After Ace's death in the Marineford War, which is seen in flashbacks, Sabo appears at his grave. He later arrives in Dressrosa to investigate a weapon smuggling, where he is informed that Doflamingo is holding a tournament at the nearby coliseum with Ace's Flame-Flame devil fruit as a prize.

The Straw Hat Pirates fight Foxy again in the New World, on Mushroom Island. This soon gives way to a battle against the Marines on an island called Nebulandia that can nullify Devil Fruit powers.

The Straw Hats meet a girl named Olga and travel with her to Alchemi in the pursuit of Pure Gold, but are pursued by the Marines and the treasure hunter Mad Treasure.

As the Straw Hat Pirates prepare to leave East Blue and enter the Grand Line, each of them reminisce about their journey to that point as they reaffirm their dreams. Monkey D. Luffy, a rubber man. Roronoa Zoro aka “Pirate Hunter.” Usopp, a sniper. Sanji, a seafaring cook. Nami, “Cat Burglar”. They, the Straw Hats, all place a foot upon a barrel and make their vows before their next journey across the great ocean.

The Straw Hats discover a map to Skypiea, a supposedly mythical civilization in the sky. They soon meet Mont Blanc Cricket, who directs them to a natural underwater explosion which serves as transport to the islands in the sky.