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One Piece Chapter 1025 Review/Recap

Ever since I first learned that Momonosuke’s artificial Devil Fruit was made using Kaido’s DNA, I knew that boy would play a role in defeating him. However, I didn’t know how he would do so. After all, he was still a kid! But then he had Shinobu age him up, and he became as big as Kaido! But will this newfound growth be enough to help beat the man who killed his father? Let’s find out as the dance of two dragons is about to begin!

Recap

Having transformed into an adult Dragon thanks to Shinobu, Momonosuke’s ready to take on Kaido. Only one problem: he’s still deathly afraid of heights! Luffy has to force him to get up in the air and to Onigashima. Otherwise, Wano would fall. On the roof of the skull itself, Yamato and Kaido continue to clash at full strength, with Kaido trying to put his son down, but Yamato refuses to listen. He will see Wano set free.

As all this is going on, Luffy manages to get Momonosuke to fly, albeit he refuses to open his eyes. As a result, he manages to crash into the castle on Onigashima, catching everyone off guard, including Big Mom.

After tearing through the castle several times, the two finally manage to make it back up to the roof, even while everyone is confused about the presence of two dragons. Even Kaido’s confused when he sees the other dragon. However, he doesn’t have time to worry about this, as Luffy and Yamato hit him at once. Kaido’s confounded at the fact that Luffy’s still alive, and amused when Momonosuke reveals who hes is. As the two dragons face each other down, Kaido declares that there’s only room for one of them in the world.

Review

So this is what Shinobu meant when she said Momo would mentally remain a child. Besides his mind not catching up to this now-adult body, Momo maintains his crippling fear of heights. Though, from my perspective, he’s not afraid of heights as much as he is afraid of Kaido. Kaido held the boy from the top of his family’s castle and threatened to drop him, so he would naturally be afraid of both. If Momo wants to avenge his father, though, he has to overcome his fear and beat the snot out of Kaido.

As for Luffy, I think that this time, he’s going to beat Kaido. The Yonko has been fighting nonstop since the night began, and Luffy, the Scabbards, the Worst Generation, and Yamato have all gotten some good hits in on him. In addition, there’s the fact that Kaido will be facing Luffy, Yamato, and Momonosuke at once. If the three of them work together, they might have a chance of beating him. And once that happens, the Beast Pirates will either surrender or scatter to the winds.

I, for one, am looking forward to this clash of two dragons. Momonosuke, make your father proud and put Kaido in the ground!

I Give “Two Dragons,” a 4/5

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One Piece Chapter 1024 Review/Recap

All right, Oda. Just what game are you playing at here? Ever since we got to Wano, we’ve been getting more and more hints that Zoro has some sort of connection with the country. Then, last chapter revealed that he has a lot in common with the last Daimyo of Ringo, Ushimaru. This, chapter, though, makes the connection even more relevant when we get a look at the former Daimyo of Wano as Yamato’s past comes to light.

Recap

As Zoro and Sanji battle the two All-Stars, the Alliance throws everything it has into making sure the enemy can’t get to them. Firstly, Usopp lies and claims that he took down two of the Flying Six and knocked out people with his Conquerer’s Haki. Franky and the others throw everything they have at the Beast Pirates to force them back. Meanwhile, on the roof of the Skull Dome, Yamato and Kaido’s battle reaches a fever pitch with neither holding back. In the midst of all this, Yamato remembers back to when he was a child.

Not long after Oden’s death, Yamato began calling himself Oden, much to Kaido’s dismay. As punishment, he basically grounded him by sealing him with the other captured Daimyo inside a cave for a month. Rather than fight, the Samurai, who say they’re “nobody important” offer Yamato their food and teach him how to read Oden’s logbook. Then, after ten days, they decide to sacrifice themselves by going off to fight Kaido, giving Yamato the chance to survive. In the present day, Yamato renews his resolve and continues to fight for Wano’s freedom, now fighting his father on even terms.

Review

Seriously, Oda! I know that you never do anything without a reason. I knew that you didn’t mention Hiyori at random, and she turned out to be Komurasaki’s true identity. So, why does the former Daimyo of Ringo look just like Zoro?

