Next Straw Hat Crewmates (Vol. 8 - Onigashima)

Deicide

Can't wait for Yamato to sail the seas with Luffy and get stronger in the process.

[qimg]https://i.ibb.co/bWDhFVg/8-E2935-EB-575-F-47-F8-843-C-946-A4-AE28-DA6.png[/qimg]

The official translation changes the priorities, thought…

Dragon D. Luffy

Seems like we just checked another box in Yamato's crew prospect: the mentor. There was a discussion on whether Oden counted or not (I liked the idea of a posthumous mentor) but I am all in to watch those 3 guys go down to save Yamato and feel sad for every panel of it.

Deicide

I imagine the 3 samurai stay to die and Yamato eats his DF. Or maybe they lead Yamato to his DF first, to make him stronger, but the order does not matter much right now. What's making me wonder is… what happens then?

We know Yamato has been trapped in Onigashima for 20 years due to the explosive cuffs. But here Kaido was willing to kill Yamato because of "Oden".

So, I guess the DF is so valuable that Kaido chooses to spare Yamato for the next 20 years, keeping him in a sort of "open prison" in Onigashima. What's their relationship like in this time? The flashback with Ace made it seem like Yamato was a sort of protector of Onigashima, that he was "chained" by his father's will for some reason, until Ace convinced him to rebel. Yamato mentioned he tried to attack Kaido several times and was always beaten, did these fights happen before Ace arrive, or did they start only after it?

Color me intrigued.

Syphin

Kid Yamato looks so cute and adorable.

Kaido is such a bastard but I wonder what his fixation with Onigasima really is. Out of the all the areas he could choose to settle when he arrived in Wano Kuni, he chose Onigashima. When he learned Oden was heading for him, he moved to prevent the battlefield being Onigashima. Kaido is now going through great effort to relocate Onigasima to the Wano mainland AND make it the new capital of Wano Kuni which he plans to rename New Onigashima. Kaido could have saved a lot of energy by just taking over the Flower Capital, why the need to focus so heavily on Onigashima? What does Onigashima mean to Kaido and why is it the only Island that was separate from the rest of Wano Kuni? Does Kaido have a history with the people that once inhabited Onigashima? Suspiciously, while there are seven Islands that make up Wano Kuni, there are only six main Wano Families. Could there have been a seventh Wano family in the past before the Void Century?

If that is the case, this could potentially create a path forward for Yamato to explore his family history by journeying across the Grand Line and exploring the world. Similar to how Oden learned about the Kozuki history, Yamato may learn about his family history as he travels onboard the Thousand Sunny - a clan that challenged Kozuki family when the decision to close the Wano Kuni border was being made. Curiously, the features of Onigashima suggest a connection to Giants which is a race that has to yet have a story arc around. If a story around Onigashima's history involves Giants and Yamato's family is intimately connected to the Island, there would be relevance in having Yamato present when the story of Giants is covered.

The manner in how the Yamato and Kaido battle progresses will be important. As the two continue to battle, deeper layers of their heart will be exposed and a greater understanding they will each have for the other will be reached. I don't see the relationship between Kaido and Yamato remaining as such. Through this battle and the upcoming battle Kaido will have against Luffy, he will realise the weight of Yamato's choices. Kaido may not understand those choices but I believe he will come to acknowledge them as he is defeated and everything he built and worked for over the decades dissipates in front of him. The relevance of Joy Boy and the person who will carry on what Joy Boy started will be integral in Kaido's perspective going forward. Depending on what Kaido really seeks, Yamato may end up continuing that.

Yamato does not want to reject his father as is conveyed through the numerous times Yamato is surprised at his father placing him in fatal situations. Deep within Yamato's heart, he sees Kaido as a father and continues to believe that the father that exist within his heart is a reflection, at least in part, of the man now crushing Wano Kuni under his tyranny. This is why Yamato seeks to understand the reasoning behind Kaido's choices and actions.

I love the focus currently on the two and I am excited to see how their conflict progresses. Also those three nameless Samurai are definitely the former Daimyo's of Wano (the three that were able to challenge Kaido when targeting Orochi after Oden was executed).

King Cannon

@Deicide:

Don't confuse your expectations for the author's plans. Luffy never said "yes". Luffy never even called Yamato by name. The story is ongoing, and a lot still needs to happen. Until then, whatever "proof" you accepted is your own mind trying to predict a puzzle's image without all of its pieces assembled.

