(Randomly - do we KNOW this is the first time?! He might have had the power of mantra for a while, but never really paid attention to it/thought it was anything out of the ordinary...?)

I guess we don't know, really. I just got that impression from Helmeppo asking what's the matter, and Coby going "I don't know..." before explaining about the voices. It's like it's unexpected to him.

Shanks arrived, but too late for Luffy, and too late for Ace (and Shirohige). In time for Coby, though. ♥

Coby did something AWESOME, and he lives to tell about it. The hat is okay, and Shanks of all people has it. Luffy got away and Law will save his life. There is HOPE. *hugs*