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One Piece Chapter 974 Review/Recap

When I had heard about the rumor that there was a spy amongst the Nine Red Scabbards, I didn’t believe it. I had seen how loyal these men were to each other, and after everything they went through, the thought of one of them being a traitor never crossed my mind. After this chapter, though, I can deny it no longer: there’s a traitor in the Nine Red Scabbards. And you won’t believe who it is.

Recap

In the past, “Komurasaki” and “Kyoshiro” meet in secret to discuss how Orochi is infatuated with the young woman. In case she needs to get away from him, both agree to fake her death. A few months before the present day, Orochi gets a letter from the traitor that confirms his worst fears: the Scabbards are alive, sent into the future by Toki’s powers. Kaido finds it hard to believe that there’s a spy amongst Oden’s men, but Orochi says that without him, he never would have been able to align with Kaido.

In the present day, the remaining Scabbards choose to set out for Onigashima, even though Kine’mon is certain they have a traitor in their midst. At their moment, said traitor chooses to reveal themselves: Kanjuro, a member of the Kurozumi Clan.

Decades ago, Kanjuro was an actor who watched his parents be murdered for their last name. Orochi took him in, gave him his Devil Fruit, and had him join Oden as a spy. He had been funneling information to Orochi all this time, hiding his allegiance from everyone. The Kanjuro in the boat was a decoy, while the real one takes Momonosuke hostage to take him to Orochi. The remaining Scabbards are surrounded by the Beast Pirates, with no way out.

At that moment, hope appears in front of them. The ships of the Straw Hat, Heart, and Kidd Pirates appear and lay waste to the Beast Pirates. The three members of the Worst Generation proclaim that on the sea, they’ll deal with any pirates.

Review

Well, consider this flashback now wrapped up with a neat bow on top. I knew that Denjiro had faked Hiyori’s death, but it was nice to see that they had planned it in advance. That said, I still can’t believe that Kanjuro was the traitor amongst the Kozuki Clan. The fact that he kept to his role even in the face of death with his “comrades” is almost insane to think about. Then again, I’ve seen other people in manga who have turned out to be deep-cover spies. As a result, this isn’t new to me.

However, for all their scheming, the Kurozumi Clan made one mistake: they underestimated the strength of the Alliance. Specifically, they underestimated the Straw Hat Pirates. The fact that the Straw Hats, Heart, and Kid Pirates are now here only confirms that the Alliance hasn’t lost yet. They probably regrouped elsewhere and are ready to attack.

I enjoyed the story of Oden Kozuki, but now that it’s over, I’m fired up for the war. Next week, the war for Wano finally begins. #KAIDO’SGONNADIE #KILLOROCHI!

I Give “Onward to Onigashima” a 3.5/5

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One Piece, Chapter 964 Review/Recap

After weeks of seeing Oden romp around the confines of Wano, I started getting bored with One Piece’s latest flashback. All that changed, though, when the Whitebeard Pirates washed up on Kuri Beach. Not only did Oden clash blades with Whitebeard, but he had the guts to flat out ask him to let him join his crew. Oden Kozuki’s grand adventure is about to begin!

Recap

Despite showing he can handle himself in a fight, Whitebeard refuses to let Oden join his crew. He still remembers how unruly the Rock Pirates, and never wants that to happen again. However, Oden refuses to take no for an answer. So when the Whitebeard Pirates try to sneak out at night a few weeks later, he grabs onto the Moby Dick and refuses to let go, even when Izo tries to drag him back. So Whitebeard makes a promise to Oden, if he can hold on for three days, then he’ll let him join.

Sure enough, Oden manages to hold on, despite being at the ocean’s mercy. However, when he only has a few minutes left, Oden lets go, hearing a woman asking for help. That woman is Toki Amatsuki, whose dream is to travel to Wano, to Oden’s disgust. In the end, Whitebeard decides to let Oden join him anyway on their grand adventure. In addition, Izo and Toki join, along with Inu and Neko, who snuck on board to stop Oden.

Thus, Oden Kozuki’s grand adventure begins, and he spends the entire time with the Whitebeard Pirates acting like a kid in a candy store. As the crew’s fame grows, Oden begins to attract attention from others, including a man by the name of Gold Roger.

With this new design, Roger now looks like Ace but with a mustache

Review

Now this is more like it! After being focused on a single country such as Wano for so long, I almost forgot how amazing the world of One Piece truly is. Oden seems to share that sentiment, going on in his journal about how amazing the world is. I’m sure Oden and Luffy would have loved each other.

