Oh so blackness662's previous post actually related to chapter 1057...I read it yesterday and thought it was random.
Oof...guess I now know what happens =/.
Oh so blackness662's previous post actually related to chapter 1057...I read it yesterday and thought it was random.
Oof...guess I now know what happens =/.
While the cliff hanger in chapter 1056 left Yamato's path forward seemingly objectively vague, there has only been relevant set-up toward one direction.
Yamato has inherited the will of Oden and chose to pursue "freedom". Yamato never personally met Oden as far as we know (maybe when Oden was dancing during those years?) so the embodiment of Oden is very specific in Yamato's mind. Oda hasn't hidden how much he has aligned Yamato with Oden. And like Oden, through the journey to Laugh Tale, Yamato will come to also understand the history of his lineage. Yamato has already accepted who he is since he was a child establishing that both aspects to Yamato are important to his story:
Just as how Oden learned about the Kozuki history through his journey across the Grand Line with Whitebeard and Roger, Yamato will learn about the history of his blood (the race or races he belongs to) through the journey with the Straw Hat Pirates. There is a story behind the Oni blood and the history that made Kaido into who he became. Oda has set-up the story of Yamato to extend beyond his admiration of Oden and the goals Oden held. The dream Yamato holds which Oda has reiterated several times across the arc is testament to the independence Yamato has to Oden’s story. Yamato will carry on Oden’s will and see it through but at the same time, he will follow his own desires and path before him.
@electricmastro I agree with you.
The story of the Oni/Ancient Giants is being saved by Oda to delve into when Yamato is part of the crew to give it genuine and personal relevance to a main character. In all likelihood, the Elbaf and Vegapunk arcs will deal with information on the Oni/Ancients Giants and the research done with Kaido's Bloodline Element.
Kaido’s Lineage Factor/Bloodline Element has become a substantial aspect to the research conducted by Vegapunk and the Marine Scientists. The CP-0 have already confirmed that when Kaido was captured by the Marines he was experimented on with his Bloodline Element being used by Vegapunk to create the Artificial Devil Fruit that Momonosuke has consumed. Beyond the Artificial Devil Fruit there are also connections with Kaido’s Bloodline Element being used to experiment on the Numbers. I also suspect Kaido's Bloodline Element had a hand in creating the Dragons and the Jailer Beast.
Yamato's story and character still has an immense amount of potential to unpack. Wano was just their introduction relative to what I suspect is to come based on what has been established.
@Shiebs said in Next Straw Hat Crewmates (Vol. 9 - Yamato vs. The World):
Too bad we don’t still have the poll results, it would be cool to see who was right, either way we should find out within the next few chapters
Did you want to see the results? This may not be from this thread but I did take a screen shot from the poll results in the vol 8. thread last year (9 Oct 2021), which was around the time that thread was closed and this one created. Results may not be current as users could have changed their vote in this thread when posed with the "yes" or "no" options:
As for why I took that image, it was merely for evidence to show that I didn't vote.
(I hope it is okay to post this image)
I was expecting Buggy to have consolidated the forces of the Shichibukai under him to justify his Yonko rank but I was anticipating more members, still, it is cool for him to be seen commanding two of the most iconic Shichibukai members. Was not expecting the twist of issuing bounties on Marines. Will be interesting to see Sakazuki's response.
What I also find curious is how Law and Kid are going to use the Road Poneglyph imprints they have in their possession. Without someone to decipher it how will they find Laugh Tale? At present, Robin is the only character who can read the Poneglyphs. Considering that fact and the relevance of the information Law and Kid has in combination with the Blackbeard Pirates inevitable destination, will Oda introduce additional characters who can read the Ancient Language? It has already been established that the Three-Eyed tribe can awaken their third eye and achieve the “Voice of All things” ability which enables the user to decipher and read the Poneglyph language. Without a doubt, the Three-Eyed tribe are going to become more relevant going forward. The Blackbeard Pirates will definitely “enlist” the services of an awakened Three-Eyed tribe member. With this development, it would appear to take value away from Robin but rather I feel it increases Robin’s value because of what happened to the Roger Pirates. Roger reached Laugh Tale but his crew were unable to finish what Joy Boy began as they were not equipped with the correct “answer” after having all or at least most the information available to them. Robin isn’t like anybody else in this world, her whole life has been dedicated to finding the true history and it is within that pursuit that an answer no one else will reach will be arrived at by Robin.
With Yamato's story currently in focus and after the effort Oda has put into developing Yamato's bond with Ace (including the chapter 999 title), after taking all that information in consideration, I feel Yamato will definitely be leaving with Luffy to visit Ace's grave. The emotional resonance is too relevant to not pursue at this time. Ace is a big reason why Yamato and Wano were saved. Pushing Yamato's "reunion" with Ace further into the story when the emotional impact has died down doesn't seem logical or beneficial from the story perspective to me. Ace is one of the pillars in the One Piece story and the "promise" Yamato made to Ace about meeting again will be presented as a focal point within the story. Whenever the Straw Hat Pirates visit Ace's (and Whitebeard's) grave, Yamato will be there. Also, very little work needs to be done to make Yamato relevant to the expected future story threads in One Piece because by the set-up, Yamato is passively relevant to them:
@Syphin said in Next Straw Hat Crewmates (Vol. 9 - Yamato vs. The World):
Yamato’s role will not end with the conclusion of the Wano Kuni Arc. They are one of the most uniquely positioned characters in the story holding an immense level of potential. Yamato is a character who has been aligned with EVERY single expected major story thread yet to come:
- Ace grave? Sure, the chapter 999 title pretty much confirms that Yamato will be visiting Ace's grave;
- Giants? Sure, the Oni and Ancient Giants story can be covered in an arc dealing with Giants (too many similarities between Ancients Giants and Oni have been established for it to be coincidence);
- Vegapunk? Sure, the research done on Kaido (Oni) which has been influential to many research projects in the Marines can be covered in an arc focusing on Vegapunk and the Marines science progression;
- New Generation? Sure, Yamato expressed interest in the New Generation of Pirates when he met Ace and throughout the Onigashima story, Oda has aligned Yamato with the New Generation;
- God Valley? Sure, Kaido was one of the invaders and a core member of the Rocks's Pirates. It could also be presumed that Kaido used to look up to Rocks;
- Blackbeard? Sure, Ace's death was a result of Teach's actions. Also the story behind the Rocks Pirates could come into play (Teach inheriting Rocks's will). Rocks may have betrayed his crew to try and save himself on God Valley which may have consequently led to Kaido's defeat and capture (where he became a prisoner of Punk Hazard). If God Valley and Teach's story go into the history of the Rocks Pirates and Kaido's past, Yamato may begin to understand why his father chose the path he did;
- Shanks? Sure, he would be interested in the person who has inherited Oden's will;
- Laugh Tale? Sure, that is a destination Oden reached that he didn't include much information on in his journal
- Joy Boy? Sure, Yamato wishes to assist Joy Boy (Luffy) whom Oden was waiting on;
- Post Laugh Tale? Sure, Yamato story of liberation will come into play by helping the world attain liberation
There is so much relevance attached to Yamato's character by being closely associated with three core One Piece characters - Kaido, Oden and Ace. And this even getting to themes and dreams Oda has aligned Yamato with which represent the main concepts of One Piece - romance and liberation.
Further, Yamato brings with him more than just strength. He is an asset that will elevate the Straw Hat Pirates to be a crew that will ascend the Roger Pirates.
Also needs to be mentioned, Yamato appears to have an immense level of story relevance:
@Syphin said in Next Straw Hat Crewmates (Vol. 9 - Yamato vs. The World):
In the event Yamato goes with Luffy, how do you figure she’d follow-up on the plot line the most, in the wake of Oden trying to open the borders for Joy Boy?
Serving as a type of Consultant and guiding Luffy toward carrying out Joy Boy's will. Luffy isn't someone who is going to understand what it means to be "Joy Boy" and that his mission involves dismantling the corruption within the World Government by liberating the world through the truth hidden away in history and within the shadows of the present. Yamato on the other hand lived a life as a prisoner and was exposed to corruption for twenty years (longer than several Straw Hat Pirates have been alive). Yamato's experiences (including the people who died to help him) entrenched his desires for liberation. During Yamato's fight with his father, he expressed his intention to liberate Wano and to release the Samurai unto the world and at a later point, Yamato questions Kaido on why he steals the freedom of Wano and himself. Yamato's very theme driving his story is that of liberation. The topic of freedom is meaningful to Yamato and something he has no issue dying for. When Luffy was believed to have fallen, he unhesitatingly chose to continue to challenge Kaido in pursuit of keeping the flame of liberation and salvation alive. Yamato even silenced Momonosuke's cowardice with his conviction.
At present, none of the Straw Hat Pirates are currently concerned with the end result they will inevitably bring about i.e. the end of the corrupt World Government, and this is a growing problem because in order for the conclusion of One Piece to hold emotional weight, you need the Straw Hat Pirates to embrace the role they will serve and genuinely fight for it. This is where Yamato comes in. To fill the gap and bridge together each and every Straw Hat Pirate to the conclusion of One Piece. Where Luffy won't supersede his penchant for freedom in favor of fighting directly for the liberation of world, Yamato will step in and carry that mission so Luffy can continue to focus on his desire to sail the Grand Line unburdened by the politics and complexities of toppling a faction ruling over 170 nations across the world. This is also why Oda is dedicating so much focus on the Yamato and Momonosuke relationship because they are two pieces who will be instrumental in the downfall of the World Government. Yamato is directly concerned with the enemy Wano closed its border for 800 years ago and at the very least since the age of 8, Yamato was resolved to fight for Wano (this includes their enemies i.e. the World Government and Marines). Reconciling Yamato's desire to help Wano and to follow their desire to sail with Luffy, the path forward seems obvious. Momonosuke is destined to become Shogun of Wano and the representative guiding the World to the Dawn. These two characters will be the driving force behind politically cornering the World Government and exposing them for the lies and deceit they hid away from the rest of the world. Yamato aboard the Thousand Sunny (the current greatest threat facing the World Government) and Momonosuke as the head of Wano Kuni. Wano will become a faction directly opposing the World Government and the Straw Hat Pirates will be the wave that washes off the mask of justice the World Government (Im, Five Elders, Tenryuubito, corrupt officials/officers) portray themselves as. Yamato is even aware of Luffy's second dream which he can assist Luffy with.
Robin's inclusion within the crew served to introduce a character to concern themselves with the Void Century hidden away in history and someone to drive forward the story of the "Will of D" (things Luffy had no interest in). The Will of D plot has now also been incorporated into Law's (pseudo-main character) story who seeks to uncover what Rosinante meant about the fate the People of D share i.e enemies of God. Both Law and Robin will be used to drive the story of the "Will of D", something Luffy has no interest in. Law will help Robin locate the Poneglyphs and Robin will decipher them. The role Robin serves has been further expanded when Oda introduced the Road Poneglyphs. To uncover the location of Laugh Tale, someone who can decipher the Road Poneglyphs is needed and the amount of people who can currently do this totals one (Robin).
Jinbe's inclusion within the crew was also the result of keeping Luffy away from heavier elements of One Piece. Jinbe became the member that connects themselves with the story of coexistence and Luffy embodying the image of a God (Nika the Sun God). Luffy will not directly concern himself with reducing discrimination or being some sort of savior to people who worship the Sun God but Jinbe will when slavery, racism and discrimination is in focus. Otohime and Tiger's story revolved around such themes and their will has been inherited by Jinbe (Shirahoshi and Mjosgard have inherited Otohime's will too). Before Jinbe joined, my main doubt about him becoming a Straw Hat Pirate during the Fish-Man Island Arc was that his story/dream was too significant to be aligned with that of a Pirate crew hoping to sail through the whole Grand Line. At that time, I did not consider Luffy's actions having worldwide consequences in terms of governance, equality, politics and freedom. Luffy just didn't seem the type who cared about such things. Ever since the Tenryuubito were introduced though, the story of One Piece has been less about adventure and more about the grander story of change. Each chapter makes this more apparent. This is why the Islands in the New World the Straw Hat Pirates have traveled to have been less about adventure and more about progressing the conflict between the New Generation and the World Government.
I still don't believe Yamato won't join Luffy in his adventure. The story Oda has set up for Yamato has very much established Yamato as perceiving Luffy as his primary focus. Not once during Yamato's time with Momonosuke during the Wano arc has he placed Momonosuke above Luffy within his mind. The plot threads related to Joy Boy needs a Straw Hat Pirate to carry it and so far Robin and Luffy hasn't been set-up to push forward the destiny related to Joy Boy. Yamato on the other hand has inherited Oden's will whose wish was to assist the Joy Boy of the current age finish what the Joy Boy of the past was unable to complete. Yamato sailing to Laugh Tale with the Straw Hat Pirates will also assist Momonosuke in finding out what Oden discovered and removed from his journal after writing it down.
Yamato joining the Straw Hat Pirates is a natural consequence of everything Oda has set up so far.
@Syphin said in Next Straw Hat Crewmates (Vol. 9 - Yamato vs. The World):
Looking at Yamato as a character, Oda-sensei introduced them in a very specific way that directed him toward Luffy. From the fact that Luffy was the person Yamato was waiting for to Yamato’s expression of wanting to travel aboard Luffy’s ship. There wasn’t much hesitation in Yamato’s mind about leaving with the Straw Hat Pirates once Wano was liberated and its borders opened. In order to make a case for Yamato remaining in Wano, the narrative would need to entrench Yamato and his desires within the plot threads of Wano but as at chapter 1047, that has not yet happened (potentially it still could). Rather, Yamato leaving with Luffy has only been reinforced.
How Yamato was introduced:
Let’s look at how Yamato was introduced. He hid himself from the Beast Pirates during that day in order to wait for Luffy to arrive so that he could meet him. The fact that Yamato specifically searched for Luffy and intervened in Luffy’s fight against Ulti conveys how focused Yamato was on Luffy. This reality became further apparent when Yamato declared he would fight on Luffy’s side. At this point, Yamato’s primary interest was Luffy, whom Yamato believed would stop Kaido. Yamato even told Luffy that he had no issue fighting against his father when Luffy inquired if he was okay with his father being defeated. In order for Yamato’s story to align with Momonosuke and Wano, the primary focus within Yamato’s mind would need to switch from Luffy to Wano.
Going forward, Yamato rejected Kaido’s intention to make him shogun and became further indebted to Luffy when his explosive bindings were removed and Luffy shared with him the information that Momonosuke and the Akazaya Samurai were alive. Yamato guided Luffy to the Performance Floor where Momonosuke was chained. And this is where a very important moment conveying both Oda-sensei and Luffy’s impression of Yamato took place. When Yamato attempted to engage his father, Luffy stopped him and stated that Yamato and him weren’t the ones who needed to start the War. The ones who needed to initiate the War were the representatives of Wano i.e. the Akazaya Samurai. In Luffy’s eyes, Yamato was not a representation or reflection of Wano. Yamato was like him, an outsider. He was not an agent of Wano. Oda-sensei, at this point, clearly set up Yamato to be separate from those who truly belonged to Wano.
How Yamato and Momonosuke's relationship developed:
Once the Akazaya Samurai attacked Kaido and began the war, Yamato could have rushed to Momonosuke to help save him but instead, Yamato remained beside Luffy while facing Ulti. Yamato declared he would become Oden on this day and that he stands in opposition to his father. Yamato also heard Luffy declare his intention to defeat the Beast Pirates, Big Mom and Orochi confirming Yamato’s belief that Luffy will be the one to save Wano. If at this point in time, Momonosuke was Yamato’s primary focus, Yamato would have acted to save him but instead, what we have is Yamato only taking on the responsibility of protecting Momonosuke AFTER ordered to by Luffy. Yamato’s primary focus remained Luffy with Momonosuke becoming his secondary focus. When Yamato saves Momonosuke, he mentions that he would die for Momonosuke. There is no lies in Yamato’s words but this moment did not push Momonosuke to be Yamato’s primary focus substantiated by Yamato still leaving Momonosuke to assist Luffy against Kaido and a second time leaving Momonosuke to stop the Onigashima bombs from exploding. These moments convey how Momonosuke continued to remain secondary to Luffy in Yamato’s mind.
The story Yamato shared with Momonosuke and Shinobu about his past conveyed how Luffy became important to Yamato after meeting Ace with Yamato only realizing Luffy’s relevance AFTER Ace died. It also presented to readers how meaningful being free and sailing the seas were to Yamato. There is also the fact that Yamato now knows what Luffy’s dream beyond being Pirate King is. A dream very intimate to Luffy as he expressed it in front of his brothers in the past. Additionally, chapter 999 sets up Yamato visiting Ace’s grave once Kaido is defeated and Wano’s borders are opened. There will definitely be payoff to the set up established. Yamato's flashback and narration also sets up the New Generation (which Yamato has become a part of) VS the Current Generation (Yonko).
Arguably, the flashbacks also indirectly convey Yamato’s 3D2Y moment. The moment Yamato lost Ace was the moment he gained Luffy. Through the grief and sorrow, Yamato’s familiarity with Oden’s words and the story Ace shared with him unlocked a connection Yamato never noticed before. Luffy was the one Oden had been waiting for and desired to open Wano’s borders for. When Yamato met Ace, he was okay with leaving Wano on Ace’s ship if he could but once Yamato made the connection between Luffy and Joy Boy, he realized how important it was to open Wano’s borders. Freedom and adventure were always Yamato’s focus but saving Wano and opening its borders were never his primary concerns when he met Ace. It was Luffy who established in Yamato’s mind the need to have Wano’s borders opened. This is why Yamato has been waiting for Luffy and unlike how his meeting with Ace played out, Yamato is now aware of the importance of defeating Kaido and liberating the nation before leaving.
Yamato abandoning Momonosuke to help Luffy fight Kaido establishes how important Luffy is to Yamato relative to Momonosuke. If Momonosuke was Yamato’s primary concern, Yamato would not have left Momonosuke vulnerable. Clearly at this point, Luffy is still Yamato’s primary focus. Yamato even mentions to Kaido without ambiguity and uncertainty or any other room for interpretation that he plans to LEAVE Wano WITH Luffy after Kaido is defeated. Those words are clear. No hesitation. No doubt. Only resolve.
Yamato goes on to further state that Luffy is the one who Oden was waiting for i.e. Joy Boy. This expression clearly establishes why Yamato is ready to fight for Luffy. Thanks to reading Oden’s journal and treating it as his Bible, Joy Boy (Luffy) became a figure of salvation within Yamato’s mind for Wano and the world. When Ace died, it was the connection Yamato made between Luffy and Joy Boy that likely inspired him to continue fighting through the grief and powerlessness (similar to what happened to Sabo). Through Yamato’s battle with Kaido, the theme of liberation became a focal point to his character. From his flashbacks, to the events in the present day, Yamato continuously challenged Kaido and refused to yield. Freeing the world is a story Joy Boy is destined for and Yamato very much aligns with this in regards to his past and the story playing out in the Wano Kuni Arc.
