#;;than Kawamatsu who appears much later

[komoorebii]

Nice to see that a few people are around! Soo, ♡ and/or ↻ for a small starter with either Tsunagoro or Kiku because I am the process of adding her!

[sparda3g]

One Piece Chapter 963 Review

It has been a while since I last cover this series. The past three chapters focused on the backstory of the manliest of men, Oden, and so far, it has been pretty amusing. The sorrow will struck soon. In the meantime, enjoy every bit of Oden as his bound of greatness had no limit.

The past couple of chapters showcased how much of a macho Oden truly was in all of its meanings. With awesomely cool swag and great friendly attitude, it’s no wonder everyone, including Gol D. Roger, loved the guy. One chapter ended with the introduction of young Orochi, and every time I see him, it made my blood boils. At the same time, I wondered how in the world that piece of garbage took out the most interesting man in the world. Only one way to find out and that is to continue the flashback.

The last chapter ended with two Minks landed on Wano Country. We can easily assume they’re Nekomamushi and Inuarashi; sure enough, we hit the bullseyes. Before the story continues, the chapter opens with the detail on how those two landed on it. The Minks and Wano Country exchanged solemn vows a long time ago; essentially, they became brothers. I believe it was told before, but a reminder doesn’t hurt. Not to mention, I still get a good feeling when remembering the chapter where the Minks revealed to be faithful to Samurai. I love that moment.

Nekomamushi and Inuarashi were children at the time where they were washed up on shore. I got to say, I chuckled at looking at Inuarashi; something about those beady little eyes on the design amuses me. Like many children, they saw Wano Country as a remarkable place to be in. They set sail, only to find themselves in the heavy wave. The good news is, they reached to their destination. The bad news is, they don’t like it anymore.

Poor guys had to be berated by thugs, tying up to the pole for their amusement. Even Kawamatsu was part of the victims because of his kappa appearance. They were treated horribly because of the “unusual” nature, such as talking animals and a kappa. It’s Oda’s way to exploit the outcast’s treatment from society, and that always upset me. Thank God for Oden to arrive and beat the crap out of those garbage. Hilariously, he walked off, yet left the boys tied up. Our hero, everyone.

Writing these characters as children is a right call. Oden was very attractive to ladies, upmost inspirational to men, and now, really friendly to kids, let alone from different race. The children were fed, though Nekmamushi has a sensitive tongue, so it’s too hot for him to handle. Get it, he’s a cat. Oh well, at least they bonded and inspired Oden to travel across the sea.

One thing that stands out is Kawamatsu’s origin. The other two were already explained in the opening, but not his. Unfortunately for him, he had it rough with people discriminating him and his mother. The outcast’s discrimination is some sort of a theme for Minks, Kappa, Fishmen, and practically everyone not human. It’s frustrating. He lives by his mother’s last words to always be proud of being a Kappa. He thanked Oden for everything and thus, the loyalty was formed. This was nice, simple, and charming moment.

I find it funny how Oden can’t seem to read the mood. Those children’s backstories clearly insinuated that they have no home, yet all he did was to wish them good luck. They weren’t having it and so, they stood with them. You can sense the faction is growing to the state we know today. Oden lost his money because he gave them to Orochi. He really has a punchable face. I know he’s a child there, but I’m sorry, like the baby Thanos joke, it’s Orochi; take him out. Oden’s kind nature might be his downfall.

Although Oden has been the manliest of men throughout the flashback, let’s not forget another man who is also just as awesome in his own rights, Yasuie. The first time I saw him in the flashback had me confused; the changes are night and day. However, his nature remained the same and that’s what counts the most. Knowing that he brought Orochi to his care, it really pisses me off. Yasuie’s death scene is even more frustrating to read it again. But let’s not jump to the present time, because there’s more scenes to be awed back in the past.

As noted earlier, Oden lost money, thanks to that garbage, so his men decided to rob Yasuie. What a code of honor. Of course, they got caught; stupid crime gets stupid outcome. Fortunately, Yasuie was a man of wisdom that they needed. Not only he let them keep the money they’ve stolen but also given extras. You definitely don’t see that every day. He did this to grant them an opportunity to become a proper position; not just for Oden, but for themselves. Become Samurai. This move made me miss him a lot more than his time of death. Not to mention, made me hate Orochi even more than ever; how is that even possible?

I adore the montage. The path to Samurai is intriguing to see them evolve step-by-step; from dressing properly to gaining knowledge. The development was so drastic, it had Oden creeped out by their evolution. It’s funny, but uplifting. If there’s a way to pay him back after everything, this was the best step to take. The narration made it better with Yasuie giving them points to develop on and why they must embark this path. Oden will be Shogun; he will need them as Guardians.

Three years later, the outsiders, the gang, or whatever the title that painted them as bad are no more. I have to admit, the double-page spread got me feeling good for them. I know it’s expected since it takes place in the past and all, but it’s due to how it warms up the slow burn development from their first state.

It’s nice to witness the way Oden won the people’s gratitude. Keep in mind, the backstory began with everyone despise of him; at least with men who were shouting to hide their kids and wives. His own father disowned him. Here we are now with everyone looking at him as a messiah figure. He and his father were like actual family as well. Sadly, the reason for the reunion was because of his father’s illness. As nice it was for them to chat again, it would be the last time. I don’t know if Orochi has something to do with it since he was on panel during their chat, but if he was, Oda, you got to stop making me wish for death note.

Although I was enjoying this chapter with the birth of Samurai and more goodness of Oden, I remember a small scene about Rocks Pirates and the gathering in process. I assumed it would be saved for the next time, like someone has stepped into the country to end the chapter. Instead, we receive a sneak peak for the next scene, and I cannot wait.

Whitebeard and his crew have landed or rather crashed, which would be the seed planted to unveil the reason for so many top-tier pirates gathering according to Sengoku. Marco was a rookie at the time; definitely a veteran by now. The shocking part isn’t the fact Whitebeard was there, but the moment Oden says his greetings. He charged right at Whitebeard with his two swords and shockingly, gave him a struggle. That’s mighty impressive and that’s an understatement. The funny part about it, Whitebeard looked intimidated while Oden was asking to tag along to the cruise. That speaks volume, let alone their clash. Now I really wanted to know how Gol D. Roger “snatched” him later.

Overall, this was a pretty enjoyable. It largely focused on the birth of Samurai, but not only was it necessary, it was entertaining. More origin stories were covered briefly and by the end, they became Guardians. It was all good feel development with small hints for the inevitable nightmare. The next moment looked very promising with Whitebeard and Oden came face-to-face. Seriously, how did Orochi kill Oden? By now, there’s no way to believe he killed him in combat. In any case, best to enjoy the swell sensation before hell rises.