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CHAPTER 520: GORGON'S EYES
Finally. The epic waiting is over. It’s a good thing that the latest chapter is released earlier than usual, but sadly, its circulation and my house responsibility have similar schedule. I have to work as fast as possible so I can start discussing the hottest events in One Piece universe.
We don’t have the usual side-story arc at the cover page. Instead, we get a colorful section with the Strawhats, enjoying their picnic together. I never even thought that playing cards could be so much fun. Franky is munching with his banana-slash-watermelon foodie whislt Zoro remains cool with his new seed-throwing technique – particularly aimed at Sanji. He looks un-swordsman-like with his eyeglasses, though. And yeah, I’d like to own the latest edition of “shocked Brooke” card set.
Mastering Haki
While it is quite impressive to wield King’s Disposition in a whim, it still proves to be futile if one cannot utilize it to the fullest. In Luffy’s case, it doesn’t seem like he can use it like the way Kujas do. This proves the theory that one cannot measure his real power with Haki alone. Surely, it can make a difference in offense and defense, but it still takes practice, strength, and even knowledge in order to use it with 100% efficiency. Oda and Togashi might have a comparable idea when they introduce Haki and Nen in their works, only that they use different approach. In OP’s case, Haki is not “THE” special technique, but a skill that serves as a power-up to one’s chosen fighting methods. Luffy might have acquired his Haki through a series of strenuous fights against powerful opponents and through his innate strength. But technically, he still lacks knowledge. Now this technicality comes as a big problem, knowing his minimal capacity in understanding things. How he will incorporate Haki in his Gomu Gomu no Pistol? How he will knock someone out by choice? These things require full understanding and even experience in using Haki. So far, Luffy has used the same variation of Haki twice. He’ll most likely adapt it without being able to explain and understand the principles behind it – similar to the way he introduces and uses Gears Two and Three. He just pumps his legs and bites his fingers without fully understanding why he has to do it.
Gorgon Hair
The Gorgon sisters stick to its Greek origin ---- Oda style. Sandersonia shows another technique by using her hair as her offensive force. Its parallelism to Greek mythology about the real Gorgon sisters is that her hair can turn into snake. However, Sandersonia establishes such distinction. Rather than her hair becoming actual snakes, it can take into a form of a snake, possessing fangs of steel. Its sharpness and its strength might be influenced by her offence-oriented Haki, to support her mantra-like defense. The adaptation of this is comparable to Margaret’s incorporation of Haki to her weapon. She extends her spirit skill in her hair, creating larger and stronger impact when attacking. Marigold has similar ability, only that hers can take into Salamander form.
Luffy, on the other hand, continues to rival his opponents’ strength. From this panel, I’ve begun to hypothesize that he has already adapted his own variation of Haki and synergize it with his Gear Two. His moves promise a lot of power-ups. Even if he hasn’t established a new Gear technique yet, the strength and the speed he shows are distinguishable. I am able to perceive things this way because of my speculation regarding one of its principles: Haki can only be defeated by another Haki. Yeah, Gear Two is really strong but will it able to withstand a spirit-influenced attack? I don’t think so. Haki has been introduced as an upscale form of skill. And if an “orthodox” technique goes against an upgraded skill, I think the latter will get the upperhand. It is because Haki has been polished to make one’s techniques stronger….Even if Sandersonia can predict/read his attacks, the speed that “Gear Two with Haki” grants him is superior than the latter’s useful Haki skill. With this, the ability to read the opponent’s movements proves futile if she cannot keep up with her rival’s speed. This also explains why Marigold’s defense gets nullified with his Jet Pistol (with Haki of course).
Sisterly Bond
Two experienced Haki users vs. Luffy’s Gear Two with Haki….This strengthens my speculation in regards with Luffy being able to synergize his Gear Two attacks with Haki. He’s being attacked with the ultimate techniques of the sisters, a combination of sharp Yamata no Orochi and burning Salamander…. Yet he’s able to defeat their simultaneous attacks. Furthermore, he’s able to tie their tales without them even realizing it. Now that is an important thing to note. Sandersonia, having the ability to read his moves does not even realize how and when does he manage to tie them up. I don’t think she’s being careless, especially when he already smashes her despite mantra-like Haki…. Neither will she be carried away with the prestige of their attacks when Hancock has already scolded them. His Jet Gattling Gun is a “force to be reckoned with” especially that it’s the technique that beat Lucci. However, with Marigold’s defense and Sandersonia’s “mantra” Haki, his Jet Gattling should prove futile if it isn’t combined with his own dreaded Haki.
Protecting a Secret
Moving…. Very moving. This is one of the moments where Luffy’s pure kindness will melt your heart away. He has proven to be the best character in One Piece and has always remained that way. Even if his personality is classified as a “typical shounen hero,” he still has the ability to impress and touch every reader. His refusal to kill his horrible opponents is a display of how Oda establishes a “no-killing” theme in his series. He fights with a purpose and sticks with it no matter how hopeless or how horrible the situation appears. In this case, he fights the sisters to protect his new buddies, but that doesn’t mean that he’ll go as far as putting them into “skewered meat,” just to achieve his goal. A simple, but incredible Jet Pistol and Jet Gattling Gun will do in order to send his message well. Even Marigold is moved by his pureness, realizing Luffy’s true intention of covering her. Another impressive thing about him is his unparallel resolve to protect things, especially the essential ones. Despite his forgetfulness (he usually forgets the names of his acquaintances), he never fails to overlook the things that truly matter to other people. Even if he doesn’t completely understand the reason behind them, he risks his life protecting them. He’s able to separate personal feelings to “business,” which drives Luffy to protect Sandersonia’s eyes in the middle of their fight, because he believes that “the thing that she doesn’t want anyone to see has got nothing to do with their fight.”