At the moment, the only answer I can think of is that Zoro’s somehow connected to Wano, not just through his swordstyle, but his bloodline. Either that, or he’s the reincarnation of the Lord of Ringo. Either way, this isn’t a coincidence.

At any rate, I can say that Yamato has every right to oppose his Dad. He took Wano’s freedom and Yamato’s freedom, and he needs to be brought down. If the two keep fighting on now even terms, though, Yamato will likely still lose. However, Kaido will be so exhausted that Luffy and Momo will stand a good chance of beating him. Watch out, Kaido. Your reign over Wano ends tonight!

I Give “Nobody Important” a 3.5/5

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One Piece Chapter 994 Review/Recap

So, for some reason I thought that One Piece was on break this week. Imagine my surprise when I find out that the new chapter’s out today! Despite being caught off guard by this, I think the focus of this week’s chapter seems appropriate, since yesterday was Halloween. In this week’s chapter, its the attack of the Ice Zombies!

Recap

On the roof of Onigashima, the Scabbards are left reeling by Kikunojo’s loss of his arm. Fortunately, Kin’emon uses his foxfire technique to cauterize the wound, saving Kiku’s life in the process. Despite the injury, though, none of the Scabbards are willing to back down. For his part, Kaido admits that he’s impressed with the Samurai’s resolve, saying that it’s how a person faces death that defines who they are. Out of respect for his opponents, Kaido reverts to his human form as he prepares to end the fight.

Down below, Luffy, Sanji, and Jinbei continue to fight their way to the top so they may face Kaido. In the banquet hall, things are not looking good. Queen’s ice plague bullets have turned both friend and foe into ice zombies. Both the Alliance and Beast Pirates are horrorified at having to fight their own comrades, while Chopper looks on in disgust at Queen. Fortunately, he realizes that Queen would have an antidote on him, which he does. Except he gave it to Apoo and told everyone about it. If the Alliance can get the antidote in the next hour, they can save everyone; otherwise, the plague will kill all the ice zombies.

At Momonosuke and Shinobu’s location, Yamato faces down the forces of the Flying Six while explaining who they are. They were at Oden’s execution twenty years ago, and were moved to tears by Shinobu scolding everyone for calling Oden a fool. Yamato tried to save Momo at Kuri that day, but he couldn’t make it in time. This time, though, he’s not going to fail again. He proclaims himself as Yamato, and that he will save them from the Beast Pirates.

Review

How do you know if someone is truly evil? Well, one obvious sign is the fact that they’re willing to sacrifice their own forces in order to wipe out the enemy and having no regard for their safety. The fact that Queen’s willing to turn his own men into ice zombies disgusts me to no end, even if that tactic is nothing new in One Piece. While things may look bad right now for the Alliance, this may end up working out for them in the long-term.

Here’s my logic: the Beast Pirates have seen that Queen and their leaders don’t care about potentially turning them into ice zombies. If Chopper can cure everyone, then there’s a chance that they’ll turn on Queen as a result. I mean, if I were in their shoes, I’d mutiny.

As for Yamato, he’s proving to be the wild card that will turn the battle in the Alliance’s favor. If he can keep the Beast Pirates at bay, Luffy and the others can take down Kaido. It may not look like it now, but I can see the writing on the wall: Kaido falls tonight.

Alas, any chance of the 1,000th chapter coming out this year seems to be dashed. The manga’s on break for real next week. Still, Oda’s health is more important, so I won’t complain. Also, having the 1,000th chapter come out in 2021 will be a good way to start the year!

I Give “Also Known as Yamato” a 3.8/5

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One Piece Chapter 985 Review/Recap

Well, One Piece goes on break for two weeks, only to come back and pull off a big plot twist. One that, honestly, caught me off guard. In hindsight, though, I think I should have seen it coming in the end. This chapter sees the Wano Arc take a new turn with the unveiling of the New Onigashima Plan.

