One Piece Chapter 982 Review/Recap

Well, it’s official: One Piece is back on a weekly release schedule. It’s a good thing, too, because things are starting to heat up. Last week saw some powerful allies join the Alliance: Nekomamushi and his Minks, and Marco and Izo of the Whitebeard Pirates. However, no plan survives first contact with the enemy. Last week saw a few hiccups occur for the Alliance, and that trend continues this week. Am I really, though? No, and I’ll explain why after I recap this chapter. The Battle for Onigashima enters a new stage.

Recap

In the heart of Onigashima, Orochi and Kaido are drinking to their hearts content. They still think that the Alliance lies scattered and divided. That is, until Kanjuro barges in with a battered and beaten Momonosuke in tow. Kanjuro then immediately tells Orochi everything: the attack on the Alliance failed, and their fleet is already on their way.

Despite the assurances of Black Maria of the Flying Six, Orochi will not be remain calm. He wont’ rest until the Kozuki Clan lies dead at his feet. Thus, he seizes Momonosuke. He will crucify the boy in front of all of Wano and bring an end to the age of the Kozuki Clan himself.

While all of this is happening, other events are taking place. Firstly, Marco, Izo, Nekomamushi, and the Minks are headed to Onigashima to reinforce the Alliance.

Secondly, Denjiro manages to subdue another of the Flying Six on the Southern Front. He then splits his forces in two. One half will head to the back of the island; the other will advance on the dome and attack it from above.

Back with Kin’emon’s group, Chopper and Usopp lure a very livid Big Mom away from everyone else, giving them the chance to push forward.

Unfortunately for Nami, she’s found by Prometheus, who is not happy that she took Zeus with her!

Finally, in the Central Front, two of the Flying Six, Ulti and Page One, get cornered by Luffy himself. The Battle for Onigashima is about to enter a new stage.

Review

Now for an explanation as to why I’m not concerned about the Alliance yet. Ideally, I’d want for Kanjuro to make it to Orochi and Kaido right before the Alliance begins their big attack. That way, they’d have no time to prepare. giving the Alliance a better chance of winning. However, I had a feeling that that wouldn’t happen, in the end. Now that Orochi is aware his plan failed, he’s not going to drop his guard again.

Luckily, Kaido and Orochi aren’t aware that the majority of the Alliance has already infiltrated the island disguised as members of the Beast Pirates. With Luffy’s team creating a ruckus, they’ve got everyone distracted. Meanwhile, Usopp and Chopper can keep Big Mom away from the fight. That tips the odds even more in the Alliance’s favor. And with one of the Flying Six taken out, and another two in Luffy’s sights, that’s half of some of Kaido’s best forces soon to be out of the fight.

Top that off with Denjiro splitting his forces up, and now Kaido will be completely surrounded. No room to maneuver, and no place for them to escape from.

There are lots of variables left in play, but at the moment, there’s little doubt in my mind: the Alliance has the advantage. They can win this fight!

As far as chapters go, I think that this was one of the more interesting ones, by virtue of how much happened. I’m hoping that Oda can keep this momentum going, as this promises to be one of the biggest fights in One Piece history. KICK KAIDO’S BUTT, LUFFY!!

I Give “Ruffian Vs. Ruffian” a 4.5/5

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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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One Piece Chapter 972 Review/Recap

I rarely ever come across situations where I have no words to start off a blog post. However, after reading this chapter of One Piece, I have no words. Oden’s story comes to an incredible ending.

Recap

As Oden’s execution drags on, Shinobu’s revelations slowly begin to disperse throughout the crowd of onlookers. As a result, people begin to spread the word to all of Wano via arrow, while the crowd begins to ask for Orochi to halt the execution. In response, he just starts killing onlookers. Realizing that he will not make it out alive, Oden chooses to tell everyone the truth about Wano. That the Kozuki’s closed off their land to protect it from a great power. Twenty years from now, a great war will begin, and a person who’s traveled through time will need Wano’s help. Thus, he commands the Scabbards to open Wano’s borders no matter what.

