The Oath

The Straw Hat Pirates dock at the floating restaurant Baratie, where they meet the talented cook Sanji. Luffy is immediately impressed by both Sanji's culinary skill and his strength, deciding that the crew has finally found the cook they have been searching for. Although Sanji declines the invitation, his interactions with Luffy reveal that they share a similar determination to pursue seemingly impossible dreams.

At the Baratie, Sanji's complicated relationship with the restaurant's owner, Zeff, becomes increasingly apparent. Their frequent arguments hide a deep mutual respect forged through years of hardship. A flashback recounts how Zeff and the young Sanji became stranded on a barren rock after a shipwreck, surviving through extraordinary sacrifice and cementing the bond between them.

The peaceful atmosphere is shattered by the arrival of Dracule Mihawk, the world's greatest swordsman. Pursuing the Krieg Pirates across the East Blue, Mihawk effortlessly destroys much of their fleet before accepting a challenge from Zoro Roronoa, who seeks to fulfill his lifelong ambition of surpassing him.

The volume concludes with Zoro's fateful duel against Mihawk. Though completely outmatched, Zoro refuses to retreat, demonstrating the unwavering resolve that defines both his dream and his loyalty to Luffy.