https://www.viz.com/shonenjump/one-piece-chapter-953/chapter/19066?action=read https://mangaplus.shueisha.co.jp/viewer/1003656 I enjoyed this chapter! Not the banger that everyone has been waiting for, but I love the story of where the swords are coming from and look forward to their reunion. Also wondering how Zoro will react to this Enma sword and why is Shusui so off limits?
Chapter 953: Once a Fox
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Much more enjoyable translation. Really smooth read.
Also curious that Kaido's scar wasn't necessarily caused by Enma, it's just the only sword to ever injure him. So Akainu being the one to cause that gigantic scar is still on the table.
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Nice chapter. A little bit SHushu, a little bit Laboon. Kawamatsu and his backstory is one of the first interesting ones of the island.
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I wouldn't say this is the first interesting backstory in Wano, but rather that this is the first one properly told instead of being rushed through…
Really liked this chapter.
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Much more enjoyable translation. Really smooth read.
Also curious that Kaido's scar wasn't necessarily caused by Enma, it's just the only sword to ever injure him. So Akainu being the one to cause that gigantic scar is still on the table.
No it isn't Oda pretty clearly telling us Oden gave Kaido that scar.
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Wouldn't count this as Kawamatsu's backstory. More like Onimaru's
Would be interesting if each of these allies just show up during the final battle similar to Rafiki, Timon and Pumbaa in Lion King. People are sleeping on Orochi's faction. It doesn't make sense if it's just Kyoshiro + Yakuza, Oniwabanshu, and the Mimawarigumi. I get it that that he has many Beast Pirates to back him up, but there has to be more to why Akainu was cautious enough to stop Kizaru.
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The flashback was nice, and well fleshed out. Based on Ushimaru's silhouette, it seems like Oda is now going to be focusing the Zoro subplot mentioned in the SBS a while ago.
People are sleeping on Orochi's faction. It doesn't make sense if it's just Kyoshiro + Yakuza, Oniwabanshu, and the Mimawarigumi.
I'm guessing Oda will introduce some version of the Shinsengumi and/or an Oda Nobunaga-based character being a top-tier sharpshooter.
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Oh Gyukimaru was the fox all along! I could not make that out when I was reading the scanlated versions.
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This post is deleted!
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I really liked this chapter. Kawamatsu's been a low key favourite ever since his reveal and I really liked Gyukimaru's design from the start, so getting such a sweet story for the two of them was a treat. No idea where this leaves volume 94 though, because as nice as the chapter was it still didn't feel like as good a ending note as Big Mom and Kaido's clash. It's not usually safe to bet on 12 chapters to a volume but eh, we'll see where we this time next week.
Bege's story is going an interesting direction. We know that both Lola and Thriller Bark have left the Florian Triangle (though how Thriller Bark's movements aren't big news to the whole world given that it's essentially a moving island and as such pretty hard to miss is beyond me, and how has it managed to cross the Red Line again, for that matter?) but Bege doesn't, so what's he going to run into instead. The big monster worked just fine as a permanent mystery, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little keen for the lore behind it.
There was some great background art in this chapter, from the strikingly shaped mounds of the eternal graves to the fine detail of Gyukimaru's weapons stockpile. "Another day of ransacking graves ahead!" is a great line as well.
I've seen people who don't believe Onimaru could be just a fox, saying it has to be a devil fruit or something, but I think it works with the broader themes and ideas of wano to have that kitsune mythology just be a thing that happens. Or Oda could work up some lore for the Koma animals specifically, say that the can imitate humans with the right motivation and connection to someone to model themselves off.
Now Enma and Shusui are an interesting case. I find it hard to believe that Shusui is just going to be set back on Ryuma's grave to appease the Sword God. That goes hard against the philosophy of putting arms for the living ahead of respect for the dead seen earlier in the chapter. The army needs every sword it can get, which raises the question of who, if not Zoro, is going to use Shusui. Looking forward to seeing Enma in action though!
Also rip the theory that Sakazuki caused Kaido's scar. I really liked that one…
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Bege's story is going an interesting direction. We know that both Lola and Thriller Bark have left the Florian Triangle (though how Thriller Bark's movements aren't big news to the whole world given that it's essentially a moving island and as such pretty hard to miss is beyond me, and how has it managed to cross the Red Line again, for that matter?) but Bege doesn't, so what's he going to run into instead. The big monster worked just fine as a permanent mystery, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little keen for the lore behind it.
We know Moria's been on the news quite recently, tho.
And Perona is looking for him, so maybe Bege is gonna get wrapped up in that subplot.
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@No:
I'm guessing Oda will introduce some version of the Shinsengumi and/or an Oda Nobunaga-based character being a top-tier sharpshooter.