The main reason driving Yamato to fight Kaido was not to defeat Kaido and save Wano but to hold Kaido back until Luffy returns to challenge him again. Yamato even states this when Kaido expresses that Yamato cannot defeat him. Yamato knows he cannot defeat Kaido alone yet he still chooses to fight and this is because of Luffy. Yamato understands that he alone cannot help free Wano and places his belief in Luffy who he sees as Joy Boy, the representation of liberation. When Luffy does return, Oda-sensei expresses how well Luffy and Yamato work together with their unintentional joint attack against Kaido. This is one of Yamato’s best panels illustrated by Oda-sensei. Yamato left Kaido to Luffy when he returned and after seeing Luffy and Kaido split the sky like Oden described Roger and Whitbeard doing, Yamato had more confirmation that Luffy truly is the one to defeat Kaido. What Oden began to see in Roger which played a part in Oden agreeing to travel with Roger over Whitebeard, Yamato is seeing firsthand in Luffy.
Yamato's belief in Momonosuke:
Moving ahead, once again Yamato does not proactively leave with Momonosuke, he only does so when Luffy request Yamato to help Momonosuke with stopping Onigashima from falling on the Flower Capital. During Yamato guiding Momonosuke, he does not scold Momonosuke for being a coward (because Yamato doesn’t believe he is) but he does yell at Momonosuke for not believing in Luffy. Yamato believes Momonosuke is capable of saving Wano which is why Yamato left Momonosuke alone to deal with the Onigashima explosives. If Yamato truly felt Momonosuke was not ready and needed more of his advice, Yamato would have passed the responsibility of stopping the Onigashima bombs from exploding onto someone else and returned to help Momonosuke. That clearly did not happen. Only after the Onigashima bombs were dealt with did Yamato and Momonosuke reunite and this wasn’t by intention but by circumstance. Once the Wano Kuni Arc concludes after Momonosuke carries Onigashima on his back, Yamato’s will have little reason to remain in Wano over leaving with Luffy and helping him.
Turning to scene where Momonosuke questions whether he is a coward, he expressed his frustration to Yamato at not knowing what his father discovered on Laugh Tale. Momonosuke’s desires of wanting to know the contents of the torn out page from Oden’s journal was conveyed to Yamato. This scene doesn’t express to Yamato that Momonosuke isn’t ready so he needs to remain in Wano but rather it gives Yamato more of reason to leave. Momonosuke wants to know the secrets of Laugh Tale and he confided this in Yamato. Not Luffy, Kin’emon or Robin but the child of Kaido. Yamato has a genuine reason to travel to Laugh Tale and help alleviate Momonosuke’s confusion. Momonosuke is destined to guide the world to the Dawn which is a plot thread set up to conclude after the Straw Hat Pirates reach Laugh Tale. And due to Momonosuke having confided in Yamato, it will be him conveying the secrets of Laugh Tale to Momonosuke.
Through Momonosuke, who heard the voice of Zunesha, Yamato received confirmation that Luffy was Joy Boy. Yamato even queried Momonosuke on this. Yamato witnessing Luffy in Gear Five fighting Kaido as an equal gave Yamato more motivation to help him by requesting Momonosuke to keep Onigashima from falling. Yamato continues to believe in Momonosuke’s ability and the reality that Momonosuke is ready to carry the nation and the future of the world on his back.
Yamato continues to operate with Luffy as his primary focus. And at no time during the arc as at chapter 1047, has Oda-sensei had Yamato place Momonosuke as a concern above Luffy. Momonosuke has always been a secondary focus to Yamato. To Yamato, Luffy has been the one primarily driving his choices and actions.
The Okuchi no Makami And Its Role As Guardian Deity Of Wano:
The Okuchi no Makami may very well be a Guardian Deity of Wano but even if that is the case, does a Guardian Deity of Wano need to remain in Wano to continue being a Guardian? We already have evidence in the manga that the answer is no. When Kin'emon and Co. got sent 20 years into the future, they did not need to remain in Wano to fulfill their Guardian Deities role, rather they left and returned. In order to save and protect Wano, they needed allies and as such left Wano to reach Zou. At present a similar scenario is playing out. Wano initially closed its borders to protect itself from an external power and to await the return of Joy Boy. With Luffy being Joy Boy and about to defeat Kaido, Wano will be liberated and its border inevitably opened. Oden wished for this happen and for Wano and the world to support Joy Boy when he returns. Wano's ultimate victory over the external power they initially closed their borders for over 800 years ago will be determined by Joy Boy. Which in turn means the fate of Wano rest in the journey Luffy is engaged in. By leaving Wano with Luffy and assisting him as Oden wished (Yamato has inherited Oden's will), Yamato will be performing his role as Guardian Deity of Wano. Sailing with Luffy and performing the role of Guardian Deity are not mutually exclusive. And the home Yamato will return to after the journey will be Wano.
When it comes to the Zoan Devil Fruits having a will, it establishes that the Zoan Devil Fruit has to an extent some choice over who their user is. The Okuchi no Makami Fruit chose Yamato. Not the Samurai. Not the Beast Pirates. Not an average civilian. But Yamato. A child who idolized Oden and wished to adventure and sail the seas. Why? Why Yamato? If the Okuchi no Makami Fruit was concerned with the protection of Wano, there would have been better options than a child of Kaido who was imprisoned on Onigashima unable leave. Zoan Devil Fruits may have a will but they cannot see into the future and know with certainty what will happen. It was not guaranteed that Yamato would continue to challenge their father for 20 years (or indefinitely - it is not like Fruit knew when Joy Boy would arrive…unless it did). The likely scenario was Yamato breaking down from despair, hopelessness and suffering to become a soldier of Kaido. Rather than some future event that hasn't happened motivating the Zoan Devil Fruit, what appears more likely is the current disposition of the individual being the focal rationale behind the Zoan Devil Fruit choosing the person. Did the Okuchi no Makami react to Yamato's adventurous and romantic spirit and his desire to carry on Oden's will?
These are my thoughts on Yamato and how the plot is influencing the direction he is being developed in. The Wano Arc isn't just treating Yamato as a main character but the whole manga is supporting his story; from Ace, to Oden, to Luffy/Joy Boy, to Wano, to Kaido, to Xebec D. Rocks (likely betrayed Kaido), to Blackbeard (his actions resulted in Ace's death) to the Ancient Giants/Oni, to the Dawn, to the themes of liberation, freedom, romance and coexistence. The manga itself is highlighting Yamato as unique and important. Every single expected future arc has story threads related to Yamato.
Tldr; Luffy is Yamato's primary focus with Momonosuke/Wano as his secondary. Oda has yet to lift Momonosuke's importance above Luffy in Yamato's mind.
At present I'm still struggling to view Carrot as a main character after the treatment, focus and development she has received throughout her story. It has been over 250 chapters since her introduction and almost 5 years since Pedro's fall and Carrot has yet to express any interest in learning about what the Straw Hat Pirates are fighting for and the larger story in play.
The Mink society through Zou is by extension of their relationship to the Kozuki Clan and Wano connected to the "Dawn". Consequently, the Mokomo Dukedom has relevance in assisting Momonosuke bring about the Dawn, which is what Pedro had been fighting for. Rather than Carrot continuing to be a reactive character, taking the responsibility of leadership and guiding the Mink toward a new future seems in line with bringing her character forward and advancing her story. She may not be equipped to lead a nation but neither is an 8 year boy but sometimes growth is derived through necessity and failing and falling establishes the stones forming the path toward success.
And talking about Momonosuke's growth, I'm glad to see he considered Yamato and Yamato's dreams when determining how best to take Wano forward. Momonosuke's actions were in line with how I saw his story developing a year ago:
@Syphin said in Next Straw Hat Crewmates (Vol. 8 - Onigashima):
Even if Yamato feels they have a duty to protect Momonosuke, Momonosuke will not allow that when it comes at the expense of Yamato's dream. Momonosuke's arc is about growing into a leader that will change Wano Kuni and eventually be the driving force behind the liberation of the world from the World Government and their deception, manipulation and malice. If anything, Momonosuke's path of liberation could start with Yamato by absolving Yamato of any obligations he may feel he has to Wano Kuni. If a compromise needs to be reached, Momonosuke may even tell Yamato to return to Wano after he has his adventure with the Straw Hat Pirates and sailed to Laugh Tale.Momonosuke has to come to learn about his importance and potentially the importance of the Straw Hat Pirates concerning the fight his father (and mother) died for (assisting those that will see Joy Boy's will through). Momonosuke is also rapidly coming to understand the benefit Yamato can have toward reaching such an end (knowledge, strength and intention) and rather than continuing to shackle Yamato to Wano Kuni and the Kozuki family, Momonosuke will instead support Yamato's desire to join the Straw Hat Pirates. Momonosuke has learned about Yamato's story and has read Oden's journal and knows about how the two were shackled to Wano. If Yamato wants to be Oden, Momonosuke will not be the Sukiyaki in that story. Momonosuke will be Momonosuke. By opening up Wano's borders, Momonosuke will also open up the path toward Yamato seeing their dream fulfilled.
The focus Oda has given to the Yamato and Momonosuke relationship isn't inconsequential but rather substantial for a reason - because Momonosuke will have a hand in directing Yamato to joining the Straw Hat Pirates.
I've really enjoyed Momonosuke's growth during the latter half of the Wano Arc.
@pokebat7 You are right on that point. Two years ago when I made that post, I did anticipate more focus given to Carrot but she has been under-served during the Wano Arc. Some guidance for Carrot is definitely required to make her more comfortable with taking the Mink toward a new future. Also Carrot needs to move on from being a reactionary participant to being an active player within the story.
Also Yamato is definitely joining the crew. The story has been set-up to explore his lineage and role.
Did readers really not expect Carrot's promotion to a leadership position? I thought that was the clear direction of her story arc. I've already mentioned this possibility in 2020 - my post in July 2020 and in November 2020:
@Syphin said in Next Straw Hat Crewmates (Vol. 8 - Onigashima):
[...]
There needs to be a character that will come along that will change the status quo and move the nation (Zou) into the new dawn. Aside from Pedro and Carrot, none of the other Mink's have been developed to fill such a role (certainly not Inuarashi or Nekomamushi who could have saved Wano Kuni earlier if they reached out to the Roger Pirate remnants and the Whitebeard Pirates twenty years ago when they retreated back to Zou). Nekomamushi may be waiting for the dawn but he has not been developed into a character that will work alongside the Straw Hat Pirates to see it arise. With Pedro having fallen in Whole Cake Island, Carrot now embodies that character stationed to open Zou up. Pedro's goal was to lay the foundation for the "dawning of the world" for the people he believes can bring it about. Pedro saved the Straw Hat Pirates but he did not accomplish his goal. Rather it appears, Pedro's will has been inherited by Carrot. She will assist in laying the foundation for the Straw Hat Pirates and the Kozuki clan (Momonosuke and Hiyori) to help guide the world to the "dawn".
Carrot becoming the representative/leader of the Mink isn't surprising to me rather it was the expected outcome.
Despite this arc having obvious issues, I still find it one of Oda's better arcs. It serves as a conclusion to over 10 years of story and within the overarching narrative, I find Oda has been successful in concluding the story built up over those years. Wano's suffering has been substantiated incredibly well through the myriad of characters encountered during the arc and the antagonism Orochi held toward Wano. I have also significantly enjoyed Momonosuke's focus within the latter portion of the arc with him slowly rising up to the challenge of embracing his destiny - future Shogun of Wano. One of the main apprehensions I had before entering into the Wano arc was the presentation of the Samurai and how underwhelming they felt. Thankfully, through the narrative, relevance and inclusion of additional Samurai, their value positively added to the embodiment of the Samurai.
I have in the past detailed my frustration over certain aspects of the arc such as how bloated it is and my annoyance toward how Oda handled the Smile users, Mink and Ninja but despite all that, the positives I found in the arc helped to keep the momentum moving forward. I also don't have an issue with how battles have been handled in the Wano arc. After disappointments suffered in the Fish-Man Island, Dressrosa, and Whole Cake Island regarding battles not featuring Luffy, I have come to terms with their current characterisations and stopped holding optimistic expectations toward how battles will be illustrated (my expectations have become more fluid). This is why the Nami victory against Ulti never bothered me, I never believed she would defeat Ulti without a third party interference or a cheat ability to begin with (Nami is weak relative to the current enemies and without Zeus). The Zoro and Sanji battles also don't bother me because those were the best fights they have featured in within the New World story. I also wouldn't be surprised or bothered if Kaido is defeated by this punch. He may not be knocked out but this punch could signal defeat in Kaido's mind which in turn could diminish the desire for destruction he has. After challenging Luffy and losing, Kaido should have reached an acknowledgement. If he hasn't, Luffy just needs to deal the final blow to completely crush Kaido's resolve. This could take the form a statement. Kaido's defeat to Luffy will be integral to his perspective going forward.
Other aspects I have loved about the Wano arc is the portrayal of the Worst Generation and the battles they featured in. The manner in how Oda has infused Japanese Mythology into the Wano story, setting and characters has also been done extremely well. From the stories of Momotaro, to Tsuru no Ongaeshi, to the story of Benkei, to the Yamata no Orochi to many other references to Japanese yokai and even references to Hindu mythology, I have loved it all. The presentation of how the Beast Pirates were deconstructed was also another positive point for me. I enjoyed seeing all the Beast Pirates realign themselves with the Samurai Rebellion in opposition of the Beast Pirates. It conveys the uniqueness Luffy and those who gather around him represent in the current age.
–- Update From New Post Merge ---
Something else I would like to add concerns the story/prophecy of the Nine Shadows. If Oda is serious about picking up that story thread and highlighting it, he could do so in this climatic moment where Kaido has been overpowered by Luffy (the punch will knock Kaido down). This could be the moment where Kaido awakens his powers requiring the Nine Shadows to gather together to fully defeat Kaido. I have expressed in the past that the setting for Kaido's defeat being the execution site of Oden would be very symbolic for Wano and the story. This 20 year long Night for Wano began on the day and in the place Oden was executed. Dawn may arise for Wano in the same place as Kaido falls there. This would require the fight to transition from the sky toward the Flower Capital.
What I suspected to happen last year:
@Syphin:
While Kaido and Luffy are on Onigashima, it appears the battle will involve just the two of them. Kaido will come to reevaluate his view on Luffy. During that time Yamato may end assisting Momonosuke - Momo works best when he has others guiding and supporting him. Eventually, I suspect the battle between Luffy and Kaido will relocate to the Flower Capital, specifically where Oden's hour long execution took place. Kaido has been haunted by Oden since the raid began and having his fight conclude in the place where he chose to execute Oden, who mentioned to him that his soul will live on after his death, seems fitting to conclude Kaido's reign over Wano. Yamato will be present during this moment as well as the other "shadows". Big Mom will also be there to witness the fall of Kaido.
Oden's execution site may also be where Momonosuke cancels his Dragon transformation and returns to his human form, which would look like a certain figure that would bring the people of Wano to tears (those with a heart at least).
Kaido was whittled down throughout the day and he deviated a significant part of his power to raise Onigashima and move it to the Flower Capital (the power involved to do that isn't nothing).
I don't believe Kaido was at 100% when fighting Luffy.
Plus there is also the mental state of Kaido - he WANTS to be defeated after fighting a strong opponent (which is why the Oden moment traumatizes him). The desperation involved in winning was not present in Kaido as that is not his end goal.
I liked how this chapter focused on Orochi. It summarized his disdain for Wano nicely and allowed for his relevance as an antagonist to be noted once again after his detachment from the attention of the narrative after being betrayed by Kaido.
Orochi’s ultimate defeat wasn’t exactly through Denjiro but from the coalesces of uncertainties overwhelming him, of which Hiyori dominated. Orochi is methodological in his antagonism but when situation after situation introduced inexpectancy, the foundation for scheming disappeared. Orochi hid and became more cautious of further unexpected variables. Orochi would have remained concealed if not for Hiyori’s presence and the web she ensnared him in since becoming Komurasaki.
Hiyori played Orochi at his own game and won. Power isn’t defined in how hard a punch one can throw is but in how hard one can shatter another person’s resolve. Orochi was a master at mentally tormenting his opponents (Oden and Wano). Hiyori employed a similar strategy against Orochi in regards to playing a part and biding ones time to strike when there was an opening. Orochi could deal with physical threats like Sukiyuki, Oden and his retainers by employing deceptive tactics of camouflage and espionage but he was not prepared to face an opponent who used the same methods against him.
Hiyori used whatever power she had to bring about Orochi’s defeat. The shaminsen Hiyori played was used to both attract Orochi to her and to notify Denjiro where she was. Zoro was able to hear Hiyori’s shaminsen from outside of Onigashima, so it seems likely that Denjiro, who was looking for Hiyori and Orochi, would also pick up on the sound. Additionally, within the confusion caused, Hiyori was able to secretly place a seastone nail on Orochi without him noticing. All that effort by Hiyori led to Orochi revealing his final Yamata no Orochi head which Denjiro beheaded. If Orochi wasn’t killed, at the very least he should have lost the ability to utilise his Yamata no Orochi form.
Regarding the cover story and whether Pedro is one of the shadowy figures, I have to say that for someone who might still be alive, Pedro's death sure has been brought up a lot. Wanda, Neko, Peros, Sanji, they all said in clear terms that Pedro is dead. Multiple chapters over these past 5 years have been devoted to the fallout. Luffy saved Pedro's name for last in his big moment, it garnered it's own panel and everything. Who's death has been given this much reverence except Ace and WB's?
Going Merry (ignoring flashback characters). It was alive!!
Within the narrative of Wano, I would also argue Yasuie. He played a major part in building up the Akazaya Samurai (and Oden in part) to what they are now. His sacrifice as well served to lay down the foundation on which the current raid could be carried out. Yasuie died to save the WHOLE of Wano.
Yasuie's death is also felt through Toko, his adoptive daughter. It was heart-wrenching when it was revealed that Toko and the other Ebisu villagers couldn't express their emotions of sadness when he was executed but only smile due to the effects of the defective SMILE Fruits. The narrative beginning from Punk Hazard came to be tied into the life and death of Yasuie. Through the Wano mainland portion of the arc, Toko became very close to certain Straw Hat Pirates (Robin, Usopp, Sanji and Zoro) who assisted in saving her on several occasions when her life was in danger. Focus on Toko reflects the consequence of Yasuie's death. Robin while comforting Toko even mentioned that Yasuie was an incredible man when the Akazaya Samurai were grieving over his sacrifice.