–- Update From New Post Merge ---

By the way, after reading the official translation, something called my attention.

The early scanlations had Yamato say he'd fight for Wano in 20 years, then go to the sea and become stronger.
The official one has Yamato saying he'd fight for Wano in 20 years, because he would already have gone to the sea to become stronger.

For readers with access to the original and understanding of japanese, can anyone comment which version is more accurate. I'd usually say it's Stephen's, but in this case I'd like extra confirmation.

That interpretation isn't logical since Yamato already stated he wanted to go out to sea in the present, minutes before fighting Kaido in the war foreseen by Oden 20 years ago.

That pretty much confirms Yamato's desire to leave is mostly unrelated to this big fight. Stephen's translations isn't incorrect in that regard since "I'll have gone to sea" can also be read as "I'll go to sea". It really depends on how much you value semantics.

Dragon D. Luffy

otakufan

@Deicide:

By the way, after reading the official translation, something called my attention.

The early scanlations had Yamato say he'd fight for Wano in 20 years, then go to the sea and become stronger.
The official one has Yamato saying he'd fight for Wano in 20 years, because he would already have gone to the sea to become stronger.

For readers with access to the original and understanding of japanese, can anyone comment which version is more accurate. I'd usually say it's Stephen's, but in this case I'd like extra confirmation.

@Deicide:

The official translation changes the priorities, thought…

https://i.imgur.com/QU9PK2w.png

Can't comment on the translation itself, but I think if we look at past comments by Yams, I think it's pretty clear that he'd have taken the "Go out to sea, get stronger, then come back for the big battle" path if it were an option. He very clearly wanted to go with Ace four years ago, but the explody-cuff situation forced him to remain on Onigashima against his will. He also mentions his frustration about how having accidentally eaten a Devil Fruit robbed him of his option to just swim way.

Taken together, I think that implies that Yamato would have left a long time ago if he could, though given his repeated insistence on still going out to sea once the battle against his father is finished, I don't think it really changes his priorities that much. Yams always intended to be a part of this battle.

Kishido

I have only 2 problems with Yamato even if she is a lock.

1. What will be her role? She can't be the Oden because Oden was seeked by Roger for his ability to read the Poneglyphs. So what has Oda in store? Writing a log keeper journal? This brings me to problem 2

2. Yeah I got she wants to go out on adventures… But are the SHs fitting for it? They already have seen enough and like Oda said... There are in their final phase... Oden at least went back to Skypia and Co to see the world while Yamato won't see as much.

electricmastro

@King:

That interpretation isn't logical since Yamato already stated he wanted to go out to sea in the present, minutes before fighting Kaido in the war foreseen by Oden 20 years ago.

That pretty much confirms Yamato's desire to leave is mostly unrelated to this big fight. Stephen's translations isn't incorrect in that regard since "I'll have gone to sea" can also be read as "I'll go to sea". It really depends on how much you value semantics.

Yep, whatever the translation, Yamato still felt trapped until Luffy freed her from the cuffs and will set sail with him after freeing not only herself from her chained heart, but the rest of Wano as well.

Deicide

@King:

Doesn't really matter since Yamato reiterated that he wanted to go out to sea just a few minutes before fighting Kaido in the present, otherwise why request to leave with Luffy if he was already planning to fight with Luffy this night?

That pretty much confirms Yamato's desire to leave has remained ongoing since 20 years ago and mostly unrelated to this big fight.

It does matter, because, in the end, Yamato may be conflicted to have to choose between Wano or adventuring.

Is the sea Yamato's truest objective, or is it just a symbol of freedom for him?
Is Yamato's desire to free Wano just a duty he placed on his own shoulders, or is it out of deep love for the country and its people?

There's a lot of potential in the details we still don't have. Information given during a story's development often changes or overrules the details given in the start. That's why it's kept for later stages of the plot, after all. There's no point in detailing the end at the story's start.

BTW, it seems that the official version is closer in intent to the author's words, so it's a really important change in priorities.

electricmastro

@Kishido:

I have only 2 problems with Yamato even if she is a lock.

