One Piece Chapter 1139 Review/Recap
Fourteen years ago, a One Piece cover story introduced readers to a mysterious person in a striped coat. Since then, fans have guessed who this person might be, with speculation reach an all-time high near the Elbaph Arc’s start. The top two candidates most fans had were either Shiki the Golden Lion, or Scopper Gaban, another member of the Roger Pirates. Now, everyone who invested in Scopper Gaban stocks can pat themselves on the back, because they were right! We’re meeting another member of the Roger Pirates, the Mountain Eater!
Recap
So far, Luffy’s group hasn’t been able to find the keys to let Loki out, but since they can’t ask any of the other Giants for help, they’re on their own. Their search eventually takes them to the remains of the throne room. That’s where they find the demonic circle Shamrock and Gunko used to arrive in Elbaph. Before Luffy can remember where he’s seen it before, making them try to run for it. However, they get stopped by the voice, revealed to be Ya-san, former pirate and the father of Colon.
Having heard Luffy might let Loki out, Ya-san asks him what he’ll do if the Giant Prince runs amok. After all, only Shanks was able to bring him down the last time. Luffy’s answer: he’ll beat Loki to a pulp. Happy to hear this answer, Ya-San tells Road to turn the throne, revealing a secret passage filled with empty treasure chests, much to Nami’s dismay. The one item that’s still of interest is the key to Loki’s locks. However, Ya-San says that if Luffy wants them, he has to beat him in a fight, revealing his true name. He is the left-hand man of Gol D. Roger the Pirate King, Scopper Gaban!
Review
This was a notably short chapter of One Piece. When the day comes for the anime to adapt it, I’d say it would only cover half an episode in length. However, given what was revealed in the previous chapter, one can forgive this one for being so short. That, and this is the first time in a long time that Oda’s given fans four chapters without a break. That’s a win in and of itself.
The big win of this chapter, though, goes to the fans who came up with the theories about Scopper Gaban. For years, fans wondered about the identity of the one who visited Crocus after the time-skip. And since Crocus was part of the Roger Pirates on their final voyage, many guessed this guest was another former crewmember. Lo and behold, those fans were right. It’s Scopper Gaban, one of Roger’s top two crewmembers!
I was never that interested in the idea of Scopper Gaban being the mysterious pirate we kept seeing, to be honest. However, as someone who loves big reveals regarding the past, I whole-heartedly welcome it. We already know how strong he is, having seen him hold his own against Oden Kozuki in flashbacks. However, the Giants reveal that he fought hundreds of pirates protecting a hospital Roger was staying at is equally as impressive. Scopper Gaban has earned the right to be one of the strongest pirates, and will serve as a good teacher to Luffy.
What Happens Next Could Prove Luffy’s on Shanks’ level
It should be noted that when Luffy admits he might free Loki, Scopper doesn’t admonish him. Instead, he questions if Luffy has the ability to return Loki to captivity if things go south. After all, Shanks was the only one who ever managed to pull that off, the feat cementing his Yonko status. That’s why he’s challenging Luffy to a fight to get the key. If Luffy can beat Scopper, then he can likely defeat Loki. In addition, I took this to mean that Luffy would finally be on the same level of strength as that of Shanks. Given how the two may end up fighting to reach the One Piece soon, Luffy needs to get that strong. Plus, getting to see one of the Roger Pirates in action is always good for us!
It’s unfortunate that we have to wait two weeks for the next chapter, but fans have known Oda has to take regular breaks. The last thing we need is for him to work himself into an early grave! That being said, I’m glad he managed to follow-up his biggest lore-drop to date with confirming a popular fan theory. Assuming the God’s Knights don’t interfere, the fight between Luffy and Scopper should be quite the show!
I Give “Mountain Eater” a 4/5
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