Oda is also at times shifting the focus back to Toko during the Fire Festival in the Flower Capital to remind the readers that Yasuie died and his daughter is lighting a lantern for him to pay her respects and send her message of love. Orochi's defeat is also in part tied to Yasuie's story because it was Yasuie who gave a young Orochi a chance and employed him. Orochi is the one who killed Yasuie. Luffy never directly met Yasuie, so the the focus on Yasuie is conveyed through other characters, including how his death is resonating throughout this arc. Further, considering Zoro is a Shimotsuki and the relationship he held with Yasuie (he genuinely made Zoro smile in chapter 930), there will be further relevance in Yasuie's death once Zoro begins to realise who he is and the family he belongs to.
As for doubting death in One Piece, I don't blame anyone for choosing to ignore any narrative stating a character has died. If there is uncertainty involved, the possibility of a character not being dead is very real. This is a feeling directly based on how Oda has approached his story, especially the New World:
During the Fishman Island, the New Fishman Pirates were popping Energy Steroids like candy and Decken sent Noah flying toward the Island. No one died.
During the Punk Hazard Arc, the Shinokuni Gas was built up as a killer gas that Caesar spent years perfecting. At the end of the arc, a weakness allowing everyone affected to survive was revealed. No one died.
During the Dressroas Arc, Doflamingo activated his bird cage with the intent to kill everyone. Mansherry was introduced to heal anyone close to death. No one died.
During the Zou Arc, Jack arrived, released the Koro Gas and tortured the Mink for an entire day. Enter Caesar and Chopper. No one died.
During the Whole Cake Island Arc, Big Mom suffered from her Hunger Pangs (twice!) and went on a crazed rampage attacking and destroying anything and everything in her path. Big Mom ripped the souls out of several characters. No one has been confirmed to have died.
During the Wano Kuni Arc; the Mummy Plague was introduced - thanks to Chopper, no one died. The Ice Oni Plague followed - thanks to Marco, Chopper and the Mink doctors no one died. Kaido goes berserk, no one died. Kanjuro unleashes the wrath of the Kurozumi clan, no one died. Fires rage across Onigashima castle, Raizo and Jinbe enter, no one died.
Without a lifeless body shown, it becomes hard not to doubt if a character truly is dead (I don't even believe that CP-0 agent who angered Kaido is even dead or the other agent injured by X Drake). In Pedro's case, I would prefer his sacrifice remain as is. But if Oda does write Pedro to be alive, I would not be surprised.
The more I think about Master Brewer, the more plausible it seems, especially when you bring into the equation Oden.
There is a certain statement Oden made during his final words that may have influenced Yamato into pursuing a particular profession. Before the iconic "I AM ODEN AND I WAS BORN…TO BOIL" farewell that he yelled, he expressed a very curious statement to Kaido.
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"For I am a story to accompany your drinks…"
Yamato was present during that message and Kaido's subsequent actions that left him mortified, inspired and completely in tears. It wouldn't be erroneous to suggest the Hour of Legends was burned into Yamato's memories and entire being. Following Oden's execution, Yamato was compelled to rush toward Kuri to save Momonosuke. He was too late but what Yamato found was Oden's journal. A journal that detailed Oden's story.
With the Kozuki family and Akazaya Samurai believed dead, and the Daimyo having sacrificed themselves to save Yamato, the only person who now knew Oden's story (beyond his presence in Wano) was Yamato. After Oden died, Yamato inherited Oden's will. If Yamato processed Oden's final message as something he wished to uphold, he could have interpreted the above part of the message as more than just words but a path on which he found himself traversing.
Yamato knew Oden's story and in order to establish a setting in which he could express that story as per Oden's final words, he could have learned how to brew drinks. By preparing drinks, he could share it with others and have an excuse to convey the story of Oden which until the Onigashima raid, he believed he was the only one aware of.
Further, when you take into account what Oda has revealed about what Yamato knows, there is genuine reason to believe that Brewer is a sound possibility. What evidence is this you ask? Well, it is the knowledge Yamato has regarding the construction of Vivre Cards. Now, I concede that fermentation and the construction of [special] paper aren't directly related but when you take a step back both are subject to chemical processes where breaking down the original source material is required.
The exact process for the creation of Vivre Cards isn't known at this point but the main material used in the process are an individuals fingernails. Another key aspect of Vivre Cards to remember is that they are waterproof and fireproof. Vivre Cards aren't just ordinary paper. Considering the production of Vivre Cards aren't just limited to one particular person who possesses some power, it conveys that the process can be learned and mastered. It is a knowledge based skill opposed to a genetic one. To produce the type of paper that is waterproof and fireproof while incorporating a person's fingernails, several chemical processes breaking down the original material (fingernails and wood) would be required to produce chemical wood pulp or semichemical pulp. On a side note, to plug the Stonemason theory, the equipment Yamato may have used for this process like stone grinders (for mechanical, groundwood or semichemical pulp) and some sort of stone flattening press device could have been created from the stonemason skills he picked up from Oden's journal and honed through pactice (Stonemason + Brewer let's goooo!).
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As for why I brought up the production of Vivre Cards in relation to fermentation, since both involve chemical processes, it wouldn't be illogical and surprising for Yamato to have taken his knowledge (of producing Vivre Cards) further and applied it to learning how fermentation works. Or it could be the other way around where Yamato learned how to create Vivre Cards because he knew how to create drinks as within the chemical wood pulp or semichemical pulp process, there are methods of creating paper that involve using soda or liquor i.e. soda pulping and kraft pulping. Being a brewer can go hand-in-hand with producing Vivre Cards.
It may be coincidental but things get even more sweaty. The term "ferment" comes from the Latin word fervere, which means "to boil." What was Oden's last words again?
"I AM ODEN AND I WAS BORN…TO BOIL"
To be a Brewer is to know how to ferment i.e. to boil.
Yamato admires Oden and wishes to be like him. I am not sure how this translate over in Japanese but what if Yamato took the "to boil" aspect of Oden into a different direction i.e. fermentation? When the Brewer role is filtered through such a context, it doesn't convey itself as being wholly detached from Yamato and the story Oda is presenting. And rather than a Brewer title, Oda could go with something more encompassing to refer to Yamato's role, a Zymurgist (one who studies the chemical process of fermentation in brewing and distilling aka a knowledgeable brewer).
Use of brewing/chemical skills to the Straw Hat Pirates:
Whoever suggested Master Brewer as a potential role, thank you. I love possibilities like this that allows me to go on a complete tangent of thinking and submerge myself in research for hours where I end up learning things I never knew before which I amusingly am able to apply into the context of a fictional story. It's wild. I love theorycrafting. I now know a bit about zymurgy, the production of paper and how fermentation works. After this, I really can't disagree with Yamato being a Brewer/Zymurgist. In fact, I love that possibility (same with Stonemason to keep Oden's stonemason skills alive).
Well, Yamato had been talking about the dawn quite a bit, so I don't think it would be too out of line to suggest that she makes labels like "I don't know the night, because the moon is rising all night."
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If the interpretation of '"I don't know the night" because the moon is rising all night' is accurate, it conveys a representation closer to Yamato than Ace.
"Night" in this sense appears to be embody "darkness" and in turn "despair".
The "Moon" appears symbolic of hope that prevents one from being fully consumed in the darkness i.e. the Night.
Reading that in the context of Ace doesn't make much sense to me but in Yamato's circumstances, it establishes their story before the Onigashima raid. The "night" represents Yamato's darkness of being imprisoned on Onigashima, beaten by his father and physically, mentally and emotionally isolated from bonding with anyone else. The experiences Yamato suffered that brought him closer to despair each day embodied the "night".
The "Moon" took the form of "Kozuki Oden" which Yamato coated his fears in through the gesture of becoming Oden. Oden's journal epitomized Yamato's salvation and hope in the future. Within the pages, Oden wrote of events that will take place in over 20 years where powerful pirates leading the next generation will come swarming into the New World to challenge and defeat Kaido. This is why Yamato has been waiting and fighting for this moment for over 20 years. It represents the light guiding them within the darkness. The "Moon" can also take the representation of Monkey D. Luffy. Two years ago when Ace died, Yamato realised how important Luffy was and finally was able to put a face to the figure Oden wished to open Wano for. Since this realisation, Luffy became the salvation for Yamato hence why Yamato targeted Luffy before anyone else when the Samurai Rebellion came to Onigashima, told Luffy he had been waiting a long time for him and declared to Luffy that he wishes to fight on Luffy's side. Yamato understands the role Luffy embodies and seeks to embrace that light.
The reason Yamato never knew the "Night" (complete darkness) is because a Moon always existed in the darkness for him (Oden, the nameless Samurai, Ace and Luffy). Yamato being the one who prepared the drinks Ace and him bonded through seems genuinely possible.
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I agree with Coookie. Any Straw Hat Pirate, before or after joining, when physically present in the specific arc, were actively doing things and part of the focus.
Carrot's presentation is uncharacteristic of a main character. Aside from Robin, Franky and Jinbe, most Straw Hat Pirates became part of the crew in the arcs they were introduced in (Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, Chopper and Brook). In all the arcs leading up to Robin, Franky and Jinbe'ss recruitment which they were featured in, they were always important. In Franky's case, the Water 7 and Enies Lobby arcs were handled together with Franky being important in both arcs - the two arcs told one story.
With Robin, she was part of the antagonist group in the Whisky Peak and Alabasta arcs she featured in. As for Jinbe, whenever Jinbe was present in an arc whether it be the Impel Down, Marineford, Post War, Fishman Island or Whole Cake Island, he was a focal character. At no time during the arcs Jinbe was present in did Oda allow him, a future Straw Hat Pirate, to fade into the background. Further, Oda even incorporated Jinbe into the Dressrosa Arc through his cover story that ran from chapter 751-785. These chapters which Jinbe had his cover story in contained many of the best moments in the Dressrosa Arc - Law's flashback, the defeat of the Donquixote Pirate Officers/members and Luffy's Gear 4 reveal. Oda was actively trying to keep Jinbe within the memory of the readers. This is why many were passionate that Jinbe was a lock for joining the crew before the Whole Cake Island and Wano Arcs came around.
From my perspective, I cannot see the same care and effort being presented in the manner Oda is handling Carrot's story. What exactly was/is her role in the Wano Arc? Does she even know what the Straw Hat Pirates are fighting for? I always found it weird Oda never had Carrot present during the formation of the Ninja Pirate Mink Samurai Alliance as it prevented her from knowing what the war about to be waged in Wano was about. Carrot never even inquired what the Straw Hat Pirates were working toward. And it is this lack of interest coupled with her lack of attachment to the important story threads of One Piece that give me pause when considering Carrot as a potential Straw Hat Pirate member.
For most of the Wano Arc, Carrot was a tag along but when she did get her chance to be proactive, it was to detach herself from the core fight for Wano. Carrot moved away from fighting for Wano and toward attempting to avenge Pedro. If Carrot understood the importance of the war, she would have remained within the Performance Floor and assisted in the many battles going on there i.e. alleviate the burden on the Straw Hat Pirates. Ultimately, Carrot and Wanda's presence near the entrance of Onigashima's Castle was helpful as it assisted Marco who in turn changed the flow of the war but that was through coincidence rather than intention. Based on the subsequent focus Carrot has received since engaging Perospero, I don't believe Carrot understands the relevance and meaning of the war she is fighting in. Back when Pedro was still around, she was informed why the Straw Hat Pirates were fighting but with him now gone, she has shown a total disinterest in the relevance behind what the Straw Hat Pirates are doing. Carrot had the opportunity to question the Straw Hat Pirates or Inuarashi or the other Mink about Pedro's final words to her but it hasn't been shown that she has and based on her actions during the Onigashima raid, it doesn't appear she did. Carrot gaining some understanding of Pedro's words will likely happen in the future though but will this happen before the Straw Hat Pirates leave Wano?
Within the arc that is setting up the New Generation of characters that will define the coming era, it is significantly detrimental toward Carrot's case of being a main character (Straw Hat Pirate) to not have active focus while physical present during the events transpiring. I understand Carrot is an important character and she will get payoff to the set up laid down for her but I cannot, no matter how I twist and turn my interpretation of how she has been presented by Oda conclude that enough has been done to see her as a main character. I don't believe a reasonable person would conclude at this point in time that Carrot has been presented as a main character by Oda.
To be honest prior to Wano, I found Kin'emon and Momonosuke to be annoying. All the secrets and distrust the Samurai had toward the Straw Hat Pirates which stretched over years until Zou was entered didn't help readers react favorable to them. Even after the intentions of the Samurai were revealed, it took more years (after the Whole Cake Island Arc) for that story thread to begin moving again. I presume this is why Kin'emon, Momonosuke and the other Samurai introduced before Wano didn't fare too well in the character popularity poll. They didn't have a platform to be featured on adequately before Wano. After the Punk Hazard Arc and before Wano, Kin'emon and the other Akazaya Samurai barely featured in fights. Patience toward these characters had been exhausted and interest naturally waned.
As a result of keeping the Samurai in the background, quality focus on them just wasn't possible and this is part of the reason why many didn't get behind Kin'emon being a potential Straw Hat Candidate.
Regardless, I am grateful to the Wano Arc for helping elevate Kin'emon and Momonosuke into very likeable characters that will conclude the Wano Arc as solid characters. During the Wano Arc when Onigashima was entered (after Oden's flashback), I found myself genuinely excited to see their stories progress.
I still wonder who that Samurai (?) that met Crocus in the chapter 631 cover page is. Are they even relevant? Considering they wear a kasa, I assume they have some association with Wano.
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Also I fell in love with Oden's hair style during his flashback. What a giga chad.
The specific ninja you have in mind is still coming, aged-up Tama! :ninja:
I will give you that. If Tama is destined to be a ninja, she is primed to be an exciting one.
In terms of just focus received, I have enjoyed Tama and the bravery she displayed.
Ninjas were "hyped up" in the story of One Piece through Oda's continuous reminders they exist, Luffy's reactions and even Franky's statement. Raizo and Shinobu are fine but what the ninja lacked were balanced and adequate focus. The character doesn't necessarily have to be badass but they do need to have moments that highlight their character and abilities. I love Buggy and consider him one of Oda's best characters. He is completely memorable. I don't believe this is the case for any One Piece ninja.
The fact that the Ninja Pirate Mink Samurai Alliance exist conveys how the four groups were elevated to the same level yet 2 of the 4 groups got shafted - Ninja and Mink. Is anyone really happy with how the Ninja and Mink were treated as background characters during the raid on Onigashima? Would you really not have preferred the ninja and Mink be more an on-screen feature during the arc? I for one would have loved more dynamic ninja fights, especially between Raizo and Fukurokuju beyond just standing there. Raizo and Shinobu also possessing Devil Fruits does to an extent take away from their imagery as ninja. I can accept this though as Devil Fruits are a central power in the One Piece world and the Fruits were themed after ninja powers (kind of). Orochi's elite ninja squad, the Oniwabanshu, weren't even that impacting. The majority of them were taken out off screen or in one panel. The relevance of the group peaked at their introduction when they caught Robin investigating.
When the alliance formed, it was expected that all the factions would be important but when Oda features the majority of the ninja and Mink efforts during the raid in the background, it is hard not to conclude that Oda considers them less important to the other parties in the alliance which in turn does snuff out the enthusiasm one had (speaking for myself). Oda's writing tells us the ninja and Mink aren't that important to warrant screen time which consequently reduces the interest and excitement I have for such characters. The emotional substance generating attachment just isn't there. I would love to embrace the presentation of the ninja and Mink during the Onigashima raid wholeheartedly but it felt so half-baked that all I am left with is sadness at how underutilized and minor (relative to their set up) such factions were.
I don't see Oda giving the ninja significant time to feature going forward. I get that the Wano arc is bloated and excessively long but Oda chose to remove focus away from the ninja (and Mink). There is a reason Jack felt so underwhelming relative to the treatment Queen and King got especially when Jack was set-up to be really important and was the first billion dollar bounty revealed in story.
@electricmastro Who is Gataro? Did he appear in the Naruto manga? I don't remember him at all.
Before Wano began, I remember how excited readers were for Wano in terms of introducing cool characters like ninja/shinobi that could potentially be the best shot at a next nakama after Jinbe. Whenever Kin'emon would mention ninjas, it always got readers excited for them. Like during the Dressrosa Arc when Kin'emon was impressed by Viola and inquired if she was a ninja. Zou came and went and with the Wano story on its way to concluding, the expectations generated for the ninja have been tragically dashed. None of the ninja introduced in Wano, even the antagonist, were anything special or memorable. Raizo and Fukurokuju's battle was fought with both of them being still for the majority of the focus they got in the battle which was largely off-screen. It could have at least been more dynamic for a ninja battle!
Such a pity the reality didn't live up to the hype. It is clear at this point that ninja aren't going to be significant to the overall story and developed in meaningful ways. Once the Wano Arc is concluded, we may not see any ninja again until Raizo or Shinobu return into focus. I hope that one of the families that left Wano before the borders closed (like Toki's family - the Amatsuki clan) were a clan/group of ninjas so that Oda could have another crack at presenting the ninja (maybe they could be members of the Fugetsu or Uzuki clans).
I know Oda and Kishimoto are good friends, so Oda didn't want to tread on grounds Naruto already walked on but I find it a tragic shame that he didn't at least attempt to entertain the idea of a ninja nakama candidate. Even if he was never going to have a ninja join the crew, at least throw a red-herring to the readers to distract them and foster imagination. The two named ninja allies we got in Wano were Raizo and Shinobu. Their stories didn't deviate in the slightest toward the Straw Hat Pirates and amuse the possibility that they could be future Straw Hat Pirate candidates. I would have loved to entertain ideas about a potential nakama candidate that was a ninja. Luffy himself was immensely stimulated by the existence of ninjas.
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I miss the days when I was still excited by ninjas in One Piece…
If Kin'emon wanted to join the Straw Hat Pirates, he would be the strongest candidate.
But Kin'emon has a wife that has remained resolved for 20 years and now that he is back, rather than be a slave to adventure, he needs to dedicate every single remaining day he has left to his beautiful wife.
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I really like Tsuru's art style.
