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One Piece 3-in-1 Omnibus #15
One Piece (Omnibus Edition), Vol. 15: Includes Vols. 43, 44 & 45 by Eiichiro Oda
As a child, Monkey D. Luffy dreamed of becoming King of the Pirates. But his life changed when he accidentally ate the Gum-Gum Fruit, an enchanted Devil Fruit that gave him the ability to stretch like rubber. Its only drawback? He’ll never be able to swim gain—a serious handicap for an aspiring sea dog! Years later, Luffy sets off on his quest to find the “One Piece,” said to be the greatest treasure in the world…Luffy and his Straw Hat crew duke it out with CP9, a band of dastardly world government goons headquartered on the island of Enies Lobby. CP9’s goal? Abducting Nico Robin, the Straw Hats’ newest crewmember, in order to activate an ancient weapon called Pluton. But when the enemy accidentally initiates a dreaded “Buster Call” military maneuver, the island and everyone on it is slated for complete annihilation!
Unknown Binding
First published March 1, 2016
About the author
Eiichiro Oda
2,601 books5,005 followersEiichiro Oda (尾田栄一郎, Oda Eiichirō) is a Japanese manga artist, best known as the creator of the manga and anime One Piece.
As a child, Oda was inspired by Akira Toriyama's works and aspired to become a manga artist. He recalls that his interest in pirates was probably sparked by the popular TV animation series titled Vicky the Viking. He submitted a character named Pandaman for Yudetamago's classic wrestling manga Kinnikuman. Pandaman was not only used in a chapter of the manga but would later return as a recurring cameo character in Oda's own works.
Please also see:
尾田荣一郎 (Chinese, simplified)
尾田榮一郎 (Chinese, traditional)
As a child, Oda was inspired by Akira Toriyama's works and aspired to become a manga artist. He recalls that his interest in pirates was probably sparked by the popular TV animation series titled Vicky the Viking. He submitted a character named Pandaman for Yudetamago's classic wrestling manga Kinnikuman. Pandaman was not only used in a chapter of the manga but would later return as a recurring cameo character in Oda's own works.
Please also see:
尾田荣一郎 (Chinese, simplified)
尾田榮一郎 (Chinese, traditional)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
September 23, 2025
This arc remains to be my favourite, I love these idiots so much
May 6, 2026
When one door closes, another opens. A fantastic and satisfying conclusion to Enies Lobby that sees new members get inducted into the crew, whilst the Straw Hats have to come to terms with saying goodbye to others. It perfectly weaves together emotional weight, action, and the feeling of hope that One Piece oozes when the going gets tough. This is a real treat on first read, and just as heavy hitting on repeat.
December 6, 2023
This set of volumes has a LOT going on! It wraps up the “rescue Robin” plotline of Ennies Lobby, addresses on what conditions to re-integrate Usopp into the crew (under his OWN name, not the “Sniper-king” persona he’s been hiding behind), says a final goodbye to the Going Merry and “hello” to a new ship and a new crewmate…and gives us some rather jaw-dropping reveals about Luffy’s family! (Less surprising if you’ve seen the live action, since they moved half the reveal to episode 4!) So, I’m putting a lot more of this discussion in “spoilers” because, while knowing things about ‘One Piece’ almost never ruins the experience, there are some things here that genuinely make for great surprises.
In their fight against the CP9 agents, all of the Straw Hats end up taking their abilities to new heights in ways that are really interesting to see, and which often call back to things they’ve said or that have been said about them in the past. To use the least spoilery example, we see Nami making use of all the functions of her climate baton in her (almost absurdly homoerotic*) battle with Khalifa. She’s the crew’s navigator, often called a witch for her shrewd and ruthless ways…so it’s fitting that by this point in the story she is a literal weather witch! Regarding the others:
*Khalifa’s whole strategy is to keep Nami too slicked up stand (with her soap powers). Which Nami countered by calling up her rainclouds for a cold shower!
“Khalifa: That is so NOT cute. After all I went through to give you smooth skin.
Nami: If not fighting back is your idea of cute, then I’m glad not to be! (sticks out tongue mockingly)”
Sanji’s pep talk to Usopp, who is still feeling shame about being the weakest, is terrific:
“Usopp: Sorry, Sanji. I couldn’t…
Sanji: It’s enough that you’re alive. Everyone has things they can and can’t do…I will do what you couldn’t. And you will do what *I* couldn’t!!...Read the situation! So long as you’re here, we’re sure to save Robin, Usopp!!”
And his proud-dad-at-a-soccer-game reaction to Usopp’s hero moment (not to mention the way he tries to get Zoro hyped too) is adorable:
“Sanji: Look! Isn’t our sharpshooter awesome?! Take that, you jerks! Run, Robin!!
Zoro: Does he have to sing?
Usopp: (warbling his own little anime theme song)”
The police brutality Robin experiences is just as hard to look at here as in the anime!
But I love that, once she decides to trust in her friends, she’s using everything she can to resist: going boneless so she has to be dragged, pulling away to run even if it yanks out her own hair, even biting onto the bridge railing. It’s also a nice touch that, even though she starts to use her powers to fight back in earnest as soon as she’s out of the sea prism stone cuffs, her PTSD isn’t instantly cured. Once the ships that are part of the Buster Call start shelling the island she starts having a panic attack…but fortunately Franky is there to shield her while she works through that.
Sanji’s reaction to being a mermaid (but not a young sexy one) is interesting to examine because it really is uncharacteristically rude of him to be so disappointed to her face. Unlike his simping/perv meltdowns, Sanji’s chivalry typically extends to ALL women, regardless of age or appearance. For instance, we saw him happily dancing with a rather plain middle-aged Skypeian lady at the after-party of that arc, and in the upcoming Thriller Bark arc (if the anime is to be trusted) So why is he saying stuff here that he’d probably kick his crewmates’ asses for voicing under normal circumstances?
I think what’s happening is that mermaids are widely assumed to be fantasies generated by the brains of dying and/or horny sailors. But when it turns out that mermaids are not only real, but real people, some of whom are therefore fat alcoholic old ladies, that fantasy (that mermaids exist for sailors) is rather abruptly smashed. And it appears that Sanji (who 100% has romantic fairytale brain-rot) is having trouble processing that! This gets especially interesting if you know that
Toward the end of the battle, our crew find themselves cornered, Luffy separated from them and unable to move. And then…one of the best, most surprising things happens, with an aftermath that will almost definitely make you cry!
Once back on Water 7, Nami is despondent, pointing out that now they’ve got no ship AND no money…but the citizens have declared them heroes for saving Iceberg from the assassins and return their confiscated stuff, including Nami’s beloved tangerine trees! And Franky comes through with the offer to build them a new ship out of resilient “adam wood” – which is generous even if you take into account that he bought that wood with money he stole from them!
While they are waiting, they have a run-in with one of Luffy’s family members:
Luffy and Zoro also get to have a chat with Koby (who got a serious glow-up!)and Helmeppo (upset that Luffy and Zoro don’t recognize him even after he point out he’s the annoying nepo-baby who almost had Zoro executed!), while Nami cheerfully wiretaps the whole thing.
This interaction is just so typical of these idiots:
“Koby: Luffy! Let’s meet there again! I WILL be the one to catch you!...One day, I will become an admiral in the navy! (pause) I’m so sorry! I got carried away! This is so embarrassing!...”
Luffy: Koby! You’re going to fight me, right? Then you should keep that attitude!...
Zoro (enjoying this interaction): Looks like you’ve planted the seeds for some strong enemies in the future.
Luffy (waving them off happily): If Koby says he can do it, he can do it! Hee hee!”
The whole crew unsurprisingly have bounties on their heads at this point – I find it particularly funny symmetry that Nami is upset to be a wanted woman but comforted by the fact they got a cute picture of her, while Sanji had been looking forward to being recognized as a pirate but then becomes utterly despondent to discover they used a really ugly perp sketch of him! I also always how the Straw Hats’ friends and families react to their wanted posters!
Franky also gets a wanted poster, which leads to a great illustration of how this story can swing from ridiculous chaos (the Franky Family egging on the Straw Hats to force Franky to join their crew to protect him - by playing keep away with his speedo! And by Robin making an…interesting use of her powers to literally grab him by the balls) to heartfelt on a dime:
Iceberg: “You stay here because of guilt…When Tom was taken away, you felt that it was all your fault. But Tom already forgave you that day…You have to forgive YOURSELF, Franky! You’ve long since earned the right to live out your dream.”
Adding Franky to the crew is perfect. I particularly like how he works as part of the Straw Hat cornucopia of ways to be a man. See, most of the guys on the crew were already very emotionally expressive. But Chopper is a child reindeer who looks like a stuffed animal, Usopp is an anxious wimp, Luffy is rubber-noodle-armed and full of childlike enthusiasm, Sanji is a temperamental twink…the one “classic manly man” is Zoro, and he’s the one we only see cry three times in the series (to date): twice when he was a kid, and once over a bad loss in a duel. So, it’s great to have another cool-dude muscle-man…this time one who bawls his eyes out at anything remotely touching, sometimes composing a song for the occasion! (Actually, Nami and Robin kind of provide a similar contrast for the ladies; they’re both classically feminine looking, but Nami “acts girlier” in the way she expresses herself, while Robin is nearly as quietly efficient and emotionally reserved as Zoro.)
Franky also serves as an inventor friend for Usopp, a grown-up friend for Robin (they’re both 9+ years older than the rest), and even a foil for Sanji because
Finally, we have the reintegration of Usopp into the crew. Zoro insists that the sniper needs to apologize: “Listen, all of you. This guy may be an idiot, but he’s still the captain…A crew that doesn’t respect their captain, and a captain that doesn’t deserve that respect is destined to fail…You rank above me. If you don’t act like the captain at a time like this, I’ll be the next one to leave this group!” The fact that he’s not only calling Luffy an idiot, but donking him on the head and twisting his rubbery cheek through-out is funny – but that is Straw-Hat-style respect! It isn’t deferential AT ALL…but some of the stuff Usopp said to Luffy was UNFAIR, and so (Sanji somewhat surprisingly agrees) can’t just be ignored. And this is probably a good call, because
In their fight against the CP9 agents, all of the Straw Hats end up taking their abilities to new heights in ways that are really interesting to see, and which often call back to things they’ve said or that have been said about them in the past. To use the least spoilery example, we see Nami making use of all the functions of her climate baton in her (almost absurdly homoerotic*) battle with Khalifa. She’s the crew’s navigator, often called a witch for her shrewd and ruthless ways…so it’s fitting that by this point in the story she is a literal weather witch! Regarding the others:
*Khalifa’s whole strategy is to keep Nami too slicked up stand (with her soap powers). Which Nami countered by calling up her rainclouds for a cold shower!