1. What will be her role? She can't be the Oden because Oden was seeked by Roger for his ability to read the Poneglyphs. So what has Oda in store? Writing a log keeper journal? This brings me to problem 2

2. Yeah I got she wants to go out on adventures… But are the SHs fitting for it? They already have seen enough and like Oda said... There are in their final phase... Oden at least went back to Skypia and Co to see the world while Yamato won't see as much.

Something like bodyguard I figured. I also find it interesting how some say it’s too late for new members considering how Jinbe was largely absent for their New World Adventures.

Syphin

One should also take into account that after Yamato's interaction with Ace and his execution ~two years later, Yamato became aware of Luffy's importance and the role he served in the 'Dawn' expressed within Oden's journal. At present, Yamato's wish to sail the sea is not only entrenched in his desire to explore the world (and be free) but also in the desire to see through the final wishes of Oden - open Wano's borders AND assist the person who will complete what Joy Boy began and Roger left incomplete. This mirrors the dialogue Yamato exchanged with Luffy when he introduced himself.

@Kishido:

I have only 2 problems with Yamato even if she is a lock.

1. What will be her role? She can't be the Oden because Oden was seeked by Roger for his ability to read the Poneglyphs. So what has Oda in store? Writing a log keeper journal? This brings me to problem 2

2. Yeah I got she wants to go out on adventures… But are the SHs fitting for it? They already have seen enough and like Oda said... There are in their final phase... Oden at least went back to Skypia and Co to see the world while Yamato won't see as much.

In regards to 2, I expect the Sky Islands to feature again during the Elbaf Island Arc (Urouge will be relevant in this arc). The Straw Hat Pirates will also revisit Fish-Man Island if Luffy is the one in Madam Shyarly's vision. And ancient colossal Elephants will be relevant again in the future when Momonosuke summons them.

ArmamentHero

There's still plenty of story to tell.

Yamato's role will come, and it's probably going to be an interesting one at that.

Yamato has been repeatedly been saying his desire to set sail for awhile now, and now we have a flashback from 20 years ago reinforcing that desire. I just think there's some nit picking here and there about it.

As for the 'too strong' argument, doesn't matter. Luffy, Zoro, Sanji are going to make great strides by the end of this arc and with more room to grow. Things will level out like usual.

King Cannon

@Deicide:

It does matter, because, in the end, Yamato may be conflicted to have to choose between Wano or adventuring.

Is the sea Yamato's truest objective, or is it just a symbol of freedom for him?
Is Yamato's desire to free Wano just a duty he placed on his own shoulders, or is it out of deep love for the country and its people?

There's a lot of potential in the details we still don't have. Information given during a story's development often changes or overrules the details given in the start. That's why it's kept for later stages of the plot, after all. There's no point in detailing the end at the story's start.

BTW, it seems that the official version is closer in intent to the author's words, so it's a really important change in priorities.

The story has consistently reiterated that Yamato wants to leave though. It was affirmed 20 years ago, four years ago and in the present, four times in total.

So far, there's no evidence Yamato feels conflicted, especially because Ushimaru and Ace have both supported Yamato's desires. The only person that wants him stuck in Wano is the main villain, so it's clear that staying is narratively the "bad choice" to make, because it's a choice attributed to his personal enemy.

You should know the kind of writer Oda is by now. He's honest about showing what his characters want, especially when it comes to freedom. No character has ever been shown unsympathetic for wanting to leave their roots. If going to sea is what Yamato considers a symbol of freedom, then that's his goal.

Deicide

@King:

So far, there's no evidence Yamato feels conflicted. The only person that wants his stuck in Wano is the main villain.

So far, Wano is still his priority, so there was no time for him to feel conflicted.

The conflict, if there's any, will appear once Wano is safe. It's then that the character may finally take a look at the country after 20 years and decide that he should stay. Onigashima was his prison, after all, not Wano.

ArmamentHero

Hmmmm inner character conflict… That sounds familiar...

Monquito

@Deicide:

The official translation changes the priorities, thought…

https://i.imgur.com/QU9PK2w.png

That's probably cause 8yr old Yamato thought she was going to escape earlier, she stated herself that she tried multiple times, but then the devil fruit no longer allowed her to swim.

so present day Yamato put all her hope on Luffy to set sail.

Kishido

@electricmastro:

Something like bodyguard figured. I also find it interesting how some say it’s too late for new members considering how Jinbe was largely absent for their New World Adventures.

