Summary:
With the fighting over and Crocodile in custody, the air is cleared as to what really happened in Arabasta and the long road to recovery finally begins.
Although the people’s anger is subdued, they initially do not believe Vivi’s claim that “the nightmare is over”. People are still upset that King Kobra apparently attacked Nanohana. At this point, Chaka orders the Arabasta royal army to surrender. Igaram also appears, much to Vivi’s relief, as he descends from the clock tower. He represents Kappa, a child who was allegedly injured by the royal army in Nanohana. Kappa testifies to the betrayal of crocodiles and baroque cannons and how Mr. 2 Bon Kurei impersonated King Cobra. The people finally agree to put away their weapons for good.
In the streets, the Straw Hat Pirates meet King Cobra, who is carrying Luffy, weak but alive. At first, Sanji doesn’t know who Cobra is until Vivi runs up to him and hugs him. Cobra said Luffy somehow found the strength to bring them both to the surface. He also says that Luffy has been given the antidote to the crocodile poison, though he will still need to treat his injuries. The Straw Hats say they will go incognito to the palace when they are ready because they are wanted.
People gather around the disgraced Crocodile as the Marines arrive with Tashigi. Tashigi reveals that her men have seized the Baroque Works ships with “Dance Powder”, a powder that can cause rain, and teamed them up with Crocodile. He strips him of his sea warrior title and arrests him, although he is still unconscious and unable to resist anyway. The rest of the baroque works are out of commission… except for Mr. 2, who sneaks through Alubarna to get away. The Goat tries to reconcile the acts of rebellion as he digests the Crocodile’s betrayal. But King Kobra tells his people that they can overcome this ugly moment in their history and Arabasta can move forward.
On the coast, Hina accuses Smoker of using Dance Powder. Smoker says he knows King Cobra was trying to protect his kingdom without using it and he didn’t want to destroy it. He asks Hina to take the ship they are on, the rainmaking ship from the Baroque Cannons and Crocodile, to headquarters. Tashigi also orders the marines in her unit to turn a blind eye to the Straw Hats. The injured are cleared from Alubarna’s Square, and Koza assures Vivi that she will be fine. The people of Arabasta rejoice at the return of the rain. That evening, back at the palace, the Straw Hats finally made it back and are now recovering from their injuries. Vivi is watching the rain in their room when Igaram walks in. He praises Pella and honors his bravery in protecting the kingdom.
The next day, Tashigi and Crocodile arrive at the harbor where the marines are anchored. She reports to Smoker and apologizes for letting Luffy go. The smoker ignores it. Tashigi feels like she can’t figure out what true justice is in the situation, and she’s ashamed that she helped the Straw Hats defeat the Crocodile. Smoker starts talking about ambition and how some he knows are making names for themselves. Smoker offers no comfort to the conflicted Tashigi, only telling her to toughen up if she feels she’s not up to the task. She declares that she will, and he tells the other soldiers that they can only wish for courage like her.
Marine HQ calls Smoker from Den Den Mushi and requests that he and Tashigi report. Ignoring his report, they credit him and Tashigi with capturing the Crocodile, promoting him in rank accordingly. Hina says the World Government wants to cover up the Straw Hats’ involvement. Unwilling to accept this, Smoker angrily tells the World Government what they can do with their promotion.