Risks
Just like Marigold, Hancock realizes the danger that lies behind her youngest sister’s back. Since she can no longer risk another exposure to their famed eyes, she orders everyone to evacuate the arena. In line with the buzz, anyone who encounters the Gorgon eyes will instantly turn into stone. In reality, this gesture signifies Hancock’s attempt to protect the truth in their secret. That their eyes are nothing legendary, but a mere, shameful flaw. This event is also an embarrassment to the sisters who have established a prestigious and undefeatable reputation. Before his King’s Disposition, Luffy is nothing but an outsider who is ignorant of Haki and an impeccable source of hilarity. But, for someone like him to defeat the strongest sisters in the island…. This is tarnish to their reputation they’ve protected as far as to live with lies.
Her Soft Side
This is the first time Hancock has shown softness. I’m very glad to see that underneath her vanity and arrogance, lie a gentle woman. One of the reasons for this is Luffy’s kind gesture. After mocking, fighting, and punishing him, he is the first person who shows unconditional concern to her younger sister. All of her “fangirls” have gone out, for the fear of being turned into stone, whereas he remains protective of their secret despite facing their harshness. The exposure of their secret is so close, but thanks to his protection, the truth in their lies remains a secret. Even if Sandersonia threatens to kill him, he continues to cover her back, determined to protect something important to her. A kindness like that is capable of moving any stone-hearted person. That shows his true character. And this might be the “miracle” that I mention back in my earlier review. This can serve as the doorway of Luffy and Hancock’s alliance – a way that will help him to find his nakama.
The Spectacle:
Luffy shows us a very impressive power-up with his Gear Two. His epic transcendence has started, with his Gear attacks being able to hurt and deflect Haki-based skills. This proves that he finally begins to grasp this spirit skill, unconsciously combining Haki with his fighting methods. Even if there isn’t a showcase of new fighting style, the subtlety that Oda inserts in his fight against the Gorgon sisters is very admirable. I believe that this is only a small mark to what we can expect in the following chapters.
Hancock’s tears are very powerful as well. This proves that she isn’t what she seems. Yes, she’s vicious and vile, but surprisingly, she can recognize heart-warming kindness, pure intentions, and moving concern from a stranger. This can pave way to a bond between them. There is a huge chance that Hancock will also lend a hand, allowing him to go onboard. It’s also a breather to see another Shichibukai (who initially appears as a group of antagonists) standing as the lead character’s ally.
The Downside:
I can’t see any glitches in this chapter, except the length of this mini-arc. I have no intention of expanding this thought especially that I’ve already explained it in my previous chapter. Instead of reiterating this small “downside,” I will discuss the conflict present in this chapter instead. I believe that will bring more justice to its discussion, allowing us to understand it better. Furthermore, by addressing the conflicts, we’ll be able to speculate more logically and practice our creative ideas in formulating all the possible events that might take place.
I love the conflict present in this chapter because of its subtlety. Rather than showing a weakness in fighting ability, the conflict is established within the character’s personality which creates more depth to this series. It starts to arise in Gorgon sisters, who find themselves flabbergasted, then, moved by Luffy’s display of compassion. Sandersonia particularly starts to show inconsistency in her goals and even in character when Luffy wraps himself around her to cover her cursed eyes. She starts to become “docile” at the last page, expressing her acknowledgement. But the main conflict here lies in Hancock. Yeah, her tears may signify similar reaction with Sandersonia, but there is another issue that should be addressed there. Assuming that she is indeed moved by Luffy’s kindness, she will then put herself in a state of dilemma. Lending her hand will surely aid him, but she will put her position into question. “No-boys-allowed” has been an iron rule to their island. No man comes out alive and most definitely, they do not set alliance with the opposite gender. If she’s going to let him aboard, then she’ll acquire another blow on her integrity. Well, it’s tainted in the first place – with the lies she’s spread together with her sisters. But if she actually helps him, that will signify an alliance with a man – a breakage to their rule.
Final Notes:
Oda displays a good deal of subtlety in his masterpiece. Usually, the character’s development is initially portrayed in this kind of subtlety. Even in the fight scene, you can see Oda’s clever way of showing transcendence in Luffy’s strength. It’s not an all-out Super Saiyan-like display of power-up, but I believe it brings more edge to this chapter/series. Most importantly, the Gorgon sisters start to see Luffy not as a dreaded fighter, but as a compassionate person…. And even a possible ally. I really love the progress that we see in every chapter. The changes in the relationship between Luffy and the Gorgon sisters are delivered very impressively (first, Luffy was just a laughing stock. Last chapter, we see him transform into a serious threat to the sisters. And in this chapter, [possible] alliance starts to occur.) I can’t wait to see more of Hancock’s delicate side. It’s also great to see Pandawoman….
