Amazing chapter.
The brief flashback.
We know that drugging children is a horrible act, but the "before and after" pictures of Doru, Konbu & Uzu were somewhat touching, and now that Oda named them we can be sure that they won't be forgotten by the end of this arc. At the very least, I'm expecting a cover story of them returning to their parents.
And Caesar. I guess I have a serious case of villain-crush, can't help it.
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Monet against Punk Hazard.
I don't get the arguments about Zoro being weak or that he got cheated out of a fight. I know that his fanbase can be…"special" at times, but isn't it obvious why he didn't attack Monet head on? She is a calculating, ice cold bitch. The first thing she did was (logically) taking out the weak. Zoro realised it and blocked her, knowing that if she avoids a direct hit from him the others would be screwed. Imagine what would happen if she lets him pass through like Smoker or Caesar.
He simply played it safe:
First clash, protecting Nami and Chopper:
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His second move, slicing the ice barrier so Nami and Chopper can go for the children (and stop being a target for Monet)
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This is everything he did. The next panel shows Monet turning her wings into blades, asking why he only blocked her attacks.
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Someone like her probably doesn't understand why someone values his friends, instead of simply achieving the goal no matter the cost.
Anyway, I liked that Nami resorted to her clima tact to "scare" Monet away, but I was hoping for a little more to be honest. But I guess she has a good excuse with the protection of the children. As for Monet herself, simply gorgeous. She must be the first woman who is a real threat to the Straw Hats, as in willing to kill them on the spot + backed up with the power to actually pull it off. Loving it, especially the strong contrast between her girlish side and the "harpy demon" within her.
As for her caring for the children, I think it is as Warp Predator said. She is simply batshit crazy, seems to be a common trait in Doflamingo's crew.
Sanji, Sanji, Sanji.
I loved his interaction with the G-5 in the last chapters, but this is killing it. Him domesticating the supposedly rough marines is hilarious, and I can't wait for CCC's proper translation concerning his convo with Zoro. I don't care if he got his leg broken or couldn't kick a door, this is character redemption right there. His reaction to Monet was also oldschool level funny and totally expected. Now please Oda, pretty please, let him command the marines against Caesar's fodder like a marine captain!
Tashigi.
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Yeah, okay. Sorry, but I'm not buying this Oda.
After acting and behaving like failing, crying fodder for the past 20 chapters you can't pull this line. Just no.
She needs redemption, but this is simply not believable, especially with Zoro around. I don't know what will happen in the next chapter, since the "fights" are allover the place in this arc, but "Captain Tashigi to the rescue" is ridiculous. Don't get me wrong, I love her character, but this really seems forced to me.