Luffy and Drake one shots a “number” each and an entire Sulong army is struggling with one?
Even Franky took one out easily.
Well, most of the minks are fodders, like it or not, and sulong is like fodders on steroids, but still fodders. Luffy, drake, franky are some of the strongest guys in the alliance, one of them will even beat kaidou, so…
Whatever reason people assumed Sulong was strong?
I mean, Carrot didn't scratch Daifoku at all.
Well maybe because the Minks themselves said they have an Ace under their sleeve and that Ace is Sulong.
Carrot deactivated about 15 ships and did not get hit despite Daifoku been there. The mission was not attack Daifoku. In this case, this giant is successfully preventing a Sulong army from getting to Kaido.
IF YOU DIE, I'LL KILL YOU….
@uniaka:
Anyone still has expectations for chapter 1000? Like what are you even expecting to happen…
If we go by how each act started with some time frame passed, everything in Onigashima has to wrap up in some sorta way in order for Act 2 to end and 1000th chapter to depict things outside of Wano, which seems near impossible. And knowing Oda, he probably won't go out of his limb to restructure or disturb the flow of plot to set 1000th chapter for something bigger than say, giving little triumph moment for each Strawhats like that one chapter from Fishmen Island.
What a fun chapter! I especially liked that panel of Kaido grinning over a battlefield. I've more and more started to see him as this mythical monster.
He btw looks a lot more comfortable in his dragon form, relaxed.I kind of laughed at Luffy being surprised/annoyed that yet again some freakshow wants to join him in his fight.
Raising a glass for my adorable failgiant boys ;( they were too pure for this world.
Could you imagine how damn intimidating it would be to just have the target for your vengeance (as the Scabbards) grinning and looming in the background while his minions do the fighting? I'd literally be paralyzed with fear. Kaido is climbing up my favorite villains list very fast just for his sheer imposing presence. And this is a series packed to the brim with awesome villains.
Croc or Enel would never.
Wanna see the "ancient civilization destroyed" thing done really well? FFXIV did a great take on it. The bar's high for One Piece to beat.
Well maybe because the Minks themselves said they have an Ace under their sleeve and that Ace is Sulong.
Carrot deactivated about 15 ships and did not get hit despite Daifoku been there. The mission was not attack Daifoku. In this case, this giant is successfully preventing a Sulong army from getting to Kaido.
Carrot mostly dodged and took out fodder, most ships were taken out either by removing the helm or by Daifuku himself, and Carrot is among the strongest mink members period.
Only thing it has been said is that they would not lose next time like they did on Zou, and they lost against Jack and fodder pretty much, while numbers are the equivalent of Oars, and probably by extension Oars Jr. who was taking out giants (including a Vice Admiral) and only lost against Shichibukai.
i'm hoping Luffy remembers that it was Drake who attacked amigasa village a year ago, and that we will get some information regarding that.
Nah, even if he does it won't affect anything.
Remember, Luffy and the SH still allied with Caeser, who did legitimately terrible things. Including kidnapping and performing medical experiments on children, while keeping them addicted to drugs.
Who's Who reminds me of a former member of the Whitebeard Pirates, Chameleone.
Could you imagine how damn intimidating it would be to just have the target for your vengeance (as the Scabbards) grinning and looming in the background while his minions do the fighting? I'd literally be paralyzed with fear. Kaido is climbing up my favorite villains list very fast just for his sheer imposing presence. And this is a series packed to the brim with awesome villains.
Yeah dude! Totally. Well said.
I've always liked Kaido and this war just makes me like him more. From that goddamn hilarious board room meeting he held up to this moment.
To me, what's even more funny/cool is that he could, you know, just to scorch them, but he doesn't. He's too busy just chilling and enjoying the view. I love it.
Who's Who reminds me of a former member of the Whitebeard Pirates, Chameleone.
I wouldnt mind if Oda went this route for his DF, even if it is fiction.
Nah, even if he does it won't affect anything.
Remember, Luffy and the SH still allied with Caeser, who did legitimately terrible things. Including kidnapping and performing medical experiments on children, while keeping them addicted to drugs.