Despite the overwhelming pain of the boiling oil, Oden survives for an hour. However, Orochi reneges on his promise and decides to just kill Oden firing squad. With the last of his strength, he throws the Scabbards to safety and tells them to make for Kuri, where Toki plans to send them into the future, along with his swords. As a sign of respect to the only man who injured him, Kaido ends Oden’s life with a single bullet to the head.

Review

Wow, just wow. I knew that this execution would end in Oden’s death and the escape of the Scabbards. Even so, I couldn’t help but be shocked at how things turned out, or the foresight that Oden seemed to have. He knew that if he couldn’t save Wano, then the ones who save would come in twenty years. Knowing how Oda operates, Oden somehow knew that the Straw Hats would be the ones to take down Kaido.

So, long story short, the execution ended how I predicted, but that doesn’t make it any less hard to watch. Oden was a fun character, and I’m going to miss him. Now, though, it’s time for the manga to return to the present day. Orochi may think he’s one, but I know that the Straw Hats will find a way to win.

The next chapter will likely be the last of this long flashback, so we should get back to the present day by March. Hopefully, the next chapter will show us Toki’s powers in action, as well what happened to Denjiro, because we don’t know where he is. The Straw Hat’s greatest battle yet is about to begin, and I am so pumped for it! #RIPODEN

I Give ” I am Oden, And I Was Born to Boil” A 3.8/5

By the way, that old lady who had the Clone-Clone Fruit? Kaido killed her.

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One Piece, Chapter 971 Review/Recap

At twelve chapters and still going, this flashback to the life of Oden Kozuki may be one of the longest in One Piece history. It’s been fun getting to see what Oden was like, his adventures with the Roger Pirates, and how Orochi came to power. However, it would seem that Oda’s getting ready to end this story and bring us back to the present day. In the manga’s defense, though, Oden’s set to go out in a very heroic manner. All while being boiled alive, no less.

Recap

Following their failed rebellion against Orochi and Kaido, Oden and the Nine Red Scabbards are sentenced to death. Rather than a quick beheading, they will die by being boiled alive in oil. Oden, however, refuses to die and strikes a bargain with Kaido. If he and the others can last an hour in the oil, they can go free. Not only does Oden withstand the heat, but he also carries the Scabbards atop a plank the whole time.

As the minutes pass, the spectators grow bored and begin to ungratefully speak about how they’ll be rid of the “Idiot Lord”. Shinobu then proceeds to blow her cover in the crowd to berate the people of Wano and let them know how indebted they are to Oden. Five years ago, Orochi reveals that he always intended to destroy Wano for hunting his family down; he had even sent its people to be used as Kaido’s playthings. Every time Oden made a fool of himself, he saved all those lives. Oden had been carrying the burden of Wano all on his shoulders.

Review

What little sympathy I had for Orochi’s freudian excuse is gone. I understand wanting revenge for the way people treated you for something he didn’t actually do. But, to destroy the whole country over this? I don’t even know the words to describe how petty and vindictive this is.

Anger aside, I knew that Oden was being blackmailed by Orochi and Kaido. Otherwise, he would have killed both right away. So hearing what Shinobu said is no surprise. What is surprising is how the chapter establishes how the Scabbards will survive. Rather than escaping being boiled alive, Oden seems set to sacrifice himself to save his retainers. Either way, I think this flashback will end by the start of March. After that, I’m looking forward to seeing Orochi and Kaido get what they deserve!

I Give “Condemened to Boil” a 4/5

By the way, I was very disturbed by the sight of Oden and that other schmuck being burned by the oil.

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One Piece Chapter 962 Review/Recap

A few weeks ago, Act 3 of One Piece’s Wano Arc started, to fans joy. However, it then immediately shifted into another one of Oda’s world-building flashbacks. In this case, it’s the origins of Oden Kozuki and his retainers, the Nine Red Scabbards. The last chapter saw Oden take up residence with Yasuie after his dad disowned him. The legend of Oden continues to grow in this chapter! Also, Orochi proves that he was always a slimeball.

