Review One Piece Chapters Reviews

[Erinyes]

One Piece 990 - Army of One​

Cover page

-Hang on tight !​

Gang Bege's "oh my family" Cover #34
This page is featuring Pound being saved by Chiffon and Lola, It is possibly the last or one of the last of this mini adventure " Gang Bege's - Oh my family ! ". it focuses and their family eventually being reunited. The two daughters remembered their father and are saving him.

Main content

"I'm a fool... i was betrayed by one of my closest friend [...] But the price for betraying me will be steeped, indeed !".
~Sasaki, OP 990 pg.2 ​

I-Sasaki's side

Sasaki managed to free himself thanks to Big Mom attack. He is upset by Denjiro betrayal, and that's the most crucial point of this scene. It seems that Denjiro and Kanjuro are pretty much two mirror characters and so far, they did share similar development. Kanjuro was traitor for Orochi and Denjiro was traitor in favor of Oden's family. Both characters were based on historical figures. Both blew their cover during this part of the plot, revealed themselves being traitors. But Kanjuro has been killed, and considering the fate Nezumi Kozo, the historical character on which Denjiro's character is based, and considering how Kanjuro has been killed, iwe might expect Denjiro to be executed. Sasaki seems mad and his words sound ominious.​

Fun facts that contribute to think both Kanjuro and Denjiro characters fates might be interwined. Oda did foreshadow Kanjuro's silhouette, but changed the design, in Weekly Shonen Jump (WSJ) 725 release, his silhoutte did initially look like Denjiro's.​

1st Kanjuro design with ponytail in the magazine release, this 1st silhouette looks more like Denjiro. It has been changed in the volume 73 release to Kanjuro's current silhouette.
​

in depth

• Historical figures inspiring Denjiro and Kanjuro

Kanjuro's character is based on Yamada Emosaku a Japanese Christian painter.​

"Yamada Emosaku was a Japanese Christian, and a prominent figure in the Shimabara Rebellion. Though a member of the Christian rebel group, he worked as an informant for the Tokugawa shogunate, betraying his fellow rebels; following the Tokugawa victory, his life was spared as a result. " (source : Samurai archives wiki )​

Denjiro s character is inspired by Nezuki Kozo, a Japanese famous thief from Edo period.​

source wiki :​

Nezumi Kozō is the nickname of Nakamura Jirokichi , a Japanese thief and folk hero who lived in Edo (present-day Tokyo) during the Edo period. In 1822, he was caught and tattooed, and banished from Edo. On August 8, 1831, he was captured again, and confessed to the burglary of over 100 samurai estates and the impressive theft of over 30,000 ryō throughout his 15-year career. He was tied to a horse and paraded in public before being beheaded at the Suzugamori execution grounds. His head was then publicly displayed on a stake [...] Nezuki Kozo means "rat brat" (source : Wikipedia )​

• Who is Sasaki ? (hypothesis/theories)

Sasaki s appearance is strikingly resembling one character we already met, in Water 7 arc, and it is Kokoro. They might be related. Both share similar looks, similar fashion style and similiar dringing habits. Kokoro is a mermaid, we dont know yet for Sasaki, but his teeth make him looks somehow like a fishman. According to Oda in Volume 45 SBS, we know she (Kokoro) had a son with a human, who is Chimney's father, We know also that Kokoro met Oden, we can see her with Franky (Op 967 pg.2), we currently know nothing about his whereabouts, but him being in Wano is not unlikely considering his mother knew Oden, they probably get to travel there at some point.​

SbS 45 quote :​

D: If Kokoro-san is a mermaid, why is her granddaughter Chimney a normal human? Don't mermaids pass on genetic information? from Petit Panda​

O: Kokoro-san came here from Fish-Man Island out of her respect for Tom-san, when she was a young mermaid. She married a young human man from Water 7, their half-merman son married another human, and THEIR daughter was Chimney. Chimney is therefore 1/4 mermaid, so she's a very good swimmer. It was only her mermaid blood that helped such a little kid save Luffy in Chapter 403, Volume 42, as he drowned.​

from SBS volume 45​

II-Hawkins' side

Regarding Hawkin's prophecy : Hawkins predicted that a certain person whose name is not mentioned, has less than 1% to be alive by next day. we dont know who he is talking about, but we naturally assume, due to circumstances, he's talking about Drake, or about someone's currently taking part in the war Strawhats/samurai vs Kaido/Big Mom. But due to the conclusion of the chapter, it seems that Drake is now safe, and it seems that the prediction is about some key character due to how much it seems to bother him. Hawkins always acts according to his predictions, or more exactly his predictions are governing his actions, he can switch alliance if needed if he feels its the thing to do. For now he's still on kaido's side or at least that's what he appears. The person he mentioned could be someone who takes currently part in the Wano crisis, or someone outside of it. I wouldnt be surprised if the one the prediction is about, is someone outside Wano, someone like Dragon or Shanks for exemple, are not unlikely, i can see the next 9 chapters building up a major event. For some reasons, due to similar situations, we might almost draw a parallel with the situation in Marineford, where Ace and Whitebeard died, considering the major characters present there and those who might join later in this arc (maybe Marine or other former Whitebeard crew members etc.). When Hawkins checked again his cards, he seemed concerned, I, somehow, have the feeling something big will happen soon, probably by chapter 1000.​

Hawkins concerned after checking his card a 2nd time (OP 990, pg.9)
​

III- Luffy's side

Strawhats are fighting Numbers, during the fight we could measure how stronger they became, compared to back then in Thriller back they needed to fight altogether to beat Oars. Luffy uses Gear 4 and Hyogoro cant help comparing him to Myo-o, who are buddhist deities. The analogy is really interesting, because Myo-o are regarded as the deities of knowledge or wisdom. And Luffy being compared to a deity reinforce the feeling of him being a great and "innocent" leader, with followers who value him. Right after the comparison, Drake is offering to join Luffy's side. As Mihawk mentioned, Luffy has the power to attarct/captivate people, like a cult leader.​

"Myō-ō, in the Buddhist mythology of Japan, fierce protective deities, corresponding to the Sanskrit Vidyaraja (“King of Knowledge”), worshiped mainly by the Shingon sect. They take on a ferocious appearance in order to frighten away evil spirits and to destroy ignorance and ugly passions. They are depicted with angry expressions, with a third eye in the middle of their foreheads, and surrounded by flames. [...]" ​

source : Britannica​

A Myo-o statue, with angry face and 3rd eye closed in the front.

​

To sum up

The whole chapter was mainly focused on trust and betrayal topics.​

Trust is what Luffy inspires to people around him like Drake they choose to follow him, which makes him a leader without being aware and without necessary wanting it (he wants to be free and doesnt eally care about people following him or not, to him being pirate king is to be the freer man). As Mihawk mentioned thats the greatest power, he ends up attracting powerful people to him and get more and more influential.​

Betrayal, with Sasaki wanting to get rid of the traitor and with Drake cover being blown. We also can expect some potential betrayal in BM and Kaido alliance. This chapter serves to build up of upcoming events, with Hawkins prediction, and Luffy & Strawhats (SH) alliance's expansion, with stronger character who keep joining.​

Enjoyable chapter, that doesnt focus a lot on SH crew, but Drake willing to follow SH is reminiscent of Marinford arc, when former antagonists like Crocodile and Buggy started to help Luffy. Im curious to know who this prediction is about, and im pretty certain, it will happen.

Rating : B+




NB - Please, to discuss this chapter and share your thoughts check out the latest chapter discussion thread HERE

 

[Erinyes]

One Piece 991 - Let us Die​

Cover page

After 26 years of pleading, his 1st hug as a father.

​

Gang Bege's "oh my family" Cover #35

This page is featuring Pound happy to hug his beloved daughters, Chiffon and Lola, he hasn't seen them for 26 years. Pound's design is interesting as it is prominent and taking almost the whole pic, maybe symbolically it means how important he is as a paternal figure. It's interesting to note that Bege is looking at them, smiling tenderly, it gives him a more human dimension, he already had, when we saw him multiple times caring their child. But in this pic, he is the 2nd patermal figure and he seems to be looking up to his father-in law, due to his smaller size and his position in the side.​

Main content

"Run away ? don't make us laugh !! We are already tired of running ! tired of hiding ! As Lord's Oden's saurai, let us die already !!
~Kinemon Op 991, pg 16-17​

1- Drake's side

The 1st scene of the chapter is showing other characters being surprised to see Drake attacking Numbers. before showing him remembering a discussion he had with Coby. Coby's words are echoing Mihawk's ones in Marineford when he said Luffy has the power to attract people to him.​

This flashback is not here for no purpose, flashbacks most of times, have a function in the narrative, in this case, it does not display some significant information, but it seems firstly to emphasizes the bond/trust between Drake and Coby, not to mention Coby must trust him enough to praise a pirate to a fellow marine. And therefore makes Drake respecting more Luffy and his crew. And secondly, it builds a motive for a potential upcoming alliance. Furthermore this flashback plus the scene in chap 956 seem to foreshadow a potential marine intervention in Wano. With Cp0 already there, the informations Drake has given to Coby and the alliance Big Mom-Kaido is enough of a threat for Marine to appear.​

In depht - Flashback functions in litterature /storytelling

Spoiler: What purposes do flashbacks serve in stories?