Not saying it will affect anything, would just like it to be brought up again.
If we go by how each act started with some time frame passed, everything in Onigashima has to wrap up in some sorta way in order for Act 2 to end and 1000th chapter to depict things outside of Wano, which seems near impossible. And knowing Oda, he probably won't go out of his limb to restructure or disturb the flow of plot to set 1000th chapter for something bigger than say, giving little triumph moment for each Strawhats like that one chapter from Fishmen Island.
Chapter 1000 being something major doesn't really require it being an intermission chapter. What if it happens in the middle of a Kaido flashback and we see the God's Valley Incident, for example?
The importance of the Wano arc for the series as a whole has been established time and time again both in and out of universe. We don't need to go outside to get some pivotal stuff.
Chapter 1000 being a mandatory flashback seems likely. Probably a flashback that gives away huuuge plot points, like what is the secret of the devil fruits, or what was the name of the ancient civilization or something absolutely world tilting like that would feel worthy for a milestone like that
I remember similar talks were done for chapter 500, but nothing of note really took place.
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I’m not expecting anything major for 1,000 other than a cool color spread.
If it comes with a huge reveal, cool. If not, it will have a fist pumping moment and that’s enough.
Who says Kaido will get a flashback?
what if no flashback
Pound finally got back his family that's nice.
The whole sequence with Kaido feels like it's what should have happen last time. Where Inu & Neko take on Jack and the make way for the scabbards. But instead we had a whole thing where the muskeeters ask the kings to leave it to them so they can make way and the kings transforming for Kaido only for us to be back to the exact same situation and the scabbards not having moved at all. Very weird.
I really liked Drake entrance and little speech to join Luffy. Also I guess now we know for sure that the dino squad is stronger than the numbers.
I like the dude with the black helmet design. Drake should get one like that. I think he had at the archipelago.
The one 1% have to be Drake or Law. I hope Oda is not trying to create tension with it being Luffy. It'd be silly. But the navy officer dying for his mission or Law sacrifice are both plays that could happen if it wasnt one piece so that's where the prediction should be.
Who says Kaido will get a flashback?
what if no flashback
When he said Pirates always betray you, the probability of a flashback became close to 100%
I think Kaido will get a flashback but the Acts will be only 3. There is no way that the Alliance lose this battle and all the most important members comes out of it alive without Kaido and Big Mom resulting as complete fools.
You know, this chapter may have been the highest point in the heroic charge, the one that announces the descent into the darkest moment.
Kaido is untouched. We are yet to see him fighting
Jack is tanking the whole mink tribe, forcing another trump card to be used
Sasaki is freed
The Tobiroppo start to organize a resistance
The traitor tobiroppo is exposed
Fukurokuju has his own plan
King and Queen start to take things seriouly.
So, possibilities for next chapters:
Queen’s fixation with Babanuki may lead to Tama being in danger.
Kaido finally acts. May intervene before Jack is defeated
Tobiroppo show they are not pushovers. We may see bounties (I guess between ~400M and ~900M)
Big Mom comes back
Big Mom Pirates appear
Orochi and/or Kanjuro get up
We get a twist reveal about Yamato
Well maybe because the Minks themselves said they have an Ace under their sleeve and that Ace is Sulong.
Carrot deactivated about 15 shipsand did not get hit despite Daifoku been there. The mission was not attack Daifoku. In this case, this giant is successfully preventing a Sulong army from getting to Kaido.
Carrot didnt achieve that with her own strenght tho, and avoided confrontation with Daifoku at all.
So uh yea, the idea that Sulong makes them super strong is baseless, it does makes them faster apparently.
–- Update From New Post Merge ---
@uniaka:
and sulong is like fodders on steroids..
Lmao, couldn't said it better myself.
–- Update From New Post Merge ---
and Carrot is among the strongest mink members period..
I recall Pedro did say Carrot was 'above avarage', however, Wanda also said that the enemies crucified the strongest Minks, which only happened to Inu, Neko, The three Musketeers, Roddy and BB.
