One Piece (Beware, spoilers)

[FelixSH]

I would like to use a more creative title, but I don't have any idea, so...

Let's just use spoilers for the newest chapters, I guess? And talk about everything else in the open?

Just want to talk about the manga some more. It's at a super-exciting point: Big Mum and Kaido VS Luffy, Zorro, Law, Kid and Killer. Had a really dumb, funny joke in there too. I'm really excited to see this fight play out.

This seems like it will be the point, where Luffy (and his allies) will show that he actually is top-tier, and will become a Yonkou afterwards. And (random guess) Buggy will be the last Yonkou, because he sort of works like that.

Also, can someone actually explain Kaidos near-invincibility? I still don't quite get it. Or has it just not been explained, yet? Or is it just one of the perks of his Dragon-Fruit?

 

[SpoonyBard]

As far as I know, Kaido's invulnerability has not yet been explained. I think it's implied it's also involuntary, I seem to remember his introduction being an attempted suicide via leaping off a sky island and being disappointed it didn't kill him.

While I'm sure the big double-Emperor fight will be fantastic, I'm kinda hoping it's quick because the Wano arc has been going on fooooreeeeeever. I thought Dressrosa was long in the tooth but Oda was just warming up!

 

[FelixSH]

It is totally a long arc, but it isn't really longer than Dressrosa (or even Water 7) for now. According to random wikis that I found, these two were around 100 chapters too. But it's the normal thing for OP, the main arcs take FOREVER. And, considering that there are also other fights going on (all these Zoan-types will probably get a bit of action too, as will the other Straw Hats, I guess) it might become the longest arc. But than, the backstory is told, so it's not like with Enel, were we get near to the end, and than we get six chapters of backstory, or whatever that was.

I do hope we get an extended period of story snippets afterwards, though. These are always some of my favourite parts. I want to know more about the actual leader of the world government, I want to see Vivi, Shanks, Blackbeard, Sabo, and all the others again. I want to see how the world moved on, or something about how it will change again.

I just now realised, that the timeskip was more than ten years ago. Good lord! Thinking back on Water 7, for some reason, I thought the manga was going to end soon. Yeah, not quite.

Also, I really would like to visit Elba soon. That is the place where I had wanted to go for so long, and Big Mums backstory made me hungry for more. Oda can't skip that one, right? It feels like he promised, way back in Little Garden, that we would visit the land of the Giants at one point.

And finally, I want to finally learn something about that lost century, or whatever it was called. I'm hungry for more information, for the D., for the story on the Porneglyphs, and I finally want to meet someone from the Rebellion (forgot the name). Give me some information, Oda.

And finally, for real this time, I would like one or two shorter arcs. I enjoyed Wanokuni, and I loved visiting Big Mums island, but the short arc with the Minks was probably my favourite part of the whole post-timeskip era. It felt so un-formulaic and fresh. More of this, please. Let's do something short and fun, please.

Ok, I still got one more point. I still feel like, everything up to this point is the part of the New World, that is a reflection to the whole Crocodile arc (everything from entering the Grand Line, up to defeating Crocodile). At the start of the Grand Line, Luffy was a nobody, and there was a multi-story arc. Every island they visited offered an adventure, that had to do with Crocodiles mafia. Crocodile himself was on a new level, someone way stronger than Luffy had ever faced, and who was actually just above Luffys weight class. And he made a name, by defeating him. That was the point, when the Straw Hats became players on the Grand Line.

For the whole time the Straw Hats were in the New World (at the start in Fishmen Island, more precisely), we heard about Big Mum and Kaido. And, similar to how he fought against Crocodiles agents, he started fight with Big Mum. Don't remember the details, but Fishmen Island was her protectorat, and now it was his. Then, he picks up Mononosuke, similar to how Vivi joined his crew. Back then, this part of the story started, and now it will end. And Luffy, who was just a random pirate in the New World (powerful, but still one of many) will make a new name, as someone who defeated a Yonkou. That's when he becomes one of the final, top players.

I'm excited, is what I'm saying.

 

[FelixSH]

The challengers are pretty badass. It helps that Luffy is immune to lightning, though. But I guess next time, Bug Mom and Kaido will get more offensive.

Luffy specifically seems to be in his "my willpower will make me go forever"-mode.

 

[FelixSH]

And there are new players. Of course. Is that Rob Lucci?

 

[FelixSH]

Is it bad, that I make multiple posts in a row?

Anyway, maybe Robin will finally get a fight again? Would be about time, her last one was...uh...15 years ago?

