Chapter is out.
https://mangaplus.shueisha.co.jp/viewer/1013254
https://www.viz.com/shonenjump/one-piece-chapter-1049/chapter/24585?action=read
Author Comments 5/15/2022: https://www.viz.com/blog/posts/mangaka-musings-05-15-2022
**Eiichiro Oda
Smoked-chicken salad is delicious! It’s supposed to help you lose weight, so I’m eating a ton.**
Half assed flashback which left out many things, Kaido actually losing to a punch which Oda himself said is bullshit. But I forgot focusing on Orochi and Kanjuro is much more important than fleshing out Kaido
Arc instantly drops to 6/10. Oda failed to deliver yet again
While I understand dissatisfaction about stuff like Kaido not clearly showing awakening, I'm fairly confident the fight is over. The chapter feels too much like a finisher for it to not be the case
Kaido may or not may come back but Luffy vs Kaido as a fight is over.
I don't think it's over.
But I also don't think we are far from the end. I don't expect much more than Kaido lashing out a final time before being put out for good. I give it five or six chapters max before it's over.
This has been a weird arc. A lot of contrived and unnecessary twists and turns that made the important stuff feel cramped and rushed. I'm tired of Wano and eager to move on to the next thing. I hope the epilogue starts soon.
–---------------------
On another note, Yamato cheerleading Momonosuke was cringeworthy this chapter.
I was expecting a bigger deal about Momo finally holding Onigashima, and Yamato would play an important role through pep talk or something like that. Instead, the moment was glossed over as pretty minor in this chapter, and Yamato was just yelling Momo's name. Ugh. :getlost:
Dunno if I got the sequence right. Kaido bit his fist, Luffy pulled it out and then delivered his punch? Or was it a 3 chapter fist-to-mouth stalemate before Luffy finally overcame him?
Either way, hope it´s finally over. The resolution was uninspired, just a Doflamingo x King combination.
The end of the fight simply sucked.
Be honest to yourself: a 400 chapter super saga that lasted a decade and this was all it?
If this is indeed the end of this fight (I give this at least an %80 chance, given how thick the last 3 chapters were in terms of establishing the drama of the massive-est Luffy punch), then I have a feeling we will see the following happen:
Wano citizens wake up the following day, fully expecting to be worked to the bone again, only to find that not only are they freed, but the Kozuki clan is back in full (Not only does Adultified Momo resemble Oden, Hiyori also has a big resemblance to Toki as well), this will prompt them to finally smile for real, and potentially paralleling the earlier moment where they were SMILE'd at Yasuie's execution.
The WG will likely continue to march in to occupy Wano, which will have to be deterred by the existence of Momo and the scabbards, it's curious that Oda has left at least half of the scabbards plus Hyo relatively well-rested.
We will likely see Zoro's current status come into play again, Chopper will have quite the task on his hands.
Maybe a Yams/Luffy or Yams/Momo moment, depending on where Oda wants to take the character.
Maybe one more Kaido flashback, but given how key Rocks is to the endgame of the series, I can see Oda delaying it for later.
I look forward to being wrong tho, part of the fun of theorycrafting imho.
I wonder what kind of shit is gonna go down now. I guess maybe Kaido is just gonna take a short break from the fight, laying on ground and rethinking about the Joy Boy stuff.
This climax sucked. No tension, Oda forcing things. Don’t know what else to say. Hopefully the series can end as soon as possible
@Scabbard:
Be honest to yourself: a 400 chapter super saga that lasted a decade and this was all it?
Love the implication that disagreement = delusion.
Journey before destination! If that was the end to the fight, it is a bad end, but I have enjoyed the arc and the saga.
Was that what Luffy said at the end the thing Roger and he as a kid also said? Because if it is then it's not very interesting.
Now who wanna bet that Kaido and Linlin went to the thing that is supossedly to be hiding in Wano?
It appears to be finally over. Crazy.
Still think Kaidou will get up again going for one last attack to destroy Flower Capitol and Zoro will cut him off for good
This is definitely the end of Kaido this arc. If he comes back, it will be in awakened form- a mindless beast in hybrid form.
Was that what Luffy said at the end the thing Roger and he as a kid also said? Because if it is then it's not very interesting.
