In Chapter 36, Luffy and his crew prepare to leave the town of Syrup Village after helping defeat Captain Kuro. Usopp officially joins the crew, declaring his dream to become a brave warrior of the sea. They set sail on their new ship, the Going Merry, which was gifted by Kaya as thanks. The chapter marks a turning point as the Straw Hat Pirates grow in number and begin the next phase of their journey, filled with excitement and new goals.
Luffy repeatedly attempts to board the Ark Maxim but is kicked off by Enel. Enel boasts that he will destroy Skypiea with an even larger “Raigo” as soon as he finds the Golden Bell. The crew, now reunited, realizes Luffy’s goal is to ring the bell to prove to Mont Blanc Cricket that the city…
While Sanji fights an evenly-matched Gin, his previous injuries leave him cornered. Simultaneously, Luffy fights Don Krieg, who mocks Luffy’s lack of strategy while attacking him with bombs and spears. As Gin prepares to deliver a finishing blow to Sanji, he remembers Sanji’s kindness. Gin breaks down crying and admits he can’t kill the only…