Recap

In the rear entrance to Onigashima, the Scabbards are confronted by the traitor Kanjuro. Their former comrade knew that the Scabbards would come, even if no one had spotted them yet. It didn’t matter, though: Momonosuke was about to executed in front of everyone. Furthermore, Kanjuro beat the snot out of the kid when he tried to escape. Enraged, O-Kiku clashes with his former friend, while the Scabbards take on ink clones of themselves and Beast Pirate members.

Inside the castle, Yamato reiterates that he wants to bring down his father. Kaido’s kept him in Wano since he was eight, even resorting to explosive cuffs to keep him in line. Otherwise, he’d have left with Ace years ago. Luffy gets the cuffs off, but says warns him he’ll take down Kaido either way. As for Kaido, he announces his master plan with Big Mom in attendance, the New Onigashima Plan. They plan on turning Wano into a Pirate Empire known as New Onigashima. With the strength of the Beast and Big Mom Pirates, they plan on seizing the Ancient Weapons, conquer the world, and gain the One Piece. However, Orochi objects to them taking the Flower Capital. In response, Kaido lops his head clean off.

Kaido then declares that Wano is dead. In its place will come New Onigashima, with Yamato as its Shogun. Orochi’s followers are ordered to choose to become pirates or die. Panicking, Luffy rushes to get to the stage and save Momonosuke before it’s too late.

Review

Let’s recap, because a lot happened this chapter:

• Kanjuro’s facing the Scabbards.
• Kaido and Big Mom are now in the same location
• Big Mom’s captured Zeus, along with Nami and Carrot (Sanji will not like that)
• The Yonko plan to turn Wano into New Onigashima
• Kaido apparently killed Orochi and told his men to join or die.

Did I miss anything? Good, because this was a development I did not expect. Yet I feel like I should have. Orochi may be Shogun, but he’s just a puppet of Kaido’s. Now Kaido simply has no need for him, so he tried to off him. However, I don’t think Orochi would die so easily. I want to see him face justice for his crimes!

Regardless, this New Onigashima Plan’s throwing the conflict for a loop. But this may be a good thing for the Alliance. I can imagine Orochi’s forces will start fighting Kaido and Big Mom’s, and even each other. That will distract them even further. Thus, when the Alliance strikes, they can use the chaos to their advantage.

Bottom line, though, Luffy has to take down Kaido for good. Otherwise, Wano’s a goner. I don’t think the stakes have ever been this high in One Piece, though, and I love it right now!

I Give “The New Onigashima Plan” a 4/5

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One Piece Chapter 984 Review/Recap

Okay, so it seems that the manga’s back on a bi-weekly release schedule. However, given how events are starting to move right now, I’m okay with that. But first, I want to bring up the notion of inherited will. The idea of someone taking up the dreams and ideals of another has been a big part of One Piece since day one. Now, the concept of inherited will may be what helps save Wano. Also, we learn a secret about Yamato.

Recap

After getting clobbered by Yamato, Ulti and Page One manage to pick themselves back up. It’s too late, though: Yamato’s left with Luffy, who refuses to cooperate. After coming to blows for a bit, Luffy gives Yamato a chance to explain their intentions. Meanwhile, Orochi and Kaido step up in front of the banquet hall and show off their prisoner: Momonosuke Kozuki. They’re going to execute him in front of everyone to end the Kozuki’s for good. However, Kaido also wants to take the moment to make the annoucement about his alliance with Big Mom. In other words, Momonosuke’s death will herald Kaido’s plans for world conquest.

Unknown to the Beast Pirates, part of the Alliance has already infiltrated the banquet hall. Meanwhile, Law deposits the remaining Red Scabbards by the rear entrance to Onigashima. To their joy, they’re joined by Nekomanushi, Marco, and Izo. This leads to a very happy reunion between Kiku and her brother.

Elsewhere, Luffy gives Yamato a chance to explain his actions. To make a long story-short: he saw Oden Kozuki’s execution years ago, and was so moved by it, he vowed to carry on the great Samurai’s will. He even kept Oden’s logbook, calling it his bible. With Luffy now here, he wants to team up, take down his old man, and open Wano to the world.

