A Kawamatsu chapter? Eh, why not?
Joking aside, I liked this chapter. Kawamatsu isn’t that great of a character alone, but his relationships with others kept my interest. It’s nice seeing how friendly he and Hiyori are, their bond I’m sure growing stronger after losing Lord Oden and the downfall of Wano.
We learn Kawamatsu’s connection to Gyukimaru the Monk whose actually a fox that can transform into human form. Classic Japanese lore. After losing Hiyori, Kawamatsu, after looking for a place to die, finds new purpose robbing graves in Ringo, all in an effort to stockpile swords for the upcoming war against Team Kaido Kozuki Toki predicted. Onimaru (Monk Gyukimaru’s real name) and Kawamatsu eventually become allies, protecting the grave marking katanas from dirty grave robbers to they can do the same, but for a good reason. Not hypocrisy. It’s called ethics, kiddies. Look it up. Anyway, it’s classic Oda storytelling, delivering on emotion, friendship, and snotty nose drama.
Not sure why Onimaru didn’t reunite with Kawamatsu, but he leads his old friend back to the underground hiding spot. Now, filled with thousands of swords. Onimaru’s been quite the busy little beaver, erm, dog, um, fox.
We end the chapter with Hiyori offering her late father’s sword named Enma in exchange for Shusui. It’s a legendary sword and the only katana to ever wound Kaido. Wowsers! Now, that’s an upgrade. Does that confirm Zoro’s helping Luffy defeat Kaido? Maybe. Let’s be real here. Kaido isn’t going down in a one on one fight. Luffy’s delivering the final blows but it’ll be a team effort. And, it looks like Zoro will be on that team.
This was a nice chapter. We learned more about Kawamatsu and Onimaru, the Alliance is getting more swords in a believable way, and Zoro’s getting what could possibly be one of the best swords in the entire One Piece series. Good for you, Zoro! Now, maybe someone could throw Brook a bone and make him a stronger cane sword. No? Okay, then. Sorry, Brook. I tried.
Mammoth Base Opera Castle 