This is also the first time that we see Oden’s future wife, the time-traveler Toki. She’s the spitting image of Hiyori, both in looks and personality. Why she wants to travel to Wano, though, is beyond me.

Overall, I found this chapter to be hilarious, and helped to pull focus back on why Oden wants to open Wano to the world. Orochi would have them believe the world’s dangerous, and it is. However, it’s also filled with so many wonderful things and people. With Oden’s grand adventure underway, I can’t wait for the next chapter where he meets Gold Roger.

I Give “Oden’s Adventure” a 4.5/5. Also, this face is now a mood.

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One Piece, Chapter 963 Review/Recap

Since One Piece started the flashback to the life of Oden Kozuki, I’ve had mixed feelings about it. I like them, but they don’t tell us the important things. I want to know how Oden got out of Wano and his connection to Roger and Whitebeard. Thankfully, this chapter sees the story starting to get to the good stuff. In the short-term, though, we see the Nine Red Scabbards become true Samurai.

Recap

Thirty-three years ago, a young Kawamatsu found Inuarashi and Nekomamushi washed ashore in Kuri. The superstitious locals tried to burn them thinking them to be monsters, only for Oden to tell them off about it. Grateful, the trio follow Oden home and pledge themselves to him. Sometime later, the group of nine tries stealing money from Yasuie, only for him to give it to them. Thanks to his kindness, they get the proper lessons they need in order to become true Samurai. When Oden returns to the Flower Capital three years later, they’re able to create a formal procession. Needless to say, everyone’s jaws dropped.

Oden rushed to the Capital because he heard his father was ill, but he turned out to be fine. However, this would be their last meeting ever. Later that year, Whitebeard’s ship washes ashore on Kuri beach. Seizing his chance, Oden goes to meet the Whitebeard Pirates. Clashing blades with Whitebeard, he asks the future Yonko one thing: let me sail with you!

Review

Well, there you have it, folks: the formation of the Nine Red Scabbards. The greatest Samurai in all of Wano; and something I didn’t care about. The one thing I appreciated from their story is confirming what Kawamatsu is: he’s a fish-man. I didn’t want to assume what he was, though, because of all the crazy stuff we’ve seen in One Piece.

As interesting as seeing the Scabbards becoming samurai was, the ending’s what I’m most interested in. I don’t know how Whitebeard got his massive ship into Wano, but I know that this is the moment Oden’s waiting for. He’s going to join the Whitebeard Pirates and escape to the outside world at last, thus cementing his place in history. We know he’ll be fine, but seeing him hold his own against Whitebeard drives home how strong he is. The samurai of Wano are dangerous, indeed.

However, the most important thing about this chapter is something that others may overlook. Oden’s father had fallen ill, and we know that he dies before Oden returns to Wano. Then we see that Orochi’s now a servant for Lord Sukiyaki. All I’m doing right now is speculating, but I know a hint when I see it: Orochi poisoned Oden’s father. We may have to wait a while to learn the truth, but that’s what my gut tells me.

The point is, I’m glad the manga’s going to start answering the lingering questions about the Wano Arc. It’s the perfect way to tie up loose ends before we see Luffy kick Kaido’s ass. We’ll most likely have to wait unto 2020 to see the Samurai strike, but I think it’s worth it.

I Give “Becoming Samurai” a 3.5/5. Also, that Mountain God Oden sliced up is still alive!

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One Piece Chapter 959 Review/Recap

The last chapter of One Piece saw hope give way to utter despair. On the appointed day of the Fire Festival, the Nine Red Scabbards are horrified to find none of their allies have made it. We’ve been in the dark on Orochi’s actions for two weeks now. However, our latest chapter shed some light on how Orochi was a step ahead of the Samurai.

Recap

Two days before the rendezvous at Tokage Harbor, the Alliance splits up for the Fire Festival. Their plan is to arrive in separate groups to not attract suspicion, but Luffy can’t help but feel uneasy. He realizes that Jinbei has yet to show up in Wano, even though Big Mom’s already there. Everyone assures him that he will make it, though.

However, the day before the rendezvous, Orochi launches a pre-emptive strike. Using the Beast Pirates aerial units, he severs the bridges connecting Wano, attacks the Thousand Sunny, and destroys the Alliance fleet. Nonetheless, the Nine Red Scabbards choose to go out and fight, even though it will mean their deaths.

Review

You should never underestimate the power of the fool in a time of war. Yasuie made that clear, and now Orochi has driven the point home. If he weren’t a slimeball, I’d have to respect him for his sound strategy of separating the Alliance. The fact that he knows of the Nine Red Scabbards and their travel through time is of greater concern, though. He’s now a full step ahead of the Alliance, and they’ve lost any advantage.