As we count down to the big quadruple digit, it's worth keeping in mind that other multiple of 100 chapters weren't always earth-shattering either. They can be things that don't play into the bigger story, but are long-awaited in their arc, like Luffy landing his first blow on Kaido, or the Strawhats finally getting fight matchups with Cipher Pol. It's easy to expect 1000 to be a level beyond, but judging by the current state of things, it could be something simple as well. Hell, chapter 900 was a negative moment of significance, with the Sunny seemingly destroyed, so our big moment might be Kaido finally letting loose, and little more than that.
And speaking of Kaido, what's he doing, just hanging over the battlefield. It's hard to read the emotions on his transformed face. Is he furious? Unnerved? Studying his foes? Debating whether it's worth nuking Jack and the Number with a Boro Breath just to be done with samurai and furries? Go figure Oda would tease us with Cat and Dog's sulong forms, but I wasn't counting on a cut back to these parts for a few chapters yet, so I'll take it.
Back inside, it says something about the Beasts Pirates that even in these circumstances, the Tobi Roppo have to be ordered to drop what they're doing and help push back the invasion. There's a lot of internal confidence for this crew. They're still pretty sure they can handle this, given that it wasn't an immediate all hands on deck situation. Whether that confidence was earned or not remains to be seen.
Drake nudging Hawkins in the direction of betrayal is a nice little nod to the potential of a Sword agent in an organisation like this long term. One can only wonder how much internal tension he's stoked over the past who knows how long, especially given how ruthless and competitive most of the crew seems to be (although we see a little later the conflict between the Tobi Roppo and the Lead Performers doesn't run as deep as was initially suggested). Given the context, it probably makes sense for Hawkins to be calculating Drake's changes of survival, as a way of weighing up whether to listen to him, but Luffy is also a strong candidate. Remember back around Marineford when Drake kept trying to predict Luffy's death but his survival odds refused to come up zero? Might have left him with a spot of curiosity about our captain, and what a time to try again for different results.
The panel where King says the internal power struggle on hold is the best look so far at the layout of the dome interior, which seems to be a network of islands, buildings and bridges. I wish we could get a proper overhead view or a map to work with. I want to be able to visualise the space better.
As much as I hate a chance for a co-op battle to be skipped, the acknowledgement that these kinds of enemies once took the whole crew to fight but are now easily put in their place is a fantastic demonstration of their progress and I love it.
The choice to have Hyo call Luffy simply a "guardian deity" rather than call out a specific Buddhist god like in the Japanese was probably smart. The story doesn't flow if I have to stop reading to google a thing, or squint to read a hasty margin-sized note that barely gives enough context for it to work. I do wish Viz would let its translators add some notes, trivia and commentary at the ends of chapters or volumes, just for those little points of interest. (Or failing that I wish Stephen could be as twitter-active as Caleb Cook is for his series, given that it's a slightly easier format than the podcast, but to each translator his own social media)
So what's with that explosion that saves Drake? Doesn't seem to be one of his moves, doesn't seem to have come from the battle on the performance floor either. There shouldn't be anyone else left to come from behind the stage, so who or what did it? Also, this is another chapter where Oda plays with the passage of time a little, getting all those conversations to play out in time for Drake's fall to line up with Luffy's attack. But then, talking is a free action. Queen and Who's Who would have had to do quick work of subduing Drake though.
Luffy and Drake might have been the most unexpected teamup of the arc if it weren't for Marco and Perospero the other week. I think Drake mentally dismissing the idea of going to the Marines for help and declaring himself an army of one is a good indication the Marines won't be factoring into the Onigashima battle at all. They might challenge Wano's borders as a post-climax complication after the fighting is done, but they aren't being summoned here. And that's fine. The characters we do have are jostling for screentime as it is. As always, can't wait to see where it all goes!
Carrot didnt achieve that with her own strenght tho, and avoided confrontation with Daifoku at all.
So uh yea, the idea that Sulong makes them super strong is baseless, it does makes them faster apparently.
–- Update From New Post Merge ---
Lmao, couldn't said it better myself.