Looking at Yamato as a character, Oda-sensei introduced them in a very specific way that directed him toward Luffy. From the fact that Luffy was the person Yamato was waiting for to Yamato’s expression of wanting to travel aboard Luffy’s ship. There wasn’t much hesitation in Yamato’s mind about leaving with the Straw Hat Pirates once Wano was liberated and its borders opened. In order to make a case for Yamato remaining in Wano, the narrative would need to entrench Yamato and his desires within the plot threads of Wano but as at chapter 1047, that has not yet happened (potentially it still could). Rather, Yamato leaving with Luffy has only been reinforced.
How Yamato was introduced:
Let’s look at how Yamato was introduced. He hid himself from the Beast Pirates during that day in order to wait for Luffy to arrive so that he could meet him. The fact that Yamato specifically searched for Luffy and intervened in Luffy’s fight against Ulti conveys how focused Yamato was on Luffy. This reality became further apparent when Yamato declared he would fight on Luffy’s side. At this point, Yamato’s primary interest was Luffy, whom Yamato believed would stop Kaido. Yamato even told Luffy that he had no issue fighting against his father when Luffy inquired if he was okay with his father being defeated. In order for Yamato’s story to align with Momonosuke and Wano, the primary focus within Yamato’s mind would need to switch from Luffy to Wano.
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Going forward, Yamato rejected Kaido’s intention to make him shogun and became further indebted to Luffy when his explosive bindings were removed and Luffy shared with him the information that Momonosuke and the Akazaya Samurai were alive. Yamato guided Luffy to the Performance Floor where Momonosuke was chained. And this is where a very important moment conveying both Oda-sensei and Luffy’s impression of Yamato took place. When Yamato attempted to engage his father, Luffy stopped him and stated that Yamato and him weren’t the ones who needed to start the War. The ones who needed to initiate the War were the representatives of Wano i.e. the Akazaya Samurai. In Luffy’s eyes, Yamato was not a representation or reflection of Wano. Yamato was like him, an outsider. He was not an agent of Wano. Oda-sensei, at this point, clearly set up Yamato to be separate from those who truly belonged to Wano.
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How Yamato and Momonosuke's relationship developed:
Once the Akazaya Samurai attacked Kaido and began the war, Yamato could have rushed to Momonosuke to help save him but instead, Yamato remained beside Luffy while facing Ulti. Yamato declared he would become Oden on this day and that he stands in opposition to his father. Yamato also heard Luffy declare his intention to defeat the Beast Pirates, Big Mom and Orochi confirming Yamato’s belief that Luffy will be the one to save Wano. If at this point in time, Momonosuke was Yamato’s primary focus, Yamato would have acted to save him but instead, what we have is Yamato only taking on the responsibility of protecting Momonosuke AFTER ordered to by Luffy. Yamato’s primary focus remained Luffy with Momonosuke becoming his secondary focus. When Yamato saves Momonosuke, he mentions that he would die for Momonosuke. There is no lies in Yamato’s words but this moment did not push Momonosuke to be Yamato’s primary focus substantiated by Yamato still leaving Momonosuke to assist Luffy against Kaido and a second time leaving Momonosuke to stop the Onigashima bombs from exploding. These moments convey how Momonosuke continued to remain secondary to Luffy in Yamato’s mind.
The story Yamato shared with Momonosuke and Shinobu about his past conveyed how Luffy became important to Yamato after meeting Ace with Yamato only realizing Luffy’s relevance AFTER Ace died. It also presented to readers how meaningful being free and sailing the seas were to Yamato. There is also the fact that Yamato now knows what Luffy’s dream beyond being Pirate King is. A dream very intimate to Luffy as he expressed it in front of his brothers in the past. Additionally, chapter 999 sets up Yamato visiting Ace’s grave once Kaido is defeated and Wano’s borders are opened. There will definitely be payoff to the set up established. Yamato's flashback and narration also sets up the New Generation (which Yamato has become a part of) VS the Current Generation (Yonko).
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Arguably, the flashbacks also indirectly convey Yamato’s 3D2Y moment. The moment Yamato lost Ace was the moment he gained Luffy. Through the grief and sorrow, Yamato’s familiarity with Oden’s words and the story Ace shared with him unlocked a connection Yamato never noticed before. Luffy was the one Oden had been waiting for and desired to open Wano’s borders for. When Yamato met Ace, he was okay with leaving Wano on Ace’s ship if he could but once Yamato made the connection between Luffy and Joy Boy, he realized how important it was to open Wano’s borders. Freedom and adventure were always Yamato’s focus but saving Wano and opening its borders were never his primary concerns when he met Ace. It was Luffy who established in Yamato’s mind the need to have Wano’s borders opened. This is why Yamato has been waiting for Luffy and unlike how his meeting with Ace played out, Yamato is now aware of the importance of defeating Kaido and liberating the nation before leaving.
Yamato abandoning Momonosuke to help Luffy fight Kaido establishes how important Luffy is to Yamato relative to Momonosuke. If Momonosuke was Yamato’s primary concern, Yamato would not have left Momonosuke vulnerable. Clearly at this point, Luffy is still Yamato’s primary focus. Yamato even mentions to Kaido without ambiguity and uncertainty or any other room for interpretation that he plans to LEAVE Wano WITH Luffy after Kaido is defeated. Those words are clear. No hesitation. No doubt. Only resolve.
Yamato goes on to further state that Luffy is the one who Oden was waiting for i.e. Joy Boy. This expression clearly establishes why Yamato is ready to fight for Luffy. Thanks to reading Oden’s journal and treating it as his Bible, Joy Boy (Luffy) became a figure of salvation within Yamato’s mind for Wano and the world. When Ace died, it was the connection Yamato made between Luffy and Joy Boy that likely inspired him to continue fighting through the grief and powerlessness (similar to what happened to Sabo). Through Yamato’s battle with Kaido, the theme of liberation became a focal point to his character. From his flashbacks, to the events in the present day, Yamato continuously challenged Kaido and refused to yield. Freeing the world is a story Joy Boy is destined for and Yamato very much aligns with this in regards to his past and the story playing out in the Wano Kuni Arc.
The main reason driving Yamato to fight Kaido was not to defeat Kaido and save Wano but to hold Kaido back until Luffy returns to challenge him again. Yamato even states this when Kaido expresses that Yamato cannot defeat him. Yamato knows he cannot defeat Kaido alone yet he still chooses to fight and this is because of Luffy. Yamato understands that he alone cannot help free Wano and places his belief in Luffy who he sees as Joy Boy, the representation of liberation. When Luffy does return, Oda-sensei expresses how well Luffy and Yamato work together with their unintentional joint attack against Kaido. This is one of Yamato’s best panels illustrated by Oda-sensei. Yamato left Kaido to Luffy when he returned and after seeing Luffy and Kaido split the sky like Oden described Roger and Whitbeard doing, Yamato had more confirmation that Luffy truly is the one to defeat Kaido. What Oden began to see in Roger which played a part in Oden agreeing to travel with Roger over Whitebeard, Yamato is seeing firsthand in Luffy.
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Yamato's belief in Momonosuke:
Moving ahead, once again Yamato does not proactively leave with Momonosuke, he only does so when Luffy request Yamato to help Momonosuke with stopping Onigashima from falling on the Flower Capital. During Yamato guiding Momonosuke, he does not scold Momonosuke for being a coward (because Yamato doesn’t believe he is) but he does yell at Momonosuke for not believing in Luffy. Yamato believes Momonosuke is capable of saving Wano which is why Yamato left Momonosuke alone to deal with the Onigashima explosives. If Yamato truly felt Momonosuke was not ready and needed more of his advice, Yamato would have passed the responsibility of stopping the Onigashima bombs from exploding onto someone else and returned to help Momonosuke. That clearly did not happen. Only after the Onigashima bombs were dealt with did Yamato and Momonosuke reunite and this wasn’t by intention but by circumstance. Once the Wano Kuni Arc concludes after Momonosuke carries Onigashima on his back, Yamato’s will have little reason to remain in Wano over leaving with Luffy and helping him.
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Turning to scene where Momonosuke questions whether he is a coward, he expressed his frustration to Yamato at not knowing what his father discovered on Laugh Tale. Momonosuke’s desires of wanting to know the contents of the torn out page from Oden’s journal was conveyed to Yamato. This scene doesn’t express to Yamato that Momonosuke isn’t ready so he needs to remain in Wano but rather it gives Yamato more of reason to leave. Momonosuke wants to know the secrets of Laugh Tale and he confided this in Yamato. Not Luffy, Kin’emon or Robin but the child of Kaido. Yamato has a genuine reason to travel to Laugh Tale and help alleviate Momonosuke’s confusion. Momonosuke is destined to guide the world to the Dawn which is a plot thread set up to conclude after the Straw Hat Pirates reach Laugh Tale. And due to Momonosuke having confided in Yamato, it will be him conveying the secrets of Laugh Tale to Momonosuke.
Through Momonosuke, who heard the voice of Zunesha, Yamato received confirmation that Luffy was Joy Boy. Yamato even queried Momonosuke on this. Yamato witnessing Luffy in Gear Five fighting Kaido as an equal gave Yamato more motivation to help him by requesting Momonosuke to keep Onigashima from falling. Yamato continues to believe in Momonosuke’s ability and the reality that Momonosuke is ready to carry the nation and the future of the world on his back.
Yamato continues to operate with Luffy as his primary focus. And at no time during the arc as at chapter 1047, has Oda-sensei had Yamato place Momonosuke as a concern above Luffy. Momonosuke has always been a secondary focus to Yamato. To Yamato, Luffy has been the one primarily driving his choices and actions.
The Okuchi no Makami And Its Role As Guardian Deity Of Wano:
The Okuchi no Makami may very well be a Guardian Deity of Wano but even if that is the case, does a Guardian Deity of Wano need to remain in Wano to continue being a Guardian? We already have evidence in the manga that the answer is no. When Kin'emon and Co. got sent 20 years into the future, they did not need to remain in Wano to fulfill their Guardian Deities role, rather they left and returned. In order to save and protect Wano, they needed allies and as such left Wano to reach Zou. At present a similar scenario is playing out. Wano initially closed its borders to protect itself from an external power and to await the return of Joy Boy. With Luffy being Joy Boy and about to defeat Kaido, Wano will be liberated and its border inevitably opened. Oden wished for this happen and for Wano and the world to support Joy Boy when he returns. Wano's ultimate victory over the external power they initially closed their borders for over 800 years ago will be determined by Joy Boy. Which in turn means the fate of Wano rest in the journey Luffy is engaged in. By leaving Wano with Luffy and assisting him as Oden wished (Yamato has inherited Oden's will), Yamato will be performing his role as Guardian Deity of Wano. Sailing with Luffy and performing the role of Guardian Deity are not mutually exclusive. And the home Yamato will return to after the journey will be Wano.
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When it comes to the Zoan Devil Fruits having a will, it establishes that the Zoan Devil Fruit has to an extent some choice over who their user is. The Okuchi no Makami Fruit chose Yamato. Not the Samurai. Not the Beast Pirates. Not an average civilian. But Yamato. A child who idolized Oden and wished to adventure and sail the seas. Why? Why Yamato? If the Okuchi no Makami Fruit was concerned with the protection of Wano, there would have been better options than a child of Kaido who was imprisoned on Onigashima unable leave. Zoan Devil Fruits may have a will but they cannot see into the future and know with certainty what will happen. It was not guaranteed that Yamato would continue to challenge their father for 20 years (or indefinitely - it is not like Fruit knew when Joy Boy would arrive…unless it did). The likely scenario was Yamato breaking down from despair, hopelessness and suffering to become a soldier of Kaido. Rather than some future event that hasn't happened motivating the Zoan Devil Fruit, what appears more likely is the current disposition of the individual being the focal rationale behind the Zoan Devil Fruit choosing the person. Did the Okuchi no Makami react to Yamato's adventurous and romantic spirit and his desire to carry on Oden's will?
These are my thoughts on Yamato and how the plot is influencing the direction he is being developed in. The Wano Arc isn't just treating Yamato as a main character but the whole manga is supporting his story; from Ace, to Oden, to Luffy/Joy Boy, to Wano, to Kaido, to Xebec D. Rocks (likely betrayed Kaido), to Blackbeard (his actions resulted in Ace's death) to the Ancient Giants/Oni, to the Dawn, to the themes of liberation, freedom, romance and coexistence. The manga itself is highlighting Yamato as unique and important. Every single expected future arc has story threads related to Yamato.
Tldr; Luffy is Yamato's primary focus with Momonosuke/Wano as his secondary. Oda has yet to lift Momonosuke's importance above Luffy in Yamato's mind.
Sanji will never be a better fighter than Zoro but in terms of his value as a crew member, Oda has balanced him with Zoro. Obviously Zoro gets additional focus by being grouped together as part of the Worst Generation but Oda has smartly used Sanji being in the shadows to convey his tactical abilities. Oda has even recently within the One Piece world revealed to the public that Sanji is a Vinsmoke and the son of the Germa Emperor consequently raising Sanji's infamy and status. Zoro and Sanji aren't reflective in their stories but the manner in which they carry the Straw Hat Pirates is equated in varying capacities. Going forward the Germa Kingdom will become part of the allied force that stands against the World Government and Sanji (and Reiju) will be instrumental in seeing such a reality manifest. During the Whole Cake Island Arc, the story of the Germa 66 had begun to shift their imagery from villains to likely future allies. Even the current cover story appears to be pushing the narrative around the Germa 66 toward that direction. Sanji will also inevitably get Conqueror's Haki (this could likely be explored when Judge is reintroduced to the story potentially during the Vegapunk Arc).
As wings to the future Pirate King, Oda is pretty clear in his intention to present Zoro and Sanji in a separate category than the other Straw Hat Pirates relative to Luffy. Just look at how the match-ups between the Beast Pirates and the Straw Hat Pirates went. There were three All Stars, with Jack being introduced all the way back during the Zou Arc. If Oda wished, he could have arranged for three Straw Hat Pirates to match-up against each Beast Pirate All Star. He had enough time to script such a scenario. Even when Jinbe returned to the story during the Wano Arc and joined the crew, Oda did not categorize Jinbe in the same group as Zoro and Sanji. Rather, Jinbe was grouped together with Franky, Robin and Brook. Ultimately, Oda didn't even have Jack face off against a Straw Hat Pirate. He easily could have but didn't. He intentionally chose to limit the All Stars match-ups to just Zoro and Sanji. Such an act signals to me Oda intentions of sustaining the relations Luffy, Zoro and Sanji have. Regardless of what new character joins, they will not be disrupting this grouping Oda has gone out of his way to establish and maintain. Even if Yamato joins the Straw Hat Pirates, he will not be replacing Zoro or Sanji. Instead, I see a new trinity of pillars being established within the crew with Robin, Jinbe and Yamato who will drive forward the story threads of the Ancient Civilisation, Will of D, Sun God Nika, coexistence, Joy Boy and the arrival of the Dawn.
As for Scopper, he will probably serve an important role in the future. I suspect he is looking after the creature that hatched from the giant egg that Roger had aboard the Oro Jackson during his journey.
When it comes to ladies, Sanji has a Haki that is unrivaled. He can notice when a single tear is shed by a lady from half an Island away. Luffy, Zoro, Jinbe and Yamato ain't got anything on that.
I just find it hilarious and honestly quite badass that Sanji has tuned his Kenbunshoku Haki to the point where he can pick up the slightest signal of a female in distress (within his range). Whether it be Tashigi on Punk Hazard when she was overwhelmed by Vergo and he heard her tears fall, or knowing Viola's true self upon gazing into her eyes even though he was beaten bloody by her, or realising the lies Pudding was supporting her reality with once looking into her third eye. When it comes to females, Sanji can do what no one else in the One Piece world can - understand when a female is in anguish/uncomfortable even if hidden behind training, hate or lies.
The fact that Sanji can hear what the two strongest Straw Hat Pirates cannot is proof of how insanely godly his Kenbunshoku Haki is in regards to females. Honestly, at this point, I don't think any female can fool Sanji now (unless he wants to be fooled), especially if he looks them in the eyes and gazes into their soul.
Ultimately Sanji was fooled by Sarahebi but giving credit where credit is due, Sarahebi's acting skills as a woman in distress was on point.
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Can you imagine, Zoan Devil Fruits Toy Story edition…
Oda definitely opened an interesting can.
I wonder if Zoan Devil Fruits can have their wills influence those around them that they wish to have consume them so that it can avoid falling in the wrong hands.
Makes me also curious if Monkey D. Dragon consumed a Mythical Zoan and is influenced (in a sense) by the Fruits "will".
Was the Nika Fruit's "will" in play when Blackbeard was after Luffy? If the Nika Fruit was aware that Blackbeard had the intention of handing Luffy over to the World Government, surely the Nika Fruit would have "acted" to ensure such an end didn't result.
Oh snap, nice pick up. The tower representing the current generation (via Kaido who is the world's strongest creature with layered scales resembling layered bricks) and the lightning bolt that shatters it representing the new generation (via Luffy with the world's most ridiculous power).
Damn Hawkins, when your cards are so cryptic, how do you even manage to accurately interpret them?
The question that needs to be asked is how is Yamato going to fill the void of information currently existing in Momonosuke? Sure Yamato has context and had 20 years to familiarise himself with the contents of Oden's journal but the aspect Momonosuke is stressing over are in regards to the page that Oden tore out of his journal. The page that related to what Oden found on Laugh Tale with the Roger Pirates.
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Yamato cannot help Momonosuke fill that gap in the state he is in as he does not currently know what Oden discovered on Laugh Tale. Rather, that scene which some believe supports the possibility that Yamato will remain in Wano actually entrenches the likelihood that Yamato will travel with the Straw Hat Pirates. Ask yourself, will Yamato staying in Wano solve that particular issue for Momonosuke? Without the information Momonosuke is seeking, it would not. And the only way Momonosuke will fill that void of information is knowing what Oden found at the end of his journey with the Roger Pirates (the "Dawn" is an end story plot thread). Now, the important part is who Momonosuke is confiding in. It is not Luffy or Kin'emon or Robin (who Momonosuke knew longer) but Yamato. Momonosuke is sharing their frustration with Yamato. Information that can only be found on Laugh Tale. The scene in question doesn't keep Yamato in Wano but attempts to push Yamato toward the secrets on Laugh Tale so that when Yamato returns to Wano, he will be able to share it with Momonosuke. Luffy will not be the one to convey this information to Momonosuke as Luffy doesn't care about such information. It will be Yamato who Momonosuke confided in. A character who Momonosuke has recently gotten close to. A character whose interest aligns with Momonosuke's - Joy Boy, Wano's survival, and the secrets Oden discovered on Laugh Tale.