I know that the Alliance isn’t out of the fight yet, and I think I know another way they can get to the rendezvous point. Oda wouldn’t have brought Jinbei up now unless he’s foreshadowing a future plot point. My guess is that Jinbei will show up with a new way to get to Onigashima. It’s all we have to go on at this point.

We’ll have to wait a while to find out what happens, though. After many months of dodging it, we’re finally getting a flashback to Kozuki Oden and his life. I wish Oda had done this at an earlier point, but this flashback will answer any lingering questions about the Wano characters, Oden, and how Orochi came to power. It should be interesting, but let’s hope it doesn’t drag on. Orochi may be a step ahead now, but the war’s not over!

I Give “Samurai” a 4/5

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Edens Zero chapter 61 Review/Recap

So, last chapter saw Shiki move against Homura’s evil mom in order to avenge the death of Valkyrie. Right when Shiki starts to back her into a corner, a new player emerges. Drakken Joe’s come to collect on a debt the Scarlet Woman owes. The chaotic fight continues, and it is getting crazier than I thought possible.

Recap

Livid that Drakken Joe is attacking her, Kurenai decides to crush him, kill Shiki, and wipe out the Labor District At once. While she unleashes a giant mech to do battle with Shiki in, Joe sets his sights on a bigger prize. He’s located the Edens Zero, and he aims to take it.

Meanwhile, the Labor Districts under attack from Kurenai’s army. With Homura still in a state of shock, Rebecca leads the charge against the Scarlet Woman’s robots. Her luck goes south, though, when she ones across one of Kurenai’s lieutenants, Fuzaiten Baku. Right when Rebecca looks to be in trouble, she’s saved by Weisz, who’s clad in a cross between a Power Rangers costume and Iron Man called Arsenal.

Review

I stand by my previous statement of this arc getting overly complicated. It feels like Mashima’s rushing towards a clash between Shiki and Drakken Joe. I thought that would be conclusion of the Sakura Cosmos portion of the manga, but I hoped that it would be a little ways off.

On the plus side, though, we see Weisz go “Great Saiyaman” as a Sentai Hero! If this is what he’s been up to, then I looking forward to seeing what “Arsenal” can do. I hope that the arc doesn’t end up collapsing in on itself, though. It could go either way at this point.

I give “Enter: Arsenal” a 2.5/5

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One Piece, Wano Arc, Act Two Recap

One Piece is now well into what’s likely its biggest story yet: the Wano Arc. The second act came to a close last week, and there’s a lot to unpack! With the Straw Hats about to enter their greatest battle yet, I think now’s a good time to recap some of the major events of Act Two as we make last minute preparations.

Luffy Seizes Udon Prison and Gains an Army

Luffy didn’t get as much attention in Act Two, with most of the action following the other members of the Alliance. He was imprisoned inside Udon because Kaido wanted to break him into his subordinate. That’s not going to stop him from playing a major role in what happens, though.

As I predicted, he was in charge of Udon within a few days, though not how I pictured it. An old enemy showed up and starting attacking the prison, and Luffy used the opportunity to take control of it. Now the thousands of prisoners within, all of whom have an axe to grind with Kaido, have joined the Alliance. Out of those new allies are some very powerful people. Aside from Cairbou, Luffy managed to win over an old man named Hyogoro. Back in Oden’s day, he was the head of the Yakuza, and with him, the Yakuza’s old guard has joined the Alliance.

Orochi Hears of the Alliance’s Plans

I hoped that the Alliance could keep things secret until the day of reckoning came, but that rarely happens. Orochi was able to hear rumors of the Alliance’s plans, and made efforts to counter them. His people started arresting rebels and potential allies across Wano, and even though they believe he’s crazy, he’s actually right. Many of those allies remain imprisoned on the day of the final battle.

Fortunately, though, two critical pieces of info seem to remain unknown to Orochi. First, he doesn’t know that the Nine Red Sheaths are alive, and most have reunited. The fact that he doesn’t know could be th decisive factor in the war. Even so, the Alliance has largely lost the element of surprise. I’m not going to count those men imprisoned off the board yet, though.

Big Mom’s in Wano

Big Mom really holds a grudge against people. After being humiliated by Luffy on her home turf, she follows him to Wano with her children to kill him. It goes awry when she’s thrown overboard by Kaido’s men, and she ends up suffering amnesia. She ends up reverting to the kind personality she had as a kid and becomes an ally of Chopper’s group as they go to rescue Luffy. In the fight that follows, she gets hit on the head and ends up remembering everything.