--- Update From New Post Merge ---
I recall Pedro did say Carrot was 'above avarage', however, Wanda also said that the enemies crucified the strongest Minks, which only happened to Inu, Neko, The three Musketeers, Roddy and BB.
Carrot is also a musketeer, the inuarashi musketeers are above her though. Having said that, musketeers and guardians are the main combat squads directly under the rulers, meaning she is around top 10 of the entire mink tribe on Zou.
@K.:
I remember similar talks were done for chapter 500, but nothing of note really took place.
It ended with Rayleigh's introduction, though. That's a pretty big deal.
Although there were arguably most important moments in Sabaody, such as Luffy punching the Celestial Dragon in 502.
Robin's 'I wanna live' and Luffy declaring war on the world was in 398.
Grand Fleet was formed in 800 (maybe arguably 799)
Luffy was declared the Fifth Emperor in 903
The whole crew was reunited after the timeskip in 602.
Chapter 699 and 700 had bunch of reveals about the world.
Enel's defeat and the ringing of the bell was in 299
Luffy makes his glorious return in 198, plus the finale of Alabasta happens shortly after 200.
And Chapter 100 was very blatantly dedicated to entering the Grand Line.
All this tells me that Oda usually tries to have important stuff happening in major milestone chapters, he just doesn't time in right and they end up more around the milestone than in the actual one.
That said, since 1000 is a more major milestone than any of the other ones, I think Oda might actually try really, really hard to have something special for it like he did for 100, when he rushed Loguetown. You can tell he was stalling during the Dressrosa wrap-up too.
@K.:
I remember similar talks were done for chapter 500, but nothing of note really took place.
Rayleigh's debut was pretty damn important.
I wish he hadn't rushed loguetown. Usopp could've gotten such a win
@K.:
I remember similar talks were done for chapter 500, but nothing of note really took place.
? Rayleigh being introduced is not noteworthy?
Prior to this, nobody really even wondered or asked if the former Roger pirates were still alive/around. This was a huge deal, just like Dragon being introduced/teased at Chapter 100.
Carrot is also a musketeer, the inuarashi musketeers are above her though. Having said that, musketeers and guardians are the main combat squads directly under the rulers, meaning she is around top 10 of the entire mink tribe on Zou.
But it's just been revealed that there are 200 musketeers, so position doesn't really help her that much.
I do believe however that her, Wanda and Pedro are the next level below everyone else who was crucified.
Woah, I didn't notice the official title for this chapter, we were so close of "The One Man Army" title that I would´ve loved it.
Man, I'm just super excited for the big 1000. We will only ever get one of these moments, and few manga ever reach this point. After this point we'll probably only celebrate a few more "100s" until its actually over.
I want to see Im's face in chapter 1000.:getlost:
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it–always.”
I want to see Im's face in chapter 1000.:getlost:
I got a few ideas, but mainly:
Are the big ones I can think of.
Edit: It could also just be a huge update chapter. Knowing the fates of Alabasta, Hancock, Sabo, etc as well is a big deal. Shanks true motives as a character, that effect.
I think Cockycent was into something the other day, when he noticed we had no exposition at all to what exactly Fukurokuju is loyal to.
did he fall for Higurashi and Orochi's plot? is he just corrupted? we never seen any of them, he did look kinda scummy participating in Oden's execution and didn't believe Shinobu when she revealed Oden was dancing for the sake of everyone's lifes.
So maybe he's heading(pffhh) towards Momo, ask forgiveness and put those 5000 ninjas in the side of the alliance, after all, it's still 5,000 vs 30,000, I know taking down Kaido, the Calamities and Tobi Roppo does the job, but with the Sulong being wasted like that, the fodders will need more support or they'll just run out of numbers.
So I believe that, the 5,000 Ninjas of Fukurokuju, and Usopp convincing the Numbers of joining him making up a total of 10,000+Numbers vs 25,000.
that'll make up for a much more believable victory.
I think Cockycent was into something the other day, when he noticed we had no exposition at all to what exactly Fukurokuju is loyal to.
did he fall for Higurashi and Orochi's plot? is he just corrupted? we never seen any of them, he did look kinda scummy participating in Oden's execution and didn't believe Shinobu when she revealed Oden was dancing for the sake of everyone's lifes.