What Yamato got from that scene isn't Momonosuke not being ready to carry the burden but that Momonosuke also desires to know what is on Laugh Tale. If Yamato identified that Momonosuke was not ready to carry the burden, he would not be expressing to Momonosuke that he is the only solution to Wano's complete victory. Yamato BELIEVES in Momonosuke and believes he is ready to carry the burden of leadership as Shogun. Yamato believes Momonosuke can make flame clouds to keep Onigashima afloat which is akin to Momonosuke carrying the future of Wano and the World on his back. If Yamato did not believe Momonosuke was ready, he would currently not be requesting this from Momonosuke.
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Momonosuke may not believe in Momonosuke but Yamato definitely believes Momonosuke is ready (and the above scene takes place AFTER Momonosuke confides his frustration in Yamato). Also once Momonosuke is able to produce sufficient flame clouds to carry Onigashima, I don't believe Yamato would have anything else to teach Momonosuke in regards to the Artificial Seiryu Devil Fruit.
Momonosuke won't receive an answer to what the torn page from Oden's journal contained at the conclusion of this arc but Momonosuke will arrive at a realisation of what direction to take Wano in. Luffy (Joy Boy) will be integral in this realisation. This is why Oda has Momonosuke witness Luffy revive into a majestic form and fight Kaido as an equal. Momonosuke needs to know that Luffy is capable of changing things and that it is okay to place his (and Wano's) hopes in Luffy.
Oda has intimately tied Wano's fate and story with that of Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates. This is why Oda has likened Luffy to a Guardian Deity of Wano through Hyogoro's comments. The possible fallacy in certain lines of thinking is believing that being a Guardian Deity of Wano equates to remaining in Wano but that is not the case. Wano's story is expanding beyond the lands of Wano Kuni toward the rest of the world. Oda has time and time again hit us with the reality that Momonosuke will be the one to guide the World to the DAWN. Not only Wano but the whole WORLD. Think about it, what does this mean? If Wano's relevance is encapsulating the rest of the world, does this not also mean that their influence and story are also extending beyond Wano?
Oda has clearly made it a point that beyond the Wano Kuni Arc, the role Wano takes will be completely different. The borders of Wano Kuni will open and the characteristics that defined them will be transformed. Change, growth and liberation are themes of Wano Kuni's story, especially in regards to Momonosuke. As the future Shogun, Momonosuke will bring Wano into the future and connect it to the rest of the world. Momonosuke will evolve Wano from what it was and become a leader second to none - as his name symbolises. This is why the current story of Momonosuke is dealing with him figuring out how to move Wano Kuni forward. Momonosuke believes keeping Wano's borders closed may be the right thing and that surrendering to Kaido would be the path forward. Relative to the story that line of thinking is wrong but this is where Momonosuke grows into a leader Wano Kuni and the world need. He is asking himself and Yamato these questions and thanks to the guidance Yamato is providing him, he is starting to understand what answering them could mean. Momonosuke knows he is important but doesn't exactly understand why. Momonosuke is seeking to clarify how the pieces of knowledge he has fits together.
Once Momonosuke comes to this realisation, he will understand that the battle he is fighting doesn't just involve Wano but the rest of the World. What is in balance isn't just the lives of the people of Wano. And thanks to reading Oden's journal and speaking with Zunesha, he now recognises how important Joy Boy is to this future. Momonosuke will realise that in order to reach the future his father, mother and ancestors fought for (including closing the Wano borders 800 years), Luffy/Joy Boy is necessary. Sure Yamato may turn out to be the Guardian Deity of Wano but with Luffy embodying the future of Wano as Joy Boy, sailing and fighting alongside the Straw Hat Pirates is arguably synonymous with fulfilling the role of Guardian Deity of Wano. Plus let's not forget that after Joy Boy's unfulfilled mission is complete, Yamato will return home (Wano Kuni).
Rather than the Guardian Deity of Wano thread being a limiting factor that keeps Yamato in Wano it in fact serves to support Yamato helping Luffy.
After witnessing the sheer madness unfolding before them, both Momonosuke and Yamato should now realise who Luffy is and how necessary his presence is to the arrival of the Dawn. Yamato suspected it and believed in it. Now he is getting the confirmation that Luffy truly is the individual Oden had been waiting on. Momonosuke as well is coming to a realisation of how special Luffy is. By being spectator to the battle Luffy is having against the world strongest creature, Momonosuke and Yamato will arrive at a path that they will realise would need to be traversed on. Momonosuke had questions before about what decisions he should make regarding Wano. The battle Luffy is having against Kaido should provide Momonosuke a direction he needs to head toward. Luffy is important to Wano's dreams (that Oden and the past Kozuki clan members held) and opening Wano's borders to support him will become a decision Momonosuke will find himself needing to make. Supporting Luffy will be the result of what both Momonosuke and Yamato are currently seeing. As for Kaido, he too will come to realise the freedom on display before him is the embodiment of “Joy Boy”.
It is also becoming clear why Oda spent so much time developing the bond between Yamato and Momonosuke. If not for that time spent, it would not be believable for Momonosuke to rely and lean on Yamato as much as he currently doing. Going forward Momonosuke will understand Luffy's importance and how intertwined Luffy's journey is to Wano's survival and prosperity. Momonosuke knows Yamato admires Luffy and when Momonosuke learns that Yamato plans to travel with Luffy, he will have no reason to challenge it. Rather, Momonosuke would be encouraging Yamato to help Luffy as that will in turn be of benefit to Wano (the best course of action). Momonosuke will want to know what his father discovered during his journey and he will rely on Yamato to relay that information through the journey Yamato will have with the Straw Hat Pirates.
As for those feeling the Yamato support is too strong, there is genuine reason for that. He is currently the only character with momentum in regards to being a potential Straw Hat Pirate and with each passing chapter, the likelihood of Yamato remaining in Wano and not traveling with Luffy decreases. My theories on Yamato (+Monet, Kaido and other characters/developments) have been substantiated by the manga and possible interpretations of the flow of the story. I do not mind being wrong but I do feel I bring value to the discussions.
When it comes to the shinobi within One Piece, I have reached a point where I stopped caring. As a group of professionals, they have been immensely underwhelming and forgettable. Not even the humour on display for the shinobi in focus is entertaining anymore. Patience has been exhausted and hope completely destroyed. Personally, the presentation of shinobi in One Piece has been one of the worst I have seen in a fictional story. I understand Oda respects Kishimoto (mangaka of Naruto) very much and the two are close friends but under utilizing a core cultural aspect of Wano does a disservice to both the shinobi and the arc in general. Oda didn’t want much overlap with Naruto but in his obsession to restrict himself, he kept the presentation of shinobi in a very unnatural state which had no balance whatsoever. The two shinobi that received the most focus, Raizo and Shinobu were similar in many ways and without adequate focus and (shinobi) characters to balance them with, the shinobi aspect of their character became a detrimental element. A badass shinobi character was desperately needed to champion the profession who could have elevated the wackiness in both Raizo and Shinobu’s personalities too. The reasons ridiculous characters like Luffy and Usopp shine so much in the Straw Hat Pirates is because characters like Zoro, Sanji and Nami exist. With the focus Raizo did receive in this chapter, it was cool but I have long since lost interest. I was more relieved the issue with the fire was finally dealt with than impressed by Raizo preparing for such a moment which he once failed to handle in the past. At this point, I would have preferred if Oda not include any Shinobi in One Piece. He could have at least gone with something culturally aligned with Japan that he could fully explore and utilize like say Shrine Maidens/Miko who use shikigami or some form of mystical arts.
It should be obvious at this point that Yamato's primary focus is on Luffy. A lot more interest has be conveyed by Yamato toward Luffy through his reactions and questions than Yamato toward anyone else (including Momonosuke).
Yamato's interest and attachment to Luffy are only growing with the revelation that Luffy is Joy Boy.
With every action Yamato takes, he is constantly asking himself the question internally - how can this help Luffy?
Yamato already knows that Luffy is the type of person who leaves problems outside of his power to his allies, which at this point includes Yamato. This is why Yamato is taking the responsibility of guiding Momonosuke to keep Onigashima from falling.
I wouldn't be surprised if there was no follow up on the Yamata no Orochi Fruit but I would expect there to be especially given the naming convention of Orochi's Devil Fruit. I do also agree that Orochi's presentation as a useless Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit user does work as a good balancer to Luffy being revealed to be a Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit user himself. Rather than a Devil Fruit providing the user with a broken ability, it is the user's application of the power they wield which drives forward how capable they are.
There is potential for the Yamata no Orochi Fruit to hold further relevance in the story, especially when it served as the main enemy of Wano (through Orochi). More so than Kaido, Orochi made Wano suffer during the past 20 years. If Oda plans to further elaborate on the Zoan Devil Fruits having will, the Yamata no Orochi Devil Fruit working its way to a new user capable of utilising its power more would be quite interesting. And with the Blackbeard Pirates serving as the rivals to the Straw Hat Pirates who are currently hunting for rare Devil Fruits, it wouldn't be unexpected for the Yamata no Orochi to seek them out.
Also with Orochi being incompetent at ruling Wano, I don't believe that was the case as he never intended to rule it. Orochi always intended to bring Wano to ruin while enjoying himself in the process. And he was immensely successful in that regards. Orochi brought the Kozuki name to the point where it was ridiculed and vilified. Orochi would have probably been a terrible leader but that has more to do with the fact that he is unhinged than incompetent. Orochi is actually quite intelligent and more a mastermind than Kaido. Without Orochi's efforts alongside Higurashi 20 years ago, Oden would have dispatched Kaido. As strong as Luffy's Gear Five is, I don't believe he is currently stronger than Oden who was overwhelming a Kaido in his prime. Zoro could barely handle Enma in his fight against King and Oden was casually wielding two blades of that caliber. Also let's not forget that the reason Oden held off on attacking Orochi and Kaido was not because of Kaido but because Orochi was holding the whole of Wano hostage. Oden held off on attacking Kaido for five years because Orochi made the suggestion that he would stop the kidnapping. Orochi may not have possessed strength but what he did possess was a mind that could manipulate others. Take Orochi out from this situation and Kaido would have been wrecked. The whole nation expected Oden to save them but what they got was a man who reduced himself into a fool who would dance across Wano regularly for money over 5 years (to satisfy Orochi).
Additionally, the main reason Oden and the Akazaya Samurai were so caught off guard when targeting Kaido wasn't because of Kaido but because Orochi placed a spy within their ranks. Kaido may have been the main obstacle to liberation but it was Orochi who served to slip up Oden and the Akazaya Samurai (because Orochi knew Oden). Once Kin'emon and Co. got sent to the future, they almost didn't escape Wano because of Orochi and Kanjuro. If not for Kin'emon's error, Orochi would have succeeded in stopping the raid on Onigashima. Kin'emon's interpretation of Yasuie's message isn't something anyone could have prepared for. And Onigashima would have exploded as per Orochi's plans if not for Yamato freezing the bombs and shielding the other bombs from the explosive Big Mom set off when she reached to grab something.
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In terms of the power Orochi knew how to wield, he was definitely not incompetent. I honestly don't think the word incompetent should be used to characterize Orochi. Yes, he was a fool but ultimately the reason Oden lost and why Wano was cast into darkness was mainly because of Orochi.
I would love to see more of Orochi being an antagonist (even if it was the Devil Fruit taking him over) not some flimsy point for plot threads to resolve themselves. Now that we know that Zoan Devil Fruits have a will of their own, I would like to see the Yamata no Orochi Fruit go berserk once Orochi is free from the seastone nails which could become dislodged as Jinbe guides the water across Onigashima. An awakening of the Yamata no Orochi Fruit with it displaying its true form on Onigashima would be amazing. We could have a giant Yamata no Orochi which the combined forces of the rebellion need to take down or….just Usopp. Once Onigashima is above the Flower Capital, the Yamata no Orochi transformation could destroy a significant portion of Onigashima, which Caribou absorbs with his mud to avoid damage to the Capital (Caribou has to be doing something). The lesser land mass would also make it easier for Momonosuke to keep Onigashima afloat.
Speaking of Teach, I wonder if the Blackbeard Pirates will end up acquiring the Hebi Hebi no Mi: Yamata no Orochi Devil Fruit. Oda has suspiciously avoided focusing much of the Yamata no Orochi Fruit beyond Orochi turning into a snake form and spawning heads that ended up being cut by Kaido and the Akazaya Samurai. I don't even recall a named attack being used by Orochi. The lack of focus leads me to believe that Oda is saving the Yamata no Orochi Fruit to focus at a later time unless he plans to keep one of rarest Devil Fruits underutilized - but then why even associate Orochi with a Mythical Zoan when an ordinary Hebi Hebi variant could have sufficed? Oda could have easily featured the Yamata no Orochi Devil Fruit more in this arc, especially when the character who possesses it had over 25 years to familiarize themself with the Devil Fruit. I get that Orochi is weak-minded and weak-willed but did nothing come about from the sheer terror Oden made him experience 25 years ago? Or the humiliation/terror Orochi suffered during the Legendary Hour Long execution which Oden survived through until being shot by Kaido 20 years ago? At the very least it affected Orochi to the point where he felt fear that chilled him. There is also the fact that the Devil Fruit is themed around a very well known tale in Japanese history. Orochi isn't a character that is positioned to feature significantly beyond the Wano arc and I can't even see how his story would continue if he were alive - imprisoned?
Currently Hiyori may have Orochi pinned down but by Jinbe channeling water throughout the castle, it could end up washing Orochi away and freeing him. If Denjiro (what is he currently doing - could he be looking for a certain someone?) doesn't find Orochi and kill him, Orochi could end up escaping and encountering the Blackbeard Pirates at some point in the future. If Orochi isn't folded into the Blackbeard Pirate force, he could be disposed of and have his Devil Fruit stolen. The current lack of focus on the Yamata no Orochi Fruit would mean that any subsequent user that ends up wielding the power would have a relatively blank canvas to explore their power on avoiding the problem of repetition or overlap. The multi-headed snake feature could be changed or kept and evolved.
If the Will of the Yamata no Orochi saw it settle in the hands of Higurashi who gifted the Devil Fruit to Orochi, there may be some intention behind the Devil Fruit essence to oppose Wano. Now that Joy Boy has returned through Luffy, the Yamata no Orochi Fruit could feel a new user is needed. Joy Boy and Wano Kuni were intimately connected in the past and if spirit of the Yamata no Orochi wished to oppose Wano, it would also want to oppose Joy Boy. And based on how the story is developing, the rival pirate crew to Luffy (Joy Boy) and Straw Hat Pirates are Teach and the Blackbeard Pirates. If it is true that the Nika Fruit evaded the grasp of the World Government for over 800 years, then it may be possible for the Yamata no Orochi Fruit to direct itself toward a user who is more able to draw out its capabilities and who is more closely aligned with its will i.e. the Blackbeard Pirates.
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If the Blackbeard Pirates do gain the Yamata no Orochi power, it could serve as an opponent for Yamato to face off against. Although I do wonder if Teach will be the one to consume it or if a different Blackbeard Pirate will. What other Mythical Zoan could Teach consume to complete his Logia, Paramecia, Zoan representation? A Black Tortoise Mythical Zoan to give Teach defensive capabilities which he is currently lacking immensely? Teach would be lacking defensive capabilities from his poor Haki usage but I do see him making up for it with a Mythical Zoan power. I wonder if the Yamata no Orochi Fruit will reveal a different power in Teach if he consumed it - awakening the Dragon portion of the dragon/serpent beast it embodies.
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Months ago it was thrown around that maybe Yamato somehow picked up Kozuki's lost stonemasonry for his roleplay, and that would tie in both in Luffy's old gag about wanting a statue and the poneglyph plot.
It seems less and less likely now, but heh, it was cute in concept.
I still believe in that theory!
Near when he was introduced I pushed forward the idea of a Stonemason because it seemed to (and still does) fit Yamato perfectly. I further substantiated on the theory of Stonemason being relevant to the story in December 2020 in this post.
The set-up is already there. All Oda needs to do is have Yamato mention that Oden's journal contained teachings of the Kozuki Stonemasonry skills which he learned during the past 20 years. It should take a page at most to express that dialogue to connect Yamato with being a Stonemason.
In the event Yamato goes with Luffy, how do you figure she’d follow-up on the plot line the most, in the wake of Oden trying to open the borders for Joy Boy?
Serving as a type of Consultant and guiding Luffy toward carrying out Joy Boy's will. Luffy isn't someone who is going to understand what it means to be "Joy Boy" and that his mission involves dismantling the corruption within the World Government by liberating the world through the truth hidden away in history and within the shadows of the present. Yamato on the other hand lived a life as a prisoner and was exposed to corruption for twenty years (longer than several Straw Hat Pirates have been alive). Yamato's experiences (including the people who died to help him) entrenched his desires for liberation. During Yamato's fight with his father, he expressed his intention to liberate Wano and to release the Samurai unto the world and at a later point, Yamato questions Kaido on why he steals the freedom of Wano and himself. Yamato's very theme driving his story is that of liberation. The topic of freedom is meaningful to Yamato and something he has no issue dying for. When Luffy was believed to have fallen, he unhesitatingly chose to continue to challenge Kaido in pursuit of keeping the flame of liberation and salvation alive. Yamato even silenced Momonosuke's cowardice with his conviction.
At present, none of the Straw Hat Pirates are currently concerned with the end result they will inevitably bring about i.e. the end of the corrupt World Government, and this is a growing problem because in order for the conclusion of One Piece to hold emotional weight, you need the Straw Hat Pirates to embrace the role they will serve and genuinely fight for it. This is where Yamato comes in. To fill the gap and bridge together each and every Straw Hat Pirate to the conclusion of One Piece. Where Luffy won't supersede his penchant for freedom in favor of fighting directly for the liberation of world, Yamato will step in and carry that mission so Luffy can continue to focus on his desire to sail the Grand Line unburdened by the politics and complexities of toppling a faction ruling over 170 nations across the world. This is also why Oda is dedicating so much focus on the Yamato and Momonosuke relationship because they are two pieces who will be instrumental in the downfall of the World Government. Yamato is directly concerned with the enemy Wano closed its border for 800 years ago and at the very least since the age of 8, Yamato was resolved to fight for Wano (this includes their enemies i.e. the World Government and Marines). Reconciling Yamato's desire to help Wano and to follow their desire to sail with Luffy, the path forward seems obvious. Momonosuke is destined to become Shogun of Wano and the representative guiding the World to the Dawn. These two characters will be the driving force behind politically cornering the World Government and exposing them for the lies and deceit they hid away from the rest of the world. Yamato aboard the Thousand Sunny (the current greatest threat facing the World Government) and Momonosuke as the head of Wano Kuni. Wano will become a faction directly opposing the World Government and the Straw Hat Pirates will be the wave that washes off the mask of justice the World Government (Im, Five Elders, Tenryuubito, corrupt officials/officers) portray themselves as. Yamato is even aware of Luffy's second dream which he can assist Luffy with.
