Interesting chapter as usual. I even learned some stuff! XD. I thought I would just summarize my thoughts on the chapter then.
I still love the little interactions between crew members. Zoro and Luffy chatting was fun this chapter for example. It's neat how Oda can fill out a chapter will lots of these interactions but not make them boring or forced. Some of the best chapters to re-read include lots of random conversations on board the ship.
The Kraken was a solid design. It would be so easy just to do a giant octopus and yet those eyes and the face shape give him a unique feel. I think that's what impressed me most about the kraken (apart from his size); the fact that it would be so easy to design a boring one and yet Oda pulled it off well again.
Everything about the undersea world is very Skies of Arcadia to me, I love that game. I adore the mystery and excitement of adventures like this, it's exactly what I look for in a good story and only One Piece really delivers consistently for me.
I agree with what some people are saying; I think that the Kraken could easily end up pulling the ship, maybe for just a little bit? And I would love to see it appear again at a crucial time, seems like a given really. I see it as becoming an unofficial crew member akin to Vivi or maybe Eyelashes..
I wonder if one of the ships the Kraken was holding was Caribou's vessel? Seems unlikely based on the visuals but it's something to keep in mind I think.
Looking forward to seeing what happens next, the worst part of every chapter is that churning in my stomach that wants more One Piece goodness! Damn you one week break XD