So maybe he's heading(pffhh) towards Momo, ask forgiveness and put those 5000 ninjas in the side of the alliance, after all, it's still 5,000 vs 30,000, I know taking down Kaido, the Calamities and Tobi Roppo does the job, but with the Sulong being wasted like that, the fodders will need more support or they'll just run out of numbers.
So I believe that, the 5,000 Ninjas of Fukurokuju, and Usopp convincing the Numbers of joining him making up a total of 10,000+Numbers vs 25,000.
that'll make up for a much more believable victory.
This was already addressed in 935. He switched allegiance to Orochi after they got rid of Hyou. And in the flashback, it's clear he already knew the truth, he just doesn't care. So yea, he simply lacks loyalty, and has no issue switching to working for whoever the winning team is. With that in mind, I highly doubt he's looking for Momo right now.
Would suck if Fukurokuju suddenly switched sides, seeing how him and his goons were in shady business up to their necks. They are basically Gestapo of Wano.
Besides, Orochi is still an active player in this arc anyway. We haven't even seen his zoan go berserk yet.
I expect chapter 1000 to be Luffy's first punch to Kaido, similar to chapter 200 when he finally hit Crocodile (it was a bit sooner, but close to the mark).
Just to add some discussion I'm reposting this from the spider thread.
And there goes another expected trump card played very early. Pack it up Straw Hats, it's only a matter of time before ship hits the fan. Then unpack it because I know you all will come roaring back when others can't carry on.
I know some are worried it's going to carry on much like this until the end of the battle but to me it's blatantly obvious things are about to collapse hard. Characters or aspects that would turn the tide in a pinch just keep happening one after another. Jimbei before the fight, Sulong at the start of the fight, Drake flip flopping this early…
If this weren't One Piece all this goodness would actually worry me. In some other story I'd be worried a main character would actually die when all seems to go this well. It's the Bundy Curse you know. I don't think anyone from the crew will die of course but I think some ally might with the crew being incapacitated and assumed out for the rest of the fight.
In regards to the crews confident demeanor going into this war, well the crew probably sees it like we do. They've been through so much by this point why would they worry that Luffy was beat and sent to some Kaido jail? After Impel Down what more could they do to him? There was a bit of tension and worry a week before the battle remember? Luffy had a bit of concern when Big Mom was on the island while Jimbei was not. Now they are all reunited with allies up the wazoo. They don't have the raw numbers but for the first time in a long time they have each other in full. The crew is so powerful together, they are feeding off one another's energy and it's showing.
Folks who read One Piece… Just better people. ¯\(ツ)/¯ 
Would suck if Fukurokuju suddenly switched sides, seeing how him and his goons were in shady business up to their necks. They are basically Gestapo of Wano.
Besides, Orochi is still an active player in this arc anyway. We haven't even seen his zoan go berserk yet.
Would it matter much, though? Orochi may have a DF, but he's shown no combat instincts. Like, both times he's been actually attacked, he froze up in terror.
It ended with Rayleigh's introduction, though. That's a pretty big deal.
Although there were arguably most important moments in Sabaody, such as Luffy punching the Celestial Dragon in 502.
Robin's 'I wanna live' and Luffy declaring war on the world was in 398.
Grand Fleet was formed in 800 (maybe arguably 799)
Luffy was declared the Fifth Emperor in 903
The whole crew was reunited after the timeskip in 602.
Chapter 699 and 700 had bunch of reveals about the world.
Enel's defeat and the ringing of the bell was in 299
Luffy makes his glorious return in 198, plus the finale of Alabasta happens shortly after 200.
And Chapter 100 was very blatantly dedicated to entering the Grand Line.All this tells me that Oda usually tries to have important stuff happening in major milestone chapters, he just doesn't time in right and they end up more around the milestone than in the actual one.
That said, since 1000 is a more major milestone than any of the other ones, I think Oda might actually try really, really hard to have something special for it like he did for 100, when he rushed Loguetown. You can tell he was stalling during the Dressrosa wrap-up too.
