I really enjoyed this chapter. Mostly seeing Apoo attack Luffy and Zoro, and I like to see that he holds a candle against them, for now. I think the name of the game here is speed. I feel once they realize that he has to chant and set up an attack, they'll rush him to interrupt his rhythm. I would think he'd be able to predict such consideration from enemies, and he'd respond by being quick and nimble and avoiding close range attacks and making another chant, but Kidd showed us he was a sitting duck. Now, re-watching Episode 402 (18 minutes in), I realize that I didn't like the theme for Apoo at all, and just seeing him act and imagining a better track feels better for me. I'll need to read the manga portion of Apoo attacking Kizaru to see if it is more interesting as well, but right now I'm preferring Manga Apoo. I really enjoy his sudden SCRATCH!! expression. I actually look forward to a full on fight with Apoo, as I think it would be very interesting. I like his poses when he chants. (Also just by the way, seeing Apoo get wrecked by Kizaru's Yata Mirror is really funny) I am concerned about Luffy and Zoro taking too much damage, which is a conflicting feeling for me. I want the fight to go on, but at the same time, I don't want it to drag too long to the point of Luffy not having enough stamina for Kaido. The best part is Apoo's expression after Queen calls them out for not giving a good show. Such a smug bastard, I loved that moment.

@theackwardstation:

So we have three options: (a) no lookout, (b) an overpowered lookout, a standard lookout who is apt for the job. All three are equally valid options, in my opinion.

If Carrot joined the crew, I'd say that she's closer to "c" than "a" or "b", but I don't see that as a detriment to her, especially considering the description of the job. I repeat what I said earlier that most jobs in the crew are only ancillary to their character, not the reason why they're in the main cast. If Carrot joined the crew, it wouldn't be because she is a fantastic lookout, instead she would join for her own narrative purposes and just be a fairly good lookout… or maybe don't even be a lookout at all.

I agree with this. I think this also opens up the possibility that others like Momo can join if the role isn't of too much focus. I generally don't prefer one over the other (carrot v momo) but I like the idea of Momo joining to explore the world and grow. He'd be joined by Kine'mon. I wonder how people feel about Momo.

Buggy is secretly the final straw hat. Why is this you say? To all that talk about variety, and representation, I say: The crew has no clowns yet. What better opportunity then for Buggy to be the first and their very own fool. (He just doesn't know it yet, that will be the amazing part) How does Buggy get roped into this? Shanks gets him drunk and gets him to say yes. Hilarity ensues come morning. His words upon waking up: "He did what?!"

Garp will give Dragon a Beat down in front of Luffy, just as he had done to Luffy in the Water 7 Arc.

I have accepted that Jinbei and Carrot will join. I thought about it, and if we are to have 11, it makes sense due to how much time Carrot is spending with the Straw Hats. I'm not keen on Carrot but I won't fight it anymore, we are in Wano arc and already past %75 completion. Becomes hard to really believe a crewmate would come in so late, or would Oda do such a thing? Hmm.

@ArabianPrynce:

Your correct my theory is bit shotty considering that CoC is still unexplored, its hyped to be a dangerous thing yet all it does is knocked out fodder so like CoO that has a high lvl(future sight"). I assume that CoC has some high level aspect of it as well, but i also think that well explore how CoC is connected to the story thematiclly and why certain characters have it and others dont.

Uroge could have it but his character is largely unexplored yet so will see

I hope it does too I have thought about that.

@desa:

So it's not what I am hoping. Both were born with the potential of greatness. If Kaido made it without it it's different.

I mean the manga doesn't have to be this way. It's just something I would like.

It makes some people seem special so I'm fine with it. Chosen by fate and all that. Sure it can be interesting for someone without it to try to fight it, in Rock Lee style. Also, even with it, it's obviously nothing overpowered either. It didn't help Luffy at all against Kaido here, who does not seem to have it. I think people still have to work pretty hard regardless of the ability either way. What matters is that it is balanced.

@wolfwood:

So real talk though. Is the prisoner kawa whatever or den something?

Which powerful Wano retainer dude is it gonna be.

Either that or one of Roger's retired crew mates that Joyboy theorized about I think.

So, very good chapter. First, I think this is a perfect opportunity for Luffy to gain 'training' through actual prison labor. I don't expect him to escape anytime soon, what I hope for is something similar to Gohan's initial development, when he was fending for himself. I don't think Luffy would really train in a similar manner himself. He might try to gain new techniques and such, just not physical training. I could be wrong, since he did do some sort of training with Ace and Sabo. I loved the 'HUH!?' reactions. I enjoyed the moment Luffy glared at Kaido and how Luffy made the grunts faint. Still enjoying how Shuutenmaru is just chilling with no fucks given about Kaido. Btw, I'm impressed with him as much as I was with Bege. I can't seem to remember anything at the top of my head.

–- Update From New Post Merge ---

@HTC:

The next Luffy evolution will have him incorporate Elizabello's King Punch in all of his attacks, from the gomu gomu no Pistol all the way to gomu gomu Kong Organ, plus whatever other attacks Oda gives him.

Why else would Oda show us Luffy's reaction to Elizabello's punch? Obviously, Luffy won't need the "one hour preparation time", or can just use the "light version" for his more basic attacks and the "full version" for the more heavy hitting ones.

Besides, this punch is "supposed to take out a Yonko … if it connects", right? @ least that's what Elizabello's tactician Dagama said, right?

I lol'd, that would be something Luffy would take holy shit.

Great chapter. Good job for whoever predicted that Tama would say 'you look just like Ace' because of the fire hawk punch thing. I also enjoyed them getting on Speed (Wagon). I'm interested to see who Basil was looking at. Law's reaction is funny. I realize that no matter what, Luffy and crew are just going to make things harder for themselves and that's how it'll be. It'd be easier to deal with Kaido without all the commotion, it's just funny how it just explodes in that manner.

Awesome chapter. I want to say more but I'm too tired to say anything.