1-In some narratives, flashbacks are used not just to provide the many useful elements already mentioned above, but to also tie together a theme.​

[...]​

2-When authors employ flashback as a literary device, they break with the traditional, chronological storytelling narrative. Therefore, when the flashback is included, it will likely bring information that had not been produced previously. There will be new details and facts that may help tie in the events taking place as part of the plot.​

Flashbacks can be included as a break in the narrative, or blended within the story of the characters as it happens in the style known as "stream of consciousness". In this type of story, the narrator is the main character, and is in constant analysis of a situation speaking from his or her own point of view and using first person.​

Flashbacks can also come as dreams and memories, thus manifesting to the main character subconsciously. Whichever way they occur, their purpose is to add information, clarify issues, and perhaps be the solution to the story's problem or main dilemma.​

3-​

A flashback is a literary device in a story that provides some background information on events, situations, or a character's past history; author's often use flashbacks to reveal some important truth about a character's past that otherwise the reader might not have known. Flashbacks can be useful in terms of characterization but also plot development or conflict. For example, a flashback can reveal why some key event in the story has happened or why two characters struggle to get along with each other. In analyzing your specific story, ask yourself:​

1) Does the flashback reveal something about one of the characters?​

2) Does the flashback hint at an older conflict, rivalry, or injustice that could influence the current conflict in the story?​

3) Does the flashback tell the reader some key piece of information necessary to understanding the development of the plot?​

4) What effect does the flashback have on the chronology that is development in the story?​

source & credits : https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/what-purposes-flashbacks-serve-stories-384323​

2-Strawhat's side

One Piece story-telling uses some specific and recurrent patterns when it comes to battles, mixing humor and some great or badass moves, an ennemy Strawhats are forced to ally with. This happen in most arcs (Impel Down, Marineford are best exemples)​

In this chapter, Oda's setting up upcoming fights or clashes. We get to see Luffy acting as he usually does, ready to accept to ally anyone and his crew calling him idiot. Zoro fights Drake as he distrusts him and is getting interupted by Apoo before Queen appears. Queen is using an interesting weapon. Sanji and Luffy are running to Kaido, and Sanji is entrusting P1 and Ulti to Usopp and Nami, which is a remarkable proof of trust, Sanji and Luffy both are confident their nakama can deal with them. It proves how strong is the bond between all members of the crew, and it is opposed to the lack of trust or even fear of betrayal that seems to plague Kaido & Big Mom's alliance, not to mention, Kaido's killing Orochi, his ally.​

Queen's bullets seems to be some tricky ones, they might be similar to the lead bullets Doflamingo used when he shot Law (OP 729) or something even more lethal, not seen yet.​

3-Kinemon's & Kaido's side

Samurai have almost all been defeated, but Nekomamushi and Inuarashi managed to beat Jack with their Sulong form, even without it and 1 vs 1 they were doing well, back in Zou. Kaido, angry to see Jack beaten, did step in the fight to protect him, but Kinemon managed to cut his Bolo Beam and to injure him, then he and the fellow scabbards reaffirm their resolution to fight to death against him, for the sake of Oden. The scene is interesting because it shows a caring side of Kaido and as in Punk Hazard, it features the "Samurai vs Dragon" topic.​

We also get to see the design of Nekomamushi and Inuarashi in their Sulong form in an amazing double spread. Note also that it's snowing since chapter 983, or maybe before (and snow is a strong recurring symbol in Japanese aesththics and arts (painting, literature, cinema etc.) Snow is a symbol of beauty and epehemerality, and is possibly associated with sadness.​

Utagawa Hiroshige, Gion in snow
​

In depth - Punk-Hazard scenes as possible foreshadowing ?

Punk Hazard introduced the topic of artifical dragons created by Vegapunk, we got to see Zoro cutting in half one of them (Op 656) and we get also to see Kinemon fighting against another one and using his Kitsunebi ryu against a slime. We see in this current chapter Kinemon cutting Kaido's attack in his dragon form, with the same technique, as if Punk Hazard fights were foreshadowing this scene. We all know Enma has been entrusted to Zoro, then it raises the question of how much will he contribute in a fight vs Kaido if he joins. Is Punk Hazard scene a kind of foreshadowing of Kaido's vs strawhats fight ? if so, we know it is supposedly Luffy the one who must beat Kaido, but how much samurai/swordmen will accomplish in this fight ?​

Punk Hazard featured/introduced some salient points we get to see here in Wano, like gigantification, artificial dragons, and experimentations and it was the place where Strawhats meet Kinemon for the first time, and their first link with Wano (except Ryuma).​

Spoiler

Zoro slicing the dragon (op 656)

Trivia - Dragon and monkey symbolism & Wano

Dragons are a recurring topic in One piece, and some characters are associated with them : Monkey D. Dragon, Kaido and Momonosuke can both transform into dragons due to their Devil fruit. Dragon is an important creature in Japan and it symbolizes various things but we will focus on one specific point. In Japan, dragon is the symbol of the emperor power. Wano country is based on Japan myths and History, Kaido being the current ruler in Wano and associated with dragon fits the symbol, but more importantly Momonosuke fits this symbol too, and he is Oden's son and next legitimate emperor :​

"DRAGON SYMBOLISM - The dragon corresponds to the season spring, the color green/blue, the element wood, and the virtue propriety; supports and maintains the country (controls rain, symbol of the Emperor’s power). Often paired with the Phoenix, for the two represent both conflict and wedded bliss. In both China and Japan, dragon and phoenix symbolism is associated closely with the imperial family — the emperor (dragon) and the empress (phoenix). " (Source Here)​

"Japanese Imperial Family and Dragon Ancestry - It's believed that when dragons transformed into humans, they had the ability to mate with other humans, creating the Japanese Imperial family. The Japanese Imperial family claims to be direct decedents of the Dragon King through Princess Toyotama-hime, the Dragon King's daughter."([source : Here)​

As for monkeys symbolism, there is an interesting point. During Edo, monkeys were the deities designated to be the guardians of the nation. Considering here Luffy is associated to the monkey, and he even was compared to a deity in the previous chapter, analogy can be easily drawn with Luffy being the futur savior of Wano and guardian of their peace :​

"The Mountain and Monkey Gods Sannō and Sarugami became popular during the early Tokugawa or Edo period. Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who unified Japan in 1590 and ended the Sengoku period, was nicknamed Kosaru ("small monkey") or Saru ("monkey") [...]. Tokugawa Ieyasu, who was the first shōgun (1603–1605) of the Tokugawa shogunate, "officially designated the Monkey Deity as the guardian of peace in the nation, and a festival for the deity was elaborately carried out in Edo" during his reign (Ohnuki-Tierney)".(Source : Here)

Hokusai, Japanese Dragon

​

To sum up

Honor and humor are both important aspects featured in this chapter.​

Pirate's honor has been mentioned by Jinbe when he refused to ally with Drake. Kaido too, showed some unexpected honorable behaviour by shielding his subordonate Jack and he even has kind words to him. And above all, samurai's honor, portrayed with Kinemon words. He and his fellow scabbards are, as samurai sticked to their code of honor, ready to die for their cause. And with those words we are expecting now to see some potential characters dying soon.​

This chapter, despite being serious and maybe ominious in last pages, is ponctuated with some funny scenes too, the One piece signature humor, with luffy ready to accept anyone alliance, Nami and Usopp fighting style. and various typical facial expressions like Ulti's or Apoo's.​

One piece usual humor touch​

Rating : B
MVP : Kinemon
Best panel :

Panel from double spread pg 14-15
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NB - Please, to discuss this chapter and share your thoughts check out the latest chapter discussion thread HERE



@mods I was not sure if i should open a new thread (one per chapter) or just post it in the same thread as the previous one, feel free to move it in a specific thread, if its more convenient for you. Sorry in advance for any inconvenience.

 

[Erinyes]

One Piece 992 - Remnants


​

Color spread

The color page features all the members of the crew including Jinbei and, they are eating on the Sea train. Coincidentally, Zoro seems to be eating Udon (it is maybe a reference to the current arc), and his swords are in the foreground of the pic, almost in the middle. Next to jinbei there is Kumamon, the mascot of Kumamoto prefecture, an behind Franky, theres a picture of Kumamoto castle.​

Kumamoto castle

Spoiler

Kumamon

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Main content

"That's right... Dead men give no order !"
~Big Mom, OP 992, pg.5​

1-Big Mom & Marco's Side

Big Mom appeared more level-headed and confident in this chapter, she's aware her own children distrusting her, and the alliance with Kaido is her idea, she probably has an an ulterior motive or at least she implied it. Perospero seemed happy with her answer and he and Marco put an end to their alliance. Marco had an interesting discussion about the remnants and Whitebeard's legacy, he insisted on their freedom to do what they want to, since Whitebeard is dead, and it echoes Luffy words about freedom and piracy. Carrot is going her own way, she saw Perospero and want to avenge Pedro, that is probably not the right thing to do at this moment, she might put herself and other in critical situation and ruin their initial plans.​

2- Black Maria's Side

Black Maria is singing and playing shamisen, as an oiran (high ranked courtesan) would do. The story she is singing is about a meeting of two persons (lovers maybe or siblings, or parents ?) the references of snowy night and moon light are two imageries recurrent in traditional japanese arts and poetry. The song seems to be a sad or emotional one.​

The song's setting is very similar to the current sitution happening on the dome, so parallel is inevitable. When she sings we see simultaneously Yamato chasing Momonosuke and the fight scabbards vs Kaido. If Black Maria was not only 29, i would have speculated she might have been Yamato's mother since she looks pretty similar and I would have thought she would reunit with her daughter and that the song foreshadows it, but thats not possible. I think it might refer to either Mononosuke and somone else, maybe Kiku and Izo since they have just met after a long time.​

Oiran and courtesans singing, dramatic entrances (and i expect some to happen), and many other elements like characters wearing masks or being disguised (Straw hats, Yamato, Denjiro) etc. are typical elements that belong to Kabuki art. Since the starting of the arc, the writting of Wano kuni arc is similar to a Kabuki play. A kabuki play is divided into arcs that match the Jo-Ha-ky ū concept of building up of drama, and the pacing in story telling and its structure seems to perfectly match with the arc.​

Trivia - Oiran and kabuki

- Oiran

""Oiran" was the term for a specific category of high-ranking courtesans in Japanese history. Divided into a number of ranks within this category, oiran were considered – both in social terms and in the entertainment they provided – to be above common prostitutes, known as yūjo (遊女) (lit., "woman of pleasure").​