I think it isn't, it's not "childish" enough to garner the reactions it initially got from both WB/Oden and Sabo/Ace.
Now who wanna bet that Kaido and Linlin went to the thing that is supossedly to be hiding in Wano?
Now THAT's an interesting theory!
Regarding the Cover, its WCI they trapped in, the only people left behind that far were CC and Pedro, neither is super friends with the Vinsmokes, if any of those two help them, it would be cause they figured the same idea of getting their help to escape Totto Land, so I'm giving them 50/50 chances is one of them who set the book on fire.
There's still a long way to escape Totto Land, and I'm still sure Bruleé will get kidnapped at some point.
.
- The WG will likely continue to march in to occupy Wano, which will have to be deterred by the existence of Momo and the scabbards, it's curious that Oda has left at least half of the scabbards plus Hyo relatively well-rested.
No can do. As soon as the WG starts moving, Zunesha will tell momo and surely ask for permission to show'em who's boss, those guys are grounded.
I even find it likely that the Gorosei/Im already know the elephant follows the Kozuki's order.
Love the implication that disagreement = delusion.
No, I didn't imply that. But people just force themselves to believe something is amazing. The mixed reactions speak for themselves, especially the common "well, it wasn't that bad". Just compare this supposed epilogue to the former arcs wrap ups, my so called "headcanon" is simply based on how Oda used to do it…
The flashback is there for added context in order to add pathos and make the conclusion feel more cathartic, right? If anything, however, it just blatantly shows how weak and heavily flawed all the story elements actually are. That is, among others, the characters and their motivations and especially the main theme(s) of the Wano arc.
Serious question, what is the main theme even supposed to be? What's its underlying message? I just cannot see anything else than "All hail the almighty prophecy! All hail the DAWN!"
So Oden's actual motivation, why he wants to open the borders, is completely relying on that DAWN stuff? Why were the borders even closed before? And what were the problems and disadvantages the Wanonese had prior to Kaido and Orochi? Wano seemed a pretty decent place before. Besides, what happens if you actually cross the borders, anyway? Did Oden receive any sort of negative consequences solely due to leaving the country? I just cannot remember. If Kaido actually appeared as consequence of Oden's journey, then the isolationist fraction might have a point. But no, the only reason the borders are closed is because otherwise there isn't a plot at all.
Also, what again prevented the Wanonese from leaving the country? The closed borders are non-existent whenever the plot demands so. I get that the weak average people just cannot pull it off, but any decently capable guy just could leave and do whatever, either call for help or just chill anywhere else. What's stopping them? If it's the border issue, however, why aren't there any actual characters properly representing that isolationist ideology? Of course, because the plot demands it and otherwise that whole messy construct of a story would crumble instantly.
Basically all the characters involved are nothing more then slaves of the plot, empty hollow shells without any proper character motivation. Really, absolutely no one has any decent character motivation not rooted in the DAWN. (That is, aside from Higurashi who is a complete whole another can of worms on her own, which I won't open right now.)
Like Yamato and Momo, so what's the main motivation, the main thing that actually drives all their actions and decision? Of course, the DAWN. Yamato wants to be Oden, why? DAWN. Their motivation to change the fate of Wano? DAWN. All their character conflict is rooted in that prophecy, about which we, however, cannot know anything meaningful because mystery. I don't care for any potential upcoming recontextualization right now. As right now we are in the climax of a decade long saga, however, absolutely nothing works on a thematical and emotional level. There just aren't any proper well-crafted plants in order for us to get an actual meaningful payoff at the end of the day, or should I say… at the goddawn DAWN.
I said good chapter a couple days ago but now rereading it, it's just kinda there. I feel indifferent to everything about it. Kaido's flashback still doesn't tell enough about him, and as I said in the spoiler thread, Luffy's finisher is visually really boring and is pretty much a repeat of King Kong Gun against Doflamingo. Hopefully Kaido emerges from Fujiyama and Momo can finish him off for a dramatic conclusion.
And what's with the Shonen Jump online reader jumping down to the comment section every time there's a new comment appearing? So annoying.
@KageKageKing:
Was that what Luffy said at the end the thing Roger and he as a kid also said? Because if it is then it's not very interesting.