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Robin's inclusion within the crew served to introduce a character to concern themselves with the Void Century hidden away in history and someone to drive forward the story of the "Will of D" (things Luffy had no interest in). The Will of D plot has now also been incorporated into Law's (pseudo-main character) story who seeks to uncover what Rosinante meant about the fate the People of D share i.e enemies of God. Both Law and Robin will be used to drive the story of the "Will of D", something Luffy has no interest in. Law will help Robin locate the Poneglyphs and Robin will decipher them. The role Robin serves has been further expanded when Oda introduced the Road Poneglyphs. To uncover the location of Laugh Tale, someone who can decipher the Road Poneglyphs is needed and the amount of people who can currently do this totals one (Robin).
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Jinbe's inclusion within the crew was also the result of keeping Luffy away from heavier elements of One Piece. Jinbe became the member that connects themselves with the story of coexistence and Luffy embodying the image of a God (Nika the Sun God). Luffy will not directly concern himself with reducing discrimination or being some sort of savior to people who worship the Sun God but Jinbe will when slavery, racism and discrimination is in focus. Otohime and Tiger's story revolved around such themes and their will has been inherited by Jinbe (Shirahoshi and Mjosgard have inherited Otohime's will too). Before Jinbe joined, my main doubt about him becoming a Straw Hat Pirate during the Fish-Man Island Arc was that his story/dream was too significant to be aligned with that of a Pirate crew hoping to sail through the whole Grand Line. At that time, I did not consider Luffy's actions having worldwide consequences in terms of governance, equality, politics and freedom. Luffy just didn't seem the type who cared about such things. Ever since the Tenryuubito were introduced though, the story of One Piece has been less about adventure and more about the grander story of change. Each chapter makes this more apparent. This is why the Islands in the New World the Straw Hat Pirates have traveled to have been less about adventure and more about progressing the conflict between the New Generation and the World Government.
My opinion changed when I seen how Oda crafted Jinbe's moment of giving his blood to Luffy with the whole of Fish-Man Island spectating despite the act being a crime as per Fish-Man Island laws. From this point forward, I realised how consequential the actions of the Straw Hat Pirates can be. The Straw Hat Pirates CAN change the world.
The story of liberating Wano, isn't just about liberating Wano. It lays down a path toward the eventual liberation of the World brought about by the efforts of Wano, the Straw Hat Pirates, and their allies (Grand Fleet, Law, Zou, etc). It is no coincidence Oda has the World Government currently targeting Wano. Once the World Government fail, they will realise the true danger of Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates. Freedom is a theme central to Yamato's character and a theme central to One Piece. Yamato will represent the piece within the Straw Hat Pirates that gets them to accept the fate they embody - the force that ushers in an age of freedom. The Straw Hat Pirates aren't just merely pirates sailing the Grand Line. After Kaido is defeated and Wano is opened, the Straw Hat Pirates will represent more than that. They will be a force that directly stands against the World Government and their 800 years of history. Yamato's presence within the crew will serve as the bridge that helps the Straw Hat Pirates accept such a responsibility. The "dawn" they will help bring about isn't going to be a concept they will remain unaware of. Along with helping to inspire coexistence, the Straw Hat Pirates will inspire freedom around the world. With such an end in sight, it seems almost necessary to have a character like Yamato join the Straw Hat Pirates.
What Yamato truly seeks isn't found in Wano.
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I can see Robin, Jinbe and Yamato getting along fantastically and being the members to drive the CORE story of One Piece.
Yamato possesses not only information but also context. Oden's journal was Yamato's bible and he had 20 years to familiarise himself with the information and to analyse it. This is why when Ace died, Yamato almost immediately (after the grief) connected Luffy with the figure Oden was awaiting for. The person Oden had wished to open the borders of Wano for.
Oda has noticeably detached Robin from the Joy Boy plot. Which is why Oda did not have Robin investigate further into Zunesha, an entity that existed over 800 years ago, and question Momonosuke about what information Zunesha shared with him. Robin had 2 weeks before the Onigashima raid to pick Momonosuke's brain but nothing of the sort happened. And currently the character alongside Momonosuke (who can convey what Zunesha is saying) witnessing Luffy fight in a state that reminds Zunesha of Joy Boy is not Robin but Yamato. And this is meaningful in the context of driving Luffy's story without Luffy fully embracing his destiny as savior of the world.
Oden actually had two wishes. One will be accomplished by Momonosuke (with the help of the Akazaya Samurai) when he opens Wano's borders and the second will be fulfilled by directly helping Luffy (via Yamato).
Oden had learned why Wano was closed in the first place 800 years ago and the reason Oden desired to open Wano's borders once returning from his journey with the Roger Pirates is to accomplish his second wish - to help Joy Boy. Wano since 800 years ago considered the World Government their enemies and they played the long game by awaiting for Joy Boy's return. Closing their borders was one way to help prevent the World Government from gaining a comprehensive victory 800 years ago, especially if Wano possessed information the World Government did not know about back then. Once finding out the history of the Kozuki clan, Oden took it upon himself to carrying the history of Wano across 800 years and into the future (the same way Toki did but she fell in love and chose to fight a battle that would pave the path for her children to assist the New Generation/Nine Shadows). Oden's wish was not to only open Wano but also to fight against the enemies the Kozuki clan closed Wano for 800 years ago. Now, Luffy has appeared and with him there are two characters carrying on Oden's will who are aware of the importance of Joy Boy. Going forward, helping Joy Boy does not mean staying in Wano as the best way to help Luffy is to directly assist him. Both Momonosuke and Yamato will come to understand this.
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@Syphin:
We can already surmise what Yamato's dream is based on what has been revealed in the manga.
Oden had TWO wishes. One to open the borders of Wano and the second to assist the figure the world had been waiting for over the span of hundreds of years i.e. Luffy. It is pretty apparent at this point that Yamato has inherited the will of Oden and is currently fighting to see Wano Kuni liberated from Kaido and subsequently have the nations borders opened. Yamato has been in possession of Oden's journal for two decades but only came to realise the importance of the words contained in the pages after a certain event two years ago. Yes, prior to Ace's death, Yamato was not aware of the importance Luffy held in regards to the details of Oden's journal. This is why when Yamato first met Ace, he wished to leave aboard their ship because at that time he wished to be free and sail the seas going on adventures (which he still wishes for). If Wano wasn't chained by Kaido/Orochi and Yamato wasn't bound by the explosive cuffs, he would have got aboard Ace's ship. Fast forward ~2 years when Yamato learned about Ace's death, he also learned about Luffy and recalled what Ace told him years prior. Such memories about Luffy and Luffy's dreams connected to the writings in Oden's journal. Yamato realised at that time the person the world had been waiting on, the person Oden had been waiting for, was Monkey D. Luffy. This is the moment when Yamato knew what he had to do - what he wanted to do.
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Not only did Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji, Chopper, Robin, Franky, Brook, Jinbe and Sabo have their 'aha-' moment when Ace died but so did Yamato. Within the grief and sorrow, they found a path forward.Ace's death allowed Yamato to make the connection between Luffy and Oden's journal (Yamato's "bible"). And this is why Yamato's dreams have evolved from what they were when he met Ace ~4 years ago (sailing the seas, going on adventures and opening Wano's borders) to what what he is expressing now on Onigashima during this arc. Yamato's dream is not only to help open Wano's borders but it is also to assist Luffy who is the person that will shake the world to its core creating waves of change. Yamato now understands how Luffy fits into Oden's SECOND wish and he is currently bearing that role on his shoulders.
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Yamato will join the crew and help them see through the unfulfilled work Joy Boy and Roger have left incomplete.No other Straw Hat Pirate has been connected to Joy Boy and the mission they left behind. Not even Robin. She only learned about Joy Boy's existence a month ago in One Piece time and is still not aware of Joy Boy's relevance to the history of the world. Joy Boy was only revealed during the Fish-Man Island Arc AFTER the time skip. It is almost as if Oda had begun at that time setting the foundations for a new character (nakama) to fill a key story role aboard the Thousand Sunny that no current members at that time fulfilled. Yamato will assist in providing clarity to Robin about 'Joy Boy' and their place in history.
Alongside his admiration for Oden, Yamato is also expressing their own desires. Yamato will help Luffy liberate Wano Kuni and then the world. Fitting for someone who has been imprisoned and robbed of their freedom for the majority of their life.
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Yamato's interest in Joy Boy and the Dawn aren't inconsequential but rather a driving force behind his intentions and actions. Yamato is aware of Momonosuke and Luffy's importance to the future of the world and the "Dawn". Ever since Oden's hour long execution, Yamato has sought to be Oden. And after reading Oden's journal, he has wished to fulfill Oden's will. And within that wish he has combined his own desires - being free, sailing the seas and having adventures. Luffy is too important to Yamato and his dreams. The only way Yamato won't be sailing aboard the Thousand Sunny is if Luffy rejects him and that ain't happening. And Momonosuke won't be the one to rob Yamato of following their dream.!
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Oden is a source strength for Yamato. While Yamato's need to imitate him may decrease going forward, the admiration and inspiration he feels and receives from Oden will remain. Oden's wishes will be fulfilled and Yamato will be the one to see it through via their adventure and journey to Laugh Tale (and beyond). Along the journey, Yamato will also learn more about their family origins and history. Kaido is a massive mystery and his story within Wano Kuni won't provide us with all the answers to the questions we have.
Can't believe I didn't realize sooner how Yamato could become the samurai of the crew.
Yeah, that is one of the possibilities.
2. Yes, no expressed ship role yet. But neither did Jinbe until WCI (helmsman was only a possibility until it was confirmed). At present, Yamato's ship role could be many things, including a role that seemingly appears inconsequential at this point to the journey of the Straw Hat Pirates. Until we get further focus on what exactly Yamato can do beyond fighting (and making Vivre Cards), certainty remains lacking:
- Fighter/Defender/Samurai
- Stonemason
- Den den Mushi-tuber/Marys-tuber - taking Oden's journal idea further by using state-of-the-art technology to create a visual recording of the journey to share with the world (the
cakeOne Piece is no lie)- Vivre Card craftsman - why does such an item exist? Does the history of Vivre Cards relate back to the Ancient Civilisation? Can the application of Vivre Cards be expanded on like how science expands on the use of Devil Fruits (Chopper, Caesar, Queen, Vegapunk)? In the absence of a Log Pose route, would the presence of a Vivre Card craftsman be helpful?
I suppose I should also add in Guardian Deity or Consultant or Medical Assistant (helping Chopper use Cryotheraphy) or Icebreaker (in ice-covered waters) or just continue the gag and create a position called Oden.
–- Update From New Post Merge ---
Maybe Loki? Also I would love a Rock based Logia
Ever since Loki's first mention in chapter 858 within the context of Lola rejecting his marriage proposal, I always perceived Loki as an antagonistic type of character.
Lola since her introduction appeared to be someone open to marriage and showing her affection so when Oda revealed there was a character who proposed to Lola due to "love at first sight", why did Lola not proceed with the marriage? Why did Lola run away and subsequently reject Loki? Was Lola against her mother controlling her life? If that was the case, Lola would be more aware of how Big Mom feels about her and not have suggested to Nami that her mother would help her if she shows Big Mom the Vire Card. As we later find out, Big Mom was furious at Lola. Based on this, Lola's rejection of Loki wasn't because of her rejection to Big Mom's desires but because Lola genuinely did not like Loki. Why? Why did someone who is open to marriage and love not reciprocate the "love" Loki (a Prince and future King) expressed towards her via his proposal? I suspect Lola felt Loki was fake and the love he conveyed to her was not genuine.
If Loki was a good guy, I don't think Lola would have rejected him but seeing as she did, I can't help but conclude that there is a darker shade to Loki which Lola picked up on (a women's intuition) that the audience will come to find out once Elbaf's story is covered. Loki may be a character that challenges Hajrudin when Hajrudin decides to gather all the Giant clans and puts his name out there for leading them.
Considering it has been almost 10 years since the last Logia Devil Fruit was introduced/revealed (Monet's Devil Fruit in October 2012 although I did accurately deduce it in July that year), it almost seems due for more focus to be centered around them in future arcs.
Paramecia Devil Fruit users were a large focus in the Dressrosa and Whole Cake Island arcs with usage of Paramecia abilities being stretched to convey a flexible level of strength (Trebol's usage of his Beta Beta no Mi, Doflamingo's awakening, Katakuri's special Paramecia and Sugar and Big Mom's overpowered Paramecia abilities). With Zoan Devil Fruit users, they are a massive focus in the Onigashima portion of the Wano arc with the Tobi Roppo, All Stars, Kaido, Yamato and Luffy. Not sure if Momonosuke's Artificial Devil Fruit is classified as a Zoan but there is that too.
The most focus we have received on Logia Devil Fruit users since the Dressrosa arc has been on Sabo, Caesar and Caribou which wasn't much. Caribou is due for his moment but even with that in mind, Logia users have been under represented for a long period of time in the manga. If Oda is planning to incorporate Logia Devil Fruit users more into future arcs, I can see him doing so in arcs centered around Sabo or Vegapunk. Potentially a good arc to also feature Logia Devil Fruit users in would be the arc dealing with Elbaf/Giants considering they are not aligned with the World Government and wouldn't have WG officials auditing what treasures and valuables they have. The World Government understand how valuable Logia Devil Fruits are which is why the Marines possess the most of any faction in One Piece (prior to Kuzan leaving and Caesar being arrested, they employed 5 Logia users). If a new Logia user were to be introduced it would likely be in arcs featuring Vegapunk and Giants. If Elbaf connects to the Sky Islands, they would be further room and reason to believe in lands not visited by many, the chances of rare Devil Fruits existing would be more likely.
A Giant with a Logia Devil Fruit would be quite the sight especially if the Fruit had some Earth-based theme.
I did entertain this possibility before:
Would definitely prefer a character more creative and unique as the next Straw Hat Pirate nakama. An elemental Viking who wants to become a great farmer and solve world hunger perhaps. O.o.
I don't get why people are talking about Yamato feeling any sense of responsibility toward staying in Wano post Kaido's defeat. Oda has made that plot point inconsequential by not even establishing it as a conflicting point in Yamato's arc. Oda hasn't conveyed any desire or dissonance within Yamato to remain in Wano over sailing with Luffy. Rather, Oda has repeatedly and consistently directed Yamato toward the sea and future adventure. Each chapter only makes that desire stronger (Yamato now has confirmation that Luffy is Joy Boy).
And at the end of it all, Momonosuke won't be the one to suggest Yamato to remain. Momonosuke read Oden's journal and realises how Oden felt about being restricted to just Wano. Momonosuke himself is a child of the sea (born on Whitebeard's ship) and understands the value of experiencing the wide world. Momonosuke's journey aboard the Thousand Sunny exposed him to the world outside Wano and many cultures giving him a sense of what it is like and why a change would be necessary to embrace the current era. Momonosuke will not be Yamato's "Sukiyaki".
Considering the writing of the Wano arc, there is no genuine evidence that Oda is interested in keeping Yamato within Wano after his father is defeated. Even the Okuchi no Makami Devil Fruit being a Guardian Deity of Wano supports Yamato sailing with the Straw Hat Pirates and paving a path forward for Momonosuke to guide Wano and the world toward the Dawn as Shogun.
Another aspect that supports Yamato being attached to the Straw Hat Pirates is that despite being aware of Momonosuke’s importance to the DAWN, Yamato still chose to follow Luffy. Yamato knows that Momonosuke is integral to the guidance of the world towards the Dawn, yet even with that knowledge, he still faced Kaido and expressed that he will go out to sea with Luffy after helping drive Kaido out of Wano. In Yamato’s heart, he desires to lend his assistance to Luffy even knowing how important Momonosuke is to the future. Yamato understands and believes that like Momonosuke, Luffy is also someone incredibly important. Someone Yamato has been waiting for for years. Someone Yamato wholeheartedly believes without a shrewd of doubt. Someone Yamato has fought for and followed. Someone Yamato sees in the words Oden wrote concerning the person the world has been awaiting for. Someone Yamato knows Ace completely loved. Someone Yamato has repeatedly stated he will follow. This is why right now, Yamato is giving his all to protect, train and assist Momonosuke. Because he is aware that once Kaido is driven out of Wano, Momonosuke will need to lead the nation and the world as the Shogun without his assistance. Additionally, the story in the current time has been positioned to have Yamato assist Momonosuke with the decisions he has to make in the near future. Yamato will help Momonosuke understand the importance of Oden’s goal and the even assist in conveying Momonosuke’s message/intention to Zunesha.
Oda's writing for Yamato's path has been very straight forward and intentional. If Oda wanted Yamato to be conflicted about leaving Momonosuke, he would have written so, but even after finding out Momonosuke is alive and knowing his importance, Oda still has had Yamato choose Luffy. Nothing substantial in Yamato's story so far has introduced any conflicting thoughts within his mind and conviction.
Oda has written Yamato to be necessary for Luffy. And everything so far from Yamato's introduction, to his connection to Kaido, Oden, Ace, Wano, Momonosuke, Joy Boy, to his dreams of sailing the sea and going on adventures, to his expression of wanting to leave Wano with Luffy, to his current belief in Luffy, to his alignment with the New Generation, everything Oda has written has been consistent with tying Yamato to the future story of One Piece and seemingly the Straw Hat Pirates. At no point has Oda introduced any conflicting elements to Yamato's intentions. None. Yamato is aware of Momonosuke's importance and still chooses Luffy. Yamato admires the Samurai and is aware of the importance Wano serves but still expresses to Kaido that after liberating Wano, he will leave with Luffy. Not even Wano's safety has been written to be an issue by Oda now that he has had the World Government be more concerned with Luffy than Momonosuke. When the Straw Hat Pirates leave Wano, the World Government won't priortise Wano over them. Going forward the World Government will focus their attention on Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates who has been written to be their number one threat in continuing to exist as the power they are (even more than the Revolutionary Army). All the World Governments main resources will be dispatched toward stopping the Straw Hat Pirates. And this is why Yamato being included in the Straw Hat Pirates is necessary. He possess knowledge and skills that will be invaluable in combating the coming threats of the World Government. And for any resources the World Government has spare to use against Wano who will oppose their rule once Momonosuke becomes Shogun, Oda has brought Zunesha, the Minks, the SMILE users, the Numbers and many other Beast Pirates into the fold alongside the Samurai who fight for Wano. Plus Wano also possess factories to develop top of the line weaponry due to Kaido's intentions over the past 20 years. And lets not forget that Wano Kuni also possesses Kairoseki. It is also possible at this point for Izo and Marco to remain in Wano Kuni. Yamato not remaining in Wano Kuni has been written to be a non-issue by Oda.
