runes, to take them to the
Judiciary Island Enies Lobby. Chasing after them, Luffy's party manage to rescue Franky, but
fail to retrieve Robin. Striking forward deep into the island, Luffy beats Blueno and finally
reaches CP9 and Robin. There, Robin's shocking and tragic past is revealed. Robin lost her
friends, home, and beloved mother to the terror of the government's Buster Call... It was only
the "companionship" of Luffy's crew that saved her from the life of pain she had been living.
Finally understanding her grief, Luffy and friends declare war on the World Government to save
Robin from her personal darkness. All to hear her scream, "I want to live"...
(top to bottom, right to left)
- Straw Hat Pirates -
Monkey D. Luffy [Captain] - His dream is to be Pirate King! Also, to meet Shanks again! An amazing Rubberman.
Roronoa Zoro [Warrior] - He intends to be the greatest swordsman in the world! Carries the nickname, "Pirate Hunter Zoro."
Nami [Navigator] - A "thief specializing in pirates." The thing she hates most are pirates!
Sanji [Cook] - A kind-hearted cook searching for the legendary sea, "All Blue." Girl-crazy.
Tony-Tony Chopper [Doctor] - A blue-nosed reindeer who knows medical skills and carries on the will of Dr. Hiruluk.
Nico Robin [Archaeologist] - A mysterious woman in search of the "Rio Poneglyph" that tells the true history.
Soge King [Hero] - A superhero friend of Usopp's who has come to help Luffy's gang. Or at least that's what he says.
- Cipher Pol No.9 -
[World Government-employed espionage and intelligence agency. Have the right to legally execute uncooperative civilians.]
Spandam - Chief Officer
Rob Lucci & Hattori
Kaku
Jabura
Blueno
Kumadori
Fukuro
Califa
Cocoro - Formerly hot secretary of Tom's Workers. Now Sea Express "Shift Station" Stationmaster.
- Franky Family -
[Ship dismantlers. They also do some bounty-hunting on the side.]
Franky [Cutty Flam] - Leader of the family and apprentice of the legendary shipwright, Tom.
Kiwi & Mos - Square Sisters
- Galley-la Company -
[A shipbuilding company hired by the world government.]
Iceburg - Water Seven Mayor & Galley-la Company President. Apprentice of the legendary shipwright, Tom.
Pauly - Rigging/Mast Foreman
Peepley Lulu - Pitch/Blacksmith/Pulley Foreman
Tileston - Cabinet/Caulking/Sailmaking Foreman
Red-Hair Shanks - Luffy's pirate role-model. Left his precious straw hat with Luffy.
Contents
Chapter 400 - The Releasing Key
Chapter 401 - Pirates vs. CP9
Chapter 402 - No. 2 Handcuffs
Chapter 403 - Mr. Chivalry
Chapter 404 - Franky vs. Fukuro
Chapter 405 - Power
Chapter 406 - Life Feedback
Chapter 407 - Monster
Chapter 408 - Monster vs. Kumadori
Chapter 409 - Emergency Bad News Broadcast