"Dr. Stone" is a science fiction survival manga written by Riichiro Inagaki and illustrated by Boichi, which began serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump in 2017. The first anime season aired from July to December 2019, with the second season scheduled to begin in January 2021. Senku, the protagonist, is obsessed with science and conducts experiments almost daily in high school. One day, Senku's friend, Taiju, summons Kabata to a camphor tree to confess his feelings. Suddenly, the Earth is enveloped in a mysterious light, and all humanity is petrified. Taiju wakes up to find himself in a Stone World where human civilization has been wiped out. Taiju is the only survivor in this world. Senku, a boy exploring chemistry, is the one who revives him. Senku and Taiju resolve to save all humanity in this Stone World where everything has been lost and rebuild civilization from scratch. This article introduces the second part of the anime's plot, based on the original work, as the Kingdom of Science is completed and the battle with the Tsukasa Empire begins. This post contains spoilers, so if you haven't seen it yet, be careful!
20 Seconds That Will Determine the Fate of All Humanity
In the final battle with the Tsukasa Empire, they use leather explosive shells. Although they can only be fired once, the only way to win without suffering casualties is to destroy the enemy's will to fight with a single shot from a tank, and then capture the "Cave of Miracles" in that split second. The surprise attack only lasts for 20 seconds. The tank neutralizes the pitfall trap, and Taiju, equipped with a carbon shield, uses his inherent toughness to make a suicide attack without attacking anyone. Kohaku and Magma's power team followed suit. Ukyo and Nikki stopped reporter Minami from leaking information to Tsukasa, and finally Taiju's sonic bomb. The Science Kingdom successfully carried out their surprise attack in just 20 seconds, taking control of the "Miracle Cave" without killing anyone.
Two Monsters Appear
The Science Kingdom successfully took control of the "Miracle Cave," but Senku began preparing gunpowder before Tsukasa and the others noticed. Senku, who had prepared his gunpowder-making kit, quickly made the gunpowder, but just then, the monster duo of Tsukasa and Hyotsuki arrived. Ukyo was defeated, and Senku and his friends lost all of the chemicals that made up the gunpowder. The overwhelming strength of the two men made everyone instinctively realize that the Kingdom of Science's chances of victory were over. They also discovered that Lillian's survival was a lie, putting Senku and the Kingdom of Science in a desperate situation.
It's not over yet!!
With the match over, Tsukasa makes a proposal to Senku. Just like a year ago, it was a promise to guarantee all the lives in exchange for Senku's. Senku wants to save everyone, so Taiki is willing to sacrifice his own life (as he actually did a year ago). A year ago, Taiki and Magari were the only allies left, with Magari being taken hostage and Taiki not even at the scene. But now, his friends from the Kingdom of Science and Taiki are right next to him. Kohaku and the Power Team believe that if they can buy themselves some time, Senku and the others will definitely find a path to victory, while Senku and the Science Team believe that Kohaku and the others will definitely buy them some time. The final battle between science and power is about to begin.
Dynamite, more than 100 times more powerful than gunpowder, is born!!
While Kohaku and the others bid time, Senku and his friends try to make a weapon. However, they lack chemicals and can't make anything substantial. If only they could find some sulfuric acid... Just when they think they can, Chrome brings some. Using his years of intuition, Chrome has managed to find some sulfuric acid from the remains of a tank cannon. Senku and his friends successfully obtain nitroglycerin by adding soap rich in glycerin to the sulfuric acid. They then attach nitroglycerin to the tip of Maboroshi's world-flying paper airplane, completing their makeshift dynamite. This instantly turns the tide in the Kingdom of Science.
Dr. Stone, the Stone of Life, begins with soap and ends with soap
The first scientific gadget Senku made in front of Tsukasa was soap, and that was the beginning of his battle with Tsukasa. The dynamite he made from soap also brought the battle to an end. For Senku, soap was the Stone of Life, Dr. Stone.
