@Urouge:
I can't help but wonder what one of these chapter threads would have been like during Norland's flashback.
Methinks people would be struggling at first but they would slowly start getting hooked on a well told, well structured and actually engrossing story.
Instead there's this jury-rigged flashback designed to get us to feel for characters some don't really care about. And honestly, why would I? The chapter made a point that I should care as Chopper did, but the kids, aside from being mistreated toddlers, really didn't exhibit any traits or deeds that made them grow on me before this point. I actually wish there had been quality time to spend with the kids and their story, but we're in full fledged Marineford mode now and all flashbacks must last a maximum of six pages upon penalty of a lull in the sales. God forbid they make any less money than the bajillionzillion yen they make every single freaking issue.
Face Faults don't equate to genuine concern to me. The indignation of some I think comes more from a lack of attachment than to the actual lack of action. I feel Oda fired his gun too early, and it shows to the detriment of at least a few people's enjoyment. I simply did not enjoy this chapter, and others didn't either. But the instant dismissal of all opinions not in favour of this flashback is like some mantra from an ancient elitist One Piece club born circa the year 2000.
Oh pahlease girl! Talk to the hand! And by the way this hand flipped through the pages of the entirety of Skypea, when it first came out in Volume format! Yeah, I special ordered it back when it wasn't easy to get. This makes ME cooler than YOU you lowlife-start-mid-Water 7-slackjawed-story-stunted-sap! Also you have terrible taste in men.
It kinda irks me. Not enjoying this chapter does not make me a prepubescent high-pitched Bane impersonator regurgitating chocolate milk and making loud requests to my mother sitting in the next room.
Only thing that happened is I didn't enjoy this particular chapter, that happens to include a flashback. That should not invite conclusions on my age, my mental capacity or my sexual impotence. Ignore that last one and get off your horses.
Jeez
On to the next chapter, OP is still awesome.