I'd really like to see, at some point, setups for everyone again. Like when the Strawhats faught against Crocodiles agents, or later against the CP9 (or whatever number it was). I know, even than it was a bit mixed up and more complicated than just one vs one. But something where everyone has an equal (or slightly stronger) opponent, and can show of their skill. Even on Fishman Island, were everyone just demolished the Fishmen, Robin (and Nami, I think?) didn't get someone to destroy.

 

[FelixSH]

Robin and Brook get to fight. I'm excited. Also glad that Sanji just straight up called Robin, instead of trying to protect her. She is a competent fighter, and is too competent to just walk into a trap like that. And considering that she hadn't had a fight since the high priest guy of Enel, I'm very happy to finally get something for her.

Brook didn't have a sort-of regular fight ever, did he? I don't remember anything. Very happy, to see these two being finally able to go all out.

 

[FelixSH]

We finally learn the secret to Kaidos invincibility. And Luffy finally unlocked his whole potential - now he is playing in the same league as the Emperors.

Zorro was awesome too, but that's nothing new.

 

[SpoonyBard]

The pieces are falling into place for the big fights for the arc, and they'll all be doozies it seems. I got a good laugh out of Sanji carrying around a bandaged Zoro like that guy from Trigun. But the big highlight to me was the final frame of the chapter. Maaaaaaaaan, when was the last time Nami had such a badass expression? A genuine non-jokey one? It's a bit disappointing she's getting railroaded into fighting the girl opponent yet again, but it's hard to be upset when she just looks so pissed. I guess Ulti hitting Tama reminded her too much of when Arlong struck her so no wonder she's standing her ground.

 

[FelixSH]

I'm definitely very excited. i guess last time Nami got serious was in Water 7? I guess the fight against Kalifa would be a fitting time, considerin that it was about Robin. But even than, I don't think she was legit angry.

BTW, I randomly saw some episodes on TV, and was lucky enough to see the end of Water 7. Luffys fight against Rob Lucci (was that his name, I'm not sure), plus the flight from the marines. Great scene - I loved the part where everyone showed their arm with thier sign. Really great part.

 

[SpoonyBard]

Rob Lucci was the big fight at the end of Water 7/Enies Lobby, yeah. Not sure what you mean by them showing their arms, though, that was the big moment at the end of Alabasta.

It's honestly kind of jarring to go back and watch the end of arcs like Alabasta and Enies Lobby, and then go and see the animation of the episodes today. It just used to be so much better, but I guess Toei realized it had a reliable and unshakable viewing cohort so they could afford to cheapen things, and cheapen things they did.

At least the manga is still strong.

 

[FelixSH]

I haven't watched the anime in ages, so getting that part was a nice surprise. I only know from the internet, how much worse it got.

The manga is going strong, but I also thought it had it's weaker time. But that is already long ago, I think Fishmen Island up to and including Dressrosa? Everything after that was very fun again, though, and I really enjoyed the short arc witk the Minks, and the visit to Big Moms island, I enjoy her a lot. But the arc we are at now is pretty great and epic too.

God, I can't wait to see Kaido and Big Mom be defeated.

 

[SpoonyBard]

I see we're in the oh no Luffy lost part of the fight, Kaido should ask Eneru how throwing Luffy off a flying platform worked out for him.

Meanwhile, Nami's big moment didn't amount to much, oh well! I was briefly worried Otama's friendship with Big Mom would lead her to side with the Straw Hats, but I'm kind of relieved that's not at all the case. Though it looks like she's being left for Kidd.

 

[FelixSH]

Hey, a little bit of worldbuilding happened. Not that we get an answer, just a new question, but still.

 

[FelixSH]

Robin gets a fight! Incredible! The first since Sky Island...that's a very long time.

 

[FelixSH]

Kind of crazy, that the time skip happened more than ten years ago. Or maybe just ten years? We are past it for a very long time, by now, in any case.

Also, Wano Kuni seems to end as the longest arc of the whole series. It's been going on for over 100 chapters, and will still need some time to wrap up. Crazy.

 

[SpoonyBard]

I'm a bit behind on the JP release as I read it on the Shonen Jump app which is I think at least one chapter behind?

Latest one is Robin defeating Maria, which was an awesome moment btw.

The fights have been quite good but I am more than ready to move on from Wano.

 

[FelixSH]

Chapter 1021, right? That's the same I'm at, so it doesn't seem like you are behind. Yeah, Robins fight was fun, and I enjoy seeing different uses of her cool devil fruit. Very happy to see her be awesome. I just wished we had seen a bit more from Brook. Considering that people like Robin and Franky finally got a battle, which doesn't happen often, giving him an opponent would have been nice.

