RJ Writing Ink

One Piece Chapter 1134 Review/Recap

So far, the island of Elbaph has been like a dream for One Piece fans. A kingdom of Giants existing within a massive tree, filled with mighty warriors and beasts. The Straw Hats arrival in Elbaph should be a good thing. With the final battle for the fate of the world on the horizon, the Giant power of the Giants could be the deciding factor in who wins. However, there have been hints that something is wrong with Warland. This chapter, those hints have become even more pronounced.

It should also be noted that this chapter’s color image is special. Earlier this month, Kazuki Yao, the seiyuu for Franky, announced his retirement from the role. His replacement has already been picked out, but seeing him leave after 20 years is still bittersweet, as many fans would hope the cast could see the series through to the end. In honor of his work, Oda saw fit to dedicate the cover image for this chapter to him. Enjoy your retirement, Yao-Sama. You have earned it.

Recap

As the chapter begins, Luffy introduces himself to Saul, talking like he’s a Yakuza boss, for some reason. Once he drops that, though, the introductions are nothing short of heartfelt and joyous. In addition, Lilith speaks to Saul and explains how she’s Vegapunk’s Satellite before revealing that she brought a perfect clone of the original Doctor with her. Her plan is to build a new lab in Elbaph to grow the clone, and restore Kuma’s humanity, much to Bonney’s joy.

It’s also revealed that the area they’re in is home to the largest library and school in Elbaph. Saul takes Robin off on her own to see the Owl Library, where all the books saved from Ohara now reside. And for some reason, they grew to be giant-sized. Robin is so overcome with emotion, she starts crying tears of joy!

Why are the Giant Kids so Lame???

Elsewhere, Luffy, Usopp and Zoro meet some of the Giant children, only to discover that they’re not training to be warriors. As their teacher explains, their late King Harald spread the idea that they should be peaceful traders rather than warriors. Luffy and Usopp see that as lame considering what they know about the Giants.

Back in the Underworld, Loki’s conversing with someone called Moss over a Transponder Snail, talking about things like fear and defeating your enemies. Moss remarks that Loki has a streak of kindness in him, but all that does is set Loki off. As this is going on, a bolt of black lightning strikes a nearby castle. In a magic circle similar to the one the Five Elders used at Egghead, two figures appear. One is covered in bandages, while the other looks like Shanks when he met the Elders at the Reverie!

Review

Once again, something seems to be wrong with the country that the Straw Hats are visiting. It’s understandable that the Giants could change their ways in the last century, and wanting to be peaceful and friendly is normally a good thing. However, this changed mindset comes at the worst possible time. There’s a war to decide the survival of the entire world on the horizon, and it’s likely the Giants have a key role to play in it. So why are they choosing to lay down their arms now? It can’t be a simple case of bad timing, and many fans seem to think so.

In a thread I found on Twitter, one fan theorizes that the late King Harald was being manipulated by the Five Elders. It points out Mother Caramel (the one who raised Big Mom) and how she spread her ideas of peace. In truth, though, she was an agent of the World Government. The theory concludes that the World Government manipulated King Harald into disarming the Giant Country, and that that was the real reason Loki killed his father.

Is Loki Really Evil, or Just Misunderstood?

If all of this is true, then it recontextualizes what Loki did. Could Loki have learned about his father being a puppet, and thus killed him, only for his actions to be misunderstood? It’s possible. Plenty of Oda’s characters have been shown to be misunderstood before. However, that doesn’t change the cold, hard, truth: the Giants might not be ready for war in time. Which means the Straw Hats will have to set things right, like they usually do.

Lastly, there’s also the arrival of Shanks’ evil twin. Many theorized that the Shanks meeting with the Five Elders was an imposter who looks like him, and it seems like they were right. If this fake Shanks is part of the God Knights, then his arrival in Elbaph could spell disaster for everyone. I dont know what they’re doing, but things are about to get crazy.

It’s unfortunate that we have to wait until the new year to learn what comes next, but Oda has already done enough for us. It’s time that he enjoys the holidays! So, on that note, have a merry Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or whatever holiday you celebrate!*

*I wrote this the week before the holidays and didn’t have a chance to publish it until now. Sorry!

I Give “The Owl Library” a 5/5

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