Ah I see, around the chapter something important may happen. As you said, there were other moments with bigger importance than Ray's intro.
What I was mentioning was also people expected color spreads, etc.
Rayleigh's debut was pretty damn important.
I guess. I'd say it's cool.
@Gia:
? Rayleigh being introduced is not noteworthy?
The fact that I didn't remember it was exactly that chapter should say enough, no?
Prior to this, nobody really even wondered or asked if the former Roger pirates were still alive/around. This was a huge deal, just like Dragon being introduced/teased at Chapter 100.
Mmm, they always had to be somewhere.
Anyways, I think this illustrates the point. Whatever big thing happens, could be as small, in regards to panels, as Ray's introduction. The chapter may not have its name titled after the moment, however I do expect a color spread.
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I don't understand downplaying Rayleigh's introduction. That was absolutely a big deal.
So coincidence is out of question?
This is just a casual stroll. 2 Yonko and they certainly are a far less of a threat than a freaking Shichibukai. Oda is just rushing, he doesn’t care
I also recorded this discussion in video form:
There were some interesting developments this chapter, but ultimately I felt like they were a bit rushed. Notably, Who’s Who’s turn against Drake. It feels like there was a page missing where the two come face to face with Queen. We cut away from Drake, Hawkins and Who’s Who together and Queen together with King to Drake having already been betrayed. Then we cut one page later to Drake escaping and teaming up with Luffy. It’s all a little bit jarring and makes me feel like Oda is rushing to the conclusion of the third act.
I feel like this is perhaps a sign that Oda is hurrying things due to the impending 1000th chapter of the series. This would not be without precedent. In the past, Oda skipped a story he planned for Usopp during the Logue Town arc so that Dragon’s introduction and the departure for the Grand Line could happen in chapter 100. We also have Rayleigh introduced in chapter 500. With big events happening around the One Piece world during the intermission chapters between acts, I feel like Oda is gearing up for some major event, revelation, or introduction in chapter 1000.
Which could explain the rushed pacing in this chapter. Although the Onigashima raid has become fairly chaotic with lots of moving pieces, the arc has had a very prolonged rising action phase. So the sudden acceleration could signal Oda’s intention to move pieces into place for whatever he wants to happen when he reaches the 1000 chapter milestone.
I assume we are meant to believe that during his absence over the past 10 chapters or so Drake was working behind the scenes to recruit Hawkins. I was a little disappointed that he didn’t have a more intricate backup plan worked out with Law given the absence of the latter in recent chapters. I mentioned before that the betrayal of Drake was rushed, but I did like the subtle foreshadowing and buildup we got in the conversation between Drake and Hawkins. Hawkins says the chances of a certain man living to tomorrow are just one percent and Drake remains oblivious to this fortune reading referring to himself. I posted a theory about the secret of Kaido’s dragon devil fruit previously in which I discussed the idea that Kaido’s invulnerability is in part the work of good fortune and we see that trend here continue with Hawkins tarot reading being used to predict the chances of Drake’s survival and success of the alliance. Now that Momo is removed from the scene, the odds are turning against them.
We get a continuation this week of the battle between Kaido, the Minks and the Scabbards on the roof of Onigashima. We see that the Guardians and Musketeers have bloodied but not beaten Jack, necessitating Inu and Neko’s intervention. We see they have turned Sulong, but Oda has chosen to silhouette their appearance, saving them for a big reveal in a coming chapter.
As I mentioned last week discussing 989, the third act is very likely to end in a moment of tragedy or defeat and we’re seeing that setup here. I had imagined we would see the Nine Scabbards fight Kaido together, but seeing here Inu and Neko split off from the group, I feel like a more likely scenario involves other members of their group also being diverted before they can reach Kaido. Perhaps Raizo will join Inu and Neko in fighting Jack. Others like Ashura, Kawamatsu, and Kiku may instead be drawn into a battle against the Numbers. I could see the scene unfolding in a way that leaves only Kinemon and Denjiro left to face Kaido and thus suffering defeat. I do hope that we at least get to see Inu and Neko avenge the attempted genocide of the Minks on Zou by defeating Jack before he Sulong transformation expires.