“Khalifa: That is so NOT cute. After all I went through to give you smooth skin.
Nami: If not fighting back is your idea of cute, then I’m glad not to be! (sticks out tongue mockingly)”
Sanji’s pep talk to Usopp, who is still feeling shame about being the weakest, is terrific:
“Usopp: Sorry, Sanji. I couldn’t…
Sanji: It’s enough that you’re alive. Everyone has things they can and can’t do…I will do what you couldn’t. And you will do what *I* couldn’t!!...Read the situation! So long as you’re here, we’re sure to save Robin, Usopp!!”
And his proud-dad-at-a-soccer-game reaction to Usopp’s hero moment (not to mention the way he tries to get Zoro hyped too) is adorable:
“Sanji: Look! Isn’t our sharpshooter awesome?! Take that, you jerks! Run, Robin!!
Zoro: Does he have to sing?
Usopp: (warbling his own little anime theme song)”
The police brutality Robin experiences is just as hard to look at here as in the anime!
But I love that, once she decides to trust in her friends, she’s using everything she can to resist: going boneless so she has to be dragged, pulling away to run even if it yanks out her own hair, even biting onto the bridge railing. It’s also a nice touch that, even though she starts to use her powers to fight back in earnest as soon as she’s out of the sea prism stone cuffs, her PTSD isn’t instantly cured. Once the ships that are part of the Buster Call start shelling the island she starts having a panic attack…but fortunately Franky is there to shield her while she works through that.
Sanji’s reaction to being a mermaid (but not a young sexy one) is interesting to examine because it really is uncharacteristically rude of him to be so disappointed to her face. Unlike his simping/perv meltdowns, Sanji’s chivalry typically extends to ALL women, regardless of age or appearance. For instance, we saw him happily dancing with a rather plain middle-aged Skypeian lady at the after-party of that arc, and in the upcoming Thriller Bark arc (if the anime is to be trusted) So why is he saying stuff here that he’d probably kick his crewmates’ asses for voicing under normal circumstances?
I think what’s happening is that mermaids are widely assumed to be fantasies generated by the brains of dying and/or horny sailors. But when it turns out that mermaids are not only real, but real people, some of whom are therefore fat alcoholic old ladies, that fantasy (that mermaids exist for sailors) is rather abruptly smashed. And it appears that Sanji (who 100% has romantic fairytale brain-rot) is having trouble processing that! This gets especially interesting if you know that
Toward the end of the battle, our crew find themselves cornered, Luffy separated from them and unable to move. And then…one of the best, most surprising things happens, with an aftermath that will almost definitely make you cry!
Once back on Water 7, Nami is despondent, pointing out that now they’ve got no ship AND no money…but the citizens have declared them heroes for saving Iceberg from the assassins and return their confiscated stuff, including Nami’s beloved tangerine trees! And Franky comes through with the offer to build them a new ship out of resilient “adam wood” – which is generous even if you take into account that he bought that wood with money he stole from them!
While they are waiting, they have a run-in with one of Luffy’s family members:
Luffy and Zoro also get to have a chat with Koby (who got a serious glow-up!)and Helmeppo (upset that Luffy and Zoro don’t recognize him even after he point out he’s the annoying nepo-baby who almost had Zoro executed!), while Nami cheerfully wiretaps the whole thing.
This interaction is just so typical of these idiots:
“Koby: Luffy! Let’s meet there again! I WILL be the one to catch you!...One day, I will become an admiral in the navy! (pause) I’m so sorry! I got carried away! This is so embarrassing!...”
Luffy: Koby! You’re going to fight me, right? Then you should keep that attitude!...
Zoro (enjoying this interaction): Looks like you’ve planted the seeds for some strong enemies in the future.
Luffy (waving them off happily): If Koby says he can do it, he can do it! Hee hee!”
The whole crew unsurprisingly have bounties on their heads at this point – I find it particularly funny symmetry that Nami is upset to be a wanted woman but comforted by the fact they got a cute picture of her, while Sanji had been looking forward to being recognized as a pirate but then becomes utterly despondent to discover they used a really ugly perp sketch of him! I also always how the Straw Hats’ friends and families react to their wanted posters!
Franky also gets a wanted poster, which leads to a great illustration of how this story can swing from ridiculous chaos (the Franky Family egging on the Straw Hats to force Franky to join their crew to protect him - by playing keep away with his speedo! And by Robin making an…interesting use of her powers to literally grab him by the balls) to heartfelt on a dime:
Iceberg: “You stay here because of guilt…When Tom was taken away, you felt that it was all your fault. But Tom already forgave you that day…You have to forgive YOURSELF, Franky! You’ve long since earned the right to live out your dream.”
Adding Franky to the crew is perfect. I particularly like how he works as part of the Straw Hat cornucopia of ways to be a man. See, most of the guys on the crew were already very emotionally expressive. But Chopper is a child reindeer who looks like a stuffed animal, Usopp is an anxious wimp, Luffy is rubber-noodle-armed and full of childlike enthusiasm, Sanji is a temperamental twink…the one “classic manly man” is Zoro, and he’s the one we only see cry three times in the series (to date): twice when he was a kid, and once over a bad loss in a duel. So, it’s great to have another cool-dude muscle-man…this time one who bawls his eyes out at anything remotely touching, sometimes composing a song for the occasion! (Actually, Nami and Robin kind of provide a similar contrast for the ladies; they’re both classically feminine looking, but Nami “acts girlier” in the way she expresses herself, while Robin is nearly as quietly efficient and emotionally reserved as Zoro.)
Franky also serves as an inventor friend for Usopp, a grown-up friend for Robin (they’re both 9+ years older than the rest), and even a foil for Sanji because
Finally, we have the reintegration of Usopp into the crew. Zoro insists that the sniper needs to apologize: “Listen, all of you. This guy may be an idiot, but he’s still the captain…A crew that doesn’t respect their captain, and a captain that doesn’t deserve that respect is destined to fail…You rank above me. If you don’t act like the captain at a time like this, I’ll be the next one to leave this group!” The fact that he’s not only calling Luffy an idiot, but donking him on the head and twisting his rubbery cheek through-out is funny – but that is Straw-Hat-style respect! It isn’t deferential AT ALL…but some of the stuff Usopp said to Luffy was UNFAIR, and so (Sanji somewhat surprisingly agrees) can’t just be ignored. And this is probably a good call, because
April 26, 2026
꒰ 🏴☠️ ꒱ one piece [ omnibus . 15 ]
› chapters 410 - 440
⭑ ⭑ ⭑ ⭑ . 75 — rounded up!
・゜゜・．｡･ﾟﾟ･┊͙✧˖࿐ ･｡・゜゜・．｡･ﾟﾟ･𝜗𝜚˚⋆ ゜゜
My thoughts :: 💭
⤷ The first thing that caught my eye at the beginning of Vol . 43, was completely unrelated to the crew; some members of the ‘Baroque Works’ ( Mr Crocodile, Mr Bon Kurei and Mr 1 & 3 ) have been sent to “Impel Down” so now my eyebrows are raised because we’ve had a lot of old characters from the beginning journeys have their roundabout moment and meet Luffy again in Vol . 45!! We’ll get more into that in a minute but, I have a feeling that the crew is going to encounter these Baroque Work members again, do I think theyre going to fight again when they gonna see each other? No, but, they’ll definitely some sort of interaction whether good or bad … Also I’m aware that the crew is going to go to Impel Down in one of the later arcs so whether they come across the members or not is something well find out sooner or later! I have an inkling they will. For the remainder of Vol . 43, the crew is still fighting, however their techniques have improved drastically, it’s clear they’re all much stronger than the last time we saw them in battle. Zoros new form: ”Demon Spirit … KYUU TOURYUU ASURA!!” where he becomes this Demon God with 3 face and 6 arms, it’s incredible, I’m sure it’s just an illusion however it looks like he’s able to duel 9 swords and is increasingly faster and more aware of his surroundings than before. Aswell as Sanji, “The Hunter”, as always his entrances are perfect timing and so cool, he has also had some developments in his kicking technique like for example; when he’s fighting Jyabura who has the Zoan-Type Devil Fruit and is in wolf form which enhances his strength, Sanji’s leg starts to heat up and glow, he shouts out ”DIABLE JAMBE” and gives his kick a boost of strength and energy. “The Destructive Power of the Devil.” Is what he says after he wins the fight. So it’s a definite upgrade from his already murderous kicks and it’s super exciting to see the crew get stronger as they get deeper into the grand line, because it’s clear they’re going to need more power and strength to get to the top. All the other straw hats upgraded pretty well but Zoro and Sanji were my favourite this volume so I wanted to talk about theirs.
In Vol . 44, the Buster Call arrives and completely destroys Enies Lobby, no mercy at all for the casualties or high ranks who will get caught up in the crossfire, they immediately start bombing the entire island, except from one area, where luffy is fighting:
❝ You cannot see humans … on the map.
They just erased an island from the world map … without hesitation. THATS WHAT THE BUSTER CALL IS! ❞
៸៸៸ How casually genocide is portrayed. This arc highlights the complete and utter corruption of the World Government. The World Government has absolute power and this is how they exploit it, this is not the first nor last time the Government will commit such atrocities because there is always a group of people who will go against what they deem “moral” and “good” and they must be hunted and erased. Absolutely deplorable, and we see all these marines just mindlessly following orders, I would really like to see them rebel or fight against this kind of evil, this propaganda that the World Government feeds them of ‘Pirates being bad and Marines being good, that Pirates cannot exist in order to achieve world peace, yet it’s the World Government committing all the atrocities.