Oh, and it turns out that Yamato’s actually a girl. She just started calling herself a man because Oden was one. But the big bombshell? Yamato says Luffy reminds them of Ace.

Review

Okay, I will be honest when I say this: I did not expect Yamato to be a girl. Serious question, though: does Yamato dressing as a man and calling themselves one make them transgender? I’m seriously asking, but it doesn’t matter in the big scheme of things. Why? Because now we know that Yamato’s firmly on Luffy’s side and wants to take their old man down.

What surprised me was the fact that Yamato got their hands on Oden’s log book, and that he knew Ace. We knew that Ace came to Wano before he died, so that’s not hard to believe. However, I was sure Orochi would have burned Oden’s log book, so this is a pleasant surprise. It’s like Yamato’s version of the straw hat: a symbol of inherited will.

I’m betting that some members of the Alliance will be suspicious about Yamato, but they’ve all inherited the will of Oden Kozuki and want to see his dream be realized. And if they don’t take Kaido and Orochi down now, Wano’s done for.

We may have to wait two weeks for the next chapter, but something tells me that in the next few chapters, the true war shall begin. And now more than ever, I’m looking forward to what happens.

I Give “My Bible” A 3.8/5

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One Piece Chapter 983 Review/Recap

I’m not sure when I said it, but I think I remember saying something about this Yamato person being a potential factor in the war for Wano. As Kaido’s apparent son, Yamato’s likely to be very powerful. However, we still don’t know enough about him to decide whose side he’s on. If that sounds confusing, then you’ll need to see the next chapter of One Piece. Yamato could be a bigger wild card than Luffy in this fight.

Recap

Firstly, it’s revealed that not all of the Big Mom Pirates got pushed out of Wano. Perospero was able to use his Devil Fruit to create a raft to cling to, and is headed for Onigashima. On the island itself, things are starting to get heated. On the island itself, the heroes are getting split up for various reasons:

• Usopp and Chopper managed to get away from Big Mom, who’s now chasing after Nami, Shinobu, and Carrot to get Zeus back. Sanji went to help the prostitutes.
• Kin’emon and his group are moving on ahead.
• Zoro, Killer, and Kid are fighting the Gifters.

But the thing that’s of biggest concern is that Orochi has Momonosuke tied to a crucifix, and he’s going to execute him in front of everyone.

As for Luffy, he’s facing down two of the heavy-hitters in the Beast Pirates, Ulti and Page One of the Flying Six. As expected of their rank, they’re capable of giving Luffy a hard time. Then again, the rubber wonder’s able to hold his own.

Before the fight can continue, though, Ulti gets taken out by this guy wearing an Oni mask, much to everyone’s shock. As it turns out, that guy is none other than the son of Kaido, Yamato. Before anyone can capture him, he grabs Luffy and flees while saying that he’s been waiting for Luffy to come.

I’m sorry, what?

Review

Like I said, Yamato might end up being a wild card in the fight against Kaido and Orochi. We don’t know anything about him yet, but based on what we do know and what he says, I’ve already come up with at least two theories.

Firstly, there may be the possibility that he wants Luffy’s help to take down his father. It sounds crazy, but this wouldn’t be the first time I’ve seen the child of an evil tyrant want to depose their parents. Yamato may want to do just that. As to whether this is out of the good of his heart or so he can take his place, though. That’s another matter altogether.

Secondly, he could have just wanted to bring Luffy to his dad himself so he can impress him. However, given the fact that Luffy senses no hostile intent from him, that seems unlikely for the moment. Luffy’s got a history of being a great judge of character, so I trust him. Besides, it’s Luffy. He does whatever he wants.

Sadly, we’ll have to wait two weeks until we can learn more about what’s happening. If this is because of COVID-19 or Oda’s on vacation, though, I understand. These are crazy times we live in.

As a whole, this chapter didn’t offer much outside of setting up plot points, but when the anime gets to it, I’m sure it’s going to get improved on.

I Give “Thunder” a 3.5/5

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