Difference is… Jinbe is a veteran who had enough adventures on his own

otakufan

@Kishido:

Difference is… Jinbe is a veteran who had enough adventures on his own

If we're willing to accept that many of Jinbe's adventures have been off-screened, why couldn't we do the same for Yamato? Even if the series itself is in its final stage, whatever that means, Yams could very easily have a lifetime of adventures following what the series itself actually covers.

King Cannon

@Deicide:

So far, Wano is still his priority, so there was no time for him to feel conflicted.

The conflict, if there's any, will appear once Wano is safe. It's then that the character may finally take a look at the country after 20 years and decide that he should stay. Onigashima was his prison, after all, not Wano.

Well, then you just have to see the chapter where Ace tells Yamato about all the cool pirates in other seas to the latter's amazement. Unless you think Yamato was faking his interest in the outside world.

Yamato himself has already been to the Wano mainland, so it's not like it's a new world to him. If a conflict happens, it would be strange for him to stay, since it's not like Wano needs him. They already have more than enough fighters to protect it.

wolfwood

Tis merely a fleshwound

Syphin

Yamato is already acting as Straw Hat Pirate through the belief he has in Luffy (as per Yamato's perspective).

Luffy in turn has also treated Yamato as a valued connection he has made conveyed through the level of faith he has in Yamato to leave Momonosuke's safety to Yamato alongside Shinobu. Luffy made a promise to Momonosuke when Kanjuro captured him and during the Onigashima raid, Luffy chose Yamato as the person to act as an extension of himself to protect Momonosuke.

Such an act speaks volumes to the trust and positivity Luffy had built up with Yamato in the brief time they were together. And shortly, Luffy will arrive on Onigashima to see Yamato holding Kaido back. Luffy already knows Yamato succeeded in the task of keeping Momonosuke safe alongside Shinobu and when he arrives on Onigashima, he will see Yamato protecting everyone else on the Island by keeping Kaido busy. Yamato's current actions WILL influence Luffy going forward.

Jinbe is already curious about Kaido's status and the strangeness of his absence which leaves him wondering who to thank for it, hence the question he posed to Brook.

Kishido

@otakufan:

If we're willing to accept that many of Jinbe's adventures have been off-screened, why couldn't we do the same for Yamato? Even if the series itself is in its final stage, whatever that means, Yams could very easily have a lifetime of adventures following what the series itself actually covers.

That's actually true.

Deicide

@King:

Yamato himself has already been to the Wano mainland, so it's not like it's a new world to him.

He last saw Wano 20 years ago, when it was not a wasteland full of poverty and slavery.

If a conflict happens, it would be strange for him to stay, since it's not like Wano needs him. They already have more than enough fighters to protect it.

We don't know what "opening the borders" of Wano entails. And Wano's formidable samurai are in the past. We also don't know what happens to Kin'emon, Kiku, Ashura and other Scabbards. There's a ton of questions, not to mention that Yamato believes it's Momonosuke that will bring the world to the dawn.

Lots of people assume Yamato's role is "bodyguard". It may be, but it may not be Luffy's. The Straw Hats do not need bodyguards.

Triceron

@Deicide:

Don't confuse your expectations for the author's plans. Luffy never said "yes". Luffy never even called Yamato by name. The story is ongoing, and a lot still needs to happen. Until then, whatever "proof" you accepted is your own mind trying to predict a puzzle's image without all of its pieces assembled.
.

Where is the confusion? Where did I say anything about my expectations?

I said the narrative has been telling us straight up what one of the characters straight up wants to do, and has been doing everything im their power to achieve that goal including face a yonko. If the narrative treats that as a red herring, it would be a dishonest narrative at this point since we are not given any ambiguity over the character or the situation.

Oda could choose not to add Yamato, that is straight up possible. But in doing so we as readers would have straight up been lied to considering the direction of the narrative and context of events so far. What alternative would suffice where Yamato doesn't join the crew would be met with greater praise than if he straight up joins? Who would that really serve here? Is he gonna prematurely kill off Yamato? Give him a change of heart? Have Luffy deny his presence? It's all counter-intuitive to all the build up we have so far.

We have never encountered a character that proclaims wanting to join the crew. As a reader, where do you see this going? How do you see the narrative playing out? With Oda dropping it because it would make an interesting plot twist?

King Cannon

@Deicide:

He last saw Wano 20 years ago, when it was not a wasteland full of poverty and slavery.