He's just answering Kaido's question.
I would be surprised if this is the end of the Kaido fight, since everything about it just feels so flat. It's one thing to be emotionally flat for me since I haven't been too enthused about the raid for most of its run time. However, for what is supposedly the final hit felt like it really lacked the emphasis that Oda is known for in every arc he has done, especially long arcs that were really building up to the moment. When I think of the final hit to Crocodile, Enel, Lucci, and Doflamingo, there was a lot of impact in the way which the attack started to the antagonist being knocked out. None of that is here so it can't possibly be the finale of the fight, because if it truly is then it definitely is a poor way to conclude it all.
@The:
I would be surprised if this is the end of the Kaido fight, since everything about it just feels so flat. It's one thing to be emotionally flat for me since I haven't been too enthused about the raid for most of its run time. However, for what is supposedly the final hit felt like it really lacked the emphasis that Oda is known for in every arc he has done, especially long arcs that were really building up to the moment. When I think of the final hit to Crocodile, Enel, Lucci, and Doflamingo, there was a lot of impact in the way which the attack started to the antagonist being knocked out. None of that is here so it can't possibly be the finale of the fight, because if it truly is then it definitely is a poor way to conclude it all.
I fully agree with this!
This isn't the best Oda could have done for Luffy's defeat of Kaido, but I do find this more satisfying than Doflamingo's defeat. For some reason, that defeat just came off as really stale to me. I guess what helps in this defeat is that it comes off as a bit of a surprise. I wasn't expecting this would actually be the end of the fight, but it seems fitting as far as Luffy finishers go.
I guess we won't know why Nika is called the Sun God until Luffy's fight with Blackbeard. :ninja:
Have you guys considered that Kaido coming back from that monster punch is also bad/problematic? How much more can Kaido continue being a tank overlord? He is dwarfing every opponent luffy had by far. Nobody else has anything left to throw at kaido and you guys consider him coming back?
I feel there's been so many underwhelming fight conclusions in this arc that Kaido being defeated here (if so) doesn't bother as much. I've been wanting to see this end for quite some time.
But what I felt was the greatest wasted moment in this chapter was Momonosuke lifting Onigashima. After all build up to it, I was expecting a big spread-worthy DON moment. Instead we got… well, this:
So, we spent several chapters of Momo whining about not being able to do it. People speculated on him using the fires from the Wano wishes to ignite the clouds (an awesome moment that would make sense him). I speculated on Momo giving up on making clouds and instead coiling around Onigashima's bottom and lift it physically, creating a paralel to Oden lifting all the Scabbards on his back (and also bringing the "I'm the man who will carry this country on his shoulders" speech from Toki full circle).
Instead, it's just a few tiny panels in which Momo creates the clouds he couldn't create for several chapters. No full circle to anything, no boost from the wishes of the people. It's just really underwhelming.
Wano predictions: There will be 5 acts; All Straw Hats will get fights, some in Act 4; Big Mom Pirates will arrive; Carrot will have her moment, but won't join; Yamato will be a Kouzuki samurai and Wano's Guardian; Shanks will visit Luffy in Act 5; Next arc is Mary Geoise.
I like the Kaido fight, just don't like the ending. I actually think it's the best fight in the series.
Have you guys considered that Kaido coming back from that monster punch is also bad/problematic? How much more can Kaido continue being a tank overlord? He is dwarfing every opponent luffy had by far. Nobody else has anything left to throw at kaido and you guys consider him coming back?
Kaido is getting back up for sure IMO, there's still stuff to resolve, and we need to see how exactly Oda deals with him. It's just that I wouldn't say it's necessarily for him and Luffy to go for yet another round.
I feel there's been so many underwhelming fight conclusions in this arc that Kaido being defeated here (if so) doesn't bother as much. I've been wanting to see this end for quite some time.
But what I felt was the greatest wasted moment in this chapter was Momonosuke lifting Onigashima. After all build up to it, I was expecting a big spread-worthy DON moment. Instead we got… well, this:
https://i.imgur.com/qOSCMuS.png
So, we spent several chapters of Momo whining about not being able to do it. People speculated on him using the fires from the Wano wishes to ignite the clouds (an awesome moment that would make sense him). I speculated on Momo giving up on making clouds and instead coiling around Onigashima's bottom and lift it physically, creating a paralel to Oden lifting all the Scabbards on his back (and also bringing the "I'm the man who will carry this country on his shoulders" speech from Toki full circle).