I feel you, Wano has gone on for so long, but that is the case with most arcs. Which is the reason, why I enjoy the shorter ones. They don't take soooo long. That said, I enjoyed it a lot, and think it's one of the strongest ones, since the time skip.

Damn, I can't wait for Luffy (and whoever might help him) to take down Kaido. Who, honestly, never really fully worked for me. He still seems mainly like a simple brute, and way less interesting than someone like Crocodile was (which still feels like the equivalent from the start of the Grand Line) or Big Mom. I mean, he is nice as an antagonist in a fight, but it feels like he doesn't bring much else to the table. But maybe I'm forgetting details, Wano went on for so long, I forgot the details.

 

[FelixSH]

That was an awesome chapter, and the last few battles have been set up. Can't wait to see them. The part with Sanji was pretty funny, I love how someone in this world called out how ridiculous it is that he can set his legs on fire.

The Minsks (is that their name?) are still one of the coolest things I have seen in this world. I love them.

 

[FelixSH]

I really like, how it's not just Luffy, who fights against Kaido. Sure, it means he isn't strong enough (as he was, in general, when he fought Crocodile or Enel), but it also means that he will become Pirate King, because he gets friends and teammates along the way. Kaido is a monster, and would be too much for Luffy to handle, and seeing teamwork put to the forefront is really nice to see. And not in the regular Shonen way, where the friends of the hero are doing basically no damage - Yamato and Zorro actually weakened Kaido, which is the only reason why Luffy will be able to actually win against him. And Momo and Yamato are still there, so there will be more of a three against one, here. I assume, it will be Luffy, who will be left standing, but it's very clear that he couldn't have done it without help.

 

[FelixSH]

Damn, what a chapter. One of the greatest laughs in some time, for me, but also...the situation is really bad, isn't it? I mean, it's normal, that the Strawhats have to escape after a fight, but this seems really bad. Especially considering, that they can't leave, they won't let Wano Kuni fall to the World Government (man, what a poor country). I guess this will be the first time, where we will really see Luffy as an Emperor, who replaces Kaido. My guess is, that other crews will have heard about the plans of the World Government, or see that navy ships are coming to Wano Kuni. And all the crews that are loyal to Luffy, will come to fight for his crew.

Also damn, Sanji got a big upgrade here. And we will have some more arc for him, as he has to accept being part of his awful family.

Also, also Rob Lucci! I'm not even sure, if Robin will not be captured. That CP 0 is here really makes this an extremely dangerous situation.

I want to read mooooore. Noooow. But I think we are getting to the end of the fights, now that Luffy is on his own against Kaido. It won't take too much longer.

 

[FelixSH]

This is one of my favourite Zorro chapters in a long time. I'm inclined to say "of the whole manga", but considering that I haven't reread any of it in years, I can't make that assumption. In any case, it's great, and a super-interesting fight.

You know what? That's my favourite Zorro fight. The only one that comes close to that is the one in Thriller Bark, but this draws soooo far back, it's absurd. This arc might be too long, and the manga might have some slow moments, but when it's on, it's on.

 

[FelixSH]

I'm probably repeating myself, but this is all super epic, and probably my favourite final since...dunno, Alabasta? Maybe Water 7? I need to reread the whole Wano Kuni arc, to see if it, as a whole, is that great. But god, are these battles epic.

Yeah, I don't have anything interesting to say, but I don't know anyone in real life who reads One Piece, and I need a place to scream into, how much I love this manga, at this part. Even if I just scream into the void.

 

[SpoonyBard]

I'm still reading too, but I read it on the Shonen Jump app which I think is a week behind JP publication? There have definitely been some good fights this arc, but personally I feel it's hard to get too excited about any of them due to just how long Wano has gone on for.

Shonen manga always have their notorious super long arcs. DBZ had Namek, Bleach had Hueco Mundo, and while I previously would have given Dressrosa the spot for One Piece, Wano surpassed it long ago.

 

[FelixSH]

It might have helped, that I took a pretty long break, at the start of Wano Kuni. Maybe that's why it doesn't feel as long to me, as it is.

I still remember, when the Strawhats were in Skypia, and it felt like they were there forever. Which seems so silly, considering the length of the arcs that we have now. I certainly hope for something shorter, when we are done with Wano Kuni, but I also look very much forward to whatever updates we get to the state of the world. This stuff that happens in-between arcs is always some of my favourite parts of the manga. I'm always so hungry for more lore and details.

