@Galaxy:
What reason does Jack's goon have to lie? What reason does Oda have to trick the reader into thinking Jack's bounty is so high when it isn't? It really doesn't make any sense to be the twist you think it is.
Just seems obvious to me. Why? I'm not sure why…a gag maybe? Idk. But why else would they say such a rediculous claim, and then no info box is shown and he himself protests thier claims?
@Mr.:
Don't agree with Brook. That whole bit with Giolla was very fresh material for Brook in that it focused on his own wierd artistic sensibilities along with his craftiness. Now Brook shows up for two chapters after being absent for over a year and he already sucks. Sure.
The main reason we're getting a separate focus is because this is one of the few islands where there is no present Big Bad and no one is currently trying to kill/capture them. It's also not like there's much else for them to do on the island outside of taking in the warm reception. It's not like they even know where Raizou is so they aren't going to be poking around for him. They went to this island because it's where Law and Kinemon wanted to go. That mission is accomplished, so why not take a breather and regale in some recent history on the island?
I do understand in being annoyed only in the sense of Sanji. Now that is an annoying dangling thread.
–- Update From New Post Merge ---
The problem with early lengthy flashbacks is that it tends to erase any mystique too soon. The motivations are suppose to be confusing up until it is revealed. That's what makes these character interesting. The "origin story" is held off until later.
So far the flashback here is less about "what happened" because we already know that from what was spoken earlier but rather to showcase and hype Jack. This chapter is more dedicated to showing what the Zou people are capable of, but more importantly, it is building up Jack and his crew's decisive counter-attack. Those details aren't all that important, granted, but eye-candy and the visual depiction is still appreciated. The only real question the next chapter may reveal is what stopped Jack from completely demolishing the Kingdom.
I can see why some aren't all that interested in this portion and want to the "next phase" the Straw Hat saga to begin, but I don't much mind the shift in focus.
If that's the case then I hope Jack stops getting beaten so often soon…
As for Brook... I don't find this gag funny. Personal preference I suppose. I feel like the set up is there it COULD be funny but it's just "meh" for me.