RJ Writing Ink

One Piece Chapter 966 Review/Recap

Ever since One Piece began, the life of Gol D. Roger and the Roger Pirates has been of high interest to fans. Despite learning more about them as time went on, it feels like we never saw them during their height. However, all that changes in the manga’s latest chapter as Oden Kozuki comes face to face with the future King of the Pirates. It’s as awesome as you’d expect!

Recap

Having met on the same island, Oden recklessly charges ahead to fight Roger, who swats him aside with no effort, shocking the samurai. What shocks Oden even more, though, is how Whitebeard and Roger clash without touching blades. The resulting battle between the Whitebeard and Roger Pirates lasts three days. After that, everyone settles down and proceeds to party.

Meanwhile, Roger learns that Oden can read the Poneglyphs and begs him to join the Roger Pirates for a year. He’s figured out that there’s a final island in the Grand Line that Log Poses can’t locate. The only way to reach it is through the Poneglyphs, and with that, Roger vows to become the King of the Pirates. Overwhelmed by Roger’s ambition, Oden agrees to join the Roger Pirates for their final voyage. Much to the irritation of Whitebeard. Together, the Roger Pirates travel to Skypiea, where Oden leaves behind the message that will one day be found by Robin and the Straw Hat Pirates.

Review

I loved this chapter of the manga! We’ve gotten glimpses of what the Roger Pirates were like before, but nothing to this extent. We got to see how they operated as a crew and family, and learned more about their exploits. As it turns out, Roger already traveled most of the Grand Line years ago, stopping short of Raftel due to it being impossible to find without the Poneglyphs. That makes him all the more determined to reach it before he dies.

This chapter also marks the first time we ever see Roger and Whitebeard fight, and I think it’s just a small glimpse of what they can do. The shockwave from their clashing Haki created a small storm. What I enjoyed more, though, was seeing how the two crews could fight for days then party like nothing happened. It’s mutual respect and bromance at their finest.

Of all the chapters in this latest flashback, this is by far my favorite one yet. It gives us a rare glimpse into the lives of the legendary Roger Pirates, something fans have been wanting to see more of as time passes. Maybe one day, Oda will do a prequel/spin-off about them. Until then, though, we have to settle for gems like this.

I Give “Whitebeard and Roger” a 4.5/5

Click here to see more animanga stuff.

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!

Click here to see more animanga stuff.