Though oiran by definition also engaged in prostitution, they were distinguished by their skills in the traditional arts, with the highest-ranking oiran having a degree of choice in which customers they took. The term originated in Yoshiwara, the red-light district of Edo in the 1750s, and is applied to all ranks of high-level courtesans in historical Japan. Many oiran became celebrities both inside and outside of the pleasure quarters, and oiran would often entertain the upper classes of society, gaining the nickname of "keisei" (lit., "castle-toppler") for their perceived reputation of being able to match the wit and steal the hearts of upper-class men. This archetype became commonly-represented in kabuki theatre, both in sewamono ("contemporary" [for the Edo period]) and jidaimono ("period") plays.​

[...] ​

Compared to yūjo, whose primary attraction was sexual services, courtesans were first and foremost entertainers. In order to become an oiran, a woman first had to be educated in a range of skills from a relatively young age, including chadō (Japanese tea ceremony), ikebana (flower arranging) and calligraphy. Oiran also learned to play the koto, shakuhachi, tsuzumi (hand drum), shamisen and kokyū. Clients expected oiran to be well-read, able to converse and write with wit and elegance, and able to match them in intellect in conversation.​

[...]​

The appearance of oiran was markedly set apart from that of both geisha and the average woman; by the height of the profession at the beginning of the Edo period, oiran wore upwards of eight large kanzashi (hairpins), often made from tortoiseshell, silver, gold and gemstones, worn in a number of elaborate, heavily-waxed hairstyles known as date-hyōgo, though a number of different hairstyles - with a number of different names - were worn, all representing different ranks, seasons and occasions." source : Wiki​

The description fits Black Maria, I cannot see properly but she seems to be wearing 8 kanzachi. But i have came across some photos of Oiran' wearing more than 8 kansachi.​

@credits for the photo to their owner​

- Kabuki and jo-ha-ky ū

Wano kuni arc seems to be built like a kabuki play, and one of the most interesting aspect of Kabuki is the jo-ha-ky ū concept.​

Jo-ha-ky ū :​

"is a concept of modulation and movement applied in a wide variety of traditional Japanese arts. Roughly translated to "beginning, break, rapid" [...]​

t is perhaps in the theatre that jo-ha-kyū is used the most extensively, on the most levels. Following the writings of Zeami, all major forms of Japanese traditional drama (Noh, kabuki, and jōruri) utilize the concept of jo-ha-kyū, from the choice and arrangement of plays across a day, to the composition and pacing of acts within a play, down to the individual actions of the actors. ​

Zeami, in his work "Sandō" (The Three Paths), originally described a five-part (five dan) Noh play as the ideal form. It begins slowly and auspiciously in the first part (jo), building up the drama and tension in the second, third, and fourth parts (ha), with the greatest climax in the third dan, and rapidly concluding with a return to peace and auspiciousness in the fifth dan (kyū). " Source : wiki​

So to summarize :
Jo- 1st part Jo -Very slow pace, it introduces characters and plot.
Ha -2nd 3rd and 4th parts - is the building up of tension. Pace steadily increases, this parts are characterized by battles and some great moment of drama or tragedy (culminating moment) are supposed to happened in the 3rd part which is the middle of the play.
kyū -5th part - is a very quicked paced conclusion.

Wano arc fits too in the subject it deals with (History) and the narrative (not only story telling but the characters featured, the creatures, the setting etc.).

"Kabuki subject matter creates distinctions between the historical play (jidaimono) and the domestic play (sewamono). A Kabuki program generally presents them in that order, separated by one or two dance plays featuring ghosts, courtesans, and other exotic creatures. It ends with a lively dance finale (ōgiri shosagoto) with a large cast." source : Britannica

Interior of a Kabuki theatre, coloured woodcut triptych by Utagawa Toyokuni, c. 1800; in the British Museum.
​

Kaido vs Scabbards Fight

This fight is engaging, and very satisfying action-wise as we get to see scabbards shining moments. It is interesting to note that the scabbards charge against Kaido started more or less at the same moment Black Maria started to sing. and she evoked full moon and snowing, and both are happening in the place where the fight is set.​

Scabbards especially Raizou, who managed to return his "Bolo Breath" with a scroll, display a high level fighting, they even managed to injure Kaido and upset him.​

The flashbacks and he parallel with the fight 20 years ago are interesting too. Art-wise the fight is panelled with large cases, with very little bubble speech and over 4 or 5 double spreads, it does give an impression of speed and dynamism, like a movie. and last double page mirrors the fight that occured 20 years ago. It has a huge symbolical effect as it shows how scabbards embraced Oden's legacy but it might be an ominious sign, too. Also this is going way to well and that is also a bad sign.​

To Sum up

This chapter was pretty rich symbolically, especially the scabbards fight and Black Maria song parts, and it raises some questions and also some tension. Some aspects seem to point or foreshadow some upcoming turnaround of the situation, and we expect it, due to being close to chapter 1000 and due to the kabuki play pattern.​

A minor concern, though, when seeing this fight, i cant help thinking, why we never get to see scabbards shining before, they had opportunities, and why Raizo was kept hidden, considering how strong he is, he with Inuarashi and Nekomamushi could have easily beaten Jack, given what we see in this chapter, at least that is the impression i have when seeing how great he/they did against Kaido.​

chapter 970 and 992 similar scenes

Spoiler

970

992

Rating : B
MVP : none specifically
Favourite Panel :

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NB - Please, to discuss this chapter and share your thoughts check out the latest chapter discussion thread HERE

​

 

[Lord Rayleigh]

Thank you for the 2 chapter review - it is a pleasure to read.

I understood Oda wanted to fit everyone in the cover page but it is strange to see Jinbe sitting on another carriage - it seems like he is excluded from the main SH group.

 

[TitaniumOxide]

We should just create another area just for chapter reviews.

That being said, the first two posts were so great and official looking I am not even sure if I am breaking the rules commenting here lol. Very nicely analyzed with cultural understanding. After being Asian since I've been born it is...exhausting to see people misunderstand our very many different cultures which makes sense because there are many cultures. Even fellow Asians get confused due to the severe lack of heritage growing up somewhere else. Reviews like these help put stuff into an entertaining perspective for all of us and like hell would I ever put in the time for something like this. So thanks. Maybe one day Mangahelpers can put the Library of Ohara out of business hahahaha. Just kidding. Artur does great work over there.

 

[Erinyes]

One Piece 993 - The Dream of Wano​

Cover page

Gotti and Lola's wedding
​

"Gang Bege's oh my family vol 36 - Gotti's and Lola wedding" . Lola eventually get married, the cover (the penultimate of Gang Bege's adventures) display a pic ofthe wedding, the couple is in the center of the pic and both are wearing white outfits, they seem happy. On the right and left parts of the pics, there is both Lola's father and her brother in law, and both seems genuinely happy. Again, its isnice to see this tender side of Beges. it makes him a more complex and pleasant character.​

Main Content

But you people are not Oden. We will never see a samurai of his like again !
~Kaido, OP 993, pg.15​

1- Flower capital (Hana no Miyako)

The scene is about the inhabitants of Flower capital celebrating Himatsuri (Fire festival), their feelings about the oppression they are subjected to, and how they think actually about Kaido, and the hope they place on Kozuki family and the scabbards. The hope they expresss is contrasting with the final scene of the chapter. Flower Capital is a reference of Kyoto, art and imagery and the references of certain locations are easily identifiable. Flower Capital being a fictional Kyoto contributes to making some paralell with the current arc and Japan History. Kyoto was formerly Japan capital before being transfered to Tokyo at the end of Sakoku (isolationism). Sakoku has ended due to foreign intervention (M. Perry) so by analogy, we can maybe speculate some potential outcome of the arc, due to the historical and cultural references Oda uses, maybe some 3rd party intervention might happen at the end of the arc. But those references might mislead too especially considering Oda's using various source, not only historical, but myths and tales too.

Flower capital imagery and potential Kyoto references

Fushimi inari shrine (credits photo to their owner)
The typical Japanese torri (shrine) gates, here it seems to be similar to this place in Kyoto with the stairs behind.

The pagoda in the picture looks lile Kiyomizu Deera's shrine's pagoda.​

Narration wise, the inhabitants here are expressin, their stories, their feelings , their hopes, when events are told through the lens of third party characters (here inhabitants commentaries) it is a way the author use to give the readers or audience their perspective of the events and also sometimes more information about ithem, if they are involved in the plot, their point of view would be subjective.​

Subjective narration is when a story is told through the lens of one character's experience at a time. There can be multiple narrators or just one, but each perspective is limited to what the narrating character sees, hears, feels, knows, etc. In fact, another term for subjective narration is limited narration. It places the reader into the body & mind of the narrator, so we experience the story unfolding along with them. This is the more common type of narration seen in fiction nowadays. source Here​

-Trivia : Sakoku & Fire festival

Sakoku ​

If we refer to Japan History and its relevancy in the story, it is almost given that Oden's wishes will be granted, and that Wano will open and political system will change. it is almost certain that there will be another strong party involvement (maybe Marines, or Yonkou or boths)​

Spoiler

Sakoku ("closed country") was the isolationist foreign policy of the Japanese Tokugawa shogunate (aka Bakufu) under which, for a period of 214 years, relations and trade between Japan and other countries were severely limited, nearly all foreign nationals were barred from entering Japan and common Japanese people were kept from leaving the country. The policy was enacted by the Tokugawa shogunate under Tokugawa Iemitsu through a number of edicts and policies from 1633 to 1639, and ended after 1853 when the American Black Ships commanded by Matthew Perry forced the opening of Japan to American (and, by extension, Western) trade through a series of treaties.​

It was preceded by a period of largely unrestricted trade and widespread piracy.​

[...]​

on July 8, 1853, Commodore Matthew Perry of the U.S. Navy with four warships: Mississippi, Plymouth, Saratoga, and Susquehanna steamed into the Bay of Edo (Tokyo) and displayed the threatening power of his ships' Paixhans guns. He demanded that Japan open to trade with the West. These ships became known as the kurofune, the Black Ships. Source : Wiki​

Commodore Perry's fleet for his second visit to Japan in 1854. (free to use, public domain)​

Fire festival (Himatsuri)

Spoiler

What is fire fesitval ?
"Fire festival, we Japanese call it “Himatsuri”（火祭り the festival with fire. There are different kinds of fire and each area has its unique style of using it.
Most of the fire festivals are held in winter". Source : Here
It is interesting to note the recurrent themes of fire and snow and its contrast, like, with the fire festival event or some of the characters abilities associated with fire and snow elements, etc.