❝ Despite knowing Enie’s Lobby’s unrelenting myth … despite knowing the remarkable power of the World Government …! THE STRAWHATS ABANDONED ALL OF THEIR COMMON SENSE AND MARCHED AHEAD BECAUSE THEY WINT HESITATE TO MAKE THE ENTIRE WORLD THEIR ENEMY JUST FOR ONE OF THEIR NAKAMA!!! ❞
៸៸៸ This entire arc shows how far the crew and Luffy especially would go, for their family. He didn’t hesitate for a second to go right after Robin, because she is apart of the crew. Franky realising the love and bond that the crew has for each other and using that as his motivation to finally get back at the officer who is responsible for all of Robins pain, and the officers father being the reason Mr . Tom was unjustly sent to Impel Down and beat his ass ... What more could you ask for?! Franky too, was willing to sacrifice his life, that’s how much the straw hats have impacted and affected those around them, Franky, who hasn’t even been with the crew for long, was standing ten toes DOWN for Robin’s safety, standing in front of bullets meant for her, bombs and stray hits, anything, to ensure she got back to her nakama.
I think my favourite chapter in the entirety of Vol . 45 is chapter 427: “ It Ain’t Like It’s Hell In Here “ Where everyone is just rooting for Luffy, screaming for him to use his last ounce of strength and come down after his brutal victory. Genuine goosebumps, it’s was such a visceral moment for the entire crew and the marine countdown was increasing the pressure and tension ten fold, just incredible:
❝ STAND UP RIGHT AWAY!!! AND DON'T ACT LIKE YOU'RE ABOUT TO DIE!! IT'S NOT LIKE YOU!!! EVEN IF THERE ARE BILLOWS OF SMOKE, WE CAN STILL SEE THE SKY. WE CAN STILL SEE THE OCEAN ...!!! IT AIN'T LIKE IT'S HELL HERE!!! DON'T MAKE ME WORRY TOO MUCH, DAMN IT!!! ❞
៸៸៸ This had absolutely no reason to be so emotional and devastating … seeing Usopp and Luffy, who have still not yet resolved their fight in Water 7, Tell Luffy to get up one more time and defeat him completely so that they can go back to Water 7 TOGETHER. I’m speechless. How do I even explain how I felt when I was reading this?? It was just so powerful and mind blowing to just see how the crew is able to push each other further beyond their limits and fight that little bit more even when they’re on their last legs and cannot move … it’s just amazing. I love this manga so much because I think it does a perfect portrayal of what a Nakama is truly meant to be. Then the scene cuts to everyone else fighting off the marines and buying more time so Luffy can finally put an end to Rob Lucci and win the battle! I don’t think I could love theme even more than I did in this scene.
Then an EVEN BETTER, MORE EMOTIONAL scene came right after, when Luffy couldn’t stand up any longer, he had lost all of his strength after using Gear Second and Gear Third multiple times whilst fighting Rob Lucci. He thought it was over, the marines were counting down the seconds to blow up the bridge and complete the Buster Call but then everyone, his crew, the Franky family, Kokoro the mermaid lady and the child assistant, The Galley La company … everyone came together and screamed for Luffy to come down:
❝ STAND UP, STRAWHAT-SAAAN!!!
PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER, BRAT!!!
LUFFY!! STAND UP!!! PLEASE!!!
CAN'T YOU DO ANYTHING AT ALL, LUFFY!!?
PIRATE NII-CHAN!!
LUFFYY!!!
STRAWHAT-SAAN, COME ON!!!
STRAW-HAAAT!!! ❞
And when all hope was lost … Usopp heard a call down below in the ocean. Everyone was confused on why he was telling them to jump, but he protested relentlessly, jump down, don’t fear and they all jumped into the water and there the beautiful, Going-Merry was. Ready to take them on one last adventure, I didn’t cry when they initially let go of the Going-Merry but this time … I had a couple tears falling. She came back to save them one more time, she braved the harsh waves of Agua Laguna and rescued them at the most perfect timing. Like what ?! I’m not even crying ...
“ … Let’s go back everyone!!! Back to the sea of adventure again …! I’ve come to take you home!
This broke my heart but there couldn’t have been a better ending that this.
They finally got back to Water 7, even when they were told she could ride no further, that she has sailed her last seas, had been crushed and broken by Franky, secretly fixed by Mr . Iceburg and she still rode in the harsh weather of the worst of Agua Laguna and saved everybody. Then, when they safely arrived back, that is when she fell to pieces. And they all said their final goodbyes. ;((
Now we can talk about my theories in Vol . 45 about Luffy‘s family history or “background” should I say. We meet Vice Admiral of the Marine Headquarters “Monkey D. Garp” who is actually Luffy’s grandfather! They seem to have a pretty chill and humorous relationship regardless of the fact that the marines despise and hunt pirates … then Garp starts spilling some hardcore info about those who are currently at the top of the grand line: The Yonko: The four most powerful pirates who “Reign like Emperors” over the “Latter half of the Grand Line”! which Koby talks about in more depth. Monkey D. Garp tells Luffy that Shanks, the red haired pirate who Luffy looks up to from his childhood, is amongst one of the four, alongside Whitebeard. The Yonko are so powerful that the Marines and Shichibukai exist solely to counter balance their power! They’re said to be so influential over the peace of the word that is The Yonko becomes unbalanced, the world would crumble …! and then … reveals the mystery of who Luffy’s father is: Monkey D. Dragon who we met in passing in Loguetown; I think when they were escaping Smoker and his Marines, and Dragon prevented him from successfully capturing Luffy by interfering! It’s known that Monkey D. Dragon is a “Revolutionist” and is considered the “Worst Criminal in the World” according to the World Government.
❝ Propaganda is spread throughout the world, provoking many revolutionists in many kingdoms, and causing the downfall of many countries … Of course the a government got angry … they labeled Dragon as the one pulling the strings. ❞
៸៸៸ We get insight into what kind of person Monkey D. Dragon is, it seems he, too, is against the World Government and is an enemy of them, however now my theory of Gold D. Roger being Luffy’s father has been crushed. But I won’t give up this easily …! I absolutely refuse to believe that Gold D. Roger is not somehow, SOMEWAY related to Luffy, it’s just impossible. So, here’s my newfound theory created from desperation: Gold D. Roger is the father of Ace, who Luffy has established is his brother, 3 years older than him. Gold D. Roger is the brother of Monkey D. Dragon or SOMETHING along those lines OKAY?! Ace and Luffy share one parent, the mother maybe? So therefore they still consider each other brothers as they grew up together. we have yet to delve into Luffy’s childhood, it timeskipped to him as a young teen after his interaction with shanks as a small boy, that isn’t a coincidence I think we’ll get his backstory later on in the manga and it’ll all come together full circle, I’m telling you.
We get a lovely wraparound moment where we finally see Koby and Helmeppo ( who surprisingly actually looks way cooler than ever ) again! It was so bittersweet seeing little Koby from vol . 1 all the way to now; Vol . 45, he’s all grown u, he’s more brave, and he’s more confident!! He’s looking so much more comfortable than when we last saw him so I’m super proud of his progress and seeing the little behind-the-scenes of him working hard and climbing the ranks along the way in his volumes with Helmeppo was just so cute. Koby thanks Luffy for giving him the confidence to persue his dreams and helped him escaped from Alvida’s Ship, Now, they’re on opposing teams so they’ve once again promised that they will see each other again when they are much stronger. When Koby is the Admiral in the Marines and Luffy reaches the top, he expected Luffy to laugh at his dream, but knowing Luffy, he would never …! He tells Koby if he thinks he has a chance of fighting him when they meet again, he must be Admiral, no other rank is enough! Koby brings up the
”The New World” : Which is the latter half of the grand line, it is the last part of the sea that goes beyond the red line!
Koby says that The New World is “the sea where people will begin the next generation gather, and whoever conquers these seas, will become the ”Pirate King” !! I’m really excited to see how that’s gonna go down and when they’re gonna fight again, for real this time!
Towards the end of Vol . 45, in the “Grand Line: New World” Two of the four Yonko’s meet up, Red-Haired Shanks who was an apprentice on Gold D. Roger’s Ship 22 years ago, breaks through the military fleets and makes contact with Whitebeard Edward Newgate: the strongest current pirate in the world, who fought Gold D. Roger, the previous Pirate King! When Shanks arrives, Whitebeard’s crew fears his “Amazing Haki” I have no idea what “Haki” is, I’m assuming it’s his aura? Maybe we’ll get more information later on, I don’t want to do too much outside reasesrch incase I spoil myself so for now we’ll do a safe assumption that it’s his power in aura form ? He comes innocently, not intending to fight, but has one goal in mind … Blackbeard Teach, gave Shanks that three lines scar across his eye, he warns Whitebeard that Blackbeard has slowly been climbing the ranks, hiding behind Whitebeards shadow and he’s gaining more and more power as he takes action in fights and battles. Shanks warns Whitebeard that soon Blackbeard will “Aim for the top, with his own will … and he’ll eventually take your spot!” So Shank asks Whitebeard to “Please, Stop Ace! It’s not time for them to meet yet, tell him to leave Blackbeard Alone...”
But because Blackbeard killed one of Whitebeards Nakama, he replies:
❝ YOU CANT LIVE IN THIS WORLD WITHOUT HUMANITY AND JUSTICE. IT'S MY
RESPONSIBILITY TO GIVE THAT STUPID “TEACH” A LESSON ABOUT THAT...!!! ❞
To which Shank replies:
❝ THEN NOBODY WILL BE ABLE TO STOP THIS ERA OF RECKLESSNESS!!! ❞
And then… Shanks takes out his sword and they being duelling …! The clouds and heaven split and as they begin their battle, this is obviously really bad, as Admiral Garp said that should any of the Yonko’s ever fight, the unbalance of power will CRUMBLE THE EARTH. What will the outcome of this duel mean? Will either one die, how will the marines and Shichibukai prevent them or combat this fight. There’s so much tension surrounding this, I am eager for more information on how the latter part of the grand line works and the pirates who reside there! Are there more islands to go to? Do they just sit there and duel each other, I’m super confused, however, that is all we see before we switch to Blackbeard and Ace’s first encounter… Ace “FireFist” (Who is the Captain of Whitebeards Second Division) and Blackbeard “Teach” encounter each other finally just as Blackbeard is about to go to Water 7 and perhaps fight Luffy for his new bounty price? Ace has been searching for Blackbeard for some time now, even before his met up with Luffy in Alabasta, so this has been a long time coming. Ace ate a Logia-Type devil fruit:
Logia is one of the three Devil Fruit types, being the rarest and most powerful. Someone wielding a Logia power can transform their body into an element of nature at will, as well as create and control vast amounts of that element.
So far others who have consumed the Logia-Type Devil Fruit are: Smoker, Crocodile and Blackbeard
Blackbeard’s reasoning for killing his own nakama is because he had obtained the devil fruit Blackbeard had been searching for since he joined Whitebeards Crew.