I also wonder if Marco will remain on Wano to assist the nation because he realises how important Wano is to the future of the world and the new era.
In my addition to my previous post, once Zunesha arrives to provide an additional information dump on Momonosuke, such information will be shared to Yamato thanks to Oda setting up their relation to be so intimate and central around Joy Boy (similar to how Momonosuke is sharing what Zunesha is telling him to Yamato). Yamato will be in a position to utilise that information provided by Zunesha and filter it through the information derived from Oden's journal which Yamato had 20 years to familiarise himself with. No other character can do what Yamato can in terms of driving the story of One Piece to its fated conclusion i.e. what Joy Boy left unfulfilled.
Yamato’s role will not end with the conclusion of the Wano Kuni Arc. They are one of the most uniquely positioned characters in the story holding an immense level of potential. Yamato is a character who has been aligned with EVERY single expected major story thread yet to come:
There is so much relevance attached to Yamato's character by being closely associated with three core One Piece characters - Kaido, Oden and Ace. And this even getting to themes and dreams Oda has aligned Yamato with which represent the main concepts of One Piece - romance and liberation.
Further, Yamato brings with him more than just strength. He is an asset that will elevate the Straw Hat Pirates to be a crew that will ascend the Roger Pirates.
All wars are won on information. And going forward as the focus turns to the Straw Hat Pirates being involved in more wars, the need for information becomes more crucial and necessary. Luffy may be the protagonist of the series but there is a limit to how far luck can carry a main character. Gol D Roger lost to a lack of information. Oden lost to a lack of information. Rocks lost to a lack of information. Big Mom lost to a lack of information. The Underworld Broker Joker aka Doflamingo lost to a lack of information. The Straw Hat Pirates lost to a lack of information in the past. Kaido will lose to a lack of information. Even the Lunarians and Ancient Kingdom likely lost to a lack of information.
The Straw Hat Pirates know next to nothing about Joy Boy and the destiny they are pursuing. Toward that end, information IS required. And this is where Yamato comes in. It may not be apparent but he is positioned as one of the most unique characters in One Piece in the relevance they embody. No other allied character outside those who visited Laugh Tale know about the relevance of Joy Boy – not even Robin. The antagonist know but they are antagonist. Oda has intentionally kept information about Joy Boy hidden away until the introduction of Oden and Yamato. Since Yamato appeared in the story, the readers now have confirmation that Luffy is the one who will fulfill Joy Boy’s incomplete will. Yamato is also the only character who realises that Luffy IS the one Joy Boy, Roger and Oden were waiting for. NO OTHER CHARACTER IN THE SERIES REALISES THIS CURRENTLY. Shanks sensed something in Luffy when he gave Luffy his Straw Hat but he wasn’t aware of Luffy’s true importance. The Mink recognise the importance of the Dawn but have little information about Joy Boy, the villainy the shadows embodying the “World Government” represent or the relevance of the next generation in regards to defining the next age. Having lived in Wano Kuni for 20 years+ (mainly Onigashima) and having access to Oden’s journal, Yamato has a particular perspective of events that other characters within the series do not. With Oden dead and those not Yamato that seen the journal in the past also dead, Yamato is the only character who has had 20 years to analyse and comprehend the information being conveyed. Momonosuke and Shinobu may have read the journal but they have had next to no time to truly understand what is being illustrated. Yamato is even aware of the dream Roger and Luffy share as well as the importance of Momonosuke to the Dawn. All of this is intentional by Oda. The keys in the form of information Yamato holds will be the deciding factor in Wano and the Straw Hat Pirates ultimate victory at the end of the series. Information WILL be required going forward.
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Such knowledge is already showing the extent of its value within this very arc in Wano. Without Yamato’s presence and knowledge, Kaido’s forces would not have been kept at bay to the extent that they are now. And in general, without information, the Samurai Rebellion would not have reached Onigashima. Additionally, throughout Onigashima, information has been the primary driving force behind the success of the Rebellion. Kaido and Big Mom were able to be separated thanks to the information Law and Kid used to corner Big Mom and knock her off Onigashima. Tama displayed how useful her abilities can be with information on their effectiveness against the SMILE users. Chopper used information about viruses to take advantage of Queen’s Ice Oni virus. Robin was able to defeat Black Maria thanks to the information she acquired from Sabo and Koala about Palm and Fish-Man Karate martial art techniques. Killer used the advantage of information to counter Hawkins’s Devil Fruit. Zoro also recognises the disadvantage he is under through the lack of information he has about King’s race. Sanji as well will use information about changes in his body to his advantage against Queen. Luffy too will defeat Kaido thanks to the information gained from his past defeats.Yamato has also used his knowledge to the advantage of the Samurai Rebellion. Luffy was able to conserve his stamina thanks to Yamato. Momonosuke was kept safe thanks to Yamato. Shinobu was kept safe thanks to Yamato. Oden’s words and will within his journal were able to be kept alive for the past twenty years thanks to Yamato. And now Oden’s journal is in the hands of Momonosuke because of Yamato. Kaido has been prevented from seeing his plans manifest due to Yamato’s actions and non-compliance i.e. refusal to be Shogun. Luffy was given sufficient time to recover from his injuries and return to the fight without any deaths to any of the Samurai Rebellion thanks to Yamato. Momonosuke will be able to stop Onigashima from crashing down on the Flower Capital thanks to Yamato. And because of Yamato’s current actions, the explosives currently kept within the basement of Onigashima will be prevented from igniting and blowing the Island up.
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It may appear that Yamato was introduced too late within the Wano Arc but if you take a step back and look at One Piece within its larger narrative, Yamato was introduced at the perfect time. Onigashima serves as the conclusion to the story that began at the start of the New World when Luffy decided to visited Punk Hazard. At the same time as Momonosuke’s story climaxing, the next stage of the New World is being set-up. And that set-up involves the next generation coming into the forefront and taking the reigns of the New World to determine the direction of the coming era. Oda has been very intentional in setting up Yamato’s character to be closely connected to the next generation by aligning Yamato with the prophecy Oden and Toki mentioned and expressing Yamato’s interest in not only Oden but the rookie pirates making a name for themselves around the world as per his conversation with Ace and his current interest in Luffy. Yamato will be one of the nine shadows. And currently, he is the only character that realises the importance of Luffy and the role the next generation of pirates play within the upcoming war. Oda has connected Yamato to the next generation of pirates within Wano Kuni for specific reasons. Eventually Yamato will play a part in bringing together the forces of the next generation alongside the Straw Hat Pirates to face off against the main antagonist within the series. The upcoming war will not just be the Straw Hat Pirates against the World Government but it will be the next generation against the forces seeking to imprison freedom within a narrative of their choosing. Yamato’s role will not end with the conclusion of the Wano Kuni Arc.!
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I do agree, Jinbe isn't naive. His experience aboard the Sun Pirates has made him aware of the world outside and within the shadows of Fish-Man Island. Jinbe understands how destructive and toxic people can be no matter the race or species they belong to. Rather than attempting to be a God that ends all suffering, I feel Jinbe wishes to at the very least bring Fish-Man to an equal footing aligned with the rest of the world (ignoring the Tenryuubito) where they can then move forward from. Jinbe wants to pave a path forward where the negativity surrounding how the world views Fish-Man and how the Fish-Man view the world can be redefined in a more encapsulating narrative. The divide that exist between how the two species view each other were most likely both initiated and widened by ignorance and the fear of uncertainty. I always saw Jinbe joining the Straw Hat Pirates and serving under Luffy to be his gesture to everyone that even someone as experienced and respectable as him was willing to humble himself to join a crew led by a human not because he was a human dog but to convey that humans who respect Fish-Man do exist.
If Jinbe can shatter the divide existing between the two races and manifest a bridge through the actions he takes, he would be content with the end result. Coexistence seems to be the theme central to Jinbe (I see Jinbe as more associated with Otohime's dream than Tiger's). Such an end won't be easy but all great causes begin somewhere and assisting someone he genuinely believes will become Pirate King who is destined to shake the order in the world is one place to start.
Over the course of the story Jinbe will get assistance and once more and more people rally behind his cause, change will inevitable come. In terms of slavery and working towards abolishing it, I feel that story will be left to Mjosgard and possibly Hancock to address. Mjosgard has been motivated by Otohime too and he is someone with power to effect real change given his status as a Tenryuubito. Thanks to Mjosgard, Shirahoshi was saved. No one else without his position could have done what he did. If the current laws support slavery and discrimination toward Fish-Man and other minor species/races, that will first need to be changed before attempting to shift the culture and mindsets of the people.
The dreams of those inspired by Otohime are definitely ambitious but they have a purpose in Luffy's journey toward challenging the world. Currently Luffy's actions are winning Momonosuke over who will come to take his place as Shogun of Wano and leader of the force that will stand against the World Government (Wano closed their borders 800 years because they wanted to wait for a point where the nation was strong enough to challenge the "World Government"). If the people of Wano, Mink, Fish-Man, (Oni) and possibly Giants and Three-Eye people can work together, a strong message about coexistence will be sent to those skeptical about change across the world. Big Mom's Totto Land already serves as proof that coexistence can work. The nation of Wano is positioned to be part of how Jinbe's dream will come about. Wano will not open their borders to join the rest of the world in their bondage under the World Government rather they will release themselves in order to help liberate the world. The new generation has arrived and with it a new dawn.
After witnessing the sheer madness unfolding before them, both Momonosuke and Yamato should now realise who Luffy is and how necessary his presence is to the arrival of the Dawn. Yamato suspected it and believed in it. Now he is getting the confirmation that Luffy truly is the individual Oden had been waiting on. Momonosuke as well is coming to a realisation of how special Luffy is. By being spectator to the battle Luffy is having against the world strongest creature, Momonosuke and Yamato will arrive at a path that they will realise would need to be traversed on. Momonosuke had questions before about what decisions he should make regarding Wano. The battle Luffy is having against Kaido should provide Momonosuke a direction he needs to head toward. Luffy is important to Wano's dreams (that Oden and the past Kozuki clan members held) and opening Wano's borders to support him will become a decision Momonosuke will find himself needing to make. Supporting Luffy will be the result of what both Momonosuke and Yamato are currently seeing. As for Kaido, he too will come to realise the freedom on display before him is the embodiment of “Joy Boy”.
It is also becoming clear why Oda spent so much time developing the bond between Yamato and Momonosuke. If not for that time spent, it would not be believable for Momonosuke to rely and lean on Yamato as much as he currently doing. Going forward Momonosuke will understand Luffy's importance and how intertwined Luffy's journey is to Wano's survival and prosperity. Momonosuke knows Yamato admires Luffy and when Momonosuke learns that Yamato plans to travel with Luffy, he will have no reason to challenge it. Rather, Momonosuke would be encouraging Yamato to help Luffy as that will in turn be of benefit to Wano (the best course of ac). Momonosuke will want to know what his father discovered during his journey and he will rely on Yamato to relay that information through the journey Yamato will have with the Straw Hat Pirates.
One to thing to consider about the "Deities" in Wano is the story of how they became Guardian Deities. The Akazaya Samurai were considered Guardian Deities of Wano and the readers have seen their journey to rising to fill such a position. Luffy too in Gear Four has been considered a Guardian Deity by Hyogoro and I suspect the story of behind this feeling resides in the past of Wano. Joy Boy likely also possessed (or created) the Nika Fruit and given how connected Joy Boy was to Wano (using the Kozuki clan's Stonemason skills to produce the Poneglyphs, asking Wano to protect one of the Road Poneglyphs and Wano even closing their borders to wait for the next Joy Boy) there is a story to be told about how their relationship began. Joy Boy from 800 years ago may have becomes a Guardian Deity to Wano.
I am not sure if Dragons were a Guardian Deity symbol but Kaido did have a Dragon statue in Onigashima. With how the Wano Kuni Arc is positioned though, what seems likely to happen is Momonosuke transforming the Dragon into a symbol of Liberation for Wano. The Dragon form Momonosuke takes (Peach Dragon) appears to also be set-up to become a Guardian Deity of Wano.
Yamato's Okuchi no Makami has been stated by Kaido to also be a Guardian Deity of Wano. But beyond that, details for why Wano would worship a wolf have not been revealed yet. What story exist to substantiate such a relationship with Wano? For Wano to worship it (if Kaido is correct), a past Okuchi no Makami user (or THE Okuchi no Makami) must have done something significant to assist Wano. I have in the past theorised why Wano could have worshiped the Okuchi no Makami and that still may be the case:
The Inu Inu no Mi, Model: Okuchi no Makami having a certain overlap with the Mink makes a lot of sense.
Considering the intimate relationship Wano has with Zou, it follows that a Devil Fruit Form that has overlap with the Mink visually would be a form respected/revered by the people of Wano.
The potential history of Wano hinted at through the Okuchi no Makami Devil Fruit conveys a further relevance for both Yamato and the Mink in regards to Wano. I can see where the argument of Yamato remaining in Wano comes from and that is a legitimate view but I am interpreting the presented information in a difference light. Wano is going to challenge/stand against the World Government once the borders are open and Yamato will be the piece Momonosuke uses to see about the arrival of the Dawn i.e. sending Yamato beyond Wano Kuni to see the journey Joy Boy left unfulfilled, complete.
Going even further, Yamato’s Inu Inu no Mi, Model: Okuchi no Makami, it looks awfully a lot like a Sulong awakened Mink. What if a Mink from the past was indirectly responsible for the Devil Fruit’s existence? Such an honoured Devil Fruit within the Wano Kuni culture also being linked to the Mink would make a lot of sense. The reason for its worship could be its known connection to the Mink or at the very least, a indirect response from the Wano people’s inherent bond with the Mink. Is this why Oda has avoided having Mink encounter Yamato? In order to avoid a scenario he wishes to save for later? Could Yamato not only be the representative for Wano Kuni but also the Mink through the Okuchi no Makami form he possesses sourced from the Devil Fruit he consumed? It's possible but I really do wonder.
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Until further information is provided, it is unclear how the Okuchi no Makami is significant to Wano but considering the close relationship Minks had to Wano, it is noteworthy to consider them especially when you consider that both the Samurai and Minks were close to Joy Boy. Wano closed their borders for Joy Boy to await his return and Zunesha, one of Joy Boy's closest companions, housed and protected the Minks for hundreds of years. To have a character that represents both Wano and Zou who also wishes to fight on Joy Boy's side, there is a meaningful relevance to that.
In addition to the story behind the Okuchi no Makami being Wano's Guardian Deity, I am also curious about the story before that. Did the user of the Okuchi no Makami and Joy Boy fight together in the past? It has been conveyed by the Five Elders that Zoan Fruits have a will of their own, and if that is the case, do they also have a will to see past allies reunited? Without having met Luffy directly, Yamato wholeheartedly believed in Luffy and prepared for the day he would arrive in Wano. It is fascinating how strongly Yamato attached himself to Luffy once he aligned his will to helping him. Could the Okuchi no Makami have influenced Yamato's desires to extend it further once he came to the decision to follow/help Luffy? Luffy too, upon meeting the son of his enemy, decided to accept his help and even free him. Sure this is Luffy's general nature but it could be more. What I am curious about is how Luffy would interact with Yamato with his Gear Five active (i.e. Joy Boy awakened).
I am not sure if it is anything but not all Mythical Zoans have the element the Nika and Okuchi no Makami Fruit share - the cloud/cold air ribbon present on their upper body. I wonder if that is a Wano specific thing:
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In the past it would sense for an ice user and Joy Boy (rubber body) to have fought together since cold (to an extent) makes rubber softer and stretchier. Their powers do synergize well together.
P.S.- Only just noticed that AP is back up, nice to see everyone again :)
Hey Roosta! Nice to see you again too. I missed you and your insights.
I love it.
The thing is, while the Devil Fruit is a Mythical Zoan, no one who possessed the Fruit in 800 years was able to awaken it's power. No one unlocked the Nika form (that made it rise to the levels of a Mythical Zoan). Joy Boy is only reawakening after 800 years because of someone like Luffy not because the Gomu Gomu no Mi is in fact the Hito Hito no Mi; Model: Nika. Luffy is special not because of the Fruit but because of who he is. The essence in the Fruit recognized this and chose Luffy. It went from user to user, failing to awaken until Luffy arrived on the scene.
The Five Elders mention that in every era, the World Government has attempted to recover the Gomu Gomu no Mi but they have never succeeded. This implies to me that the Gomu Gomu no Mi was never hidden away in one set place and through the eras it was always on the move, likely from user to user who the Fruit chooses.
In ordinary hands, the Nika Fruit may as well be an average Devil Fruit and even in the hands of users the Nika Fruit chooses, it isn't guaranteed for its power to be fully utilised. The Hito Hito no Mi; Model: Nika isn't special by itself despite its Mythical Zoan classification. Luffy made the Devil Fruit special by being able to fully sync with it. No one in 800 years has achieved this feat. No one.
This revelation doesn't take away any of Luffy's past accomplishments. He earned all of his victories in the past. Ever since Luffy's Gears were introduced, the Gomu Gomu no Mi stopped being ordinary and became something more fantastical. This current revelation of its true identity is just an extension of its reach into that realm.
When the Tenryuubito was introduced, it was expected Luffy would eventually challenge them.
When Teach was revealed to have a special body, it was expected that those in the D clan have peculiarities about them that makes them different.
When Joy Boy was introduced, it was expected Luffy would inherit Joy Boy's will and fulfill the unfinished work left behind.
When Im was introduced, it was expected Luffy would be the one to end his rule.
When Who's Who introduced Nika, it was expected Luffy would take on such a role.
Oda has been slowly evolving his story and Luffy's place in it.
The Nika Fruit is Oda's way of establishing the connection between Luffy, Joy Boy and the Sun God (whom several groups of people revere) and bringing Luffy to a point where his story can shift from just sailing the Grandline for the Romance of it to incorporating more overarching elements that involves liberation. And at its core, One Piece has always been a story about liberation i.e. breaking down borders; whether those borders represent physical borders, sovereign imposed ones or emotional borders that characters unconsciously develop to "protect" themselves.
This chapter gave me chills. A twist even grander than Ace being revealed to be his son and Blackbeard's body having a special composition. I loved it. After the last chapter, I expected the Gomu Gomu no Mi to be the Nika Fruit but I did not expect it to be a Mythical Zoan of the Human Human sub-category. What a curious development that was unexpected yet planned seemingly from chapter 1.