Kurama's fire festival, Kyoto (photo credit : Jeffrey Friedl)​

2- Inside the castle
- Queen's side

Queen shot bullets that have the ability to infect and change people into some kind of iced demon and it seems it is propagating by physical contact, the scene of characters trying to escape the virus reminds the scene in Punk Hazard when Caesar Clown used Shinokuni weapon. Zoro, Robin and Chopper are the strawhats present there.​

scene from Punk Hazard op, 676

OP 993​

We get to see Bao Huang being able to locate Momonoshue through an unknown ability (whether its is related to her devil fruit is not confirmed yet) her ability seems to be very similar to Viola's senrigan. The theme of the one yed cat is interesting, because cats are know to have great eyesight. It is not certain if it is imspired from this, but there is a Chinese legend of a one-eyed cat called Huan (the name is similar to Bao's that is why i mention it), the only thing i know about it, is that it is said to scare away misfortune.

Huan cat ​

-Strawhats' side​

While Zoro is still with Robin and Chopper dealing with Queen, Luffy, Sanji and Jinbe, are moving to reach the dome, they are facing a shinuchi in a funny scene. We also get to see Sanji being frustrated (in a funny way) about Jinbe strenght. This setting is interesting, because Zoro is staying currently behind, and it is safe to assume it is a plot device to make him intervene at a crucial moment, like to save the day later. Many aspects point to this, 1st the fact he has been given a plot voucher, Enma, and a plot voucher* is always meant to be used at some crucial point. The paralell with Punk Hazard and the references of Oda's one shot Monsters (published in 1994 which is canon) where samurai Ryuma had to fight a dragon could be hints too. it is probably a typical shonen trope when a strong character is staying behind /not in the main action, for him/her to appear at a convenient moment later.​

-Yamato​

Sasaki managed to find Momonosuke due to Bao Huang indications, heis resolved to kill him but Shinobu shielded him and got hurt, Yamato intervened to protect both. And she openly affirms sheis fighting for Kozuki. Yamato's character and identity are interesting as it seems she is absorbing Oden's personnality/wishes, she introduced herself as Oden, but here she is says she'is here for Kozuki. it is interesting to note that just a couple of chapters ago, after her being introduced we got this flashback of Oden saying his soul will live on, that paves the way for numerous theories.​

OP 987 (pg.1-3)
​

3-Kaido's side

Kaido is starting to get on his feet he praised the samourai's tenacity, but told them they altogether will never equal Oden. and he then attacked them with a kind of wind slashes, and one of them cut off Kiku's arm. The turnaround anticipated in previous chapters seems to have started. Kaido's picture with the black flames surrounding his body an the eyes, when he stroke back is inpressive and gives a feeling of a creature unharmed and unbeatable. The scene when Kiku lost her arm is striking, the shocking look on the scabbards eyes, and the effects of the cut, with the blood spur. the whole scene seems to be anouncing some desperate upcming situation/events.​

To Sum up

We get to see Momonusuke questionning about how he should behave as a (future) shogun, and Yamato's role starting to get more important, she openly endorses Kozuki's side. and ibecause she identifies as his father, it might get those two characters get some specific developements.​

The chapter started with a note of hope with the inhabitants feelings about the overall situation, and it wrapped up with a note of despair, that contrasts with the optimism and the feelings of the starting.​

Regarding narration, we as readers were given first a subjective perspective (idealism) then we get back to reality after seeing Kiku's arm off. Arm is a symbol of strenght, with a character losing an arm, we know with all teh various hints we were given, that the scabbards have probably no chance to win this fight.​

Rating : B-
MVP : I would pick Yamato
Favourite Panel :

NB - Please, to discuss this chapter and share your thoughts check out the latest chapter discussion thread HERE


@Lord Rayleigh @TitaniumOxide

Spoiler

Thanks for your kind words . Yes the cultural/historical references are an aspect i'm interested a lot o with, and sadly is very little explored, I m not a specialist nor even i have relevant knowledge about Japan/Asia culture, but im just hinting things that sounds releveant to me (they might not be though). I am not even close to Library of Ohara (i dont read them though, or actually i dont read any reviews or analyzis nor even chapter discussions after chapter is released, so i dont get influenced by anyone else ideas, perspectives, i do it if i have time only after releasing my own review), and i dont speak Japanese so i miss a lot of references, sadly.

Edit - Apologies, to avoid any misunderstanding, i should have given the proper definition of a plot voucher when i mentioned Enma sword.​

*In literary narrative, a plot voucher is :"as defined by Nick Lowe, is an object given to a character (especially to the protagonist) before they encounter an obstacle that requires the use of the object. An example of a plot voucher is a gift received by a character, which later impedes a deadly bullet. " source wiki​

--- Double Post Merged, Nov 11, 2020, Original Post Date: Nov 1, 2020 ---

One Piece 994 - My other name is Yamato​

Cover Page

"The blissful ship sails on through celebration cannons ! "​

"Gang Bege's oh my family vol 37 - The blissful ship sails on through celebration cannons !" is the last chapter of Gang Bege adventures, there is nothing really to say about it, except it is a happy end for Lola and Pound especially, they both get to be reunited with their family.​

Main Content

"...But death is what complete a person !"
~Kaido, OP 994, pg 4-5​

1- Kaido's side​

Kinemon cauterized Kiku's injury thanks to his technique. She managed to endure it and kept fighting. Kaido had praising words seeing their attitude, and how they are faithful to samurai honor code, but said too, that for an individual, life's achievement is only coming through the way they die. He said that while turning back to his human form. Kaido has been trying to kill himself several times but failed to. He seems fascinated by the death per se and maybe he wants to choose the way he will die, to make his life legendary. I cannot tell if it is relevant, but i know Oda get inspired by various stories, History, mythologies etc. and i can not help thinking about Osamu Dazai writer, when seeing Kaido. Dazai wrote No Longer Human, I have not read the book yet, but the story is about a protagonist Oba yoza, who is a heavy drinker, and who has attempted to commit suicide and failed. The story is a reflexion about life, society, humanity etc. and has autobiographical elements, the main character is based on the author.​

Dazai himself had tried to commit suicide, at least 4 times before managing to kill himself. I do feel analogy is relevant with Kaido, he shares similarities with Daizai and the story he wrote, by his addiction to sake and his attempts of killing himself several times. Kaido is associated with beasts and non human creatures, there are some points in his attitude that make me think Oda might have been inspired by Dazai's work. We already get several litterature references in One Piece, for exemple Big Mom and many elements in Whole Cake Island, like the tea party, which are definitely inspired from Alice's adventures in Wonderland, even the card games names, maybe too.​

Trivia - Osamu Dazai

​

Spoiler

The author Osamu Dazai committed suicide — several times. The first was on a cold December night in 1929, just before his school exams. But the overdose of sleeping pills he took was not enough; he survived, and graduated. The second was in October, 1930, on the barren sands of a beach in Kamakura — this time a double suicide with a young woman he barely knew. Tragically, she drowned, while Dazai was rescued by a passing fishing boat. He went on to marry and began a career as a writer. The third attempt was in the spring of 1933: He tried hanging himself from a beam in the mesmerizing stillness of his Tokyo apartment. Once again Dazai survived, though he was hospitalized and developed a morphine addiction. And the fourth was in the fall of 1936, when Dazai and his wife — with their marriage disintegrating — attempted a double suicide, but to their horror, they lived.​

Born Shūji Tsushima, Dazai’s life was by turns tragic and absurd, not unlike the portrayal of life in his stories. His 1948 novel “No Longer Human” (“Ningen Shikkaku”) remains among the most popular books in modern Japanese literature, and an English translation by Donald Keene has recently been republished by New Directions. It opens with an admission: “I can’t even guess myself what it must be like to live the life of a human being.​

Throughout his life, Dazai struggled with his writing, his personal relationships and with the shifting norms of postwar Japanese society. He grappled with alcoholism, drug addiction and mental illness. Beneath all this, however, lay a deeper struggle. As he writes in “No Longer Human,” “What frightened me was the logic of the world; in it lay the foretaste of something incalculably powerful.” source : Here​

The last of many endings: After four attempts on his own life, Osamu Dazai committed suicide in June 1948. His body and that of his mistress were found floating in a river in the Tokyo neighborhood of Mitaka. ( © : KYODO)​

Straw hats & Queen's side

Luffy, Jinbe and Sanji ended up facing 2 shinuchi in the usual humor packed scene, both shinuchi, Fourtricks and Hamlet, are named after cards games. Both have a very specific design, possibly among the most grotesque we got to see in this arc.​

A grotesque charactes in littterature is defined as "character whose behavior and more importantly appearance are out of the ordinary, bizarre, ugly and abnormal."​

Grotesque characters have a meaning in story telling, depending on the author and what he/she wants to convey, but most of times, for exemple, in children litterature they serve to tone down some character traits, or make less scary a villain, or it can be to make audience empathy grows for a character, or to balance flaws and qualities, or to decredibilize a character or his philosphy, ideals etc. i tend to think the latter is probably the most plausible. Oda makes use of grotesque a lot.​