We don't know what "opening the borders" of Wano entails. And Wano's formidable samurai are in the past. We also don't know what happens to Kin'emon, Kiku, Ashura and other Scabbards. There's a ton of questions, not to mention that Yamato believes it's Momonosuke that will bring the world to the dawn.

Lots of people assume Yamato's role is "bodyguard". It may be, but it may not be Luffy's. The Straw Hats do not need bodyguards.

Neither does Momo considering he can now become a huge ass dragon.

Oh, and the nearly 5000 samurai, yakuza and gifters fighting for his country right now. But I guess that's not enough bodyguards. Unless you think Oda is gonna kill them all.

ArmamentHero

I agree that Bodyguard role is a bit of a stretch.

But there's apprentice (which is an Oda thing to pull lol)

Or it could stem from Odens journal.

Deicide

@King:

Neither does Momo considering he can now become a huge ass dragon.

Momo is still a child in an adult body. He became more formidable, but he would fall easily to an experienced New World pirate.
And that's not counting the World Government itself as a potential threat.

Oh, and the nearly 5000 samurai + gifters fighting for his country right now. But I guess that's not enough bodyguards.

Really good to fight fodder, but I'm talking about real threats here. Especially if opening the borders mean atracting all manner of powerful pirates or even the wrath of the World Government.

wolfwood

Or just fighter. If it's good enough for Zoro it's good enough for Yams

BobLoblaw

@Kishido:

1. What will be her role? She can't be the Oden because Oden was seeked by Roger for his ability to read the Poneglyphs. So what has Oda in store? Writing a log keeper journal? This brings me to problem 2

My issue with the whole "log keeper" role is two-fold. One, what's the point of a log keeper if the story is already 85% complete? Second, Yamato has shown no ability to log anything. He's shown an ability to read Oden's journal (just like the samurai, Momo, Shinobu, and anyone else who's read it), but that wouldn't make him one.

@Triceron:

What alternative would suffice where Yamato doesn't join the crew would be met with greater praise than if he straight up joins?

To be fair, "Sail with Luffy" doesn't only mean "I'll becomes a SH and sail with Luffy." Law and Kinemon have been sailing the seas with Luffy forever. It's readers who are assuming that the only possible outcome is for Yamato to join the crew.

@King:

Oh, and the nearly 5000 samurai, yakuza and gifters fighting for his country right now. But I guess that's not enough bodyguards. Unless you think Oda is gonna kill them all.

If the WG considered Wano the only island in the world that could cause them problems, then they'll need every last one of them.

Coookie

Good thing Jimbei stayed behind to protect Fishman Island from future potential threats.
Good thing Chopper stayed behind to protect Drum from future potential threats.
Good thing Sanji stayed behind to protect the Baratie from future potential threats.
Good thing Usopp stayed behind to protect Syrup Village from future potential threats.
Good thing Nami stayed behind to protect Coco Village from future potential threats.

People would be completely nuts to try and attack the nation that managed to drive off the strongest creature alive, the nation that is considered a natural fortress, that managed to stay out of the World Government's influence for 800 years, that will officially declare themselves to be in alliance with Straw Hat Luffy, the fifth and soon to be proper Emperor with a Grand Fleet with several infamous pirates under his flag.

King Cannon

@Deicide:

Really good to fight fodder, but I'm talking about real threats here. Especially if opening the borders mean atracting all manner of powerful pirates or even the wrath of the World Government.

That's never been a concern to any place the Straw Hats have visited before. Now it suddenly is?

You think the Samurai, Yakuza, Minks and such can't fight the WG or other threats? Because, you know, having Yamato around wouldn't really matter if the WG got serious and decided to send in 2 or 3 Admirals at once.

fana

Plot twist: Yamato, the last crewmate will get the "First Mate" role

Anyway, this thread is getting boring since it seems that every chapter is an excuse for someone rehashing the same theory about Yamato staying in Wano instead of leaving the island.
Maybe some originality from time to time.
I would rather read some random theory about her leaving the island but on someone else ship than reading again and again that scenario of her not leaving.