Apparently Blackbeard has the most powerful of the Logia Devil Fruit: Logia Yami Yami No Mi which makes him “A Man of Darkness”, his ability allows him to to use it as a gravitational force:
❝ My darkness is a GRAVITATION. It’s a force that sucks everything in, not even light can escape…
There’s one more thing I can do! my gravitational force can precisely draw in the Devil Fruit users BODY…! The other thing my darkness can suck in, is “THE DEVILS POWER” meaning when im touching this body (ace’s) the Devil Fruit user can no longer use his abilities! ❞
៸៸៸ His “Black Hole” Technique allows him to suck the entire town into his “darkness” with infinite force and then crushes everything, so when he ‘spits’ the town back out, it’s completely destroyed.
He is also able to paralyze or disable a devil fruit users powers, rendering the stuck and hopeless. Similar to the sea stone, which dulls the powers of a devil fruit user and prevents them from attacking with their abilities — what the prison bars were made out of in Alabasta, by Crocodile who trapped the Strawhat crew and Smoker inside, aswell as at Enie’s lobby, Robin’s handcuffs were made out of the same stone!
However he has one weakness:
❝ I told you, this darkness sucks EVERYTHING in, absolutely everything. Bullets, blades, punches, even fire, EVEN THUNDER! Unlike other Logia Types, I cannot fend off an attack, and my body sucks in “pain” more than anyone else! ❞
So yes he’s incredibly powerful, however if he cannot dodge incoming attacks, he will absorb them all the same!
They continue to battle and destroy the town, the mountains and the island itself. It all comes down to whether Light or Darkness will win. We don’t see the outcome of this battle however it states:
❝ "Grand Line"
"Duel at Banaro Island"
The battle between those two pirates
was later described as the "trigger".
of a very big incident in the coming future. ❞
៸៸៸ I’m so freaking invested, the foreshadowing is killing me, but if I want to find out more, I just gotta keep reading! I’m so excited to get lore outside the crew, and learn more about the happenings surrounding ” The New World ”!!
Lastly, Franky joins the crew, because after the stunt they pulled at Enie’s Lobby, they’ve all got Bounties in their head, Luffy’s in dead to 300M and even Chopper got one albeit it was only 50 beri… We got to see everyone’s hometown reactions to their new bounties, Usopps hometown, Luffy’s, Nami, Zoro, even Sanji and choppers, it was so bittersweet seeing their friends and family root for them secretly, proud that they’re making a name for themselves, even Usopp, he’s chasing his dream and Kaya is still back home studying :) Becuase it’s no longer safe for Franky to stay in Water 7 with his 55M bounty, he unfortunately has his tearfully say goodbye to The Franky family and everyone else at Water 7:
❝ TOM-SAN, I'M LEAVING THIS ISLAND...!!! I WAS A POOR STUDENT WHO CAUSED A LOT OF TROUBLE BUT THANK YOU FOR TAKING CARE OF ME!
YOUNGUINS OF GALLEY-LA, TAKE GOODCARE OF ICEBURG!! I CAUSED ALOT OF TROUBLE FOR YOU, TOO… KOKORO-HAG, SHRIMP AND RABBIT, YOKOZUNA, LIVELY CITIZENS, MY SISTERS… SODOM AND GOMORRAH, AND MY LOVEABLE MEN … ILL BE GONE FOR FOR AWHILE!! ❞
៸៸៸ Everyone take care of yourselves! I hope we see each other one day in the future!
Usopp is back after apologising for his reaction and begs to be taken back, tearfully of course Luffy extends his hand to let him back onboard! Robin has safely returned, all is well! Franky built them a new ship using a special type of wood from a “treasure tree”, this same wood was used by Mr . Tom who built Gold D. Roger’s ship aswell, more parallels between Roger and Luffy, will there be more? The new ships name is the “The Thousand Sunny” and Franky now the official carpenter for the Strawhat crew! Their next island is “Fisherman Island” let’s see what they have in store for us there!
・゜゜・．｡･ﾟﾟ･┊͙✧˖࿐ ･｡・゜゜・．｡･ﾟﾟ･𝜗𝜚˚⋆ ゜゜
My review surpassed the word count … so I had to take a bunch out 💔
— King of the pirates !
⊹ ࣪ ﹏𓊝﹏𓂁﹏⊹ ࣪ ˖
› chapters 410 - 440
⭑ ⭑ ⭑ ⭑ . 75 — rounded up!
・゜゜・．｡･ﾟﾟ･┊͙✧˖࿐ ･｡・゜゜・．｡･ﾟﾟ･𝜗𝜚˚⋆ ゜゜
My thoughts :: 💭
⤷ The first thing that caught my eye at the beginning of Vol . 43, was completely unrelated to the crew; some members of the ‘Baroque Works’ ( Mr Crocodile, Mr Bon Kurei and Mr 1 & 3 ) have been sent to “Impel Down” so now my eyebrows are raised because we’ve had a lot of old characters from the beginning journeys have their roundabout moment and meet Luffy again in Vol . 45!! We’ll get more into that in a minute but, I have a feeling that the crew is going to encounter these Baroque Work members again, do I think theyre going to fight again when they gonna see each other? No, but, they’ll definitely some sort of interaction whether good or bad … Also I’m aware that the crew is going to go to Impel Down in one of the later arcs so whether they come across the members or not is something well find out sooner or later! I have an inkling they will. For the remainder of Vol . 43, the crew is still fighting, however their techniques have improved drastically, it’s clear they’re all much stronger than the last time we saw them in battle. Zoros new form: ”Demon Spirit … KYUU TOURYUU ASURA!!” where he becomes this Demon God with 3 face and 6 arms, it’s incredible, I’m sure it’s just an illusion however it looks like he’s able to duel 9 swords and is increasingly faster and more aware of his surroundings than before. Aswell as Sanji, “The Hunter”, as always his entrances are perfect timing and so cool, he has also had some developments in his kicking technique like for example; when he’s fighting Jyabura who has the Zoan-Type Devil Fruit and is in wolf form which enhances his strength, Sanji’s leg starts to heat up and glow, he shouts out ”DIABLE JAMBE” and gives his kick a boost of strength and energy. “The Destructive Power of the Devil.” Is what he says after he wins the fight. So it’s a definite upgrade from his already murderous kicks and it’s super exciting to see the crew get stronger as they get deeper into the grand line, because it’s clear they’re going to need more power and strength to get to the top. All the other straw hats upgraded pretty well but Zoro and Sanji were my favourite this volume so I wanted to talk about theirs.
In Vol . 44, the Buster Call arrives and completely destroys Enies Lobby, no mercy at all for the casualties or high ranks who will get caught up in the crossfire, they immediately start bombing the entire island, except from one area, where luffy is fighting:
❝ You cannot see humans … on the map.
They just erased an island from the world map … without hesitation. THATS WHAT THE BUSTER CALL IS! ❞
៸៸៸ How casually genocide is portrayed. This arc highlights the complete and utter corruption of the World Government. The World Government has absolute power and this is how they exploit it, this is not the first nor last time the Government will commit such atrocities because there is always a group of people who will go against what they deem “moral” and “good” and they must be hunted and erased. Absolutely deplorable, and we see all these marines just mindlessly following orders, I would really like to see them rebel or fight against this kind of evil, this propaganda that the World Government feeds them of ‘Pirates being bad and Marines being good, that Pirates cannot exist in order to achieve world peace, yet it’s the World Government committing all the atrocities.
❝ Despite knowing Enie’s Lobby’s unrelenting myth … despite knowing the remarkable power of the World Government …! THE STRAWHATS ABANDONED ALL OF THEIR COMMON SENSE AND MARCHED AHEAD BECAUSE THEY WINT HESITATE TO MAKE THE ENTIRE WORLD THEIR ENEMY JUST FOR ONE OF THEIR NAKAMA!!! ❞
៸៸៸ This entire arc shows how far the crew and Luffy especially would go, for their family. He didn’t hesitate for a second to go right after Robin, because she is apart of the crew. Franky realising the love and bond that the crew has for each other and using that as his motivation to finally get back at the officer who is responsible for all of Robins pain, and the officers father being the reason Mr . Tom was unjustly sent to Impel Down and beat his ass ... What more could you ask for?! Franky too, was willing to sacrifice his life, that’s how much the straw hats have impacted and affected those around them, Franky, who hasn’t even been with the crew for long, was standing ten toes DOWN for Robin’s safety, standing in front of bullets meant for her, bombs and stray hits, anything, to ensure she got back to her nakama.
I think my favourite chapter in the entirety of Vol . 45 is chapter 427: “ It Ain’t Like It’s Hell In Here “ Where everyone is just rooting for Luffy, screaming for him to use his last ounce of strength and come down after his brutal victory. Genuine goosebumps, it’s was such a visceral moment for the entire crew and the marine countdown was increasing the pressure and tension ten fold, just incredible:
❝ STAND UP RIGHT AWAY!!! AND DON'T ACT LIKE YOU'RE ABOUT TO DIE!! IT'S NOT LIKE YOU!!! EVEN IF THERE ARE BILLOWS OF SMOKE, WE CAN STILL SEE THE SKY. WE CAN STILL SEE THE OCEAN ...!!! IT AIN'T LIKE IT'S HELL HERE!!! DON'T MAKE ME WORRY TOO MUCH, DAMN IT!!! ❞
៸៸៸ This had absolutely no reason to be so emotional and devastating … seeing Usopp and Luffy, who have still not yet resolved their fight in Water 7, Tell Luffy to get up one more time and defeat him completely so that they can go back to Water 7 TOGETHER. I’m speechless. How do I even explain how I felt when I was reading this?? It was just so powerful and mind blowing to just see how the crew is able to push each other further beyond their limits and fight that little bit more even when they’re on their last legs and cannot move … it’s just amazing. I love this manga so much because I think it does a perfect portrayal of what a Nakama is truly meant to be. Then the scene cuts to everyone else fighting off the marines and buying more time so Luffy can finally put an end to Rob Lucci and win the battle! I don’t think I could love theme even more than I did in this scene.
Then an EVEN BETTER, MORE EMOTIONAL scene came right after, when Luffy couldn’t stand up any longer, he had lost all of his strength after using Gear Second and Gear Third multiple times whilst fighting Rob Lucci. He thought it was over, the marines were counting down the seconds to blow up the bridge and complete the Buster Call but then everyone, his crew, the Franky family, Kokoro the mermaid lady and the child assistant, The Galley La company … everyone came together and screamed for Luffy to come down:
❝ STAND UP, STRAWHAT-SAAAN!!!
PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER, BRAT!!!
LUFFY!! STAND UP!!! PLEASE!!!
CAN'T YOU DO ANYTHING AT ALL, LUFFY!!?
PIRATE NII-CHAN!!
LUFFYY!!!
STRAWHAT-SAAN, COME ON!!!
STRAW-HAAAT!!! ❞
And when all hope was lost … Usopp heard a call down below in the ocean. Everyone was confused on why he was telling them to jump, but he protested relentlessly, jump down, don’t fear and they all jumped into the water and there the beautiful, Going-Merry was. Ready to take them on one last adventure, I didn’t cry when they initially let go of the Going-Merry but this time … I had a couple tears falling. She came back to save them one more time, she braved the harsh waves of Agua Laguna and rescued them at the most perfect timing. Like what ?! I’m not even crying ...
“ … Let’s go back everyone!!! Back to the sea of adventure again …! I’ve come to take you home!
This broke my heart but there couldn’t have been a better ending that this.
They finally got back to Water 7, even when they were told she could ride no further, that she has sailed her last seas, had been crushed and broken by Franky, secretly fixed by Mr . Iceburg and she still rode in the harsh weather of the worst of Agua Laguna and saved everybody. Then, when they safely arrived back, that is when she fell to pieces. And they all said their final goodbyes. ;((
Now we can talk about my theories in Vol . 45 about Luffy‘s family history or “background” should I say. We meet Vice Admiral of the Marine Headquarters “Monkey D. Garp” who is actually Luffy’s grandfather! They seem to have a pretty chill and humorous relationship regardless of the fact that the marines despise and hunt pirates … then Garp starts spilling some hardcore info about those who are currently at the top of the grand line: The Yonko: The four most powerful pirates who “Reign like Emperors” over the “Latter half of the Grand Line”! which Koby talks about in more depth. Monkey D. Garp tells Luffy that Shanks, the red haired pirate who Luffy looks up to from his childhood, is amongst one of the four, alongside Whitebeard. The Yonko are so powerful that the Marines and Shichibukai exist solely to counter balance their power! They’re said to be so influential over the peace of the word that is The Yonko becomes unbalanced, the world would crumble …! and then … reveals the mystery of who Luffy’s father is: Monkey D. Dragon who we met in passing in Loguetown; I think when they were escaping Smoker and his Marines, and Dragon prevented him from successfully capturing Luffy by interfering! It’s known that Monkey D. Dragon is a “Revolutionist” and is considered the “Worst Criminal in the World” according to the World Government.
❝ Propaganda is spread throughout the world, provoking many revolutionists in many kingdoms, and causing the downfall of many countries … Of course the a government got angry … they labeled Dragon as the one pulling the strings. ❞
៸៸៸ We get insight into what kind of person Monkey D. Dragon is, it seems he, too, is against the World Government and is an enemy of them, however now my theory of Gold D. Roger being Luffy’s father has been crushed. But I won’t give up this easily …! I absolutely refuse to believe that Gold D. Roger is not somehow, SOMEWAY related to Luffy, it’s just impossible. So, here’s my newfound theory created from desperation: Gold D. Roger is the father of Ace, who Luffy has established is his brother, 3 years older than him. Gold D. Roger is the brother of Monkey D. Dragon or SOMETHING along those lines OKAY?! Ace and Luffy share one parent, the mother maybe? So therefore they still consider each other brothers as they grew up together. we have yet to delve into Luffy’s childhood, it timeskipped to him as a young teen after his interaction with shanks as a small boy, that isn’t a coincidence I think we’ll get his backstory later on in the manga and it’ll all come together full circle, I’m telling you.
We get a lovely wraparound moment where we finally see Koby and Helmeppo ( who surprisingly actually looks way cooler than ever ) again! It was so bittersweet seeing little Koby from vol . 1 all the way to now; Vol . 45, he’s all grown u, he’s more brave, and he’s more confident!! He’s looking so much more comfortable than when we last saw him so I’m super proud of his progress and seeing the little behind-the-scenes of him working hard and climbing the ranks along the way in his volumes with Helmeppo was just so cute. Koby thanks Luffy for giving him the confidence to persue his dreams and helped him escaped from Alvida’s Ship, Now, they’re on opposing teams so they’ve once again promised that they will see each other again when they are much stronger. When Koby is the Admiral in the Marines and Luffy reaches the top, he expected Luffy to laugh at his dream, but knowing Luffy, he would never …! He tells Koby if he thinks he has a chance of fighting him when they meet again, he must be Admiral, no other rank is enough! Koby brings up the
”The New World” : Which is the latter half of the grand line, it is the last part of the sea that goes beyond the red line!
Koby says that The New World is “the sea where people will begin the next generation gather, and whoever conquers these seas, will become the ”Pirate King” !! I’m really excited to see how that’s gonna go down and when they’re gonna fight again, for real this time!
Towards the end of Vol . 45, in the “Grand Line: New World” Two of the four Yonko’s meet up, Red-Haired Shanks who was an apprentice on Gold D. Roger’s Ship 22 years ago, breaks through the military fleets and makes contact with Whitebeard Edward Newgate: the strongest current pirate in the world, who fought Gold D. Roger, the previous Pirate King! When Shanks arrives, Whitebeard’s crew fears his “Amazing Haki” I have no idea what “Haki” is, I’m assuming it’s his aura? Maybe we’ll get more information later on, I don’t want to do too much outside reasesrch incase I spoil myself so for now we’ll do a safe assumption that it’s his power in aura form ? He comes innocently, not intending to fight, but has one goal in mind … Blackbeard Teach, gave Shanks that three lines scar across his eye, he warns Whitebeard that Blackbeard has slowly been climbing the ranks, hiding behind Whitebeards shadow and he’s gaining more and more power as he takes action in fights and battles. Shanks warns Whitebeard that soon Blackbeard will “Aim for the top, with his own will … and he’ll eventually take your spot!” So Shank asks Whitebeard to “Please, Stop Ace! It’s not time for them to meet yet, tell him to leave Blackbeard Alone...”
But because Blackbeard killed one of Whitebeards Nakama, he replies:
❝ YOU CANT LIVE IN THIS WORLD WITHOUT HUMANITY AND JUSTICE. IT'S MY
RESPONSIBILITY TO GIVE THAT STUPID “TEACH” A LESSON ABOUT THAT...!!! ❞
To which Shank replies:
❝ THEN NOBODY WILL BE ABLE TO STOP THIS ERA OF RECKLESSNESS!!! ❞
And then… Shanks takes out his sword and they being duelling …! The clouds and heaven split and as they begin their battle, this is obviously really bad, as Admiral Garp said that should any of the Yonko’s ever fight, the unbalance of power will CRUMBLE THE EARTH. What will the outcome of this duel mean? Will either one die, how will the marines and Shichibukai prevent them or combat this fight. There’s so much tension surrounding this, I am eager for more information on how the latter part of the grand line works and the pirates who reside there! Are there more islands to go to? Do they just sit there and duel each other, I’m super confused, however, that is all we see before we switch to Blackbeard and Ace’s first encounter… Ace “FireFist” (Who is the Captain of Whitebeards Second Division) and Blackbeard “Teach” encounter each other finally just as Blackbeard is about to go to Water 7 and perhaps fight Luffy for his new bounty price? Ace has been searching for Blackbeard for some time now, even before his met up with Luffy in Alabasta, so this has been a long time coming. Ace ate a Logia-Type devil fruit:
Logia is one of the three Devil Fruit types, being the rarest and most powerful. Someone wielding a Logia power can transform their body into an element of nature at will, as well as create and control vast amounts of that element.
So far others who have consumed the Logia-Type Devil Fruit are: Smoker, Crocodile and Blackbeard
Blackbeard’s reasoning for killing his own nakama is because he had obtained the devil fruit Blackbeard had been searching for since he joined Whitebeards Crew.
Apparently Blackbeard has the most powerful of the Logia Devil Fruit: Logia Yami Yami No Mi which makes him “A Man of Darkness”, his ability allows him to to use it as a gravitational force:
❝ My darkness is a GRAVITATION. It’s a force that sucks everything in, not even light can escape…
There’s one more thing I can do! my gravitational force can precisely draw in the Devil Fruit users BODY…! The other thing my darkness can suck in, is “THE DEVILS POWER” meaning when im touching this body (ace’s) the Devil Fruit user can no longer use his abilities! ❞
៸៸៸ His “Black Hole” Technique allows him to suck the entire town into his “darkness” with infinite force and then crushes everything, so when he ‘spits’ the town back out, it’s completely destroyed.
He is also able to paralyze or disable a devil fruit users powers, rendering the stuck and hopeless. Similar to the sea stone, which dulls the powers of a devil fruit user and prevents them from attacking with their abilities — what the prison bars were made out of in Alabasta, by Crocodile who trapped the Strawhat crew and Smoker inside, aswell as at Enie’s lobby, Robin’s handcuffs were made out of the same stone!
However he has one weakness:
❝ I told you, this darkness sucks EVERYTHING in, absolutely everything. Bullets, blades, punches, even fire, EVEN THUNDER! Unlike other Logia Types, I cannot fend off an attack, and my body sucks in “pain” more than anyone else! ❞
So yes he’s incredibly powerful, however if he cannot dodge incoming attacks, he will absorb them all the same!
They continue to battle and destroy the town, the mountains and the island itself. It all comes down to whether Light or Darkness will win. We don’t see the outcome of this battle however it states:
❝ "Grand Line"
"Duel at Banaro Island"
The battle between those two pirates
was later described as the "trigger".
of a very big incident in the coming future. ❞
៸៸៸ I’m so freaking invested, the foreshadowing is killing me, but if I want to find out more, I just gotta keep reading! I’m so excited to get lore outside the crew, and learn more about the happenings surrounding ” The New World ”!!