After being captured by Kaido and brought to him, the two clash for some time. Then, in a complete reversal, the two decide form their own alliance to conquer the world. Then they’ll fight each again.

This is the worst possible scenario. I don’t know if Luffy can handle two Yonko at once. Hopefully, she won’t have time to bring her armies to Wano. If she does, there’s no way the Alliance can win. I still think Luffy can win, though.

RIP, Lord Yasuie.

While traveling around Wano, Zoro ended up befriending this weird old man named Tonoyasu. I didn’t think much of him at the time, but I have learned all too often to never underestimate a fool. Tonoyasu turned out to be far more important than we could have imagined.

In reality, Tonoyasu was really Lord Yasuie, the last of the feudal lords from before Orochi came to power. He acted as a mentor and father figure to Oden Kozuki and the Nine Red Sheaths, and waited for the day they would return. When he realizes that their plans were in danger of being discovered, he made the ultimate sacrifice.

Letting himself be captured, Yasuie was then personally and publicly executed by Orochi. However, he used his last moments to convince everyone that the rumors about the Nine Red Sheaths were a prank he made up. He then proceeded to mock Orochi for the coward he is before his life ended.

Yasuie’s death hit those who knew him very hard. The Nine Red Sheaths were driven into deep mourning, while the village he lived in couldn’t even express their sorrow. They were cursed to smile forever by Doflamingo’s SMILE fruits. Zoro was enraged to try and kill Orochi then and there, and still intends to do so. The hardest hit, though, has to be his daughter Toko.

His sacrifice wasn’t in vain, though. His dying act left Orochi’s men doubting about the rebellion, and the changes he made to their symbol gave them a new location to group at. I hope he watches from the afterlife as Orochi falls. RIP, Lord Yasuie; forever respect.

Momonosuke’s Sister, Hiyori

One interesting thing we learned in Act Two is that Momonusuke has a little sister named Hiyori. When he and some of the Nine Red Sheaths were sent to the future, she was left behind. This was done to ensure that the Kozuki Clan would survive in some form. So now she’s an adult, which is weird.

Hiyori did pretty well for herself in that time. Under the alias Komurasaki, she rose to become the top Geisha in Wano, and considered the most beautiful woman in the world. She also had Toko, Yasuie’s daughter, as her attendant and best friend.

After an incident at Orochi’s palace, Hiyori had to fake her death to protect Toko and fled the capital. She ran into Zoro, and the three stayed together for a while until the time came for Zoro to rejoin with the others. She also seems quite fond of him.

Despite my concerns at first that she was the kind of person who was pretty on the outside but ugly on the inside, Hiyori’s proven her selflessness. She slapped Orochi for trying to kill Toko, and refused to apologize for it, opting to fake her death instead. She’s also quite cunning, using her looks to swindle corrupt men out of their fortunes. And, admittedly, she’s cuter without all those jewels and headpieces adorning her hair. I have a feeling she shall play a major role in the final battle, though I don’t know how.

The Monster Trio Gets Stronger

The Straw Hats and their Alliance are facing an enemy like nothing they’ve ever fought before. It’s going to take all their skill and luck to win this fight, but I’m confident they can do it. Most importantly, though, this Act has seen the Monster Trio skyrocket in terms of strength.

For those who don’t know, Monster Trio refers to the three strongest fighters in the Straw Hat Pirates: Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji.

Despite getting his family to leave him alone after Whole Cake Island, Sanji still got an unwelcomed gift in the form of a Raid Suit. While he at first refused to use it, events in Act Two forced to do so. It took his already superhuman strength and managed to make it skyrocket. Plus, it lets him turn invisible like he always wanted.

After losing Ryuuma’s sword, Shusui, Zoro was hellbent on getting it back. Hiyori, however, persuaded him to let it remain as Wano’s national treasure once more. In exchange, she gave him one of her father’s swords, Enma. The blades powerful enough to slice through an island. Yet because it drains its user of their Haki, only Oden Kozuki was ever able to master it.

As for Luffy, he used his time in Udon to train his body to get even stronger, even while wearing Seastone handcuffs. His main problem, though, is getting his Armament Haki to the point where it can override Kaido’s and let him hit the Yonko. With help from Hyogoro, Luffy’s mastered another advanced form of Haki. Now he stands closer to an even playing field with Kaido.

Prepare for War

It doesn’t matter how you look at this. One Piece is about to enter one of its biggest chapters yet; one that’s going to shake the heavens. When the dust settles, I think this could end up leaving a big impact on the manga industry, if done right. This can easily end up being the biggest story One Piece has told since Marineford. I can’t wait!

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