I did like the continued references to the battle against Oars on Thriller Bark. We see how far the crew have come when Luffy takes down one of the numbers with ease, though considering thy were failed experiments, I expect they don’t perfectly match Oars in terms of raw strength. I mentioned last week that perhaps the Numbers being Caesar’s failed experiments might illicit some sympathy from the Straw Hats, but that turned out not to be the case here. That said, it is a battle, so there’s not really much opportunity at this point in time so perhaps closer to the arc’s conclusion we’ll see the Numbers turn on Kaido.
We also seemingly have setup this chapter for the Straw Hats to fight the Tobi Roppo. It seems Ulti has broken off pursuit of Yamato. Sasaki is now free as a result of Big Mom’s Ikoku Sovereignty attack. He feels personally slighted by Denjiro, so it will be interesting to see if that factors into his trajectory in coming chapters. Who’s Who is, at least for now, seemingly on the side of the Beast Pirates, though I still believe he’s gunning for Queen. Page One is up and ready to fight and Black Maria reappeared. There are presently more Straw Hats than Beast Pirates in play, so I’m hoping we will get to see them fight together in team up battles.
I imagine Luffy and Zoro will be working their way toward the roof of Onigashima t fight Kaido, so I’m not sure what to expect from either of them. I think we may see the Straw Hats at first together as a group working their way toward the roof with members of the crew slowly picked off by the Tobi Roppo, drawn into battles in a manner similar to the Scabbards.
Matchups in One Piece, particularly post-time skip have been pretty unpredictable, so it’s hard to say which members of the Straw Hats will face off against members of the Beast Pirates. Maybe something like Sanji and Marco fighting King, Jimbei and Who’s Who fighting Queen. I could see Franky. My personal hopes are Franky vs. Queen and Brook vs. Apoo, but my confidence in either of them coming to pass is pretty low. I really don’t put much stock into these predictions and they don’t take into account characters like Perospero, Law, Kid, Apoo, and most importantly Big Mom.
I mentioned last week that I believe it is a matter of when not if the Straw Hats as a group defeat Big Mom and I think it’s increasingly likely that when will come after Wano. As Capone’s cover story arc moves closer to a conclusion we see Lola, Chiffon, and Pound now reunited. Most of Big Mom’s children aren’t yet present. And the Straw Hat crew is yet to be fully assembled. I feel like we won’t see this battle come to pass until a future arc when more of the Charlotte family are involved and Luffy’s crew is complete. So, probably Elbaf.
In discussion the chapter with a friend, he mentioned the idea that Orochi, if alive, could perhaps sway Big Mom in some way if his Devil Fruit ability somehow related to the manipulation and control of other souls. We saw that a young Kanjuro was rendered an amorphous blob before Orochi. Oda doesn’t usually employ stylized techniques like that to mask a character’s appearance, so it would seem to be some sort of hint about Orochi’s devil fruit power. I said last week that Orochi might pursue Momo back to the mainland of Wano if he is taken from Onigashima. I believe he’ll fill a role in the story similar to Saruman or Wormtongue in the Lord of the Rings trilogy where, even after the primary antagonist, Kaido, is defeated, Wano’s history as it pertains to the cursed Kurozumi Clan will need to be settled. Robin and Jimbei already removed Big Mom from the field of battle in 989. I believe she’ll continue to be diverted until the crew is ready to fight her, which, now that they’re poised to battle members of the Tobi Roppo, it would seem less likely to happen right now. Hiyori, presently not on Onigashima, entrusted Zoro with Oden’s sword Enma, but she is still in possession of Ame no Habakiri, a sword in Japanese mythology famous for slaying the mythical Yamata no Orochi upon which Kurozumi Orochi seems to be based. I could see Big Mom being potentially drawn into that story, particularly if the battles extend back to the Mainland of Wano in Act 4.
Just a few closing thoughts:
First panel on page 6 provides a wide view looking up at Kaido’s castle and then the following page shows the reverse shot of King and Queen observing the battle. I really appreciate that they finally give a real sense of where everything is taking place which I felt was hard to sense up to this point.