Lastly, Franky joins the crew, because after the stunt they pulled at Enie’s Lobby, they’ve all got Bounties in their head, Luffy’s in dead to 300M and even Chopper got one albeit it was only 50 beri… We got to see everyone’s hometown reactions to their new bounties, Usopps hometown, Luffy’s, Nami, Zoro, even Sanji and choppers, it was so bittersweet seeing their friends and family root for them secretly, proud that they’re making a name for themselves, even Usopp, he’s chasing his dream and Kaya is still back home studying :) Becuase it’s no longer safe for Franky to stay in Water 7 with his 55M bounty, he unfortunately has his tearfully say goodbye to The Franky family and everyone else at Water 7:
❝ TOM-SAN, I'M LEAVING THIS ISLAND...!!! I WAS A POOR STUDENT WHO CAUSED A LOT OF TROUBLE BUT THANK YOU FOR TAKING CARE OF ME!
YOUNGUINS OF GALLEY-LA, TAKE GOODCARE OF ICEBURG!! I CAUSED ALOT OF TROUBLE FOR YOU, TOO… KOKORO-HAG, SHRIMP AND RABBIT, YOKOZUNA, LIVELY CITIZENS, MY SISTERS… SODOM AND GOMORRAH, AND MY LOVEABLE MEN … ILL BE GONE FOR FOR AWHILE!! ❞
៸៸៸ Everyone take care of yourselves! I hope we see each other one day in the future!
Usopp is back after apologising for his reaction and begs to be taken back, tearfully of course Luffy extends his hand to let him back onboard! Robin has safely returned, all is well! Franky built them a new ship using a special type of wood from a “treasure tree”, this same wood was used by Mr . Tom who built Gold D. Roger’s ship aswell, more parallels between Roger and Luffy, will there be more? The new ships name is the “The Thousand Sunny” and Franky now the official carpenter for the Strawhat crew! Their next island is “Fisherman Island” let’s see what they have in store for us there!
・゜゜・．｡･ﾟﾟ･┊͙✧˖࿐ ･｡・゜゜・．｡･ﾟﾟ･𝜗𝜚˚⋆ ゜゜
My review surpassed the word count … so I had to take a bunch out 💔
— King of the pirates !
⊹ ࣪ ﹏𓊝﹏𓂁﹏⊹ ࣪ ˖
August 4, 2016
Oh it all ended in tears, of course. When is the next one coming out?
March 6, 2023
Someone has been obsessed a little too much…
April 4, 2025
Possibly my favorite stretch of chapters in all of One Piece.
July 2, 2019
Sogeking!!! You are everything!
January 23, 2023
Series: One Piece #43-45
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
This volume is the end of the Water Seven arc. Luffy defeats Rob Lucci, the Straw Hats rescue Robin, and they escape from Enies Lobby. This was an emotional rescue and I loved all the action. We get to see how far Luffy has come as a fighter with Gear Two and Three.
The most emotional part of this volume was saying bye to the Merry Go. It made me cry again even though I knew it was going to happen. This volume ends with the Straw Hats getting a new ship, Usopp rejoining the crew and Franky joining the crew as the shipwright. We also briefly see Ace finally catch up with Blackbeard.
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
This volume is the end of the Water Seven arc. Luffy defeats Rob Lucci, the Straw Hats rescue Robin, and they escape from Enies Lobby. This was an emotional rescue and I loved all the action. We get to see how far Luffy has come as a fighter with Gear Two and Three.
The most emotional part of this volume was saying bye to the Merry Go. It made me cry again even though I knew it was going to happen. This volume ends with the Straw Hats getting a new ship, Usopp rejoining the crew and Franky joining the crew as the shipwright. We also briefly see Ace finally catch up with Blackbeard.
February 21, 2024
sem palavras para dizer o quão emocionante foi isto aqui. terminei com lágrimas nos olhos e chorei em dois momentos:
1) quando usoop joga as chaves pra robin e franky está desesperado tentando achar qual chave abre as algemas. com isso se vê, que foi a junção dos esforços de todos que a robin conseguiu se libertar e sim chorei com isso hahaha
2) na despedida do merry. sim, chorei com a “morte” de um navio mas tbm quem não choraria ? Hahahha
1) quando usoop joga as chaves pra robin e franky está desesperado tentando achar qual chave abre as algemas. com isso se vê, que foi a junção dos esforços de todos que a robin conseguiu se libertar e sim chorei com isso hahaha
2) na despedida do merry. sim, chorei com a “morte” de um navio mas tbm quem não choraria ? Hahahha
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2023
Water 7 was, hands down, the best arc so far. Epic journey with an epic ending.
December 28, 2024
Amazing story, plot twists and character development 🤩 did I cry over an “inanimate” object? Absolutely! Incredible story, can’t wait for the next volume
June 18, 2025
“Even in the worst circumstances lies opportunity.”
The perfect ending for Water Seven!
The perfect ending for Water Seven!
August 18, 2025
Peak storytelling.
August 3, 2023
The end of volume 44... excuse meeee???!!!
April 29, 2021
Pre-read: Can't wait to see how this arc ends! (Something tells me it won't end well... And we're not even quite at the halfway mark of the series as a whole!!)
***
Post-Read: This series is, for me, the "Anti-Walking-Dead"; if you read my reviews you know my love/hate relationship with that series. This series, in contrast, just continues to rumble along at full steam, volume after volume, with not a real drop in quality between, which is an impressive feat!
This volume closes up strong, reuniting the long-suffering crew, and sets the stage to come, with the World Government now front and center.
Crew Status: Still don't really care for Luffy, Ussop remains my favorite Straw HAt and Nico Robin is starting to grown on me with this volume for some reason. (Not sure about Franky, of course, but I'm OK with all the rest so far.)
***
Post-Read: This series is, for me, the "Anti-Walking-Dead"; if you read my reviews you know my love/hate relationship with that series. This series, in contrast, just continues to rumble along at full steam, volume after volume, with not a real drop in quality between, which is an impressive feat!
This volume closes up strong, reuniting the long-suffering crew, and sets the stage to come, with the World Government now front and center.
Crew Status: Still don't really care for Luffy, Ussop remains my favorite Straw HAt and Nico Robin is starting to grown on me with this volume for some reason. (Not sure about Franky, of course, but I'm OK with all the rest so far.)
November 22, 2023
WOW, probably the best volume of one piece so far. Some amazing character development and info/lore drops. I feel like we are really getting to the meat of the story and i am enjoying it SO MUCH!!!! Franky is officially my fav 🤖
December 6, 2023
I like the way Oda confronts and illustrates a world governmental idea. Something we here much more clearly these years.
April 21, 2026
"Thank you for caring about me. I was truly happy."
August 17, 2022
I've loved One Piece since I started reading it, but volume 45 has solidified the fact that I fucking love this series.
February 20, 2024
05/22/21:
June 1, 2023
I’m going to read more omnibus volumes like this one in the future.
December 2, 2022
Now this is what I call a great conclusion. The Enies Lobby arc is done and only one chapter is left in the Post Enies Lobby one so that's nice. Unfortunately, I only have like 100 chapters left until I get to Marinefold but let's not worry about that.
Anyway, this was amazing. There was a lot of amazing character moments, especially with Usopp and Franky (also Zoro because Zoro is always awesome). The fights were as amazing as always. Not to mention the appearances of some characters when they were back in Water 7.
Overall, this was just amazing and I cannot wait to see what happens now. I have no problems giving it 5 stars but I cannot explain exactly why without giving away spoilers.
This means that there will be SPOILERS ahead! Sorry not sorry.
Now, let's talk about the characters first, shall we? I should probably start with Luffy because why not. It was really funny how Franky wanted to help him fight but Luffy was like, yeah, I'm still angry with you because of the Usopp thing, and cannot comprehend that Franky is on their side now. Honestly, now that I'm thinking about it, Luffy spends these three volumes just being funny and goofy as hell. I mean... after using the third gear (I think) he turns into a literal child and then it takes him a while to become normal again. I loved that. His encounter with Garp later on... pure gold. On one hand it was wholesome, on the other I just thought what the fuck is going on and then I laughed again and enjoyed this little encounter or family reunion if that's what you want to call it.
Okay, enough about Luffy... let's talk about Franky now... aka the newest member of our crew... aka the cola addict. I love how he helped to save Robin despite not being a part of the crew at that point. Otherwise, let's just talk about the plan of the Franky family to get him to go with Luffy and the crew. The fact that they took his pants and then made him run through the entire town naked to get him to Luffy... oh, chills. Also... the fact that he built them a ship... so beautiful... I'm gonna cry.
Now, let's finally talk about Sanji and Zoro. I have a feeling that they will just merge into one character in my reviews. They already share a section here. I can't imagine what'll happen in the future reviews. I love how Sanji doesn't believe the wolf dude and just kicks him in the face because why not. I also absolutely adore the nickname marimo and how Zoro just doesn't react to it anymore. Zoro's fight with the giraffe man was really long but it paid off. The way they're worried about Usopp when that building blows up... love it. Also Sanji being excited about a mermaid and then realizing it was the old lady... can we not? Oh, and Zoro got lost again... he had to ask the guys who were trying to rob him to show him the way... what more could we ask for? And I actually agree with him on the Usopp thing... he needed to apologize.
Speaking of Usopp... he's one of the best characters in this saga. And with that, I have to mention him taking off the Sogeking mask to motivate Luffy... I loved it. Also it's so funny how Chopper and Luffy still didn't realize that Usopp was Sogeking... the sheer stupidity... Anyway, in the end he did apologize and it was wholesome as heck. And also him hearing Merry from the ocean... I almost cried... and then I did when they burned the ship.
I don't really have much to say about Nami, Robin and Chopper here so let's just say that they were useful in the battle and did some badass things.
Lastly, I want to mention all the characters that showed up in the Post Enies Lobby arc and did some amazing things. First of them is Garp who seems like a very interesting character. Or at least he will be in the future. I love his dynamic with Luffy and how he's always angry with him. The attack was also really funny because Garp simultaneously attacked them and was proud of Luffy for escaping. He's a funny man.
Next up is Aokiji who is actually a really good character and also a good person who just happens to work for the Marines. I love how he asked Robin if she's happy now or something like that... and then when she said that she was he let her go and stopped pursuing her. He seriously is a good man.
Now, I know, you want me talk about Shanks, Whitebeard and Ace. I was kinda freaking out during these chapters so this might be a bit confusing. I loved Shanks asking Whitebeard to stop Ace and his entrance was just really good. I mean... everyone is just falling on the ground. And then when we switch to Ace... I just hope this Blackbeard thing isn't the reason for Marinefold. Although, I do have a feeling that nothing good's gonna come out of this.
Anyway, this was amazing. There was a lot of amazing character moments, especially with Usopp and Franky (also Zoro because Zoro is always awesome). The fights were as amazing as always. Not to mention the appearances of some characters when they were back in Water 7.