Instead, it's just a few tiny panels in which Momo creates the clouds he couldn't create for several chapters. No full circle to anything, no boost from the wishes of the people. It's just really underwhelming.
My guess is that Oda has a stronger moment for Momo in his human adult form.
@Scabbard:
No, I didn't imply that. But people just force themselves to believe something is amazing. The mixed reactions speak for themselves, especially the common "well, it wasn't that bad". Just compare this supposed epilogue to the former arcs wrap ups, my so called "headcanon" is simply based on how Oda used to do it…
Well, you didnt imply that, but is more or less what you're saying. To disagree would be to self-delude. I remember the hate WCI got around here for its finale as well as Dressrosa. Especially the several moments with Sanji that seemed to set up something vs. Oven, vs. Daifuku, etc, but didn't. The battle with Katakuri which was so controversial and had its final blow off-screened, Big Mom, etc. Eventually, given time, WCI was regarded as the best.
Well, you didnt imply that, but is more or less what you're saying. To disagree would be to self-delude. I remember the hate WCI got around here for its finale as well as Dressrosa. Especially the several moments with Sanji that seemed to set up something vs. Oven, vs. Daifuku, etc, but didn't. The battle with Katakuri which was so controversial and had its final blow off-screened, Big Mom, etc. Eventually, given time, WCI was regarded as the best.
Btw I really liked WCI's ending, one of the biggest cliffhangers back then…...until Jinbei just so appeared near Onigashima and the Sun Pirates turning out being well and safe, all of it off-screened.
going to be in a minority here and say that i've liked this fight from start to end (toon luffy and drunk kaido being the highlight).
there was tension, drama and cool shit happening all over the place. but i do get why other fans maybe don't feel the way i do.
going to be in a minority here and say that i've liked this fight from start to end (toon luffy and drunk kaido being the highlight).
there was tension, drama and cool shit happening all over the place. but i do get why other fans maybe don't feel the way i do.
What tension ? Luffy getting back up constantly ?
The flashback is there for added context in order to add pathos and make the conclusion feel more cathartic, right? If anything, however, it just blatantly shows how weak and heavily flawed all the story elements actually are. That is, among others, the characters and their motivations and especially the main theme(s) of the Wano arc.
Serious question, what is the main theme even supposed to be? What's its underlying message? I just cannot see anything else than "All hail the almighty prophecy! All hail the DAWN!"
So Oden's actual motivation, why he wants to open the borders, is completely relying on that DAWN stuff? Why were the borders even closed before? And what were the problems and disadvantages the Wanonese had prior to Kaido and Orochi? Wano seemed a pretty decent place before. Besides, what happens if you actually cross the borders, anyway? Did Oden receive any sort of negative consequences solely due to leaving the country? I just cannot remember. If Kaido actually appeared as consequence of Oden's journey, then the isolationist fraction might have a point. But no, the only reason the borders are closed is because otherwise there isn't a plot at all.
Also, what again prevented the Wanonese from leaving the country? The closed borders are non-existent whenever the plot demands so. I get that the weak average people just cannot pull it off, but any decently capable guy just could leave and do whatever, either call for help or just chill anywhere else. What's stopping them? If it's the border issue, however, why aren't there any actual characters properly representing that isolationist ideology? Of course, because the plot demands it and otherwise that whole messy construct of a story would crumble instantly.
Basically all the characters involved are nothing more then slaves of the plot, empty hollow shells without any proper character motivation. Really, absolutely no one has any decent character motivation not rooted in the DAWN. (That is, aside from Higurashi who is a complete whole another can of worms on her own, which I won't open right now.)
Like Yamato and Momo, so what's the main motivation, the main thing that actually drives all their actions and decision? Of course, the DAWN. Yamato wants to be Oden, why? DAWN. Their motivation to change the fate of Wano? DAWN. All their character conflict is rooted in that prophecy, about which we, however, cannot know anything meaningful because mystery. I don't care for any potential upcoming recontextualization right now. As right now we are in the climax of a decade long saga, however, absolutely nothing works on a thematical and emotional level. There just aren't any proper well-crafted plants in order for us to get an actual meaningful payoff at the end of the day, or should I say… at the goddawn DAWN.