He already did it a few chapters ago.
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I’m definitely going to raise the Ringo dead when I get to Wano…
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@Gecko:
I’m definitely going to raise the Ringo dead when I get to Wano…
And then steal kaidou's shadow and leave him in the sun.
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Zoro will get Enma and Shusui.
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We know Moria's been on the news quite recently, tho.
And Perona is looking for him, so maybe Bege is gonna get wrapped up in that subplot.
You have to wonder how close to the Florian Triangle he's going to be allowed to get before he works that out. And even so, he could still make the reasonable guess that Lola wouldn't still be there.
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Much more enjoyable translation. Really smooth read.
Also curious that Kaido's scar wasn't necessarily caused by Enma, it's just the only sword to ever injure him. So Akainu being the one to cause that gigantic scar is still on the table.[/QUOTE
I'm pretty sure that in order to injure Kaido it had have been something really powerful and something that would scar him. I can't see how the scar he has now isn't the one that the Enma caused. Would also dehype the sword.
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Some people might feel weird to see the latest chapter title "Once a Fox" (一度狐).
It is probably based on "7 times Fox"(七度狐) in Rakugo stage, traditional Japanese entertainment that Oda loves.In folktales, a fox is believed to have an ability to shapeshift into human and trick others.
In Rakugo stage, a fox holds a grudge against humans and tricks them 7 times.
In contrast, a fox in OP has an appreciation for Kawamatsu and transforms into human aka Gyukimaru once.
This may be the reason why Oda made this chapter title "Once a Fox".
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Will it be Kawamatsu the one dueling Kyoshiro?
I hope so, something like Hiyori is in danger because of Kyoshiro found her but this time Kamawatsu is there to protect her. (But still I don't eat the fact that Kyoshiro "doesn't know" about Hiyori's miraculous escape. So I'm ready to readmore developments on this line).
Wondering if Onimaru will let Kawamatsu recognize who he is.
So, Kawamatsu was hesitating between doing seppuku and keep working for the battle agains Kaido in the future…wow!!! And we could read even the panel in which he confess that hesitation. Such a really nice chapter to me.
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Excellent chapter.
Zoro will definitely create his own Black Blade(Wado Ichimonji), for that reason alone I don't see him keeping Shusui after this arc. -
Really can't tell where Oda is going with this katana thing. Sure, Enma sounds like a wicked blade, especially if it really wounded Kaido. But Zoro himself has a blade that was used to kill a dragon.
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Really can't tell where Oda is going with this katana thing. Sure, Enma sounds like a wicked blade, especially if it really wounded Kaido. But Zoro himself has a blade that was used to kill a dragon.
Maybe momonosuke will get it since it's his father's sword, unless he plans to bamboo stick kaidou. If this was the sword of oden the last shogun of kozuki clan, must be a treasure at least for the family, if not for entire nation. Momonosuke should not want to give it away that easy, just like they don't want someone to get ryuuma's sword.
And how the soul of previous user resides in the sword, ode's soul should be with momo, not zoro.
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Really can't tell where Oda is going with this katana thing. Sure, Enma sounds like a wicked blade, especially if it really wounded Kaido. But Zoro himself has a blade that was used to kill a dragon.
Kaido is the stronger son of the dragon Ryuma killed.
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, and then a stronger blade is required.
But also, with all of these katanas vs dragon theme, and on the other hand with the haki lines of Luffy... I'm ready to see
**Kaido vs Zoro
BM vs Luffy
And strawhats 2 - Yonkous 0 tourney**
Just love it if it becomes true
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He already did it a few chapters ago.
I wasn't being specific enough, but I was thinking more like characters based off of Hijikata Toshizo or someone else well known for fighting against the Meiji Restoration.
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That was not the point, the point is that the original owner/owners of the sword deem someone worthy and thus choose them as the heir, like Hyori did for the sword she owns and has received from her father.
Zoro being a descendant of Ryuuma, meaning Shimotsuki, would solve that problem, Ryuuma´s spirit showing that Zoro is worthy would solve the problem, or another Shimotsuki being alive would do the same, of course assuming people know Ryuuma belonged to the Shimotsuki family, which i doubt they do not know.Not sure to follow you. The narrative supports the idea a soul lives in Shushui, and chose Zoro to be his heir and legit owner. So wjhy making Zoro a descendant of Ryuuma is required to believe what we already saw back in TB. The conflict here is between Shushui's wish and decision and Hiyori's wish to keep it with her… A believable way to solve it is with Hiyori and all the people in Wano knowing Shushui's true wish.