I also really liked the panel progression at the bottom of page 11 where a lone samurai raises his sword to fight one of the Numbers only to have the giant respond with a similar pose. The perspective looking down along his club conveys the sense of scale better than the double page spread in the previous chapter where they made their debut.
We see Luffy, Zoro, and Jimbei together deflect the attack while Sanji is only given a reaction panel in what would typically have been a ‘monster trio’ moment. I’m still holding out hope that Sanji can reclaim his spot in the Straw Hats top group, maybe with a strong showing against someone like King.
Who's Who knowing X Drake was the traitor had enough buildup IMO. Look back at all the pointed dialogue from both him and Queen, and it becomes obvious that they were talking about X Drake the entire time. It was simply misdirection.
Who's Who knowing X Drake was the traitor had enough buildup IMO. Look back at all the pointed dialogue from both him and Queen, and it becomes obvious that they were talking about X Drake the entire time. It was simply misdirection.
Oh, yeah I agree. I just think the way Oda went about the reveal in the chapter itself was jarring. I guess sort of like the Kiku vs. Kanjuro fight, it was off-paneled, but I feel like this is a reveal that could have warranted at least a panel showing that Queen and Drake were even in the same place because when I first read it, I got the impression Drake refused to go with Who's Who to face Queen.
Who says Kaido will get a flashback?
what if no flashback
Kaido NOT getting a flashback is as likely as the rest of 2020 being a sunshine-filled wonderland where fairies drop off $1000 to everyone for having to deal with it.
Croc or Enel would never.
Wanna see the "ancient civilization destroyed" thing done really well? FFXIV did a great take on it. The bar's high for One Piece to beat.
@Vongola_Boss_XI:
Oh, yeah I agree. I just think the way Oda went about the reveal in the chapter itself was jarring. I guess sort of like the Kiku vs. Kanjuro fight, it was off-paneled, but I feel like this is a reveal that could have warranted at least a panel showing that Queen and Drake were even in the same place because when I first read it, I got the impression Drake refused to go with Who's Who to face Queen.
I think that was intentional, in that it's sudden and jarring because well, X Drake didn't expect it either. I get where you're coming from though.
That said, interesting that you read it as him declining to come. For me, the "I don't like the sound of this" to me read as him reluctantly agreeing to come with.
Countdown begins boys and girls, ten chapters till chapter one thousand!!!!
I think that was intentional, in that it's sudden and jarring because well, X Drake didn't expect it either. I get where you're coming from though.
That said, interesting that you read it as him declining to come. For me, the "I don't like the sound of this" to me read as him reluctantly agreeing to come with.
Ah, that makes sense. I can see your point as well.
Croc or Enel would never.
Wanna see the "ancient civilization destroyed" thing done really well? FFXIV did a great take on it. The bar's high for One Piece to beat.
@Johnny:
Would it matter much, though? Orochi may have a DF, but he's shown no combat instincts. Like, both times he's been actually attacked, he froze up in terror.
Never mentioned anything about Orochi's fighting capabilities.
For a while I've had a pet theory that his zoan is going to awaken. That's the only way I see him as a threat for the battlefield. And I don't think Oda will miss a chance to show off one of those sweet mythical zoans.
Then again, he's been chopping stuff off from the plot wherever he can for a while now, so maybe Orochi is just dead dead, lol.
Never mentioned anything about Orochi's fighting capabilities.
For a while I've had a pet theory that his zoan is going to awaken. That's the only way I see him as a threat for the battlefield. And I don't think Oda will miss a chance to show off one of those sweet mythical zoans.
Then again, he's been chopping stuff off from the plot wherever he can for a while now, so maybe Orochi is just dead dead, lol.
If Orochi is dead dead, his devil fruit better be used by someone else. Maybe someone that is actually already strong (Yamato perhaps?). Anyway, I don't see what use Orochi can continue to have in the story. If he comes back he'll have no allies and even though he has a mythical zoan, it seems he is not strong at all. He is a schemer but what possible scheme can he have now that he's alone?
Remember, remember, the 5th of November