We always knew that Oden discovered something out there that led to him believing that Wano should open its borders. The Kozuki clan shut the country out to protect from some external danger but clearly Oden thought it was time to open it. For what reason exactly we don't know yet. As for problems and disadvantages, Kaido and Orochi were the biggest ones but the isolationism resulted in an ignorant, closed off nation that made everyone feel shut in and cut off from the rest of the world.
Also, what again prevented the Wanonese from leaving the country? The closed borders are non-existent whenever the plot demands so. I get that the weak average people just cannot pull it off, but any decently capable guy just could leave and do whatever, either call for help or just chill anywhere else. What's stopping them? If it's the border issue, however, why aren't there any actual characters properly representing that isolationist ideology? Of course, because the plot demands it and otherwise that whole messy construct of a story would crumble instantly.
It's more like the policy is keeping everyone else out. Sure, capable individuals could leave, but without a support system like Oden had it would be extremely difficult to do.
Like Yamato and Momo, so what's the main motivation, the main thing that actually drives all their actions and decision? Of course, the DAWN. Yamato wants to be Oden, why? DAWN. Their motivation to change the fate of Wano? DAWN. All their character conflict is rooted in that prophecy, about which we, however, cannot know anything meaningful because mystery. I don't care for any potential upcoming recontextualization right now. As right now we are in the climax of a decade long saga, however, absolutely nothing works on a thematical and emotional level. There just aren't any proper well-crafted plants in order for us to get an actual meaningful payoff at the end of the day, or should I say… at the goddawn DAWN.
Yamato wants to be free to travel the world after a lifetime of being caged up. Becoming Oden is seen as accomplishing that dream because that's exactly what Oden did. Momo wants to save Wano because y'know, his family was slaughtered and he was sent to the future as the last hope and unless he went out to find help the country would continue to be in the state it's in? The Dawn stuff just tells them that there are bigger motivations going on but Yamato and Momo had clear reasons before that.
Flashback was disappointing and the fight with gear 5th ended too fast to have the drama weight it should.
I do think Kaido will do a last rampage like Doffly after crashing into the mountain but that's just epilogue and the fight is basically done.
The end of the fight was okay but i did enjoy it over all .
As for the debate some of us were saying in the spoiler thread .
Luffy beating Kaido after all that happen don't mean luffy still can't have a hard fight or even lose .( even more so with power scale system Oda set up )
That like saying because a team or person become the best in world they unbeatable forever which make no sense.
And there goes the first emperor! The fight lasted for many chapters - it's the longest fight we've had when measured in chapters, right? - and it took both Luffy and Oda immense stretching to get to this conclusion! Not all of it was great, not even good at times, but I am satisfied.
The flashback was short and rather simple, just as its protagonist. I like that all former Rocks pirates follow some kind of equality objective. While Whitebeard created a family, Big Mom wanted to elevate people to her eye level. Kaido wants to bring everything and everyone down to the level of brute strenght.
A nice suprising (albeit retconning) twist is that Kaido waited for Joy Boy to be the one to beat him.
@Mr.:
And there goes the first emperor! The fight lasted for many chapters - it's the longest fight we've had when measured in chapters, right? - and it took both Luffy and Oda immense stretching to get to this conclusion! Not all of it was great, not even good at times, but I am satisfied.
The flashback was short and rather simple, just as its protagonist. I like that all former Rocks pirates follow some kind of equality objective. While Whitebeard created a family, Big Mom wanted to elevate people to her eye level. Kaido wants to bring everything and everyone down to the level of brute strenght.
A nice suprising (albeit retconning) twist is that Kaido waited for Joy Boy to be the one to beat him.
I love this brief writeup. Your point about Rocks pirates all trying to establish some order of equality is really interesting.