End of the War: Senku and Tsukasa's Deal
The dynamite immobilizes the Tsukasa Empire. However, Senku cannot use the dynamite because it also engulfs the surrounding people. The Kingdom of Science appears victorious, but in reality, neither side is able to move. Despite the hopeless situation, Senku proposes a deal to Tsukasa. The terms of the deal are "give Tsukasa a chance to revive his sister" and "a ceasefire." Tsukasa didn't believe his sister's revival would come true, but after hearing Senku's words that science is not a lie, he agreed to the deal.
Tsukasa Shishio's Goal
Tsukasa's ideal was to purify corrupt vested interests. Senku wondered why Tsukasa had been making so much money from TV appearances and matches before his petrification. Tsukasa's goal was for the future of his brain-dead sister, who lay dormant. The device keeping her alive required a huge amount of money. Even though there was no chance of her regaining consciousness in the future, Tsukasa, unable to abandon his precious sister, continued to earn money to keep her alive.
Everything was for this day
Senku experiences firsthand the surrounding repair power of reviving from petrification. Of course, it's not 100%, so Senku says it's just a chance, but Tsukasa takes a chance. They use dynamite to excavate the petrified Future. According to Senku's theory, the resurrection fluid is a drug that awakens the brain-dead, breathless being who hasn't breathed for thousands of years. If that's the case, then surely it's possible to repair the brain-dead brain before petrification? After being doused with the resurrection fluid, Mirai sees Tsukasa's changed appearance and immediately calls out, "Brother!" Although it was a future where awakening was impossible, thanks to Tsukasa's refusal to give up and his determination to survive, the two were able to reunite for the first time in thousands of years.
The true enemy is...
The battle between the Kingdom of Science and the Tsukasa Empire came to an end with Tsukasa agreeing to a deal and a ceasefire. After reviving the future, Senku didn't immediately attack, and it seemed like the matter was closed. However, Chrome noticed that the number of dynamite sticks didn't match. If someone had stolen them, Ukyo, with his keen ears, would have noticed. However, it's unlikely that Chrome, the King of Materials, would have gotten the inventory count wrong. The only person who could do this without Ukyo noticing was Homura, whom he had supposedly captured. Hyotsuki instructed Homura to throw dynamite into the Cave of Miracles, while he himself aimed for Tsukasa. Until now, Hyotsuki had been unable to defeat Tsukasa, the strongest primate, no matter what he had done. However, he believed that with Tsukasa now protected by the future, he could easily defeat him.
Hyotsuki's Goal
Hyotsuki killed Tsukasa so he could talk with Senku alone. Hyotsuki's goal is a world where only superior people survive. Hyotsuki believes that it is impossible for the Earth to support a population of 7 billion, and says that the current petrification phenomenon is a selection of humanity. Only the most talented people should survive and rule the world. If Senku and Hyotsuki team up, they can make this happen. It's a very rational idea, but Senku doesn't give in. If we can't support 7 billion people, then Senku's science is to find 7 billion people to support them. Senku and Hyotsuki's opinions are in direct conflict.
Science and power, the ultimate tag team formed?!
Senku is no match for Hyotsuki in terms of strength. He counterattacks by dousing the petrified bird with revival fluid and throwing it at it, only to be joined by Tsukasa, who was supposed to be on the verge of death. To repay Senku's debt to him for keeping his promise, Tsukasa lends Senku his strength. A heart-pounding development! Combining science and power, they finally defeat Hyotsuki with a 100,000-volt stun gun. By capturing Hyotsuki and Homura until the day they can build a civilization, the Science Empire triumphs, and the battle truly comes to an end.
The Only Way to Save Tsukasa
The Science Kingdom returns without a single missing member, but Tsukasa is on the brink of death. Vowing to surrender without bloodshed, Senku attempts to save Tsukasa. He administers first aid with medical superglue, but even Senku is unable to repair his damaged organs. Senku then attempts to take advantage of the peripheral repair effect that occurs when reviving from petrification, and repair Tsukasa's organs. To do this, they first need to intentionally petrify Tsukasa, but the mystery of petrification remains unsolved. Since it's unclear how many years it will take to unravel this mystery, they plan to put Tsukasa into cold sleep until then. Although he's their enemy, Tsukasa trusts Senku's science and readily agrees. Thus, Senku and his friends begin to seriously explore the mystery of the fossils.