Zhenja

Due to Yamatos experience at cosplaying Oden, her role on the ship will be: Tailor… :ninja:

Deicide

@Coookie:

Good thing Jimbei stayed behind to protect Fishman Island from future potential threats.
Good thing Chopper stayed behind to protect Drum from future potential threats.
Good thing Sanji stayed behind to protect the Baratie from future potential threats.
Good thing Usopp stayed behind to protect Syrup Village from future potential threats.
Good thing Nami stayed behind to protect Coco Village from future potential threats.

@King:

That's never been a concern to any place the Straw Hats have visited before. Now it suddenly is?

You think the Samurai, Yakuza, Minks and such can't fight the WG or other threats? Because, you know, having Yamato around wouldn't really matter if the WG got serious and decided to send in 2 or 3 Admirals at once. In the end, he's just a person.

None of previously visited places was essential to the Dawn of the World.

Wano isn't any place.
Kaido chose it for a reason.
Sengoku hinted at it having a hidden purpose and importance.
It had its borders closed to protect itself from a huge enemy power.

It's a very special place, and Yamato knows of its importance because he read Oden's journal. Momonosuke as well, so there's even someone to remind Yamato he can't protect Wano by himself.

King Cannon

The whole problem with the "Yamato is going to be conflicted between Wano and the sea" is that it really has no point.

If Oda intended Yamato to stay, then he would've just wrote the character as a person who wants to free Wano and aid the alliance in doing so like any other Samurai, without needing to state that he wants to leave. Like, what would be the purpose of that?

Essentially, the idea of a inner conflict post-arc is entirely on Deicide's head, which is funny considering all the times he goes "you are ignoring what Oda is clearly trying to show in the narrrraaaaaatiiive".

@Deicide:

None of previously visited places was essential to the Dawn of the World.

Wano isn't any place.
Kaido chose it for a reason.
Sengoku hinted at it having a hidden purpose and importance.
It had its borders closed to protect itself from a huge enemy power.

It's a very special place, and Yamato knows of its importance because he read Oden's journal. Momonosuke as well, so there's even someone to remind Yamato he can't protect Wano by himself.

If Yamato knows the importance of Wano, then why does he keep saying he wants to leave despite already having read the logbook?

The argument becomes more and more illogical the more I see it. In that case, Oda could've just written Yamato as someone who strives to be Wano's guardian, aware of its importance, and wants to defeat Kaido because his presence is destroying it.

But no, Yamato wants to leave Wano. Just like Rebecca wanted to be reunited with her father. Just like Vivi wanted to free her country of the war. Just like Wyper and the Shandia wanted to kick Enel out of their home.

All those characters present their desires early on and manage to achieve them, but Yamato, somehow, is the only character in the world whose desire to leave, introduced right after his debut, is actually fake?

Coookie

How many experienced New World pirates have an interest in the Dawn and would be willing to use Wano for their own purpose when the strongest creature alive failed to do so? The World Government has left Wano alone for 800 years, the SSG might change that but right now they're still busy with the aftermath of the Reverie and catching the Warlords. And then there's still the question why Yamato alone would make the decisive difference between Wano's victory or defeat

To bring some fresh wind into the thread, I think we should go back and revisit the chance of Gaimon joining the crew. He was asked by Luffy and there's nothing in the story that says he can't suddenly reappear much stronger so we should keep the possibility in mind. He could be the crew's treasurer so Nami can focus on navigating.

Syphin

If anything, the World Government would target the Straw Hat Pirates over Wano Kuni considering the ability the Straw Hat Pirates have to uncover the past they wish hidden. Im was "interested" in Luffy's wanted poster for a reason.

By Yamato and Momonosuke understanding the importance of Wano Kuni and the Dawn, they would both agree that Yamato would serve better aboard the Thousand Sunny fulfilling what Oden wished rather than waiting for an attack by the World Government.

And if the World Government still holds an interest in Kaido's DNA, they would have an interest in targeting Yamato. By keeping Yamato in Wano, it may expose the nation to more danger. It would be more sensible to move the target aboard the Thousand Sunny which already has a target painted on them by the World Government after their actions on Enies Lobby.

Zhenja

@Deicide:

It's a very special place, and Yamato knows of its importance because he read Oden's journal.

Who else does? Does the WG know of that? Does Blackbeard? Those are factors to consider.
If those two parties don't know that, it's as safe as any other island.

King Cannon

Reminder that Deicide literally once thought that Yamato was what was shown. That he wouldn't get a flashback because there was nothing there.

Now that a flashback exists, he's stating that Yamato is something else than what is shown. That everything about him is fake except for the parts that support my theories.