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I think this all depends on Zoro's reaction next chapter. If he accepts Hiyori's suggestion, then he most certainly will get back Shushui by the end of the arc. But if he doesn't give a crap and grabs Shushui anyway, then he'll definitely be leaving it at Wano.
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I suppose Enma is one of the 12 supreme grade swords, so if Zoro gets the chance to acquire one of those he'll take it even if he has to leave Shusui behind. Additionally he'll get the Nidai Kitetsu. I think as long as he has three swords he'll be satisfied.
There is one problem with Zoro keeping Shusui.
The people of Wano belief that the robbery of Shusui is the reason of the misfortune. Once Kaido is defeated and the people of Wano find out that Zoro has Shusui, the belief that the robbery was the reason of the misfortune will amplify, because it would seem as if the Sword returned after 2X years and freed the country.
Even if Zoro was part of the solution, they can't allow Shusui to leave the country ever again.It would need a lot of persuasion to let Zoro keep Shusui.
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It would feel weird for Zoro to have a sword that's of a higher sword grade than the Wado Ichimonji. Maybe Oda doesn't see that way though, I dunno.
Like yea, you could argue Shushui is already his strongest sword I suppose, but it's still the same sword grade at least…
Kudos to Oda having a subplot where most feel the same as Zoro, at this point in time I rather he not give it up, but we'll see how it goes.
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I can hardly muster myself to care about which sword Zoro wields since one of his better known one melted away in Enies Lobby. As I said in the spoiler thread, they are just swords… Glorified tools, if you will.
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Very good chapter. Up until now Gyuukimaru was probably the blandest character in the arc, but this did a great job turning it around.
As for Enma, right now I think Zoro will take it (at least eventually, not necessarily next chapter). To me it looks like Wano and the arcs leading up to it have been giving most of the crew powerups of some kind. Luffy has his training in Udon and from fighting Katakuri, Sanji has his Raid Suit, Nami has Zeus, Franky said he would build something back during Zou. Zoro getting one feels in line with that.
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Not sure to follow you. The narrative supports the idea a soul lives in Shushui, and chose Zoro to be his heir and legit owner. So wjhy making Zoro a descendant of Ryuuma is required to believe what we already saw back in TB. The conflict here is between Shushui's wish and decision and Hiyori's wish to keep it with her… A believable way to solve it is with Hiyori and all the people in Wano knowing Shushui's true wish.
Which i said is one way. The point is, the Wa No citizens have to see that the rightful owners of the sword have deemed Zoro as worthy, that´s the only way, and for that there are several options, including Ryuuma´s spirit himself legitimizing Zoro.
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Which i said is one way. The point is, the Wa No citizens have to see that the rightful owners of the sword have deemed Zoro as worthy, that´s the only way, and for that there are several options, including Ryuuma´s spirit himself legitimizing Zoro.
Maybe there is a special technique required to kill a real dragon and Ryuma was the only one who mastered it, so Zoro will "learn" that technique thru Shusui and then the people will allow him to keep Shusui. So that would mean Zoro kills Kaido. :ninja:
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No black snails in Wano? with the boss snails spying/wiretapping should have be easy in theory. Hmmm Kawamatsu didn't report that Hyori is safe, is he trying to protect her by concealing her? how long it will take for O-Toko to mention her to the others.
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I'm going to guess Enma is special for a Meito, and is like made from the fang (or claw) of a dragon.
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Really can't tell where Oda is going with this katana thing. Sure, Enma sounds like a wicked blade, especially if it really wounded Kaido. But Zoro himself has a blade that was used to kill a dragon.
Could be used used by a retainer to make a blow in honor of Oden. If Oda was better Hiyori would have trained with it and be the one doing it. But maybe Kinemon or some other person deeply linked to Odem will do it.
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It would need a lot of persuasion to let Zoro keep Shusui.
He's a pirate. He can just not be be the nicest guy and keep it.
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@Johnny:
I'm going to guess Enma is special for a Meito, and is like made from the fang (or claw) of a dragon.
Or the scale of a dragon. Even to be molded by a special kind of heat or fire. Maybe the shaping of Kairoseki, swords and Poneglyph carving is related to Ryuo and Breath.
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Shusui still better. what you rather have, the sword that cut dragons in half or the one that just wounded one.
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I'm wondering if Thriller Bark is going to be Firetank's next ship
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He’s a Strawhat, they are not your regular pirates.
Could be like Luffy stealing the gold in Skypiea. Or Nami stealing the wallets in Arlong Park. Where the strawhats do a non-good thing but the characters we care about are totally fine with it and see as a prank at worst. Momo, Hiyori and the scabbard consider Zoro worthy while the regular citizen is mad. They are about to save the country from 20 years of servitude and Zoro trained the future Shogun and saved his sister.