Overall, this was just amazing and I cannot wait to see what happens now. I have no problems giving it 5 stars but I cannot explain exactly why without giving away spoilers.
This means that there will be SPOILERS ahead! Sorry not sorry.
Now, let's talk about the characters first, shall we? I should probably start with Luffy because why not. It was really funny how Franky wanted to help him fight but Luffy was like, yeah, I'm still angry with you because of the Usopp thing, and cannot comprehend that Franky is on their side now. Honestly, now that I'm thinking about it, Luffy spends these three volumes just being funny and goofy as hell. I mean... after using the third gear (I think) he turns into a literal child and then it takes him a while to become normal again. I loved that. His encounter with Garp later on... pure gold. On one hand it was wholesome, on the other I just thought what the fuck is going on and then I laughed again and enjoyed this little encounter or family reunion if that's what you want to call it.
Okay, enough about Luffy... let's talk about Franky now... aka the newest member of our crew... aka the cola addict. I love how he helped to save Robin despite not being a part of the crew at that point. Otherwise, let's just talk about the plan of the Franky family to get him to go with Luffy and the crew. The fact that they took his pants and then made him run through the entire town naked to get him to Luffy... oh, chills. Also... the fact that he built them a ship... so beautiful... I'm gonna cry.
Now, let's finally talk about Sanji and Zoro. I have a feeling that they will just merge into one character in my reviews. They already share a section here. I can't imagine what'll happen in the future reviews. I love how Sanji doesn't believe the wolf dude and just kicks him in the face because why not. I also absolutely adore the nickname marimo and how Zoro just doesn't react to it anymore. Zoro's fight with the giraffe man was really long but it paid off. The way they're worried about Usopp when that building blows up... love it. Also Sanji being excited about a mermaid and then realizing it was the old lady... can we not? Oh, and Zoro got lost again... he had to ask the guys who were trying to rob him to show him the way... what more could we ask for? And I actually agree with him on the Usopp thing... he needed to apologize.
Speaking of Usopp... he's one of the best characters in this saga. And with that, I have to mention him taking off the Sogeking mask to motivate Luffy... I loved it. Also it's so funny how Chopper and Luffy still didn't realize that Usopp was Sogeking... the sheer stupidity... Anyway, in the end he did apologize and it was wholesome as heck. And also him hearing Merry from the ocean... I almost cried... and then I did when they burned the ship.
I don't really have much to say about Nami, Robin and Chopper here so let's just say that they were useful in the battle and did some badass things.
Lastly, I want to mention all the characters that showed up in the Post Enies Lobby arc and did some amazing things. First of them is Garp who seems like a very interesting character. Or at least he will be in the future. I love his dynamic with Luffy and how he's always angry with him. The attack was also really funny because Garp simultaneously attacked them and was proud of Luffy for escaping. He's a funny man.
Next up is Aokiji who is actually a really good character and also a good person who just happens to work for the Marines. I love how he asked Robin if she's happy now or something like that... and then when she said that she was he let her go and stopped pursuing her. He seriously is a good man.
Now, I know, you want me talk about Shanks, Whitebeard and Ace. I was kinda freaking out during these chapters so this might be a bit confusing. I loved Shanks asking Whitebeard to stop Ace and his entrance was just really good. I mean... everyone is just falling on the ground. And then when we switch to Ace... I just hope this Blackbeard thing isn't the reason for Marinefold. Although, I do have a feeling that nothing good's gonna come out of this.
December 31, 2023
Ok we have made it to another one of the MAJOR SAGAS, one of the masterpieces. The last 3 arcs of this saga are LITERAL perfection. So the theme of this saga is "losing friends/ crewmates" not as in like them dying but having to go separate ways. This theme rly cuts to the center of what the manga is about and of Luffy's deepest anxieties (this theme is explored in a much more extreme way in the next MAJOR saga, Summit War). In addition, we get Nico Robin's backstory, an amazing new crew member and some of the most satisfying, epic pay-off in the whole series. I am however losing steam so these reviews are probably going to get more and more abbreviated as the day goes on but alas. Ok on to the arc reviews.
Long Ring Long Island: OK fuck this arc. This shit rly does feel like filler. Mostly I hate this arc for blemishing what would otherwise be a literal perfect saga. Its not bad enough to make the saga not a 5 but still ugh. Anyway what we do get out of this arc is the introduction/ foreshadowing of the losing a crewmate theme with the davey-back fight and temporarily losing Chopper. We also get introduced to our first admiral in Aokiji and we get a sense of just how powerful and scary the admirals are (another thing that will come back up in the Summit War Saga wink wink) but other than that this arc is mid.
Water 7: Ok the beginning of perfection. Not only is Water 7 a rly cool city and the shipbuilding guild running the city is fascinating but here we are introduced to Cipher Pol. So if Baroque Works has limited more regional capacity and more focused goals (it being the brainchild of one guy even though it has government backing) Cipher Pol is like the real deal global intelligence agency. We are specifically introduced to CP9 which is like the shadow wing of the agency that isn't supposed to exist and ofc specializes in assassinations. So we learn Robin may be an agent and is leaving the straw hats. Then on top of that Ussop and Luffy get into a huge fight over whether the crew needs to abandon the Going Merry to get a new ship. This conflict between Luffy and Ussop, their competing perspectives, the literal fight where Ussop uses all of his knowledge of Luffy against him (but ofc ultimately being overpowered) and the fallout of this fight rly is the heart of this arc (and honestly the saga). But the twist with Iceburg and Franky both being desciples of Tom (I love Tom) is also extremely well done and the whole race against time presented by the Aqua Laguna is perfect.
Enies Lobby: This arc is just so fucking epic, it is literally all pay-off. First off my literal favorite usage of the "fighting your way to the front of a train, going one car at a time" trope. Here we also get introduced to SOGEKIIIING! Bc it would be awkward for Ussop to join back up with the Straw Hats after their huge falling out he dons a mask and constructs this alter ego, the superhero Sogeking. Although, it wasn't his main intention, a side effect is that when Ussop is Sogeking, he compartmentalizes all of his cowardly, lying ways onto his Ussop side while Sogeking just gets to be the brave hero. So because of this alter ego, Ussop is able to really step up and save the day in some of the most intense, suspenseful moments. Then we get Nicos backstory which is maybe my favorite of the crews backstory. We learn about the Scholars of Ohara, how they were massacred by the government for their research into the poneglyphs and the void century. We also get the backstory of why Nico is so afraid of the Buster Call (basically an order to send the equivalent of enough airstrikes to level a city). The giants changing sides because of the events two sagas ago in little garden is just muah. Then arguably the most epic (maybe top 3) panels in the entire manga, Nico's "IIII WANT TO LIIIIIVE" is in this arc as well. Its rly hard to do this arc justice tbh. Its also the first time we feel like "damn the straw hats are v publicly going directly against the world government, this is going to be very dangerous for them going forward" Also omg how did I forget this is the first time we see gear 2/3, the first time luffy gets a serious power up and it feels so earned (imo).
Ok not going to talk about post enies arc bc obviously enies lobby is the big climax and the PEL arc is mainly wrapping up loose ends, more lore stuff. Its v important but I'm just tired lol. It was sick to get Franky on the crew (and the way Robin made that happen..... oof). Ok too much important shit happens not to mention, we get the ace vs black beard fight, shanks meeting up with white beard, we learn that Luffy's dad is Dragon the Revolutionary. This ends up being one of the most important lore dump arcs in the whole series.
OK this is probably the last of the rly extensive reviews I'm gonna do
Long Ring Long Island: OK fuck this arc. This shit rly does feel like filler. Mostly I hate this arc for blemishing what would otherwise be a literal perfect saga. Its not bad enough to make the saga not a 5 but still ugh. Anyway what we do get out of this arc is the introduction/ foreshadowing of the losing a crewmate theme with the davey-back fight and temporarily losing Chopper. We also get introduced to our first admiral in Aokiji and we get a sense of just how powerful and scary the admirals are (another thing that will come back up in the Summit War Saga wink wink) but other than that this arc is mid.
Water 7: Ok the beginning of perfection. Not only is Water 7 a rly cool city and the shipbuilding guild running the city is fascinating but here we are introduced to Cipher Pol. So if Baroque Works has limited more regional capacity and more focused goals (it being the brainchild of one guy even though it has government backing) Cipher Pol is like the real deal global intelligence agency. We are specifically introduced to CP9 which is like the shadow wing of the agency that isn't supposed to exist and ofc specializes in assassinations. So we learn Robin may be an agent and is leaving the straw hats. Then on top of that Ussop and Luffy get into a huge fight over whether the crew needs to abandon the Going Merry to get a new ship. This conflict between Luffy and Ussop, their competing perspectives, the literal fight where Ussop uses all of his knowledge of Luffy against him (but ofc ultimately being overpowered) and the fallout of this fight rly is the heart of this arc (and honestly the saga). But the twist with Iceburg and Franky both being desciples of Tom (I love Tom) is also extremely well done and the whole race against time presented by the Aqua Laguna is perfect.
Enies Lobby: This arc is just so fucking epic, it is literally all pay-off. First off my literal favorite usage of the "fighting your way to the front of a train, going one car at a time" trope. Here we also get introduced to SOGEKIIIING! Bc it would be awkward for Ussop to join back up with the Straw Hats after their huge falling out he dons a mask and constructs this alter ego, the superhero Sogeking. Although, it wasn't his main intention, a side effect is that when Ussop is Sogeking, he compartmentalizes all of his cowardly, lying ways onto his Ussop side while Sogeking just gets to be the brave hero. So because of this alter ego, Ussop is able to really step up and save the day in some of the most intense, suspenseful moments. Then we get Nicos backstory which is maybe my favorite of the crews backstory. We learn about the Scholars of Ohara, how they were massacred by the government for their research into the poneglyphs and the void century. We also get the backstory of why Nico is so afraid of the Buster Call (basically an order to send the equivalent of enough airstrikes to level a city). The giants changing sides because of the events two sagas ago in little garden is just muah. Then arguably the most epic (maybe top 3) panels in the entire manga, Nico's "IIII WANT TO LIIIIIVE" is in this arc as well. Its rly hard to do this arc justice tbh. Its also the first time we feel like "damn the straw hats are v publicly going directly against the world government, this is going to be very dangerous for them going forward" Also omg how did I forget this is the first time we see gear 2/3, the first time luffy gets a serious power up and it feels so earned (imo).
