I know I'm late to the party–but I wanted to add my 2cents on the chapter and to some of the conversations:
Chapter was pure unadulterated awesome. I'm so glad Oda caem up with a way for the Fakehats to be pwned, yet not by the SHs or Luffy--they aren't worthy. LOL
I also love the clever way Oda had for showing exactly how much superior the real SHs are to the fodder pirates there. The OHKOs of the PXs--left me breathless with anticipation for new battles. Freakin awesome!
Ray's manly tears? I felt a bit teary too! But I admit that moment made me wonder if Ray occasionally had his worries about Luffy bouncing back after losing Ace. Luffy was uncharacteristically worrried about his crew getting and understanding the message when they went back to Marineford... 'Course Ray could just be feeling nostalgic about Roger and the voyages they made together, as well as that sweel of pride a teacher gets over a student when they are so ready (or maybe a feeling of hope if he thinks Luffy is the man that Roger was waiting for to fullfill the "Will of D"). Just... makes me wonder, is all. Regardless, the moment was truly epic, and so necessary after the "I AM WEAK" moment after Ace died.
I loved all the times Luffy used Haki in this chapter--seeems to be just a part of how he operates now--almost unconsciously--i.e. When he stopped (after the defeat of the PXs), and Zoro and Sanji were wondering why--and he shouted Rayleigh before anyone else even has a clue he was there, I thought that was a use of Observation Haki. (Let's not get into why, then, he had no clue the fakes were fake. It's a gag, lol.)
@Shift:
…why do people assume Luffy died after that article of him ringing the bell?...
I know someone answered with a basic answer already, (i.e. that for a guy who made such a huge splash in what many estimate as less than a year's time to suddenly go quiet after the war for 2 solid years is a good reason to suspect that he may not be alive) but in addition, in an earlier chapter thread the point was made that it was good for the WG to at the least not openly refute the rumor, if not actually work to spread it more, as it makes them look better if such a man is dead.
@Unluck:
…I has asked how the Pacifista had "picked him up" after he got on the island...
Yes, he was referring to that grove as a separate island (at least in this trans) because on the previous page Sanji and Zoro referred to the "noise over there" as being on that island, as in a separate one from where they were, as well (http://mangastream.com/read/one_piece/56751021/4 Middle row, left panel.)
@lazzymexican:
is anyone wondering if the marines will find the jacket hancock gave luffy that went on the ground and link it back to her and accuse her of sheltering luffy for the 2 years?
No noone else mentioned that–good question. I myself was hoping that coat would lead into Sanji finding out where Luffy'd been and the resultant comedy, but now my hopes for that are dashed. Ah well--hopefully Sanji finds out another way... Maybe all the lunches and stuff she packed for him... LOL
@mdmartin101:
…I'm thinking that next chapter we'll see the pacifista's attacking the Sunny...
Unlikely if they leave as fast as we expect–the new PXs would take some time to arrive, as Sentomaru needs to call for them via snail.
@boiga:
…Instead of Luffy sacrificing himself for the crew, as he had so many times along the course of this series, the crew has now subordinated their lifelong ambitions to Luffy's. I suppose this makes them a more tightly bound group than ever, but it might also mean that the story going forward will be more Luffy centric. It will be Luffy + supporting cast. I'm not sure how I feel about that.
Apologies for length.
Great posts Boiga–glad I've had the oportunity to read some of your stuff.
As for the change of view of the crew--well--yeah. Up until now the rest of teh crew ahave been rather cavalier about Luffy in many respects--always assuming he'd be fine with little real worry (with notable exceptions) I think they just finally saw that after all he'd done for them, it's time for them to be there for him a little too. Now they will all be working for and supporting each other's dreams (while their own are still just as important), and not just primarily their own dream/ambition, if that makes sense. I can't see it as a bad thing for the storyline--not the way the values have been outlines up until now.
@Sage:
Ya know, I did stumble across a "place" where all the Pandaman locations were listed but I can't remember where for the life of me. I am not even sure if it was a post or if it was one of the posters fan sites but I am sure a quick Google search would lead the way.
Greg's site. (The Grandline– http://www.thegrandline.com/frames.html ) I can't believe after all this time that his site isn't the first place people mention. In fact he just got done with a shit load of updates and corrections on just the Pandaman section alone, and I believe its the most comprehensive listing anywhere.