The symbolism of drums to support the theme of liberation was such a fascinating revelation. Many cultures around the world incorporate drums into their tradition and even associate drums with the Gods and Deities that encapsulate their history. I follow Hinduism and also believe in spirituality. I practice meditation daily and I have been taught that when you can hear your inner drum sounding within your meditative state, you have reached a point of liberation and progressed on the path of enlightenment. A drum beat can be interpreted as the echo of the soul. So seeing drums used as the precursor for the Warrior of Lights awakening, it hits a personal level of relevance for me.
In conjunction with Luffy reawakening as the Warrior of Liberation, I love how Oda incorporated Hiyori's story who also reawakened as herself within this chapter. Behind the masks she wore, she desperately tried to play the role of Komurasaki in the past but within this moment, all her pain and suffering surfaced within the words she exchanged with Orochi. Hiyori called out Orochi for the pathetic individual he is and boldly and proudly declared herself as Kozuki Hiyori. A scene reminiscent of Momonosuke’s expression of who he is to Kaido. Not once has Hiyori forgotten who she is and where she came from. Along with expressing that the Kozuki clan always keeps their promise, Hiyori also mentions the Dawn is sure to come. Words that express the belief the Kozuki clan held in Joy Boy and the person who would arrive in the future to complete what was unfinished.
Aside from the current characters featuring in Wano, I can think of another character whose story would advance if they were present. A story that can tie into the future of One Piece. And all they have to do is be present and witness the coming events. An unresolved plot thread left behind by Oda in this characters story would progress in such a situation. But alas, they have to be present first.
Honestly, even if Yamato being the Guardian Deity of Wano is a thing, it actually strengthens the case for Yamato to join the Straw Hat Pirates.
At this point being a Guardian of Deity of Wano = helping the Straw Hat Pirates.
Wano's survival rest with the Straw Hat Pirates. "Wano's" continued existence rest with the Straw Hat Pirates. Wano's inevitable conflict with the World Government (Im and the Tenryuubito) rest with the actions of Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates.
Oda has intimately tied Wano's fate and story with that of Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates. This is why Oda has likened Luffy to a Guardian Deity of Wano through Hyogoro's comments. The possible fallacy in certain lines of thinking is believing that being a Guardian Deity of Wano equates to remaining in Wano but that is not the case. Wano's story is expanding beyond the lands of Wano Kuni toward the rest of the world. Oda has time and time again hit us with the reality that Momonosuke will be the one to guide the World to the DAWN. Not only Wano but the whole WORLD. Think about it, what does this mean? If Wano's relevance is encapsulating the rest of the world, does this not also mean that their influence and story are also extending beyond Wano?
Oda has clearly made it a point that beyond the Wano Kuni Arc, the role Wano takes will be completely different. The borders of Wano Kuni will open and the characteristics that defined them will be transformed. Change, growth and liberation are themes of Wano Kuni's story, especially in regards to Momonosuke. As the future Shogun, Momonosuke will bring Wano into the future and connect it to the rest of the world. Momonosuke will evolve Wano from what it was and become a leader second to none - as his name symbolises. This is why the current story of Momonosuke is dealing with him figuring out how to move Wano Kuni forward. Momonosuke believes keeping Wano's borders closed may be the right thing and that surrendering to Kaido would be the path forward. Relative to the story that line of thinking is wrong but this is where Momonosuke grows into a leader Wano Kuni and the world need. He is asking himself and Yamato these questions and thanks to the guidance Yamato is providing him, he is starting to understand what answering them could mean. Momonosuke knows he is important but doesn't exactly understand why. Momonosuke is seeking to clarify how the pieces of knowledge he has fits together.
Once Momonosuke comes to this realisation, he will understand that the battle he is fighting doesn't just involve Wano but the rest of the World. What is in balance isn't just the lives of the people of Wano. And thanks to reading Oden's journal and speaking with Zunesha, he now recognises how important Joy Boy is to this future. Momonosuke will realise that in order to reach the future his father, mother and ancestors fought for (including closing the Wano borders 800 years), Luffy/Joy Boy is necessary. Sure Yamato may turn out to be the Guardian Deity of Wano but with Luffy embodying the future of Wano as Joy Boy, sailing and fighting alongside the Straw Hat Pirates is arguably synonymous with fulfilling the role of Guardian Deity of Wano. Plus let's not forget that after Joy Boy's unfulfilled mission is complete, Yamato will return home (Wano Kuni).
Rather than the Guardian Deity of Wano thread being a limiting factor that keeps Yamato in Wano it in fact serves to support Yamato helping Luffy. Every thing Oda has scripted for Yamato seemingly has Yamato's future alongside the Straw Hat Pirates. And with each chapter this becomes more likely.
On the topic of Guardian Deities, Momonosuke is also set-up to become one. He will turn the image of a Dragon from the specter of tyranny into a symbol of liberation. Kin'emon's reaction to the sight of dragons conveyed the overall feelings Wano Kuni have of Dragons. Momonosuke has been given the artificial Seiryu Devil Fruit for a reason and that is to not only help liberate Wano Kuni but to destroy the imagery Kaido had attached to Dragons based on his monstrous actions for the past 20 years. Momonosuke's story is about leading Wano Kuni into a new age and what better way to initiate such a change than by reforming the symbolic meaning attached to the image of the Dragon. An image that will become a symbol of Wano Kuni as they stand against Im and the "Celestial Dragons" who seek to corrupt the world in their darkness.
The brilliant thing with how Oda scripted Yamato is that no new arc needs to be incorporated within the manga to develop and push forward their story. Every single major story thread that the readers expect to feature within the future of One Piece has been made so Yamato heavily ties into it. When you think about it, the extent to how Yamato has been crafted to seamlessly fit into the future story of One Piece, you can't help but wonder what Oda's intentions for Yamato truly are. So much effort and care has been taken to establish a character that would have no problem existing within the future story alongside Luffy.
The Island where Ace's grave is which Luffy is destined to visit after he defeats Kaido in order to share a cup of sake? Oda established the necessity for also having Yamato visit the grave through flashbacks and the title of chapter 999 - "The Sake I Brewed to Drink With You". Additional memories of Ace and how Yamato reacted when he found out Ace died can also feature within this moment further substantiating Yamato's emotional bond with Ace and Luffy (and indirectly Sabo).
Vegapunk and the research he has been conducting? Yamato is the child of the "creature" the World Government has conducted significant research on who even has an Artificial Devil Fruit created from his DNA by Vegapunk. Kaido was caught several by the Marines and imprisoned and likely during each capture, further research was done. When Kaido met King and broke out from Punk Hazard, Vegapunk was not working in the facility yet as he had not joined the Marines at that time. Only during a subsequent capture at a later time would Vegapunk have the opportunity to begin researching Kaido's DNA. I was right about Kaido and King being prisoners of Punk Hazard in the past (Kaido was likely betrayed by Rocks on Gods Valley) and I also suspect that beyond the Artificial Devil Fruit, further research and experiments were done using Kaido's DNA. The Blood of Oni theory. Yamato has the same blood as Kaido and will have direct relevance to any research the World Government/Marines conducted on Kaido which I suspect is a lot. I believe Kaido was a massive part of Vegapunk's research.
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Kaido’s Lineage Factor/Bloodline Element has become a substantial aspect to the research conducted by Vegapunk and the Marine Scientists. The CP-0 have already confirmed that when Kaido was captured by the Marines he was experimented on with his Bloodline Element being used by Vegapunk to create the Artificial Devil Fruit that Momonosuke has consumed. Beyond the Artificial Devil Fruit there are also connections with Kaido’s Bloodline Element being used to experiment on the Numbers. The connections they share with Kaido are too substantial to ignore as separate. Additionally, the Dragons Vegapunk developed also appear to be based on his research into Kaido’s Bloodline Element. Further, there may have been other subjects that were used in the research into Kaido’s Bloodline Element, specifically, the Jailer Beasts of Impel Down. The blood Kaido possess has become an incredibly valuable component in the Marines research in creating “weapons” that can strengthen their forces and I find myself curious as to how else the Marine Scientists (and Vegapunk) have weaponized Kaido’s Bloodline Element. Will Kaido’s blood and ancestry become a core story thread going forward as the secrets of the past hidden away by the World Government are uncovered?
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During the arc dealing with Vegapunk and the Marines research, Yamato may come to find out more about his Oni ancestry and why the Oni loath humans (going by Kaido's attitude and feelings). Reconciling the Oni past and his current feelings could be where the Straw Hat Pirates come in.
Elbaf and the Giants? Yamato is an Oni, a race that seemingly is related to the Ancient Giants Oars and Oars Jr. are a part of. The Oni race could be a variant of the Ancient Giants but more likely than not there is a intimate connection between the two races. The history of the Ancient Giants and the Oni could be explored when Elbaf comes into focus and the story of Giants take center stage. We know that there are other Giants beyond Elbaf ones so they too could feature within this coming arc. Hajrudin and his crew could potentially regroup with Luffy and become a focus within the arc centered around Giants. Hajrudin's dream isn't to become King of Elbaf but to become King of ALL Giants, so for Harjudin's story arc to develop toward such an end, an overarching narrative of ALL Giants will need to take place. Jaguar D. Saul also belonged to a different Giant race and considering his importance as a member of the D and Robin's savior, Oda may choose to also feature the Giant clan Saul belonged to. With this Giant story Arc, I also suspect Urouge to feature heavily (Bonney will likely be focused on in the Vegapunk arc that delves into Kuma's story). The Giant story may not just be limited to Elbaf, it could also incorporate the massive tree existing on Elbaf that extends into the sky and to the Sky Islands. Oda has hinted at Oni looking Giants existing on Sky Island before, so it wouldn't be surprising for more Giants or a Giant Clan to be living on a Sky Island. An arc that also includes Sky Islands would be great for Urouge to also feature in to help have his story expanded on.
It is curious that Oda did not have Oden travel to Elbaf. I suspect is it because this Island contains information on the Ancients Giants and Oni and rather than Yamato learn about the history of Oni from a book, Oda is choosing to have Yamato learn about it firsthand by traveling there.
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It will be interesting to see how the story tied to Elbaf links to the history of the Ancient Civilisation (was Joy Boy a Giant?) and to the story of the other Giant races (the Giant race Jaguar D. Saul belonged to, the Ancient Giants whom are possibly the ancestors of Oni, Rock and Scotch's Giant race and whatever Giant race Sanjuan Wolf is). Considering Hajrudin's dream is to be King of ALL Giants (not just Elbaf) and that Oda has made him a Captain of the Straw Hat Pirate Grand Fleet, there should be some story to explore there. It may be largely off-screened but I suspect varying Giant races will come into play at some point. Such a union may culminate during the Elbaf Island Arc story. Giants also having such long lives means that the history available in Elbaf and from other Giants would be more etched into their culture opposed to normal human races where life is more transitory and as such more dispersed in their history. Considering this and the fact that "D" is also associated with Giants, it makes sense why their story is being saved for the latter parts of One Piece - because history will be more applicable through them.
I also wonder if Yamato will come to learn more about the Oni from Elbaf as it does not appear Yamato will get much more time to talk to Kaido during this arc. The Oni race weren't just simply introduced by Oda without further exploration. And a possible place the Oni race will get a deeper dive into could be Elbaf, if not through Kaido. It would also be fascinating to find out if there is an ancient connection between Wano and the Giants. Elbaf when whatever issue plagues them is dealt with can join Wano in their opposition to the World Government going forward. There are one of the few nations that aren't aligned with the World Government and a reason for why may relate back to Joy Boy.
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Gods Valley? This is where the Rocks Pirates were defeated and Kaido's life as the man he currently is began. In order to understand his own place in the world (as an Oni), it would benefit Yamato and his story to understand the story of his father and what happened during the God Valley incident. Oda is saving the details of this event for a future moment.
Laugh Tale? Yamato has treated Oden's journal as his bible. The information Oden left out about Laugh Tale would be something Yamato, who also possesses a heart of romance, would be dying to learn.
Shanks? Yamato has inherited Oden's will. Shanks will obviously be interested in Yamato.
Blackbeard? There is an apparent connection between Teach and Rocks, whom Kaido used to follow and admire. Depending on what happened between Rocks and Kaido on Gods Valley, there could be a story to tell about Yamato learning more about his father and the past he lived. Also, Teach is the one who fought Ace and gifted him to the Marines which ultimately led to Ace's execution.
Beyond Laugh Tale? That is what Yamato is currently fighting for. To help Luffy/Joy Boy achieve what Oden and Roger could not.
Even when the Straw Hat Pirates revisit Fish-Man Island, Yamato could hold significant relevance. Yamato and Fish-Man Island theory.
Similar to how Oden learned about the Kozuki history through his journey, Yamato will learn about his family's history through his journey (possibly when the Giant and Vegapunk Arcs are dealt with). Yamato's story has been set-up by Oda to extend beyond Wano. Yamato is unique in how relevant and how much potential they have to develop going forward. And the beauty of it is that no new arc needs to be featured to achieve such an end. All of Yamato's story can take place within arcs that are already guaranteed to feature. If there was a future Straw Hat Pirate that would be introduced that didn't further bloat the manga, it would be in the manner Oda has crafted Yamato in.
That is fine. Disagreement is natural (for those that do).
For female characters Oda usually develops them AFTER they join the Straw Hat Pirates. If he follows how he handled Nami and Robin, he could develop a third female character in a similar fashion. Nami and Robin did not that their story arcs which established the finer details of their motivation and interactions with the crew until after they had their arcs. We did though have ideas on how their stories could move forward before those characters received their arcs which isn't something a lot of candidates have going for them. With Yamato, he has immense potential and there is a clear idea on how his story can move forward. Another thing to take into account is Oda using Oden as a foundation to build Yamato. Oden himself only met and befriended Roger before joining the Roger Pirates. I see a similar setting happening with Yamato. If there is one character that can get away with limited Straw Hat Pirate interactions outside of Luffy, it is Yamato.
Additionally, Yamato's character arc isn't limited to the Wano Kuni Arc. The readers will not get a resolution to their story within this arc.
It is obvious Yamato's arc extends beyond it. Plot points Oda scripted for Yamato have yet get resolution and follow up. For example, Yamato visiting Ace's grave to share a cup of sake, or Yamato being an Oni who as a race appear to not think highly of humans going by Kaido's actions and dialogue (Oni are likely connected to Ancient Giants), or Yamato being saved by Shimotsuki Ushimaru who Zoro bears a striking resemblance too, or Yamato being included as part of the New Generation, or Yamato wanting to help the figure Oden was waiting for (Luffy), or Yamato wanting to sail the seas or Yamato expressing to Luffy they wish to board his ship. Oda isn't nearly done with Yamato's story, it is just the beginning.
Personally, I feel Oda has done a great job at developing Yamato. He is an inspiring character with an immense potential to enhance how the story can move forward. I have long thought Yamato has cleared this "bar".
The inclusion of Yamato is what will allow the Straw Hat Pirates to exceed the accomplishments of the Roger Pirates.
Since the introduction of Tenryuubito, the injustice presiding within the world and Joy Boy's existence, the story of One Piece has evolved from a crew of pirates sailing toward a certain destination for the romance of it. Reaching Laugh Tale has become subservient to the story of completing the unfulfilled will of Joy Boy. The endgame isn't Laugh Tale but the story that presides beyond it.
I have said this before and I'll keep repeating myself but none of the other Straw Hat Pirates currently in the crew outside of Luffy has a story tied to Joy Boy and his role. Robin never knew about Joy Boy before visiting Fish-Man Island after the timeskip. The only character in the world who can read the Ancient Language and decipher the Poneglyphs never discovered anything relating to Joy Boy before that point. And since that moment, Oda has held any further information on Joy Boy back until he got to Wano and began to focus on Yamato's story (includes Oden's flashback). Real focus on Joy Boy only began AFTER he introduced Yamato. It is apparent to see what Oda intends to do with Yamato and how the story of Joy Boy will be supported within the Straw Hat Pirates.
It would be a different matter if Oda scripted Luffy to be the hero who wholeheartedly intends to save the world. But Luffy isn't concerned about some overarching destiny that spans over 800 years and the complexities involved in wishing to end racism or liberating the world from injustice. No, this is why Oda has introduced other characters like Otohime, Jinbe, Dragon, Sabo, Mjosgard to serve such a purpose. Yamato has been introduced by Oda to fill a role and Oda has gone out of his way to develop Yamato into a ally of Luffy's that is currently most involved in Joy Boy's story.
Oda has written Yamato to be necessary to the Straw Hat Pirates. Oda has written Yamato to be necessary for Luffy. And everything so far from Yamato's introduction, to his connection to Kaido, Oden, Ace, Wano, Momonosuke, Joy Boy, to his dreams of sailing the sea and going on adventures, to his expression of wanting to leave Wano with Luffy, to his current belief in Luffy, to his alignment with the New Generation, everything Oda has written has been consistent with tying Yamato to the future story of One Piece and seemingly the Straw Hat Pirates. At no point has Oda introduced any conflicting elements to Yamato's intentions. None. Yamato is aware of Momonosuke's importance and still chooses Luffy. Yamato admires the Samurai and is aware of the importance Wano serves but still expresses to Kaido that after liberating Wano, he will leave with Luffy. Not even Wano's safety has been written to be an issue by Oda now that he has had the World Government be more concerned with Luffy than Momonosuke. When the Straw Hat Pirates leave Wano, the World Government won't priortise Wano over them. Going forward the World Government will focus their attention on Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates who has been written to be their number one threat in continuing to exist as the power they are (even more than the Revolutionary Army). All the World Governments main resources will be dispatched toward stopping the Straw Hat Pirates. And this is why Yamato being included in the Straw Hat Pirates is necessary. He possess knowledge and skills that will be invaluable in combating the coming threats of the World Government. And for any resources the World Government has spare to use against Wano who will oppose their rule once Momonosuke becomes Shogun, Oda has brought Zunesha, the Minks, the SMILE users, the Numbers and many other Beast Pirates into the fold alongside the Samurai who fight for Wano. Plus Wano also possess factories to develop top of the line weaponry due to Kaido's intentions over the past 20 years. And lets not forget that Wano Kuni also possesses Kairoseki. It is also possible at this point for Izo and Marco to remain in Wano Kuni. Yamato not remaining in Wano Kuni has been written to be a non-issue by Oda.
Yamato has been intentionally aligned with the most important story thread of One Piece. All this heavy lifting by Oda isn't for nothing. It isn't to introduce some character who will be removed from focus after the crew depart Wano Kuni. No, Oda's writing conveys an intention of scripting Yamato to be a character to develop and focus on moving forward. Even now, Yamato is being treated as a main character and not some arc only character. With each chapter it becomes more evident.