@Lifrit:

2 things i noticed about this statement was that he is still known as Gold Roger and not Gol D. Roger and that "22 years ago" can be used to mark a timeline as to how long its been since they have started. I don't know how it fits in the timeline just yet but i'm going to look back to see if it was ever mentioned before how long ago roger died.

When Luffy was about to get his head chopped off in Loguetown, Smoker mentioned "22 years ago" as well. So if that means anything, it hasn't been a year, which was already kind of evident.

Great, another week of speculation!

About Duval looking for Brook: just because Brook happens to be the oldest member of the crew doesn't mean anything. Also, how could anyone know Brook is sailing with the Straw Hats? He's been missing for 50 years, and the entire crew is presumed dead. Plus he happens to have the appearance of a skeleton now.

As for who Duval might be…

I think several points are interesting: his size, his appearance, the length of time he's been searching for this Strawhat, and the familiarity between him and his gang. So this gets rid of anyone we've seen somewhat recently, and most of the villains they've fought. Also - if he's not a Merman (and I guess we can't really tell at the moment), then why is he here, around Fishman island and surrounded by a crew of mostly fishmen?

Since there's little to speculate with besides that, I think we can pretty much assume it's not someone we've met, or at least, not someone we really know. I'm hoping he has something to do with Chopper or Franky, who've lived on the Grand Line longer than most of the other Strawhats. He doesn't seem like someone who might have come from the East Blue, who hung around there for a while. But I only say that because I can't imagine someone like that coming from the East Blue, where anyone who wasn't a "normal human" was viewed with alarm and surprise. But....who knows.

I agree with CodedTech. What would it mean to have a crewmember join if, say, most of their journey is already over and there's only an island or two left before Raftel?

Oops, posted this in the wrong topic:

Wow, that thing behind Lola's pirate crew looked ominous. It would be pretty funny if they ended up stuck in another horrible situation right after escaping from one.

Also, all this talk about the Straw Hats inching closer to Mariejoa is making me excited for that arc. I wonder if this was partly what Oda was referring to when he said he has big things in store for the future?

And lastly, "______________ [name of any random minor character] will join!!" must be the CURSE OF ONE PIECE. Camie's totally gonna join guys, she'll fill the crucial role of designing Nami's clothes!!! /joke

I'm sorry, this is so dumb, but I'll post it anyway. I guess this thread is the one for stuff like this?

Caveat - I didn't go through all 700+ replies to this thread:

For a while, Ace's fate was unknown. Eventually, it becomes apparent Ace lost - though at the time we weren't sure if he was merely captured or was killed. I always felt strongly that Oda wasn't going to kill off Ace, because in terms of the storyline having Ace actually be dead didn't necessarily matter at that point. I also think the intention was to have everyone suspect the worst.

Anyway - you know the theory that when a DF user dies, the fruit that user ate will grow anew on that spot? (We know already there can't be more than one particular DF "at a given time" from the existence of the DF Encyclopedia and the SBS question in volume 48)

My theory that doesn't deserve its own thread:

1. Well, now we know Ace is alive and is only being held prisoner by the WG.

2. If the theory on how Devil Fruits work is accurate, then Ace's capture (and execution) would essentially ensure the WG has control of the Mera Mera Fruit.

3. With the reader now comfortable with knowing Ace's fate, I think this is a perfect opportunity for Oda to capture people off-guard.

4. The scenario: the Strawhats are facing off against another powerful opponent. Say, a marine. Name someone…...I don't know, Akainu or somebody.

He reveals he has a Devil Fruit -

It's the Mera Mera Fruit.

Seeing as Aokiji (the blue pheasant) has the Ice logia, the fire logia might compliment someone like Akainu (the red dog)..?

That's my dumb theory, thanks for your time.

Don't know if this was mentioned, but:

Did I hear Luffy say "Is it God?" when entering Upper Yard, or is it just me?

@roro:

Luffy and Zoro . Remember the time in arabasta arc when Zoro said :'' I don't know exactly what's keeping me on this ship, but i know there is something strange relating to me Luffy but i can't explain it or understand it. '' he said something like that…wth was he talking about?..i think he was talking to Chopper back then.

I think that was filler for the anime only. I think, it's been a while since I read Alabasta.

Thanks for the scan and the translation!

Zoro: That's a favor to ask if you're going to die.

Kuma: It seems now..If I do anything to Mugiwara, my honor would be at stake.

Sorry if this is totally dumb, but I just wanted to clear something up about this part. Right before dropping his swords, Zoro asked a specific favor of Kuma (offscreen), right? It's not clear yet what exactly it was, right? Or was this just some generic "warrior's promise" thing?

Patti Smith's "Till Victory" (Could only find video from an amateur Ron Paul music video, sorry..)

! cJIPPoWFEHs

"Walls" - by Tom Petty

Not only does the chorus describe Luffy perfectly, the other verses always remind me of the other characters, especially Robin and Nami in Enies Lobby and Arlong Park, before Luffy "got" to them.

But if i never do nothing
I'll get you back some day

…

And all around your island
There's a barricade
It keeps out the danger
It holds in the pain

Crappy Oh My Goddess AMV, more apologies:

! peh5ORqgIPA

Doesn't Brook introduce himself as "Dead Bones Brook" to the crew? I know this is probably just a nickname he gave himself, but maybe that could be his "official" one as well…