RJ Writing Ink

One Piece Chapter 1073 Review/Recap

So last week, we learned something surprising: it turns out that Stussy of CP0 is actually a clone of Miss Buckingham Stussy, AKA Edward Weevil’s mom, AKA a former member of the Rocks Pirates. Bonney turned Vegapunk into a kid so she could threaten him. Did I mention that Stussy’s a clone? And guess who the template is? Here’s a hint: we’ve already met her, and she’s obsessed with Whitebeard’s “fortune.”

Recap

So, after knocking Kaku out with her powers, Stussy proceeds to do the same thing to Rob Lucci via seastone lipstick. As it turns out, she’s been a mole for Vegapunk in Cipher Pol this whole time and the person he called for help, though he didn’t plan on the former part. However, since Stussy doesn’t have the authority to override Lucci’s orders, the Vegapunk’s have to make their way to the Seraphim. This also gives Zoro a chance to clash with S-Hawk, and he outclasses him. Thankfully, Edison Punk gets the Seraphim under control, with Stussy preparing to leave the island with everyone else.

In Whitebeard’s hometown, Marco returns after the events in Wano. However, he learns that while he was gone, the Marines threatened to destroy everything if they didn’t get Whitebeard’s fortune. Before they could make good on it, Edward Weevil came in clutch and protected the village. Then…the Marines called in Greenbull, and he captured Weevil while his mom could do nothing but watch. So now she wants Marco to help her save her & Whitebeard’s son, and she says that Vegapunk can prove her claims!

Elsewhere, Admiral Kizaru’s currently heading to Egghead Island with his fleet, but he’s not alone. In addition to himself, he’s also bringing one of the Gorosei, Jaygarcia Saturn, who says that they know Vegapunk themselves.

Review

Holy cow, I did not see that thing with Stussy coming. Oda blindsided me; well played, Oda-Sama! 

Firstly, I like that Oda found an easy way to eliminate the two biggest threats on Egghead Island, Kaku and Lucci. Lucci went AWOL, though, so he had this coming. While they’re still tough thanks to their training, that seastone Stussy used on them should slow them down enough that they won’t be a threat. 

What I want to talk about, though, is that epic clash between Zoro and S-Hawk! It’s not exactly the rematch of Zoro and Hawkeye we’ve been waiting for, but it does serve as an important milestone. This YouTuber I follow noted that S-Hawk was sweating against Zoro, but Zoro himself did just fine. In other words, the Seraphim are likely less powerful than their genetic templates. That and it means that Zoro is closer than ever to matching Hawkeye’s skill. 

At any rate, now’s the time for the Straw Hats to take Vegapunk and his Satellites and get out of dodge. I’m also hoping they take the Seraphim (and Sentomaru) with them. Not only would that give them some extra hands, it would also piss the World Government off beyond belief, and I find that extremely funny. Also, if that Gorosei guy shows up, he’ll be able to turn the Seraphim against them again, and that’s no good.

Lastly, we have the OG Stussy herself. Now that we know she was a member of MADS (a freeloading member) along with being part of the Rocks Pirates, the chances of Weevil being Whitebeard’s son have increased. At the very least, Weevil could be an imperfect clone of Whitebeard, which would be super cool. Either way, I’m hoping Weevil gets rescued. After protecting Whitebeard’s hometown, he’s alright in my book.

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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

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