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One Piece Chapter 984 Review/Recap

Okay, so it seems that the manga’s back on a bi-weekly release schedule. However, given how events are starting to move right now, I’m okay with that. But first, I want to bring up the notion of inherited will. The idea of someone taking up the dreams and ideals of another has been a big part of One Piece since day one. Now, the concept of inherited will may be what helps save Wano. Also, we learn a secret about Yamato.

Recap

After getting clobbered by Yamato, Ulti and Page One manage to pick themselves back up. It’s too late, though: Yamato’s left with Luffy, who refuses to cooperate. After coming to blows for a bit, Luffy gives Yamato a chance to explain their intentions. Meanwhile, Orochi and Kaido step up in front of the banquet hall and show off their prisoner: Momonosuke Kozuki. They’re going to execute him in front of everyone to end the Kozuki’s for good. However, Kaido also wants to take the moment to make the annoucement about his alliance with Big Mom. In other words, Momonosuke’s death will herald Kaido’s plans for world conquest.

Unknown to the Beast Pirates, part of the Alliance has already infiltrated the banquet hall. Meanwhile, Law deposits the remaining Red Scabbards by the rear entrance to Onigashima. To their joy, they’re joined by Nekomanushi, Marco, and Izo. This leads to a very happy reunion between Kiku and her brother.

Elsewhere, Luffy gives Yamato a chance to explain his actions. To make a long story-short: he saw Oden Kozuki’s execution years ago, and was so moved by it, he vowed to carry on the great Samurai’s will. He even kept Oden’s logbook, calling it his bible. With Luffy now here, he wants to team up, take down his old man, and open Wano to the world.

Oh, and it turns out that Yamato’s actually a girl. She just started calling herself a man because Oden was one. But the big bombshell? Yamato says Luffy reminds them of Ace.

Review

Okay, I will be honest when I say this: I did not expect Yamato to be a girl. Serious question, though: does Yamato dressing as a man and calling themselves one make them transgender? I’m seriously asking, but it doesn’t matter in the big scheme of things. Why? Because now we know that Yamato’s firmly on Luffy’s side and wants to take their old man down.

What surprised me was the fact that Yamato got their hands on Oden’s log book, and that he knew Ace. We knew that Ace came to Wano before he died, so that’s not hard to believe. However, I was sure Orochi would have burned Oden’s log book, so this is a pleasant surprise. It’s like Yamato’s version of the straw hat: a symbol of inherited will.

I’m betting that some members of the Alliance will be suspicious about Yamato, but they’ve all inherited the will of Oden Kozuki and want to see his dream be realized. And if they don’t take Kaido and Orochi down now, Wano’s done for.

We may have to wait two weeks for the next chapter, but something tells me that in the next few chapters, the true war shall begin. And now more than ever, I’m looking forward to what happens.

I Give “My Bible” A 3.8/5

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One Piece Chapter 973 Review/Recap

Due to an illness, Oda was unable to release a new chapter of One Piece last week. Considering how Japan’s fighting the Coronavirus, though, I’m only concerned that he stays healthy and safe. That said, this chapter was worth the wait. It provides us with the final pieces to Oden’s story: why some of the Scabbards got left behind, Inu and Neko’s feud, and the whereabouts of the final Scabbard, hidden by the demon called anger.

Recap

With Oden dead, the Scabbards flee to Kuri, even as the Beast Pirates set it ablaze. Ashura and Denjiro stay behind to buy time for the others, while Inu and Neko blame each other for Oden’s death and get captured. The remaining warriors make it to Kuri, and while Kawamatsu takes Hiyori to safety, Toki uses her powers to send Momonosuke and the others to the future. Afterwards, Toki flees to Kuri where she gives her prophecy of Orochi’s demise in twenty years time, before dying from her injuries.

Everyone left reacts to the incident differently. Orochi is left terrified and wants proof of the Scabbard’s deaths, while the remaining members go their separate ways. Meanwhile, Denjiro, overcome by the demon called anger, remakes himself into Kyoshiro and returns to the Capital. There, he founds the Kyoshiro Family, gaining power and influence until he becomes Orochi’s bodyguard. By night though works as the Witching Hour Boy, bringing hope to Wano.

Then one day, his geisha’s find Hiyori in the Capital. This, Denjiro takes her in, tells her everything, and gives her the also of Komurasaki. However, he tells her not to reveal anything, even to their allies, until the day of the final battle.

Review

So, it appears that the fan theories about Denjiro being Kyoshiro and the Witching Hour Boy turned out to be true. That explains why Hiyori didn’t die. Denjiro faked her death so she could go into hiding. In addition, this explains why half of the Scabbards stayed behind, and why Neko and Inu hate each other.

I’ll be honest, when I first read the ending to this chapter, I almost laughed over it. Orocho may have cut the Alliance off from each other on the day of destiny, but he made a huge mistake. Firstly, the best way to hide is in plain sight. Thanks to that demon called anger, Denjiro’s been right under his ugly mug for years. Secondly, he just left Denjiro in charge of the Capital, filled with his loyal Yakuza and Alliance prisoners. To be able to hide the truth even from your friends and allies is something few could do. My hat’s off to you, Denjiro.

If I’m correct, then odds are that the Alliance isn’t in as bad shape as it was made out to be. Better still, Denjiro can free all the prisoners and sic them and the Kyoshiro family on Orochi. Those reinforcements will even the odds a bit. Orochi, Kaido, and Big Mom’s days are numbered.

Overall, if this is the last chapter of the flashback, then I think it ended on a high note. Now it’s time to get back to the present and begin the fight for Wano’s future. Let the war begin!

I give ”The Kozuki Family” a 4.5/5

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