Recap

After two years of living with Yasuie, Oden gets bored and decides to head to Kuri. At the time, it’s a place so lawless that even the Shogunate gave up on it, making it perfect for Oden. Denjiro and Kin’emon insist on going with him, much to his dismay. Along the way, Oden documents his adventures as he comes across several of the future Nine Red Scabbards. Most of the time, he ends up beating them up and they end up deciding to follow him out of respect.

After traveling for some time, Oden finally enters Kuri on his own and fights against Ashura and his men. By the time Kin’emon and the others reach Oden, they find out he beat all of them. Thus, he straightened out everyone and made Kuri into a livable place. As a result, his father took back the disownment and made him the Lord of Kuri. Rather than deal with a bunch of stuck up people from the capital, he appoints his friends as his retainers. With that, the Nine Red Scabbards are formed, while peace reigns in Kuri. Six years pass, and two mysterious strangers wash up on the beach of Kuri to be found by Kawamatsu.

Review

In my opinion, I think that Oden Kozuki’s life leans heavily on tall tales and Japanese legends. While I understand the importance of world-building, though, I don’t think it necessary to go into detail on the backstories of the Nine Red Scabbards. Previous chapters established enough for us to get the picture.

Through his travels in Wano, though, it’s clear that Oden never gave up on his goal of leaving the country. He saw Kuri as a twisted mirror of the prison he thought Wano was, hence why reined it in. With the arrival of Inuarashi and Nekomamushi in Wano, though, he may finally get his chance to leave.

This chapter seemed to do little for me other than hyping up Oden more. After the last chapter’s revelation that Orochi started as Yasuie’s servant, I wanted to see what the jerk was like in the past. Sadly, this chapter almost wasted that chance. The only hint we got was that Orochi clearly stole money from Yasuie and tried to blame it on Oden. Even back then, he was a snake.

As interesting as these flashbacks are, I look forward to getting back to the present. I want to see the war and Orochi’s head on a pike by this time next year!

I Give “A Daiymo and His Retainers” a 3/5. Give us more important stuff!

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One Piece Chapter 947 Review/Recap

Last chapter I said that Luffy was on the verge of conquering Udon Prison. With Queen and the bulk of the guards gone, I thought all the prisoners would rise up in rebellion. This chapter reminded me that it would t be that easy.

Recap

Luffy’s been swatting down guards left and right, practicing his Haki on them. To his shock, however, instead of joining the rebellion, the prisoners try to restrain him. They want to get out as much as Luffy does, but it’s not just the prison holding them back. They fought Kaido and Orochi and lost; Lord Yasuie’s death only reinforced their despair. Their spirits are completely broken.

Infuriated, Luffy vows to reignite the fires of rebellion in the prisoners, a sentiment shared by a particular prisoner in a isolated cell. Before the guards can finish him off, Raizo appears and frees him from the rusty cell: one of the Nine Red Sheaths, Yokozuna Kawamatsu the Kappa.

The time for hiding now over, Kiku and Raizo shed their disguises and let all know that the Nine Red Sheaths have returned. And they will ignite show the prisoners of Udon that Kaido can be beaten.

Review

I was too naive before, thinking the prisoners would jump at the chance for freedom, for vengeance. I never realized how broken their spirits must be. Kaido and Orochi are a cancer that’s made Wano give up hope for the future. If the rebellion is to succeed, the Alliance must show them that they can win.

There’s only one way the Alliance can do that: by crushing the guards in Udon Prison. Hyogoro, the former boss of the Yakuza; three of the Nine Red Sheaths; and two of the Straw Hat Pirates. It may be a tough fight, but I think our heroes can win this. The rebellion to bring down Kaido begins in Udon Prison.

I Give “Kawamatsu the Kappa Appears” a 4/5

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