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They are about to save the country from 20 years of servitude and Zoro trained the future Shogun and saved his sister.
Yes, but the problem is still there.
It could go either way. There are several things that has to be considered.
- what grade is Enma
- what is Zoro's connection to Ryuma
- is Enma a black blade
- how much is he emotionaly attached to Shusui
All we can do is wait.
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Just steal the national treasure and be done with it.
It'd be the first time the Strawhats really did a truly bad act
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Moria is going to show up with King/God/DEAD Ryuma, the creator of Wano Oars and the descendant of Oars, Oars jr.
Moria better be treated like the GodKing that he is, he's going to save Wano, his pair of scissors will be treated like Shusui.
Also, Zoro should apologize for being an EVIL graverobber!
[hide]
[/hide]Moria the Great…
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Yes, but the problem is still there.
And we also saw how Zoro handle the problem. By refusing to give it back.
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Just steal the national treasure and be done with it.
Moriah stole it. He earned it.
It'd be the first time the Strawhats really did a truly bad act
I disagree. Luffy freed a prison of pretty bad dude after a guy gave a speech about how bad it is. That was the only time a strawhat did something the manga acknowledge as bad.
If the people that are important to the story accept it it won't matter. Like stealing the gold in skypia didn't matter. All the scabbard have pretty much accepted that Zoro won't give it back and move on. And he is about to save their people.
I do appreciate that Hiyori is actually offering Zoro a deal instead of repeating the exact same plot again. If both sword are equal he might not care to swap since Wado is the emotional one. But I don't Emma not staying with what's basically a cult of Oden with living family we care for.
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Moriah stole it. He earned it.
Eh keeping stolen goods knowing it is stolen ain't that far removed from stealing it yourself. And if you once identified fail to return the goods then you are in my book pretty much stealing it again. Especially if the wronged party is offering equal compensation.
I disagree. Luffy freed a prison of pretty bad dude after a guy gave a speech about how bad it is. That was the only time a strawhat did something the manga acknowledge as bad.
If the people that are important to the story accept it it won't matter. Like stealing the gold in skypia didn't matter. All the scabbard have pretty much accepted that Zoro won't give it back and move on. And he is about to save their people.
Atleast Luffys prison break had a sense of genuine need to it.
Sauron is just being petty and cruel.
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Just steal the national treasure and be done with it.
It'd be the first time the Strawhats really did a truly bad act
They said the spirit of the former user is in the sword. Brook can pull his ghost mode and pretend he is the soul of ryuuma and tell them he picked zoro as new user of the sword. or invisible suit sanji can go invisible and pretend he is ghost of ryuuma talking.
Time to pull their weight in the pirate business and start taking treasures. -
That face on Kawamatsu when he read the note was pretty moving. Dude looked genuinely distressed, heartbroken and panicing at the same time, really does convey the emotional bond easier than text could
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You can pretty much consider this chapter to be a representation of Act 2. Oda introduced us to Wano in Ac 1 but now were slowly being given the various stories of Wano. Deepening our understanding of it's History and Characters. Every character really is their own story and Oda is giving us each of them one by one. So when this all concludes we'll thoroughly understand just how much their victory means to each and every one of them.
I'm actually really looking forward to seeing the conclusion of each character's story.
I still stand by what I said previously about Zoro's Swords.
I still see Zoro putting Shusui back at the end of Wano. Not only is it a poetic way to wrap up that story but it's also symbolic of the strawhats righting the wrongs, and undoing the tragedies of their world.
It was Kaidou who crushed Moria. Forcing Moria to create the undead army and steal Ryuuma's corpse in the process. After Moria is defeated Zoro acquires the sword and makes his way to Wano. Then Kaidou the man who was the cause of all the tragedy that befell Wano is defeated. The sword is put back to where it belongs. Having this happen alongside Wano being restored to a paradise after Kaidou's defeat just seems fitting imo.
I don't see him keeping Enma either even if he does use it for a time.
I think it's nice to have the future World's Greatest Swordsman use some of the world's most famous blades for a time but I'm still hoping for all 3 cursed blades to be Zoro's endgame swords.No one uses them and it presents an opportunity for Zoro to make those swords his own rather than using the famed blade of someone else. Enma is famous because it was Oden's sword and what he accomplished with it, and Shusui is famous because it was Ryuuma's sword and what he accomplished with it. I want Zoro to make his own swords famous through his own accomplishments. To make his own legend.
Everyone fears the Kitetsu blades and avoids them like the plague but Zoro is shown to be the only man crazy enough to use them. Not to mention his character theme is Asura the Anti-God and he's always being compared to a demon himself. Making him wield all 3 cursed blades just fits his character extremely well.
