Luffy and Coby arrive at Shell Island, a Marine base. They meet the bounty hunter Roronoa Zoro, held under arrest by the infamous marine, Captain Morgan, and his son Helmeppo.

Luffy convinces Zoro to join his crew, but they must first defeat Captain Morgan. After freeing the island from Morgan's oppressive rule, Coby is accepted as a marine while the other two continue on their journey.

Mohji and Richie show up for revenge after Buggy's humiliating defeat in the previous episode, and Luffy meets a small dog guarding his master's store, even though he knows that he is long dead.

Enraged by the actions of Buggy's crew, the city's mayor rushes to fight Buggy himself, but the Straw Hat Pirates come to his rescue. Zoro fights Cabaji, despite still being wounded from his previous encounter with Buggy, while Luffy faces the clown pirate himself and Nami searches for the map to the Grand Line.

Buggy's link to Shanks is revealed, and when he rips the straw hat Shanks gave Luffy, his rage knows no bounds. Who will win in this clash between Devil Fruit users?

While in Nanohana, the Straw Hats encounter Smoker and Tashigi. A powerful pirate named Portgas D. Ace appears.

Ace fights Smoker while the Straw Hats run for their ship. Luffy reunites with his brother, who has joined the Whitebeard Pirates after leaving home, and is searching for a former crewmate named Blackbeard who killed a fellow member.

Ace fights against a bounty hunter, who claims to have defeated Blackbeard, although this was a lie to lure Ace out and challenge him in order to inspire his children to follow their dreams.

Baroque Works' plan to take over Alabasta is set in motion.

While Crocodile reveals to Vivi about the ancient weapon Pluton, Nami attempts to defeat Miss Doublefinger with her most powerful attack: The Tornado Tempo.

Luffy fights with Crocodile by using blood on his fists. Meanwhile Vivi finds the bomb, and calls the Straw Hats together.