Ok not going to talk about post enies arc bc obviously enies lobby is the big climax and the PEL arc is mainly wrapping up loose ends, more lore stuff. Its v important but I'm just tired lol. It was sick to get Franky on the crew (and the way Robin made that happen..... oof). Ok too much important shit happens not to mention, we get the ace vs black beard fight, shanks meeting up with white beard, we learn that Luffy's dad is Dragon the Revolutionary. This ends up being one of the most important lore dump arcs in the whole series.
OK this is probably the last of the rly extensive reviews I'm gonna do
September 8, 2025
WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD
I really enjoyed Water Seven! I was weeping all through the end of Volume 44, during the Merry Go's funeral. I could imagine what that scene might sound like in the anime, with the ship saying such classic sentimental lines as, "I wish would we could have been together forever..." and "Even so, I was happy. So happy." I was devastated by the loss of that ship, but I'm glad that Oda and his characters gave her such a memorable send-off.
I didn't enjoy Volume 45 as much, since I could feel it transitioning into a new storyline. Plus, while I'm glad that Franky is joining the Straw Hats, I thought that his nude dash through the streets and Robin gripping him by the testicles was trying a little too hard to be comedic and defuse tension. It felt almost cheap after the heartwrenching story that preceded it.
I was also a little frustrated with the conflict resolution skills (or lack thereof) between Usopp and the rest of the Straw Hats. I agree that Usopp should have apologized for how he treated his friends, but it stressed me out that the Straw Hats collectively decided, "Usopp needs to say X, or we will leave without him. Nobody tell him what X is. If he doesn't figure it out, then too bad." I wish that someone had told him, "Look, Usopp, we don't want to pretend like nothing happened. Let's talk about this like adults." I suppose that most of the crew are still teenagers, which perhaps explains their lack of frankness. But this happens in real life, too, regardless of a person's age: You build up someone's behavior in your head and think, "If they don't do X, then it means Y," when in reality, their thought processes might be more complicated than that. (A similar moment in the novel "Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock," never fails to devastate me: The protagonist would've forgiven his mother for everything, if only she had agreed to make banana-chocolate chip pancakes with him!) We even saw Usopp rehearsing what he might say to his friends and debating which approach would be best. Do I think he chose the best tactic in the end? No. But someone should have had the decency to tell him that! I for one would not be willing to gamble such a friendship on an implicit expectation/misunderstanding.
I really enjoyed Water Seven! I was weeping all through the end of Volume 44, during the Merry Go's funeral. I could imagine what that scene might sound like in the anime, with the ship saying such classic sentimental lines as, "I wish would we could have been together forever..." and "Even so, I was happy. So happy." I was devastated by the loss of that ship, but I'm glad that Oda and his characters gave her such a memorable send-off.
I didn't enjoy Volume 45 as much, since I could feel it transitioning into a new storyline. Plus, while I'm glad that Franky is joining the Straw Hats, I thought that his nude dash through the streets and Robin gripping him by the testicles was trying a little too hard to be comedic and defuse tension. It felt almost cheap after the heartwrenching story that preceded it.
I was also a little frustrated with the conflict resolution skills (or lack thereof) between Usopp and the rest of the Straw Hats. I agree that Usopp should have apologized for how he treated his friends, but it stressed me out that the Straw Hats collectively decided, "Usopp needs to say X, or we will leave without him. Nobody tell him what X is. If he doesn't figure it out, then too bad." I wish that someone had told him, "Look, Usopp, we don't want to pretend like nothing happened. Let's talk about this like adults." I suppose that most of the crew are still teenagers, which perhaps explains their lack of frankness. But this happens in real life, too, regardless of a person's age: You build up someone's behavior in your head and think, "If they don't do X, then it means Y," when in reality, their thought processes might be more complicated than that. (A similar moment in the novel "Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock," never fails to devastate me: The protagonist would've forgiven his mother for everything, if only she had agreed to make banana-chocolate chip pancakes with him!) We even saw Usopp rehearsing what he might say to his friends and debating which approach would be best. Do I think he chose the best tactic in the end? No. But someone should have had the decency to tell him that! I for one would not be willing to gamble such a friendship on an implicit expectation/misunderstanding.
April 1, 2026
This volume delivers a massive payoff to the Enies Lobby arc, and it absolutely earns its place as one of the high points of the entire series. Everything that’s been building, emotionally, narratively, and thematically, comes crashing together in an epic conclusion.
The standout is the brutal, beautifully drawn clash between Luffy and Rob Lucci. It’s easily one of the best fights in the series so far: raw, desperate, and fueled by the pressure of the incoming Buster Call. That looming threat elevates every moment, turning the entire back half of the volume into a high-stakes escape where every second matters.
Then there’s the emotional core. The farewell to the Going Merry hits hard—arguably one of the most heartbreaking moments in One Piece. It’s not just a ship; it’s a crewmate, and Oda makes you feel that loss in a way that few stories manage. Paired with Usopp’s long-awaited reconciliation and Robin finally embracing the crew as her home, this volume is packed with emotional payoffs that feel completely earned.
On the world-building side, the story keeps expanding in exciting ways. The reveals surrounding Luffy’s family and the continued development of Ace and Blackbeard add huge stakes to the larger narrative. You get the sense that the world is moving beyond just the Straw Hats and that something much bigger is unfolding.
The introduction of Gear 3 and the debut of the Thousand Sunny (courtesy of Franky) cap things off perfectly, signaling both growth and a new chapter for the crew. The escape from Enies Lobby doesn’t just end the arc, it permanently changes how the world sees the Straw Hats.
Overall, this was a phenomenal conclusion to one of the best arcs in One Piece. It balances action, emotion, and world-building at an incredibly high level, delivering moments that are both unforgettable and foundational for everything that comes next.
The standout is the brutal, beautifully drawn clash between Luffy and Rob Lucci. It’s easily one of the best fights in the series so far: raw, desperate, and fueled by the pressure of the incoming Buster Call. That looming threat elevates every moment, turning the entire back half of the volume into a high-stakes escape where every second matters.
Then there’s the emotional core. The farewell to the Going Merry hits hard—arguably one of the most heartbreaking moments in One Piece. It’s not just a ship; it’s a crewmate, and Oda makes you feel that loss in a way that few stories manage. Paired with Usopp’s long-awaited reconciliation and Robin finally embracing the crew as her home, this volume is packed with emotional payoffs that feel completely earned.
On the world-building side, the story keeps expanding in exciting ways. The reveals surrounding Luffy’s family and the continued development of Ace and Blackbeard add huge stakes to the larger narrative. You get the sense that the world is moving beyond just the Straw Hats and that something much bigger is unfolding.
The introduction of Gear 3 and the debut of the Thousand Sunny (courtesy of Franky) cap things off perfectly, signaling both growth and a new chapter for the crew. The escape from Enies Lobby doesn’t just end the arc, it permanently changes how the world sees the Straw Hats.
Overall, this was a phenomenal conclusion to one of the best arcs in One Piece. It balances action, emotion, and world-building at an incredibly high level, delivering moments that are both unforgettable and foundational for everything that comes next.
July 31, 2025
Ah, well done, finally got me to tear up (during the Merry Go farewell, naturally). Both Robin and Franky's arcs are wrapped up and Oda just dropped a TON of new lore at the end here. Yes yes, the live action spoiled the Garp/Grandpa reveal, but Luffy's dad was one I didn't see coming (see: "I have a dad?").
Loving the updated bounties, leading to all the check-ins with previous backstory islands, so wholesome. LOVED running into Koby and WhatsHisFace (Helmeppo) again, great character arcs there.
And then the cliffhanger ending with Ace and Blackbeard was riveting, setting the stage for some pretty epic characters going forward. I know that certain friends regard Water Seven are one of the peaks/high of the manga and anime, but I'm excited for what's to come! If the quality wasn't continued, then why would people still be reading it for decades and decades, you know?
Loving the updated bounties, leading to all the check-ins with previous backstory islands, so wholesome. LOVED running into Koby and WhatsHisFace (Helmeppo) again, great character arcs there.
And then the cliffhanger ending with Ace and Blackbeard was riveting, setting the stage for some pretty epic characters going forward. I know that certain friends regard Water Seven are one of the peaks/high of the manga and anime, but I'm excited for what's to come! If the quality wasn't continued, then why would people still be reading it for decades and decades, you know?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2024
The Straw Hats face off against the forces of the World Government - in particular the assassin group known as CP9. They must rescue Frankie and Robin, but the end is near - Spandam, director of CP9 has ordered a Buster Call - The navy are about to level Enies Lobby to the ground.
This was a fantastic arc, and I feel the themes of the story are predominately about guilt. We explore Robin and the guilt she has from her past and the trauma there. Ussop shows guilt at the end of the arc, where he tries to make amends for past actions and rejoin the gang and Frankie, formally Cutty Flam, has a great level of guilt - Through his skills and the ships that he created, his hometown is bombed, his mentor is arrested and executed and he spends a lot of his past, and this story trying to make amends for past wrongdoing. Guilt plays a major part in this story.
It is my favourite arc so far.
This was a fantastic arc, and I feel the themes of the story are predominately about guilt. We explore Robin and the guilt she has from her past and the trauma there. Ussop shows guilt at the end of the arc, where he tries to make amends for past actions and rejoin the gang and Frankie, formally Cutty Flam, has a great level of guilt - Through his skills and the ships that he created, his hometown is bombed, his mentor is arrested and executed and he spends a lot of his past, and this story trying to make amends for past wrongdoing. Guilt plays a major part in this story.
It is my favourite arc so far.
July 11, 2022
This was one of those volumes which featured a story that really got emotional. It features the straw hat crew having to say goodbye to their beloved ship, The Merry Go. As if hearing the voice of the ship as it has to be burned because it is beyond repair, the Merry Go laments how it wished it could have carried the crew farther and how it still had a great time with them. It was emotional to see and one of the better moments of the manga so far. When the creator wants to tug at the heart strings, he really knows how to tug at the heart strings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2024
This is essentially Oda's fourth try at the 'Have a lot at stake and have each crewmember matched with an opponent suited to them' formula (Arlong Park, Alabasta, Skypeia, this) and with each attempt he got closer to perfecting that style of storytelling. He also loves to have armies clashing and injured people continuing to fight, but there's a reason this is the most popular arc among the others. This time Oda pushes everything further than before. It just works.
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