Chapter 397 is titled “In Hopes of Reaching the Future”.
Miss Goldenweek’s “Operation: Meet Baroque Works”, Vol. 29: “Pretend Prisoners, Slipping Into Gaol”. Posing as helpless prisoners (and led by a Marine still controlled under Betrayal Black), Miss Goldenweek, Miss Valentine, and Mr. 5 infiltrate the prison.
More of Robin’s past is revealed, and Saul dies.
Saul slams down the Marines’ Buster Call ship and smashes it. The Marines panic over his sudden attack and question as to why he is here. On the island, the scholars panic over the cannon fire around them, they hurry knowing the island will not be around for much longer. They throw the books out the window into the lake in order to save them hoping the words of a thousand years are not lost for the future. Saul asks Robin to run to the evacuation ship while she still can.
Robin stares at the Tree of Knowledge where her mother Olvia is. As Robin approaches the ship, the other residents of the island spot her and immediately mock her for being a “Devil” as well as the criminal Olvia’s daughter. They offer to fetch a rope, but when Robin forms a rope out of hands using her Hana Hana no Mi powers, they are frightened of her and leave her alone. Spandine finally finds Robin and orders the ship not to let her on board because she is a target of the attack. Saul spots her running away.
Saul runs towards CP9 to attack, but Kuzan interferes….
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Saul runs towards CP9 to attack, but Kuzan interferes. Saul states Kuzan knows this is just to create an example of Ohara for the world to see but Kuzan states this is for the greater good of the world – the scholars broke the law. Kuzan states the rules of Justice change depending on where you stand. Just then a blast is heard next to them. The evacuation ship has been hit and destroyed, much to Spandine’s shock.
Kuzan immediately knows Sakazuki was behind it. Sakazuki states on board his ship, if one of the scholars was on board the ship, everything would be for nothing if he was allowed to escape. Saul strikes Kuzan for the destruction of the ship, Kuzan replies he never wanted to take things this far. Saul flees taking Robin with him, but Kuzan freezes him on the spot. Saul puts Robin down and tells her to keep running no matter what.
Robin does not want to run and leave Saul as she believes there is no one left for her on the ocean. Saul gives her an inspiring speech about how there are people waiting to find her one day, the people who will always protect her. Saul then laughs and smiles as Robin runs off and he is engulfed by Kuzan’s attack. The other scholars stand in the Tree of Knowledge as it falls around them. Knowing it is the end for them, Clover reflects on humanity’s choice. Olvia regrets leaving Robin with no final words for her daughter. Elsewhere, Robin meets Kuzan. Kuzan states he intends to let her live to see what she becomes. Kuzan leaves her with a final warning that he is not her friend and if she amounts to nothing good, he will be the first to catch her. Robin states her mother is still on the island, but Kuzan replies no one could survive the inferno. Robin leaves, reflecting on the misery left behind in the wake of Ohara.