Brook, Robin and Chopper are witnessing the virus spreading among everyone, indiscriminately. Chopper commented he will not be able to prepare the remedy while fighting, but added the same comment Kurapika made once in Hunter x Hunter, that someoene who makes a poison or a virus or makes use of it, always hold the remedy. Queen told them they wont survive past an hour, and decided to play a game by handing the only supposedly remedy to Apoo so everyone runs to him. It is pretty safe to assume that it is unlikely he gave him the real cure, unless he got another spare one. The game he initiated is nothing more than a variant of the tag game called "Koori oni"* (frozen tag) . Again, this scene is very similar to Punk Hazard scene with Shinokuni chemical weapon, and Queen's ability to make viruses raises the question of him maybe having some connections with Vegapunk. As for the virus, maybe we will get to see Law intervene, he is a doctor too, and had to deal somehow with Amber Lead disease thanks to his parents, he is probably skilled and strong enough to do it, or at least to help.​

*Koori oni rules : "Once you are tagged by the Oni, you freeze in place. Although your body can’t move around, feel free to scream off the top of your lungs for help so anyone who is not frozen can come to your rescue and unfreeze you by tagging you. Just be careful of other Onis who are probably standing around guarding the frozen. So if your friends are in too risky of a situation, you should just let It go". source: here​

Yamato's side

Yamato is facing Sasaki and his underlings, Shinobu ask her to protect Mononosuke, she answered that she will protect both, and that she remembered Shinobu and her speech she witnessed 20 years ago, during Oden's execution, and how moved she was by Shinobu words. She also apologised to Mononosuke, and showed how mortified she was as she could not do anything to save him back then. She took Sasaki's attacks without a scratch. then she introduced again herself, but as Yamato and not Oden this time. It is interesting to see the parrallel we can draw between the end of chapter 984 (the last chapter of the previous volume) and the last page of this chapter (which ends the volume too).​

chapter 984 -> My Bible : she is sel-fproclamed Oden, and introduced herself as the one who would make Oden's will lives on.​

chapter 994 -> My Other Name is Yamato : she introduced herself with her actual name/identity to Oden's son.​

Yamato's identity is interesting, she refers herself both as Oden and as Yamat,o she seems to be suffering a double personnality disorder, or she simply admiring Oden so much that she is putting an act so far to the point she assimilated Oden's character with her own personality ? Maybe she felt it is presumtuous to called herself Oden in front of his son ?​

chapter 984 and 994 last page comparisons​

To sum up

Humanity and identity are the 2 keywords of this chapters. Yamato seems unclear or confused when it comes to her identity, or at least she is acting as if "someone else" (Oden) is living within her but this time she refered herself by her own name.​

Humanity is questioned when we got see those two shinuchi, how human do they remain ? i do appreciate being introduced some grotesque characters if it is a reasonable amount of them, i did dislike the characters design of those two shinuchi, it was not funny to me, at all, i does decredibize so much the "bad guys", it feels to me, the grotesque aspect is gone way too far that it is ruining them.​

Humanity, losing humanity, becoming oni (Oni means devil/oger in Japanese) is also the focal point of Queen's game, and of Kaido's interaction with the scabbards when he is talking about death, and questioning what is fulfilling a human life.​

Rating : B-
MVP : Yamato
Favourite Panel :

​

NB - Please, to discuss this chapter and share your thoughts check out the latest chapter discussion thread HERE


+

Regarding chapter 993, mea culpa, I forget to mention just something related to imagery and kabuki. In the scene where we see inhabitants celebrating teh Fire Festival, there was this panel :

This pose (very famous Jiraya in Naruto keeps doing it) is called Mie, and it is "a powerful and emotional pose struck by an actor, who then freezes for a moment, is a distinctive element of aragoto Kabuki performance. Mie means 'appearance' or 'visible' in Japanese, and one of the primary purposes of this convention is to draw attention to a particularly important or powerful portion of the performance. " source : wiki
There are various Mie styles, but this one is probaby the most famous, not sure, but i think it is called "Genroku Mie".

credits to the owner​

 

[Erinyes]

One Piece 996 - The Island of the Strongest​

Cover Page

"Blackbeard and a hippo are brushing their teeth together." - PN Ebi



​

Man content

"Hey Cora, I've made up my mind... I want to know the meaning of this checkered fate"
~Trafalgar Law,OP 996, pg.12​

Nami and Usopp's fight

Usopp and Nami get saved by Tama and Komachiyo who infiltrated an ennemy ship to come to Onigashima. They saved Nami and Usopp with Hihumaru's help. Nami worries about letting Hhumaru baiting Page & Ulti so they can run away, to which Tama answered that he came there with the resolve of a samurai, pointing out again the code of honour samurai are abide by. Tone wise, compared to the last page of chapter 995, this part is a lot lighter and funnier, with, first the intervention of Tama and her tamed beasts who looks slightly grotesque and grotesque design serves often to tone down a dramatic situation, and with Usopp and Nami funny interaction. It is interesting to note how Tama is firmly resolved and how she is taking intiatives, to the point it feels weird from the reader point of view to see a child being in position of ascendancy over Nami and Usopp.​

Grotesque design

Spoiler

Touch of humour

Spoiler

Tama's resolve

Spoiler

Yamato's side

Yamato is still taking all the attacks of Sasaki and his men trying her best to protect Shinobu and Momonosuke. At some point, Shinobu asked her to leave and to take with her Momonosuke, but Yamato refused and chose to remain faithful to Odens’ will she carries on. Sasaki provoked her, and she started to change into something that looks like a dragon or more exactly her teeth became sharper, The fight get interrupted by Franky who is fighting Hatcha, and who offered to help them, when he was aware of the situation, so she can rescue Shnobu and Momonosuke. Yamato being seemingly able to change into a dragon is not surprising, as mentioned in the review of chapter 991, dragons are a very strong symbol in Japan, related to imperal family. Her father, the current ruler and Mononosuke, Oden's successor are both related to it too.​

​

Spoiler: About dragons and imperial family

"Japanese Imperial Family and Dragon Ancestry - It's believed that when dragons transformed into humans, they had the ability to mate with other humans, creating the Japanese Imperial family. The Japanese Imperial family claims to be direct decedents of the Dragon King through Princess Toyotama-hime, the Dragon King's daughter."([source : Here)​

Narikabura Arrow Yamato used a move named "Naribakabura arrow" also called Kabura-ya , it refers to a "type of arrow used by the samurai class of feudal Japan. Kabura-ya were arrows which whistled when shot and were used in ritual archery exchanges before formal medieval battles. The sound was created by a specially carved or perforated bulb of deer horn or wood attached to the tip. In English, these are often called "whistling-bulb arrows", "messenger arrows". or "signal arrows." Source wikipedia

"Obusuma saburou ekotoba", "Kasagake" traninig. (public fomain)​

Trafalgar Law''s side

The scene takes place in the basement, where Trafalgar Law found a poneglyph. He is seen remembering Cora's words and a conversation he had with Robin, he seems to trust, in which he revealed her his real name, and ask her for informations about the "D". Narration wise, as mentioned in chapter 991 review, one of the flashback function in literature, is to serve as "a literary device, that will likely bring information that had not been produced previously. There will be new details and facts that may help tie in the events taking place as part of the plot." and it does it, here, we get to see a scene that happened before the current events, we were not aware of.
Then he mentioned that is not the poneglyph, he is looking for, the one he needs to find is the Red one. Law said how resolved he is to learn more about the "D" and thei fate.

Mystery of "D" theories

"D" is one of the biggest mystery in One Piece, its meaning is unknown.​

"D" as Dawn ?​

In this very chapter, Yamato said to Momonosuke, he is the one whole will guide the world to its Dawn. A similar sentence has been said by Pedro speaking of Strawhats in chapter 877. The word "Dawn" appears too, in the title of the 1st chapter and the title of chapter 601, just after the two years timeskip. It seems to refer to something important, and seemingly, Luffy, Momonosuke are linked to it. I tend to think the word Dawn here might be be refering to a new Era, and it is a symbol of light. I can see it being related to the "D".​

Chapter 1 - Romance Dawn​

Chapter 601- "Romance Dawn : For the New World"​

Chapter 809

Chapter 877

Chapter 996​

"D" as devil ?​

"D" can also be linked to devil not only because the "D" are seen as natural enemies of gods, ( Law's in this scene is remembering this exact words from Cora) but also for all "religious" symbolism and imagery reccuring in One Piece. like Devil fruits that can be associated with the fruit eaten by Adam and Eve, according to the Bible. Another symbol is the Adam Tree, whose wood is considered the highest quality in the World.​

chapter 431

chapter 996​

Kaido and Strawhats part

Kaido is seen defeating easily his opponents in a page with no speech bubble, only his action dispaly. Kaido's facial expression is impressive. Scabbards ssituation seems hopeless. Big Mom is "flying "over the plague area to reach Kaido's place. while Luffy, Jinbe and Sanji are trying to reach Kaido's too. Sanji get distracted by seemingly someone who seems to be Black Maria. The chapter ends with this scene which is pretty anticlimatic, considering how serious the situation is, with the scabbards being defeated and Big Mom trying to reach Kaido, and the plague infzcting everyone.​

To Sum up

Interesting chapter where we get to see how strong is really Kaido in his human form, and we get a reminder of the search of poneglyph part with the mention of "D" again, i do expect that we will probably get more informations about that very soon (maybe in chapter 1000? ), since it has been reintroduced at this precise part of the plot.​

I have mixed feelings about a great part of this chapter. A part of this chapter is satisfying, the Law's part and the flashback with Robin, but I'm really disappointed by Nami and Usopp fight, they ended up saved by a child and running away again. I dont expect nor that i want them to have an inconsinstent power up, but at this stage of the story they need a serious upgrade, i dont want their personality nor their style to change necessarly, but just to see them shining, the manga enters ts final saga, they just cant remain forever the same,. From now they will have to fight stronger opponents, they cant rely forever on other people to save them. I am also pretty uneasy with the ending, i hope Sanji wont fall again in the same usual memes.​

Rating : B
MVP : none
Favourite Panel :

​

NB - Please, to discuss this chapter and share your thoughts check out the latest chapter discussion thread HERE

 

[Erinyes]

One Piece 997 - Flames​

Cover

"A raccoon Buddhist priest repeatedly smacks Sanji who continues to have worldly thoughts during Zen meditation." -PN Mr. Nakahara from Tottori Prefecture.