I vaguely remember Oda mentioning a few years ago, that he planned on being done with OP in 2026. I wonder if we are still on track (I can't imagine that to be the case, though). But this arc does feel like we are getting to the beginning of the end. Maybe it's the fact, that two Yonkos will be defeated here.

I still hope we will visit the island of the giants. That's the one I have been waiting for since...Little Garden, I think?

 

[FelixSH]

This looks like it's done. I think they defeated Big Mom. I'm so excited.

 

[Pombar]

There've been complaints about the Big Mom fight, but I think for the most part it's been fine and in line with other big arc-ending fights in the series. The only real complaint here that arose for me at all was Law's bringing out much bigger guns than he brought out against his lifelong enemy who he gambled everything to try and stop... but I guess that's not as big an issue if we accept that he got stronger in that fight and has been working on new techniques etc in the weeks/months since - just like how we don't really see Zoro or Sanji come up with most of their techniques until they bring them out in a fight.

Now I'm wondering if we'll get a long Kaido/Rocks flashback before Luffy's allowed to finish that fight, or whether we'll get it later (post-fight, or when Kaido is imprisoned or whatever else) to allow the arc's pacing to pick back up and finish up.

 

[FelixSH]

His mortal enemy was Doflamingo, right? I can barely remember Dressrosa, but I wouldn't know who else. Considering how much time has passed, and that, as you mentioned, everyone shows off their new, flashy stuff in big fights, that seems absolutely ok, to me.

Now I'm wondering if we'll get a long Kaido/Rocks flashback before Luffy's allowed to finish that fight, or whether we'll get it later (post-fight, or when Kaido is imprisoned or whatever else) to allow the arc's pacing to pick back up and finish up.

I didn't even think of that, but you're right, Kaido will likely get a flashback, at some point. While I'm happy with this arc, despite its length, I hope it won't happen now. I still remember that this happened with Enel, just before Luffy would punch him in his stupid face (at least I think I do, haven't read that in a decade). It would take a few more months, and I'm just looking forward to finally see Elban (come on, we HAVE to get there, at some point, I mean serously) get to the end of the arc, and the stuff inbetween, that I always enjoy so, so much. Also, while Jimbe has been a member of the Strawhats for a while now, we never got a shot of the whole crew with him, and it's really about time. I want to see them all together, after all this time.

When talking to a fan, who is a big fan of Big Mom, we got the idea that she might switch sides, maybe? I mean, there is something very weird with her, the whole Jekill/Hyde stuff that is going on with her.

Also, want to see Crocodile again, and what he is up to. And Zorros duel with Hawkeye, which I have been looking forward for...uh...two decades, I guess?

Some years ago, Oda mentioned that he expected to be over with OP by 26. I wonder, if we are still on track. Considering that we are just witnessing a colossal historical event, with the dethroning of two Emperors (even seeing how Big Mom was defeated, I have to remember how EPIC that acutally is), we might actually be getting there? I'm not sure if I mentioned this, but I still remember, when Blackbeard and Luffy met for the first time, just before Skypea, I thought the manga would end soon. No idea why.

You know, I miss Law from before the time skip. Back then, I loved him for how relaxed he was, all the time. Now, he isn't. Which fits, considering how much higher the stakes are, but I miss the chill guy from fifteen years ago. This thread starts to turn into a variation of the "I feel old" thread. This manga has been a part of my life since nearly twenty years now. It's crazy.

I think I need a therapist, just so I can get someone to listen to all my thoughts on One Piece. There is just so much, and when I start, it's so hard to stop.

 

[Pombar]

Yeah, Oda also said that after Wano we only have one "arc" left (though from the way he's used this word, it basically means a series of arcs - like basically most of the post-timeskip manga has been a "battle of the emperors" arc), so presumably that will cover Elbaf, the mystery fourth Road/Lode Poneglyph, Raftel, the World Government and whatever happened to the Revolutionary Army, and Blackbeard. I assume at this point that these won't each be separate arcs within the greater one, but that he's planning to tackle multiple topics per location, with overlapping story threads and things coming together to be dealt with at once.

Break next week! But the conclusion is moving forward nicely now.

 

[SpoonyBard]

There's so many proverbial balls in the air I can't imagine some won't get dropped.

One that I've been expecting to appear for some time now: Eneru. He went to the moon, saw a civilization there, and hasn't been seen since. When the Tenryuubito were introduced waaaaay back pre timeskip a lot of fans noticed their outfits looked damn similar to some of the moon men.

But we're so close to the end now it just doesn't seem feasible that this might pop up. But who knows?