One Piece 5: For Whom the Bell Tolls review

 One Piece, Volume 5: For Whom the Bell Tolls  

Author: Eiichiro Oda

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: November 9, 2004

Format/Genre/Length: Manga/Shonen/200 pages

Publisher/Industry Age Rating: Teen

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Usopp’s pirates, protecting Kaya, are chased by the hypnotist/pirate captain Django, while Klahadore, the false butler, faces down Luffy, Zolo, and Usopp. He thinks he has them where he wants them, but Zolo shows that the Meowban brothers are no match for him, although Usopp goes down, and cannot rise. No problem! Zolo will carry him, leaving Luffy to deal with Klahadore.

Synopsis:

As Luffy and Klahadore battle, the pirate butler’s plan becomes apparent—annihilation for all, including his trusty crew. He wants to get rid of anyone who knows about his past.  He reminds them of the circumstances that caused him to quit the sea, and his desire to take the riches from Kaya and go where no one will ever find him. Naturally, this does not sit well with the crew. Luffy manages to half-declaw Klahadore, even as Django is working on hypnotizing the stubborn Kaya to get her to sign the will in favor of her butler, but to no avail—she refuses to open her eyes.

Klahadore has had enough of Luffy and his insults, so he decides to let loose one final attack, although his crew begs him not to—his out-of-the-bag attack! Luffy doesn’t see the big deal.  “He’s only slouching…”

Famous last words, as the attack begins. Can Luffy counter it?

In the aftermath of the battle, Usopp exhorts his little band of pirates, as well as Miss Kaya, to say nothing of what has happened, to allow the village to live in ignorance of what has occurred in order to maintain their peace of mind. And to let them keep on believing that he is a liar. It’s a hard thing to do, but they agree that it is in the village’s best interest, as well as Usopp’s.  Kaya offers Luffy and his crew a ship—a caravel. Not the best, but a sight better than what they had. Of course, Kaya has ulterior motives, which quickly become apparent.

Having added a new crewmember, Luffy’s crew sets sail and raises their own standard for their new ship, the Merry Go. Luffy knows what needs to be done next—they need to find a ship’s cook, and quickly!

Can it be as easy as it sounds? With this bunch, not likely!

Commentary:

This is the last volume concerning the fight with Klahadore and his band and the saving of the village. Great fun, much bravery, and spectacular fights.  Luffy gains a new crewmember, one who is worthy to be part of his crew. Very satisfactory, while leading into new territory with the search for the ship’s cook, and we meet some interesting people onboard the Baratie, an ocean-going restaurant.

With One Piece, the fun never stops. It’s a good read for all ages, and I highly recommend it!