​

Main Content

"They say Kaido is the toughest guy in the world... So i'm here to slice him into pieces !!"
~Zoro, op997 pg12​

1- Sanji & Black Maria's side

As he thought a woman was being assaulted, Sanji's nature to want to save any lady in distress lead him to be trapped in a spider web, by Black Maria. The scene is supposed to be funny as we see Sanji falling in the same usual traps, despite trying to struggle not to. Narration-wise, the scene was built as a shadow play, we see the shadow of a woman being assaulted by a man through the Shoji screen, with characters. the arc is modelled as a kabuki play and this part looks like "a play within a play". Shadow play is an ancient theatrical form, popular in Asia. The shadow play is a practical medium to show without showing, it allows to stage any creatures, any character any kind action as it uses puppets, and any scene of death or horror, or love stories.​

Shadow play, also known as shadow puppetry : "is an ancient form of storytelling and entertainment which uses flat articulated cut-out figures (shadow puppets) which are held between a source of light and a translucent screen or scrim. The cut-out shapes of the puppets sometimes include translucent color or other types of detailing. Various effects can be achieved by moving both the puppets and the light source. A talented puppeteer can make the figures appear to walk, dance, fight, nod and laugh.​

Shadow play is popular in various cultures, among both children and adults in many countries around the world. More than 20 countries are known to have shadow show troupes. Shadow play is an old tradition and it has a long history in Southeast Asia. "(source : wiki)​

Kakashiza Shadow play Theatre (credits to their owner)

Chinese shadow play (credits to their owner)​

Trivia - Symbolism and Imagery: Jorogumo​

Black Maria's "Kumo Kumo no Mi, Model: Rosamygale Grauvogeli" devil fruit is likely based on Jorogumo Yokai's legend, which is a spider who takes the appearance of a young and beautiful woman to trap men, which is exactly what'is Black Maria doing with Sanji.​

"Jorōgumo make their nests in caves, forests, or empty houses in towns. Possessing a cunning intelligence and a cold heart, they see humans as nothing more than insects to feed on. They are skillful deceivers and powerful shape-shifters, usually appearing as young, sexy, and stunningly beautiful women.​

Jorōgumo’s favorite prey are young, handsome men looking for love—or other favors. When a jorōgumo spots a man she desires, she lures him into her home with promises of affection. He is never seen again. Jorōgumo spin silk threads strong enough to ensnare a grown man so that he cannot escape. They also have powerful venom that can slowly weaken a man day by day, allowing the spider to savor her victim’s long and painful death."​

source : here​

Jorōgumo by Toriyama Sekien. (public domain)​

Shadow paly style scene, op 997, pg.2
​

2-Strawhats' side

Luffy and Jinbe are still heading towards the top, and the ended up meeting again with two headliners, Mizerka* and Poker ( both names are based again on cards games). Meanwhile, Zoro notices something is falling from the roof hole, and we see a remarkable change of expression in Zoro's face. He suddenly becomes grave and defeated Apoo in one move, to quikly retrieve the antidote he gave to Chopper. and entrusted him with the healing. Chopper says the virus is composed of gaz that freezes the body of those who are contaminated from it. That is reminds again the shinokuni weapon Caesar used in Punk Hazard, that had similar petrifying effects, we can speculate there might likely be a link between Queen, Caesar and Vegapunk.​

Op 676​

Later, Robin said she saw what Zoro saw, and we learn it was Kiku's severed arm that has fallen from the roof which is the reason why he get upset. Zoro's emotions is understanble Kiku lost her left arm which is the mightiest arm in kendo/kenjustsu, the right arm serves more as a fulcrum. So being deprived from her left arm, Kiku is somehow symbolically being deprived from her role/identity as a samurai. Oda has used the arm symbol even further. In chapter 913, Kiku is bandaging Zoro's left arm wounds, and she ended up losing her very left arm. She helped Zoro, by symbolically giving him more strenght, by healing his mighty arm in swordmanship, and lost ironically hers left one, now. That is the reason why the emotions Zoro has felt in this scene are very important, he learns the worst way possible, a person he values and whom he recognized her strenght, has been defeated (he does not, at this stage, know yet if shes even alive).​

Op chap 913 pg.3​

*Mizerka

Spoiler: Mizerka

Mizerka is a trick-taking card game belonging to the Whist group. Mizerka is a three-person game. Although it originates in Poland, Mizerka's popularity has largely increased in the United States. What distinguishes Mizerka from tradition trick is the use of a fourth dealt pile, serving as a "grab bag" for players to exchange their cards. This pile is referred to as the talon. (source : wiki)​

3- Yamato's side

Yamato is trying to reach the port, but when she arrived with Momo and Shinobu she managed to save, she realized theres no sea, and she knew what happened and explained to them, that Kaido is using the dragon flames to transport Onigashima to the Flower capital. The art of the double with the island lifted in the air is spectacular. Flower capital, is a reference to Kyoto which was the capital during Edo Era. The citizens were celebrating the fire festival in chapter 993 "the Dream of Wano". The notion of fire is reccuring here, with Kaido's power and the celebration of Fire festval in the capital. Kaido said "Lets begin the world of violence" his words are ominous, it sounds as if he plans something in the capital. Considering Flower capital is refering to Kyoto, and as we saw population dicontent toward Kaidos in previous chapters, we might make some analogies with historical facts, that probably served for Oda as inpiration to his writing. Kaido's words might be foreshadowing some revolt as the the Kinmon incident that occured in Kyoto at the end of the shogunate. (note the name of the revolt is very similar to Kinemon's, it is unlikely coincidental )​

Trivia - Kinmon incident

"The Kinmon incident ( Kinmon no Hen, "Forbidden Gate Incident" or "Imperial Palace Gate Incident"), also known as the Hamaguri Gate Rebellion, Hamaguri Gomon no Hen, "Hamaguri Imperial Gate Incident"), was a rebellion against the Tokugawa shogunate that took place on August 20 [lunar calendar: 19th day, 7th month], 1864, near the Imperial Palace in Kyoto. ​

The rebellion reflected the widespread discontent felt among both pro-imperial and anti-foreigner groups, who rebelled under the sonnō jōi ("revere the emperor, expell the barbarians") slogan. Emperor Kōmei had issued an "Order to expel barbarians". Thus, in March 1863, the shishi rebels sought to take control of the Emperor to restore the Imperial household to its position of political supremacy." (...) (source : wiki)​

An 1893 woodblock print by Yūzan Mori, depicting the Hamaguri rebellion. Public domain.

​

To sum up

The chapter was enjoyable and well-balanced, with a nice dose of action, humour, and tension. We get to see, some of the main cast in their usual way of acting that fits their personalities, Sanji falling in Black Maria's trap, but who will likely find his way out. Zoro dealing with Apoo with his usual way, Chopper using his medical skills, and Robin, as the smart observant she always is. Narration-wise, the multiperspectivity allows us to learn about the events and characters emotions. Robins' comment abput Kiku's arm, informs the reader about the reason why Zoro get upset. And Yamato's explanations about her father's power, inform the reader about an unknow feat, and about the reason why he is transporting the island.​

The chapter ends up with a cliffhanger that foreshadows some very likely interesting and ominious upcoming events linked with the capital.​

Rating : A-
MVP : Zoro
Favourite Panel :

​

 

[Erinyes]

One Piece 1000 - Strawhat Luffy​

Cover page

​

This color page is the 2nd part of a chole picture, we get by combining 999 color spread and this one. The colorspread is basically the same as the one in chapter 100 but it features the new members of the crew who were recruited after the other milestone chapter that was the 100th one. The amount of gold dropping from the skull is way higher in chapter 1000 spread color, those coins are probably symbolizing the number of chapters.​

Chapter 100 color spread

Chapter 999 & 1000 combined color spread, with new crew mambers and updated Strawhat design

Main content

"I'm Monkey D. Luffy ! And I'm the man who will surpass you to become the king of the pirates !!"
~Luffy pg.17​

Title

The chapter marking the 1000th chapter milestone, had to have a memorable title, Oda chose to give it the name of the main character, not only,it is symbolical, as it reaffirms the role of the hero of the story and his due position. But the title mirrors chapter 2 title which marks the beginning of the hero's journey "they call him "Strawhat Luffy". Except in chapter 2, "they call him" indicates its a kind of rumor or we dont know him yet, while in chapter 1000, his status is confirmed/proven. Note the imprtance of the strawhat as a part of Luffy's identity.​

Chapter 2 pg.1​

1-Action

The arc has been built like a Kabuki play, and the battle stage vs Kaido & Big Mom is like the final stage, and it is symbolically culminating on a the highest point, the roof, and since currently the island is flying, the stage right now is on the sky. There is an intresting symbolism regarding the movements too, Luffy and the other supernovae reaching Kaidos place at the top, looks like a change of actors they went upstairs to reach the top, while the defeated scabbards have been sent downstairs, which means they disppear from the satge, and that marks their loss.​

Epic battles are also one of the characteristic of kabuki plays, and this chapter display a nice showdown setting and an epic performance from Luffy against Kaido. To display the epicness of the action scene, Oda emphasizes on characters emotions, with flashbacks and visually striking scenes. For exemple, Luffy's flashback scene is embedded in the middle of the action scene, like a vase. and this contributes to emphasizes Luffy's feeling in the middle of his move. Visually, some intense emotion scenes are depicted with no speech bubbles in the panels, just silence, which adds even more solemnity. The confrontation scene Yonkou vs Supernovae visual, with this perspective from below, gives a serious effect.​