Aiming for the Other Side of the Earth
To rescue Tsukasa, Senku and his friends must uncover the mystery of the petrification ray. They head to the other side of the Earth, where the light is believed to be originating. Naturally, there are limitations to how far they can get by on foot or by car, so they decide to build a boat. So what kind of ship should they build? Mentalist Gen decided to hold a competition for ship blueprints. In the end, everyone unanimously chose Senku's blueprint, a result that was obvious to anyone. There was no need for a competition in the first place, but Gen said that the fact that the choice was made by the crew, rather than by a leader's arbitrary decision, unites the people. It's no exaggeration to say that Gen's approach is what successfully unites the Kingdom of Science.
A Captain with Divine Arms is Needed for a Great Voyage
A captain with the ability to navigate is essential for sailing across the open seas. Senku turns to Minami, a journalist and savvy source, for help finding a suitable candidate. Minami suggests a maritime school called Nanami Academy, where an experienced teacher would be ideal. Upon arriving at the location, Senku finds the remains of a skilled but somewhat flawed man named Nanami Ryusui. Ryusui is the son of the Nanami family, receives a billion-yen allowance, and enjoys traveling the world on his own sailing ship. Minami tries to stop him, but Senku, hearing his words, "You're a skilled sailor," immediately sprays him with revival fluid... (laughs). Ryusui immediately understands the situation after reviving, and becomes excited upon seeing the sailing ship. Ryusui predicts a Maystorm is coming and orders the ship to be protected, pointing out the ship's weak materials. Senku is convinced of Ryusui's skill, and Ryusui takes a liking to Senku. And so, the Kingdom of Science gains a skilled captain.
King of Resources, Find Oil!
The Kingdom of Science is tasked with searching for oil to fuel their ship. The ultimate explorer trio—Kohaku, with his sharpest eyes; Ukyo, with his sharpest ears; and Chrome, the exploration prodigy—set out for the Sagara Oil Field in Shizuoka. However, the terrain has changed significantly due to repeated eruptions of Mount Fuji. Unable to grasp the current topography, Senku and his friends decide to build a hot air balloon to grasp the terrain from above. Once the balloon is completed, locations such as goat herds and wheat are added to the new world map. As they make bread, build cameras, and the Kingdom of Science continues to grow, they finally discover the Sagara Oil Field!
The "Motor-Sail Ship Perseus" Completes, and a New Journey Begins
The motor-sail ship Perseus is completed, and the Science Kingdom is equipped with everything necessary for the voyage, including oil, GPS, and preserved food. On September 10, 5741, they finally depart for the other side of the Earth. Once they depart, there's no telling when they'll return, and there's no guarantee they'll ever make it back. Captain Ryusui selects the members, but he says anyone who wants to stay is welcome to do so. If we leave it to Phantom's mentalism, it would be possible to force them to go, but if unmotivated members were to board the ship, there is a possibility that it would put others as well as themselves in danger. It seems Ryusui has thought this through. As expected of a captain. The Perseus sets off with (Captain) Ryusui, (Engineers) Senku, Chrome, Kaseki, and Kabata, (Radar & Sonar) Ukyo, (Cook) François, (Power Team) Taiju, Kohaku, Magma, You, Kinrou, and Ginrou, (Other) Phantom, and several others. Senku and his friends set out on a new adventure.
Is this finally a clash with the Tsukasa Empire?! Summary of the second half of the highly anticipated anime's second season (Spoiler Alert!!)
What did you think? Since the first season of the anime covered the middle of volume 7 of the manga, I thought the second season might cover around volume 14. However, I'm guessing it will cover the completion of the Perseus in the middle of volume 12, which is a good stopping point in terms of the story. Looking at the second season's content, it's packed with content, making the first season seem like just a prologue. I can't wait for it to be made into an anime! !