@Joy:
What tension ? Luffy getting back up constantly ?
would be shame if he went down for good, i think the series would end lol
I feel this chapter, and the overall final stretch of the fight, would’ve been much better without the Elder Stars exposition dialogue. We could get CP-0 commenting their orders, Zunisha talking Joyboy, Kaido questioning Luffy’s awakening, and finally Kaido thinking Joyboy would defeat him. The fruit explanation could be left for the next intermission or a future arc.
I feel tying Joyboy to a single fruit was a really bad move that reduced the mystique behind it.
Wano predictions: There will be 5 acts; All Straw Hats will get fights, some in Act 4; Big Mom Pirates will arrive; Carrot will have her moment, but won't join; Yamato will be a Kouzuki samurai and Wano's Guardian; Shanks will visit Luffy in Act 5; Next arc is Mary Geoise.
Have you guys considered that Kaido coming back from that monster punch is also bad/problematic? How much more can Kaido continue being a tank overlord? He is dwarfing every opponent luffy had by far. Nobody else has anything left to throw at kaido and you guys consider him coming back?
He is supposed to be the strongest creature in the world. The ramifications of him coming back are way less problematic than having the main protagonist being the peak creature while the story is still going.
He is supposed to be the strongest creature in the world. The ramifications of him coming back are way less problematic than having the main protagonist being the peak creature while the story is still going.
I really don't get this peak creature criticism tbh.
The series is already in it's endgame, the amount of known enemies that can take Luffy pre-Wano is like 7, reducing them to 4-5 is not this grand failure that people are talking about. And if anything, I really liked how G5 made Luffy genuinely feel like a fearsome enemy to fight, like now I could buy the idea that his name aline can hold a territory from potential invaders or competing pirates.
The only one that will really suffer from this is whoever has to write the post-series movies, they will have to come up with new villains that have a ton of power with no real time to make said power believable to filmgoers.
This ain't over yet.
I have a LOT more to say, but a quick list:
Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, Chopper, Robin, Franky, Brook, Jimbei, Carrot, Vivi, Smoker
"ONE PIECE, IT EXISTS" - The Great Pirate Edward Newgate
@Vongola_Boss_XI:
This ain't over yet.
I have a LOT more to say, but a quick list:
- Kaido's mini flashback didn't tell us much about his early life / motivation. This was a preview.
- No awakening for Kaido yet
- Toki's prophecy (Nine Shadows) hasn't come into the picture yet.
- Still haven't reached the sunrise yet
- Zunesha came to Wano to fight by Momo's side… against who / what?
- No 'Luffy vs Kaido' chapter title
- No 'Winner: Luffy' plaque at the end of the chapter
- Inbi & Apoo still standing
- Kaido isn't looking to be defeated; Kaido has been defaeted as a pirate 7 times. Kaido wants to die. And that hasn't been addressed one way or the other yet.
#6 already happened in chapter 923. And #7 might happen in the next chapter.
What @Greg wrote, I totally agree with him.
Kaido is and was the strongest one, like legit Oda and his stuff hyped this guy everytime when they had the chance to do it.
Kaido was portrayal as the strongest, Luffy actually beat that threat, he took that position via beating his strongest move(if Kaido is really down)!!
And that makes it what Greg wrote, Luffy is the strongest being in the world right now. And even if argue that he only beat Kaido because of Kaido facing so many opponents, in the end we all can agree that Luffy is close to close to Kaido, beat Kaido strongest move.
And that makes Luffy currently the strongest one next to Kaido and here start the problem, when we ever had something like this in OP? The strawhats already made a Yonkou crew this arc, looking like the underdog, how it keep going? How matches like Kid vs Luffy,Weevil encounter and other fights even happen at this point if Luffy stand as the number one at the top?
And even if we say BB and Shanks been stronger, do you think the gap between them and Kaido are huge?
It will be like Kaido(100), Shanks and BB at best 1-2points above 100, otherwise and here Greg point start, the gap between Kaido and Luffy upcoming opponents became ridiculous.
And there the unrealistic events start and kinda open up the question, how big will be Luffy grow at that point?
"There's no threat. No danger. No latitude. No need to grow. No need to explore. No need to struggle."
This kinda desribes the problem who await us in the next arcs, with Luffy the man who beat the strongest creature.
No one in OP world(except Imu probably) going to surpass Kaido far exceed, the other opponents at best surpass that very slighty at best with a small gap.
