RJ Writing Ink

One Piece Chapter 1006 Review/Recap

Ever since we first met old man Hyogoro in Udon Prison, I liked him. He was the first friend Luffy made while he was on his “involuntary vacation.” Then it turns out he was once the badass leader of the Yakuza in Wano, and my respect for the guy grew even more. Luffy found himself a powerful ally and teacher in Boss Hyogoro, and now the old man’s repaying his debt to Luffy by helping to free Wano. But will it cost him his life in the end?

Recap

The chaos on the island continues as Yamato and Shinobu make a break for it with Momonosuke in tow. Having heard that they’re going in the opposite direction of Kin’emon and the Scabbards, Sanji’s left at a loss about what to do. Meanwhile, at the entrance to Onigashima, Perospero has defeated Carrot, Wanda, and the other Mink warriors who wished to avenge Pedro. After mocking them for their attempts to avenge their friend, Perospero heads back inside the dome to rejoin the fight.

In the main floor of the skull, everyone infected by Queen’s Oni Ice virus is beginning to succumb to its affects once more. Marco’s flames helped to suppress it, but they mean nothing if everyone runs out of stamina. However, Hyogoro and X Drake protect Chopper as he inches closer to developing a cure. Miraculously, the virus reverted Hyogoro to his prime at the cost of the rest of his life span. As a result, Hyogoro’s determined to use his remaining time to kick ass. And he does!

Unfortunately, not even his mighty strength is enough. Soon, everyone begins to succumb to the Oni Ice virus once more. Knowing that if he turns, he’ll kill everyone, Hyogoro asks the Yakuza to help him commit Seppuku.

Review

I recall saying that the fighting on Onigashima is so great that we can’t hope to focus on a single portion of it for very long. This is what I was talking about. As much as I want to focus on the fight between Luffy and the Yonko, they’re just one of several important battles being fought. The most important, perhaps, but there are others of equal importance. And right now, the most important one is the fight to cure everyone of Queen’s virus.

If the virus spreads any further, it will kill scores of friend and foe alike, leaving the Alliance with no chance to win. However, if Chopper should cure everyone in time (which we know he will), the momentum of the fight could shift in the Alliance’s favor for good. I doubt the infected Beast Pirates will want to keep serving Kaido after this. However, it may be too late for Boss Hyogoro.

I like Boss Hyogoro. He’s a really cool old man that even Oden admired. And if what we just saw is any indication of how strong he was in his prime, then I think if he helped Oden then, they could’ve taken down Kaido. I’m serious. However, if this is how he wants to die, then all we can do is honor his request. He’ll die knowing that Wano will soon be from of Kaido’s grasp. Or maybe he’ll live. Either way, I respect Hyogoro the Flower.

I Give “The Honorable ‘Hyogoro the Flower’ A 3.9/5

Click here to see more animanga stuff

One Piece Chapter 981 Review/Recap

I’m not sure if I’ve said it already, but if the Alliance wants to have any chance of beating Kaido, Orochi, and Big Mom, they need to keep the element of surprise. So far, they’ve managed to do that, despite the actions of Luffy, Zoro, Kid, and Killer. This chapter, though, sees some complications arise. Fortunately, the chapter also sees some new allies join the fight.

Recap

Thanks to Kid’s sudden attack on Apoo, him, Luffy, Zoro, and Killer are able to flee even as Queen sends more of their forces after them. What makes it worse, though, is that some of the Numbers start to get involved in the melee. Despite this, the four members of the Worst Generation begin to make their escape. In addition, Kid tells them that Apoo’s powers have a range limit: if you can hear them, he can attack you. The Tobi Roppo choose to ignore the chaos in favor of finding Yamato.

On the eastern flank, Kin’emon chooses to split his forces in two. One portion will proceed to the rear of the island, as planned. The other part will work their way to the dome in the central skull. There, they can launch an assault from above, trapping the enemy inside.

There’s two problems, though. Firstly, they have to cross a bridge in clear view of a brothel run by the Tobi Roppo. Secondly, Big Mom spots Chopper in the Brachio Tank.

While all of this is happening, the rest of the Big Mom Pirates, now Kaido’s new allies, begin to make their way into the country. Once there, they plan on crushing Luffy for humiliating them. However, as before, they’re intercepted. Instead of King, though, it’s someone else who throws them off the waterfall. Two old friends have joined the Alliance: Marco the Phoenix and Izo of the Whitebeard Pirates.

Review

Well, guys, I knew from the outset that the master plan would never hold up in the end, but I still hoped it would. I know that things are looking bad, with Chopper getting spotted by Big Mom. However, that may not be a bad thing. Maybe Big Mom will remember Chopper from when she had amnesia and will let him go since she owes him or something. Or maybe she won’t realize that he’s part of the Straw Hats. I have hope, alright!

The more important thing is that new allies have arrived to help the Alliance: Marco the Phoenix and Izo of the Whitebeard Pirates, plus Nekomamushi. We’ve seen Marco and Izo fight, so they could end up being the ace in the hole the Alliance needs. Also, I think they’d want some payback for Kaido killing their crewmember Oden.

My point is that, despite things falling apart, the Alliance has the advantage. Plus, I don’t the manga will be on break next week, so I think that’s a win, as well. Can’t wait for the big fight!

I Give “Joining the Fight” a 3/5

Click here to see more animanga stuff.