ArmamentHero

I think Yamato's flashbacks are interesting

Yamato's first flashback was him and Ace, and how it tied him to Luffy via vivre card and Secret dream.

Now we have a flashback with him and Ushimaru, who is definitely related to Zoro… Meaning Yamato has a narrative tie to Zoro too in some degree

Zhenja

And besides… if Blackbeard or the WG would try to invade Wano... Yamato couldn't do shit about it...
If such a scenario happens, the Strawhats and their allies are the guardians...

King Cannon

@ArmamentHero:

I think Yamato's flashbacks are interesting

Yamato's first flashback was him and Ace, and how it tied him to Luffy via vivre card and Secret dream.

Now we have a flashback with him and Ushimaru, who is definitely related to Zoro… Meaning Yamato has a narrative tie to Zoro too in some degree

Now I'm half-expecting Yamato to learn about Judge from Queen just to tie him in with Sanji lol.

wolfwood

@King:

Now I'm half-expecting Yamato to learn about Judge from Queen just to tie him in with Sanji lol.

To learn that Yams does not have a mom, he's project X the whacky science gang did once on a drunken bet

Zhenja

Technically she already has a connection with Franky due to him meeting Oden in Water 7…

Dragon D. Luffy

@Kishido:

I have only 2 problems with Yamato even if she is a lock.

1. What will be her role? She can't be the Oden because Oden was seeked by Roger for his ability to read the Poneglyphs. So what has Oda in store? Writing a log keeper journal? This brings me to problem 2

2. Yeah I got she wants to go out on adventures… But are the SHs fitting for it? They already have seen enough and like Oda said... There are in their final phase... Oden at least went back to Skypia and Co to see the world while Yamato won't see as much.

Logkeeper, and in that case my take is that either Luffy's pirating adventures will keep going for years after he becomes PK, or there will be a timeskip at some point between Wano and the final arc of the series that will allow some logkeeping to happen, similarly to Oden's case. I mean, he wasn't around for most of Roger's pirate career either.

ArmamentHero

@King:

Now I'm half-expecting Yamato to learn about Judge from Queen just to tie him in with Sanji lol.

Hey, hey, Yamato has 'unknown' birth origins :ninja:

Blowfish

Monthly reminder that Yamato was introduced in the arc where we learn Kaido was just an Apprentice in Rocks, and the origins of other Pirate Apprentices' were explored in Oden's flashback. Also oddly has a mystical zoan fruit like a young Marco, or how Yamato is a powerhouse despite being a little naive like a young Kaido was sailing under Zebec.

Oda's never recycled crew positions, if Zoro is still fighter, Yamato wont be. Zoro has to proclaim his role as Vice Captain or First mate before Luffy pops the question, or guys I'm almost certain Yamato will be their Pirate Apprentice.

Just consider that strength and experience aren't mutually exclusive. Yamato at the moment is closer to a Samurai like Kinemon and others than a Pirate. This chapter confirms it, she's not fooling around or posing. But what does she know of sailing and adapting to new freakish environments we've come to know? Or braving a Buster call of Elite Marines?

Yes she's strong, but she's inexperienced how it concerns facets of adventuring as a Pirate. Oda logic = Apprentice who is really strong.

Syphin

All that weaponry Wano developed over the past two decades like those long range cannons can come into play when the defense of the nation comes into focus.

And who knows, going by the flow of the narrative, the Numbers may become guardians of Wano Kuni after meeting Usopp. JOIN HIM!

Marco is also based around that area given how he flew to Wano Kuni.

@King:

Now I'm half-expecting Yamato to learn about Judge from Queen just to tie him in with Sanji lol.

Who knows, when Kaido recruited Queen after MADs disbanded, Yamato may have been brought along where he met Judge (and Vegapunk).

And seeing as Jack is a Fish Man, Jack's parents may be related to Jinbe somehow.

Yamato's interest in Joy Boy already connects him to Robin and if Yamato has Giant DNA, Usopp would totally be onboard. Yamato is also an animal, well he can transform into one. And like a certain skeleton who remained stuck/trapped in an area for decades, Yamato shares that in common.

@Zhenja:

Technically she already has a connection with Franky due to him meeting Oden in Water 7…

Yes!

wolfwood

Too bad Yams zoan form is so butt ugly