I really don't get this peak creature criticism tbh.
The series is already in it's endgame, the amount of known enemies that can take Luffy pre-Wano is like 7, reducing them to 4-5 is not this grand failure that people are talking about. And if anything, I really liked how G5 made Luffy genuinely feel like a fearsome enemy to fight, like now I could buy the idea that his name aline can hold a territory from potential invaders or competing pirates.
The only one that will really suffer from this is whoever has to write the post-series movies, they will have to come up with new villains that have a ton of power with no real time to make said power believable to filmgoers.
Luffy is not going to avoid fights until he faces Blackbeard or Akainu. There will be plenty of intermediate enemies and obstacles until then, just like in any arc.
The problem is that the story pretty much made Kaidou THE top threat. He's the one with the largest bounty and insane endurance feats that have lasted +50 chapters. Oda will need an extremely amount of effort to put Blackbeard/Akainu/whoever in a compable level, which means loads of focus that I just don't see him giving (considering his tendency to just focus on Luffy's growth).
#6 already happened in chapter 923. And #7 might happen in the next chapter.
Well, I know about 923, but I actually don't think it's going to be just Luffy vs Kaido. But that model of chapter title. As for 7, sure maybe - but in the broader context I think there's multiple reasons to be doubtful.
That list isn't even exhaustive. Oda said in 2017 Luffy simply punching his way to victory might not be satisfying. Sure, plans change and maybe he meant he had to give Luffy 3 powerups in the course of a single battle and make the punch even bigger to make it satisfying. But I still think he meant something else. There's also the fact that Zoan users don't stay down for long and Luffy was already granted 3 miracle resurrections in this battle alone. The villain not even getting one in turn feels like a bit of a cheap trick.
Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, Chopper, Robin, Franky, Brook, Jimbei, Carrot, Vivi, Smoker
"ONE PIECE, IT EXISTS" - The Great Pirate Edward Newgate
I feel this chapter, and the overall final stretch of the fight, would’ve been much better without the Elder Stars exposition dialogue. We could get CP-0 commenting their orders, Zunisha talking Joyboy, Kaido questioning Luffy’s awakening, and finally Kaido thinking Joyboy would defeat him. The fruit explanation could be left for the next intermission or a future arc.
I feel tying Joyboy to a single fruit was a really bad move that reduced the mystique behind it.
oh absolutely. the less exposition the better.
but then again clunky exposition has always been a huge problem in shonen. its almost like a stylistic choice at this point.
@Vongola_Boss_XI:
Well, I know about 923, but I actually don't think it's going to be just Luffy vs Kaido. But that model of chapter title. As for 7, sure maybe - but in the broader context I think there's multiple reasons to be doubtful.
That list isn't even exhaustive. Oda said in 2017 Luffy simply punching his way to victory might not be satisfying. Sure, plans change and maybe he meant he had to give Luffy 3 powerups in the course of a single battle and make the punch even bigger to make it satisfying. But I still think he meant something else. There's also the fact that Zoan users don't stay down for long and Luffy was already granted 3 miracle resurrections in this battle alone. The villain not even getting one in turn feels like a bit of a cheap trick.
Zoan users stay down just fine if they fight the protagonists. Also imagine in an arc full of experienced Zoans, the only Zoan awakening we saw came from a paramecia fruit turning into Zoan.
Too many problems with the final stretch of the arc. Too much bullshit for the straw hats to win. Oda failed to deliver
He is supposed to be the strongest creature in the world. The ramifications of him coming back are way less problematic than having the main protagonist being the peak creature while the story is still going.
Nah him coming back at this point is crazy and more problematic .
The man has fight 17 people , while carrying a island , KO MC 3 times and kill him once , made him get 3 power ups , MC get rest and food mid fight .
Then he decide to take on a move he could dodge but that end up being his down fall .
We gotten to the point where luffy can match anyone but that don't mean he can win .
Even Roger had rivals and if we are to believe the whole power scale of manga people should still be able to beat luffy .
It been 25 plus years and people still want luffy to be some super under dog make no sense even more so near end of the series.
EDIT OP whole power system be base on XYZ DF and then you can add haki into it and even tech which give Oda enough room to play around with .
