Alright, alright, alright! Let’s talk about Mr. Ya Boi, Scopper Gaban.
It’s not like much else happened in the chapter, right? That’s fine. His official introduction was a long time coming. Even though both hold the role of the “left hand” of their captain, I’m surprised by how much Oda made Gaban’s character like Sanji. Well, a mature Sanji who found love, but still like Sanji. It’s not like Rayleigh’s a mature verison of Zoro. Or, at least I never considered the two alike in personality.
So why the Gaban/Sanji parallel? Is Oda setting up something between the two characters? Will Gaban be Sanji’s mentor like how Rayleigh mentored Luffy? Is this a way of Oda giving Sanji another power-up? Or…could this be a way for Oda to get Sanji to mature as a person? Maybe use Gaban’s influence to calm down Sanji’s girl crazed antics? Not remove it, of course—Oda loves his character gags no matter how stale they become. But, again, give Sanji some character growth and maturity. Yeah, I’m really looking forward to them meeting each other.
Scopper Gaban has years of experience dealing with a headstrong goof like Luffy thanks to Gol D. Roger. The former pirate playing Keep Away with Loki’s key is the fastest way to learn if Luffy really has the skills to recapture Loki if he’s released.
Hmm… Does that mean Gaban considers Loki to be an even stronger opponent than Kaido? How is that even… Holy crap! Does Loki possess the Forest God devil fruit?! What other ability could he have to give Luffy trouble? The kid’s already fought demons. The Forest God fruit being on Elbaph (a country with a world tree) makes sense. You’ve heard it here first, Y’All. Loki may posses the Forest God devil fruit!
If that’s true then Shanks defeated someone with a god devil fruit. Interesting! And while Luffy is unquestionably strong, him beating Loki will cement his strength among the most powerful of One Piece characters. It’s not a coincidence Luffy will fight an opponent only Shanks could take down. Oda wants the Straw Hat Pirates leaving Elbaph without any question they’re ready for Laugh Tale.
This was an okay chapter! Don’t get me wrong. This chapter didn’t leave me Dazed and Confused. I like Scopper Gaban, but I don’t love the character yet. Looking forward to Luffy learning his true identity and getting some background info on Shanks. If there’s ever a time to get a Shanks flashback it’s now. And Buggy too.
Wait! Are the jokes real? Is Buggy the Clown actually Buggy D. Clown?! I’m officially calling it here that Buggy’s a D. Well, he’s already a D(ick) but also an member of the D. Clan.
Mammoth Base Opera Castle 