Category: One Piece

Luffy VS The Most Powerful Drunk In The World. No, not Winston Churchill. The other guy.

Lots of talk about devil fruit awakening this arc. I’m talking about this chapter and learning both Law and Kid awakened theirs. Odds are pretty good Luffy awakens his own rubber powers to defeat Kaido. It’s pretty much the only fight card he’s yet to play. But enough about him; let’s talk about Zunisha.

It’s a bit confusing. The World Government (Yes, World Government. NOT Marine/Navy) ships are facing the floating Onigashima, but Zunisha is revealed to be behind the fleet. My guess is the Five Elders are talking about Zou, mistaking Kaido’s headquarters for the roaming island. Makes sense given Zunisha was probably alive during the Void Century and the Five Elders keep tabs on everything related to it.

Onigashima’s destruction is imminent, as well as my continued annoyance with Raizo’s fight.

Is the only point to Raizo VS Fukurokuju’s fight is keeping Fuku away from Orochi? I bet it is. Say? Where’s Denjiro? He’s the only member of the Akazaya Nine that’s both healthy enough and unaccounted for to show up and take down Orochi. But not before Komurasaki reveals who she really is. Oh, the look on Orochi’s face when that happens will be glorious!

Usopp got an unexpected character moment. I love his speech to Kin’emon and Kiku. And all while protecting them! Usopp’s a coward, but that doesn’t mean he’s stupid or weak. Yes, Oda considers him the weakest member of the Strawhats. But the weakest grizzly bear in a forest will still mess you up if you get him mad. Remember that on your next nature hike, kids.

Big Mom. I still say Law and Kid need to defeat her to remain Luffy’s rivals. The question is how? Their awakened devil fruit abilities could evolve, I guess. That plus a little strategy could do the trick. Rolling a 20 on their LUCK stats won’t hurt either.

Zoro finally crowned the King.

Last chapter, we saw Sanji’s victory over Queen. This time it’s Zoro’s takedown of King, real name Alber and the first member of Kaido’s crew.

Makes sense Kaido recruited King. Both are powerful non-humans feared by the government. I like the detail of them being locked up at Punk Hazard for a time. It gels with what we knew about the secret government facility. Although we still don’t know where either Kaido or King’s original home is. That may be something Oda’s saving for the Void Century flashback.

Congratulations on your upgrade, Sanji!

And it’s a unique upgrade at that. While Franky’s cyborg body leans on the mechanical/robotic side, Sanji’s body is more biological. Brilliant, Oda. It looks like our favorite chef technically can’t turn invisible, but is now so fast he can imitate the technique. A cool way to for Sanji to keep his Steatlh Black description while making it his own. “Stealth” Black Leg Sanji. Like I said, brilliant, Oda.

Ifrit Jambe adds lightning to Sanji’s flames, and since he said they’re hotter, I wonder if they’re also now blue! Dabi would be proud.

First Luffy, now Zoro.

Time for the Straw Hat crew’s top swordsman to put king’s haki into his attacks, just like his captain. And just like with Luffy, this automatically makes Zoro a top-tier fighter. He’s following Monkey D. Luffy climb to the main stage. Once he beats King, only the best of the best will be worthy of his time.

♪Through the window, through the wall. Kazenbo burnt masked men balls.♪

That’s right, kids. Everyone’s favorite Fire/Ghost Pokemon is continuing its journey to the basement to blow up the armory along with all of Onigashima! How will Yamato and Fuga stop it? No idea, but I’m really interested in where Oda’s taking this living time bomb sub-plot.

Upgrade complete. Sanji 3.0 is now online.

Goodbye Germa battle suit and hello New Sanji. He’s just like the old Sanji, but tanky and can…turn invisible? I like it! This whole upgrade for Sanji took quite a long path and allowed us to dive into his family’s past. It doesn’t feel spontaneous but instead the conclusion of a journey. Well, maybe not a conclusion. We still don’t know if Sanji truly hurt that woman, but my guess is he didn’t. I smell shenanigans. Wouldn’t be surprised if the geisha work for Orochi. I can’t be mad at them, though. They’re just trying to pay their way through college. Keep at it, ladies!

Big Mom survived. Should I pretend to be shocked? Nah! Gonna take more than that to take out an Emperor of the Sea. Especially if you’re not the main character. Just how will Kid and Law take down Big Mom? No, I’m legitimately asking. I’ve no clue. She either has to be KO’d, thrown off Onigashima, or decides to give up. If Kid and Law truly are Luffy’s rivals, they have but one option: Knockout. Hmm…maybe they can try awakening their devil fruits again. Perhaps there’s more to them than they know. Or at least use them more strategically. If all else fails, they can combine it with haki. That always works, right?

X Drake and Scratchmen Apoo are back!

And having a civil conversation, no less. I don’t see the two duking it out anymore after learning Apoo was playing the long game against Kaido. He won’t win, naturally, thanks to the Navy having the same “Take Out The Weakened Winner” plan. But, it’s cute that you tried Apoo. Here, have a cookie!

Onigashima’s blowing up. First, we learned about the huge armory. Now, we have Kazenbo taking a midnight stroll down to the basement intending to blow it all sky hiiiiigh. The question is: Who’s gonna get caught in the explosion? Kaido? Big Mom? Both? And will that mean the Navy will arrive and capture them both? TWO Emperors locked up?! Wow! It’s possible, but perhaps Big Mom’s crew will save her in time.

It’s difficult to outshine a Straw Hat, but Killer did it.

I’m interested in Killer. Never thought I’d say that, but it’s true. I actually care about the character. Not only him but Kid more because of the two pirates’ friendship. This chapter and Kid trying to protect Killer when both were captured prove they truly are the best of friends. I wanna know more. When did they meet? Did they know each other before becoming pirates? Did they become outlaws before or after their punk band broke up? So many questions I need answered.

On the other hand, I care less about Hawkins. Wasn’t he supposed to be a big player? The guy has a cool devil fruit and gimmick with tarot cards, but that’s about it. Maybe Oda will do something with him later on. I wouldn’t mind seeing him joining the Kid Pirates after Kaido’s defeat. Hey! Weirder things have happened.

Sanji 3.0 has arrived!

That’s right, kicking chef fans, Sanji has digivolved into a new improved Sanji. A Sanji with a healing factor and tougher skin. Safe to say, the Straw Hat Pirates cook’s raid suit did indeed activate his latent Germa powers. In fact, I’d say that was Judge’s primary intention of giving his son the suit. The sly bastard!

Gotta say, I like this development. I was worried about how Sanji would keep up with Luffy and Zoro. Sure, the raid suit was a good idea from Oda, but would Sanji begrudgingly put it on every time he had a big fight from now on? Sanji’s physical upgrade helps the kicking king seem less reliant on the suit and brings the focus of his fights back on himself. I’m more interested in Sanji than I have been in years. Keep it up, Oda!