This double spread is striking, the various emotional flashabacks are in the middle of the battle scene., which gives a kind of movie like effects

Face to face, with perspective from below​

2-Narration


Flashbacks

One of the specficity of this chapter is the amount aof flashbacks. In the narration, flashabacks are a device that serves as rupture of the flow of the storytelling, to link past events to the present time plot. There are various purposes to this, like for exemple to give more depht to the story, to a character, or for more dramatic:, tragic or emotional effects when it is memories, for instance. Or to introduce, or to let the audience know about some facts that are unknown /untold, in the story, yet. That is, for exemple, what happens with Ace's flashback. Yamato is telling to Momo and Shinobu her story with Ace, a story that reader never get to know before, and this seves as a link between the current fight and what she said about the "prophecy" about the new generation, Oden mentioned in the journal. Her story ends up with the panel of the 2 yonkous vs Luffy and some of the other members of the worst generation. To the audience it is proving the prophecy is true, and it might also foreshadow an alliance with all other supernovae (it seems all of them at some point will join Luffy).​

Another aspect of Yamato's flashback, is the unknow words Luffy said to Ace. That part is linking Luffy's story with Roger's, and confirms him as the legitimate candidate for the Pirate king title. It makes even more sense as the flashback involves Ace, Roger's very son, and and Luffy's "brother".​

The flashbacks during Luffy fights have another function, and it is to emphasize Luffy's emotions, anger during the fight, he remembers every sad moment, the losses, what his friends went through, and that lead to the final move/action.​

Spoiler: What purposes do flashbacks serve in stories?

1-In some narratives, flashbacks are used not just to provide the many useful elements already mentioned above, but to also tie together a theme.​

[...]​

2-When authors employ flashback as a literary device, they break with the traditional, chronological storytelling narrative. Therefore, when the flashback is included, it will likely bring information that had not been produced previously. There will be new details and facts that may help tie in the events taking place as part of the plot.​

Flashbacks can be included as a break in the narrative, or blended within the story of the characters as it happens in the style known as "stream of consciousness". In this type of story, the narrator is the main character, and is in constant analysis of a situation speaking from his or her own point of view and using first person.​

Flashbacks can also come as dreams and memories, thus manifesting to the main character subconsciously. Whichever way they occur, their purpose is to add information, clarify issues, and perhaps be the solution to the story's problem or main dilemma.​

3-​

A flashback is a literary device in a story that provides some background information on events, situations, or a character's past history; author's often use flashbacks to reveal some important truth about a character's past that otherwise the reader might not have known. Flashbacks can be useful in terms of characterization but also plot development or conflict. For example, a flashback can reveal why some key event in the story has happened or why two characters struggle to get along with each other. In analyzing your specific story, ask yourself:​

1) Does the flashback reveal something about one of the characters?​

2) Does the flashback hint at an older conflict, rivalry, or injustice that could influence the current conflict in the story?​

3) Does the flashback tell the reader some key piece of information necessary to understanding the development of the plot?​

4) What effect does the flashback have on the chronology that is development in the story?​

source & credits : https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/what-purposes-flashbacks-serve-stories-384323​

Identity

Yamato seems to have impersonated Oden only for the purpose to "instruct" Momonosuke, to guide him as if she were the missing parents. The scene where she gives him the journal, gives the impression that now that she passed on Oden's memories, she will not need to play Oden's role. She might by now just stick to her actual identity as Yamato, and that fits the title of one of the previous chapter when she said "her other name is Yamato".​

Momonosuke by inheriting his father journal has his identity of Odens successor set, he will now get to know everyting about his father and also a lot of informations about the world. That are crucial informations he needs to rule the country and open Wano according to his father's will.​

Entrustment/legacy symbols

Legacy, or passing on wills are a reccuring topic in this chapter, we see firstly, Yamato entrusting Oden's journal to his son, Momonosuke, who is his successor. by doing so she fulfilled Odens wish or prophecy "My soul will live on" (chapter 987) it looks as if she impersonated/assumed Oden's character just for the purpose of passing Oden's will, and everything she knows about him to his son. and ironically, the daughter of his enemy, is the one who knows the most about Oden and who cared the most about passing on his legacy.​

Kinemon and his fellows scabbards have been defeated, feeling humiliated, Kinemon, has no other choice than to entrust Wano's future/peace to Luffy, in a heartbreaking scene. Note that his defeat is worse than death, because of their honor as samurais, they vowed to die rather than live defeated, that explains why the scene is even more sadder.​

And last but not least, at last page we get to see a shadow of Luffy holding his strawhat the same way Shanks did in chapter 1, not only it is another interesting parallel Oda's draw between two major moments of the story, but it is also a symbol of Shanks legacy passed on Luffy. Luffy from chapter 1 is now as impressive as Shanks was back then, it shows his progress throughout the story, and that he is following Shank's path.​

OP 987 pg.3

Chapter 1 shanks scene and chapter 1000 Luffy's similar pose
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3-Hero

The whole chapter, the title, the actions, the setting is reasserting/reaffirming the role of Luffy as the hero of the story. But, not only that, with Yamato's flashback Oda drew another parallel between Luffy and Rogers that confirms he is Rogers successor (audience already knew it is just a tribute to Luffy so it reaffirms who is and wht he will become). Luffy is the hero of the story, more specifically what we call in litterature, an "epic hero". He fits the epic hero archetype characteristics and this chapter is basically summarizing them or confrming them.​

Epic heros characteristcs in classical litterature

Noble Birth	Luffy's lineage is impressive, he is Dragon's son, Garp's grand son. We don't know yet his mother, but she might be someone important too. ( D. in the name proves it too)
Superhuman Strength/Courage	Luffys strenght and courage have been proven the whole story long, and in this chapter, hes not afraid to face 2 Yonkos.
Vast Traveler	An epic hero is known for making travels to exotic locations by choice or chance. Luffy's journay to find the One Piece fits the theme.
Unmatched Warrior Skill	This hero typically has a reputation for being a great warrior. Luffy's reputation keeps growing (see his bounty).
Cultural Legend	Before an epic hero can be universally accepted, they must first be a legend in their culture. Luffy has already reached the "legend statut"
Humility	This hero's greatest attribute is his humbleness. Despite the fact that he may be the best of the best, he never brags, boasts, or becomes ostentatious about his abilities : Luffy's definitely humble, he is not interested in fame, money nor status (cf his reaction to the creation of Grand Fleet).
Battles Supernatural Foes	The Nemesis of this hero is usually a supernatural being. In One Piece case, they might not be supernatural like Gods in classical litterature, but his enemies are usually the strongest, like Big Mom or Kaido who both have "supernatural strenght"

To Sum up

Oda delivered a very enjoyable action and emotion packed chapter, full of symbols and parallels.​

I have chosen to deal with this chapter thematically rather than following its linear story, because the themes are so important that they are reccuring a lot, i felt it was maybe a better way.​

This chapter is a pivotal one, marking an important milestone in One Piece story. It serves to mark a turning point in the current battle/Wano arc, and Strawhats journey it also serves to to reaffirm Luffy's status as the hero of the story and Roger's upcoming successor. The strawhat he received from Shanks is a symbolical crown he inherited, it is so important that it is attached to the title of the chapter and the chapter ends up with the strawhat symbol too.​

Rating : A+
MVP : Monkey D. Luffy
Favourite Panel :

NB - Please, to discuss this chapter and share your thoughts check out the latest chapter discussion thread HERE

 

[Erinyes]

One Piece 1014 - Ham​

Cover page

"Law puzzling over a riddle in front of a painted tiger screen" by PN Takashi

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The story pictured in the cover is based on a Japanese tale " Ikkyu-san and the Tiger" Ikkyu-san is a monk, who once was asked to find a way to tie a tiger from a screen. The whole story :

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Spoiler: The Wise Monk - Ikkyu-san and the Tiger

　Once upon a time, there was a witty and popular young monk called Ikkyu. One day, a lord who had heard about him invited Ikkyu to his castle :​

- “I have a favor to ask of you,” the lord said." “The tiger in this screen painting keeps coming out of the picture and doing bad things. I want you to tie him up or something.” “That must be awful for you,” Ikkyu replied. “Just leave it to me.” Putting on a headband and rolling up his sleeves, Ikkyu took a rope and stood in front of the screen. “I’m ready,” he said. “Drive the tiger out of the screen!” “What are you talking about?” the lord blurted out. “There’s no way I can drive the tiger out of the screen.” Ikkyu smiled and said, “What a pity. I mean, there’s no way I can tie up the tiger if it doesn’t come out.” With this, Ikkyu sat down again, righted his posture, and slowly and courteously bowed. Seeing this, the lord laughed loudly. “Well done, young monk,” he said. “You win!” Ikkyu returned to his temple with lots of bounty.​

Source : here​

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Main content

"If anyone should close the curtains on my act... It ought to be you !! After all... on stage, we were always the best friends !"
~Kanjuro OP 1015 (pg.14-15)​

1- Title

The Japanese name "Jinsei no Daikon Yakusha " is the title of a song translated from a French song called Cabotin (lyrics below). Ham is the English version of that very song. The title is related to Kanjuro, as "cabotin" means mediocre actor, and the content is basically the life of a bad actor who abide by his way of life to the end and whose fate is to live as a liar till the end. And of course it predicts Kanjuro's death.​

