Inside Cover: They say the world's population grows by 200,000 people everyday. There are over 5 billion people alive now. Sometimes I wonder in amazement at how people can eat meat today, eat meat tomorrow, eat meat all over the world, and there are still animals. Animals of the world, you were delicious. Volume 44 begins!!!
Back Cover: The Straw Hat crew has reunited with Robin, and now searches for an escape route. But the effects of the Buster Call leave them in ultimate peril! Who will win in Luffy and Lucci's duel to the death?! The gripping CP9 arc comes to a conclusion!! An ocean adventure romance in search of the "One Piece"!!
The Story of One Piece, from Volume 1 to Volume 44: 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 resurrect the Ancient Weapon "Pluton," CP9 apprehend the two people who hold the keys to its revival, Franky and Robin, to take them to the Judiciary Island Enies Lobby. Striking forward deep into the island to rescue Robin, Luffy's party breaks through a Marine blockade and finally arrives at her side. Luffy's crew announces war on the World Government to break the chains locking Robin to her tragic past, and opens a full-fledged battle with CP9. Each person faces a different key-bearing member of CP9, while they have to chase down Robin as well. Finally, Luffy begins a withering conflict with Lucci! Meanwhile, Spandam takes Robin to the Gate of Justice, but accidentally presses the Buster Call button, leaving no room for error. Zoro and the rest defeat CP9, and finally catch Robin at the Bridge of Hesitation just before the Gate of Justice. The only enemy remaining is Lucci, whose overwhelming strength leaves Luffy's back against the wall!!
(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 420 - Buster Call
Chapter 421 - Gear: 3rd
Chapter 422 - Rob Lucci
Chapter 423 - The Legend of the Mermaid
Chapter 424 - Escape Ship
Chapter 425 - Mortal Combat on the Bridge
Chapter 426 - A Ship Waiting for Wind
Chapter 427 - It's Not Like This Is Hell
Chapter 428 - Let's Go
Chapter 429 - Clear Defeat
Chapter 430 - Falling Snows of Reminiscence