Spoiler: Charles Aznavour - Le Cabotin French and English version lyrics

French Lyrics original song

Spoiler

Je suis un cabotin dans toute sa splendeur
Je suis né pour jouer
Donnez-moi un tréteau minable et sans chaleur
Je vais me surpasser
Je suis un cabotin dans toute sa splendeur
Mais j’ai ça dans le sang
Donnez-moi quatre planches et quelques spectateurs
Et j’aurai du talent
Du talent
Dans une pièce de trois murs
À ventre ouvert sur le public
Tout comme au bord d’un gouffre obscur
Avec mon trac, avec mes tics
Je viens donner la comédie
Vibrant d’un feu qui brûle en mJe parle, je pleure et je ris
Et vis mon rôle chaque fois
Ne me condamnez pas sans comprendre mon coeur
Je suis d’une autre race
Je suis un cabotin dans toute sa splendeur
La scène est mon espace
Ma vie commence alors
Que je vois le décor
Que j’entends les trois coups
Et je suis malgré moi
Pris de peur et de joie
Quand le rideau se lève
Là, mon coeur bat si fort
Que je frôle la mort
Et que j’en oublie tout
Mais au moment exact
Je fais le premier pas
Pour entrer dans mon rêve
Mon rêve
Je suis un cabotin dans toute sa splendeur
J’ai choisi mon destin
Donnez-moi dix répliques et quelques projecteurs
Vous verrez mes moyens
Je suis un cabotin dans toute sa splendeur
Et c’est toute ma vie
Donnez-moi un théâtre, un rôle à ma hauteur
Et j’aurai du génie
Du génie
Sous un maquillage savant
Ou le visage à découvert
Emphatique ou discrètement
Je dis la prose ou bien le vers
Avec tendresse avec fureur
Selon la pièce et puis l’emploi
Je souffre, je vis ou je meurs
Et mens jusqu’à ce que j’y croie
Soit dit sans vanité je connais ma valeur
Et si pour vous peut-être
Je suis un cabotin dans toute sa splendeur
Je reste fier de l’être

English version Lyrics by Bob Morrsison

I am only a ham
It’s the way that I am
I was born just to play
On a stage cold and bare
In a spotlight’s great glare
It’s my life it’s my way
I’m a ham look at me
On a stage I am free
Every moment is mine
Give me time to prepare
Get an audience there
And my talent will shine
It will shine In shady rooms and smoky light
I bare my soul most every night
It’s both my torment and my risk
It’s in my blood It’s in my soul
I live to act
To play my role
The final challenge burning bright
I talk I laugh I know it’s right
Though I’m only a ham
It’s my life it’s my story
It’s a world of my own
I can stand up alone
In my moment of glory
And when the stage lights dim
My cup fills to the brim
I feel I can’t go on
Until the moment comes
My heart pounds like a drum
I watch my execution
The curtains rise at last
Aside my fears are cast
I’ll enter make-believe
And watch me as I weave
The web of my illusion
Though I’m only a ham
Let me be what I am
I have chosen my fate
I knew right from the start
That I’d master my art
And I’d live to create
You may think I’m insane
And am foolish or vain
But I’m true to my cause
Set the stage
Light the light
You’ll see genius tonight
Here in my tour de force.
Tour de force.
Full make-up on
With natural face
With clumsy movements
Or with grace
I wish I thought
In even bursts
I feel drunk
I feel cursed
I’ll play the king
I’ll play the fool
I will be tender or be cruel
I live I die I lie to you
And I believe
Some will envy or scorn
But it’s why I was born
I am proud of my story
I must be what I am
I am only a ham
In his moment of glory.


English version sung by Aznavour

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2-Kaido vs Luffy

Luffy and Kaido's fight ended with Luffy falling in the sea, unconscious, and Kaido said that Luffy couldnt be Joy Boy, which means he probably expected, somehow, Luffy to be that person. Luffy is linked somehow to Fishman Island due to Shyarley prediction of Luffy destroying Fishman Island ( or at least someone wearing a straw hat and she assumed it is Luffy). And Robin read in the poneglyph in Fishman Island, that Joy Boy shall appear again in Fishman Island, when the appointed time comes. Kaido, probably, came up to the conclusion that Joy Boy was Luffy because of Luffy's achievements and probably due to he informations he got from Oden, and possibly Rocks. And he seems to know or assume that the "appointed time" is now. This "appointed time" might be related to the "Dawn" mentioned later in the chapter by Kiku, and which is a recurring word in One Piece and unsolved mystery yet for the readers.​

Bao Huang contacted Kaido to tell him they found Momonosuke, and later she spread the news of Luffy being defeated via her ability and the Marys. Narration wise, when a character is telling what is happening in a story, he or she plays the role of a kind of narrator, as she informs other characters and readers of her version of what happens. The narrative becomes a 1st person narration, and because she is part of the story and sides with the antagonist, her narrative is unrealiable as it is biased. In story telling, the method of the vilain annuncing elements like victory or explaining their power etc. to the other party often serves "the hero's party" interest as it gives them the information to act. It is gven that someone will save Luffy, probably thanks to the information she provided, as she specified that Luffy fell into the the sea. Either a new party coming, or someone who can do it right now, (Law has still a submarine that can be used for that purpose). Also when Momonosuke started hearing the voices, he wanted everyone to know something, and Shinobu mentioned the Marys as a tool, so they can use the ennemy information tool to provide their own informations.​

When Luffy falls, note that the fall movement from the sky to the ocean is symbolical too, and that from his current position Luffy can only go upward. Also Luffy has been several times in this position of the severely defeated one, before recovering and winning, for exemple, Luffy vs Crocodile in Alabasta arc.​

We get to see the reactions of Strawhats when hearing of the news. Chopper is currently fighting Queen, and we see a flashback with Caesar, where Caesar proposed him to help him increase capabiliy of his rumble balls.​

Luffy vs Crocodile round 1 - Op 178 Luffy has been defeated and saved before fighting back Crocodile and win.

​

3-Yamato & Momonosuke

Momonosuke

Momonosuke is seen reading Yamato's journal and realizing something related to what is written on it, that readers dont know yet. After realizing it, he mentioned to Shinobu he has to live at all costs. Mononosuke then start having headache and hearing voices again. he get to see Kanjuro in his father's appearance and also spectates Kiku and Kinemon death, before running from Kaido with Shinobu. Firstly, Yamato journal, seems to contain some important informations, that Momonosuke realized and knows he needs to survive ( to accomplish something ?). Symbollicaly it is interesting, as he and Kaido both share dragon symbol and dragon in Japanese symbolism is linked to imperial family, as stated in previous reviews. Ironically he assists to the death of both the ones acting as his father, during past years, Kinemon and the one disguised as his father, Oden to mislead them, Kanjuro. As if symbolically both actors, - Kinemon is the great actor, and Kanjuro the ham - die at the same moment. Yamato is the 3rd playing Oden role, and it is very likely she willll face here, her father.​

Yamato

Trivia -Yamato character inspiration and its implication in the storytelling​

In Weekly Shonen Jump (WSJ) #issue 28 in 2019, Oda stated he read Versailles no Bara and Glass no Kamen. Both manga are obvious inspiration for Yamato's character, Oscar François de Jarjailles is the main female lead character in Versailles no Bara, she was raised as a boy to fulfil her family duty to become a guard for Royal family, shes from a noble rank but she will at the end side commoners against nobility and will oppose her own father. She is wearing male attire and she has a man name but she doesnt deny her feminity. The inspiration is obvious, a woman pretending being a man, who struggles against her own family to fight alongside the plebs.​

As for Maya Kitajima in Glass no Kamen, she is training to become actress, she is very talented, and tends to go to extreme training, like literally put herself into the condition of a blind and deaf person to play Helen Keller role, This is important since Yamato is impersonating Oden, she plays his role. And note that she is referring herself as Yamato to Momonosuke, but as Oden to Kaido and his subordonates. As said in previous reviews, the whole arc is built as a kabuki play and has various elements of drama within it, among them characters that play other characters roles ( Kanjuro, for instance ) disguises, masks etc, the other point, is that in early kabuki form, female performers played both men and women roles.​

If Yamato plays Oden's role, it is very likley she will confronts her father and she is eager to, as seen earlier, as her role requires her to, as protector of Mononosuke and the one who makes Odens soul lives on, by impersonating im she will be reproducing or trying to replay his performance against Kaido.​

Oda's comment WSj #28, 2019

Oscar François de Jarjailles in her male attire (Versailles no Bara)

Maya Training as blind and deaf girl to for playing Helen Keller role (Glass no Kamen)​

Scabbards & Kanjuro - Actors leaving the stage

Kiku couldnt kill Kanjuro when he was using Oden's appearance, and she is killed in front of Kinemon and Momonosoke, Angry Kinemon gave Kanjuro the final blow, Kanjuro then mentioned that there's noone else more fitting as Kinemon to kill him, since they lived on stage as best friends.​

Scabbards death was foreshadowed already in several moments in the story like in chapter 991 with the title and the scene in the pic below, therefore we are expecting all of them to die, They dont belong to the current era they just jumped into the futur to protect Wano and Oden's family therefore, not being in their own time line make them likely to die once the future of Wano is secured by someone (here likely Strawhats) their demise was pretty much expected, from the get-go as they belongs to the past, ( assuming they are really dead, which is very plausible) their graves is also a a hint they should not make it alive.​

OP 991 (pg.16-17)​

Again, Oda uses kabuki symbolism to illustrate the death of the actors, the title refering to Kanjuro's acting and his words are those of an actor playing his last play. The stage, decor, and the art of the spectacular fights scenes, and the dramatic moments, like Kaido irrupting, everything look like a culminating point in drama and is fitting the kabuki form as seen earlier.​

The place where Momonosuke was talking with Kinemon looks like a Kabuki stage.

an exemple of Kabuki stage

​

We are supposedly, now at the Ha stage according the Jo-Ha-Kyu rules of Kabuki writing, the part featuring the buildup of tension, and drama /tragedy and illustrated with battles. Kinemon, Kiku and Kanjiro are supposedly dead (tragic part). In the light of all the kabuki references and all the foreshadow, it is unlikely they could make it alive. :​

- Kabuki and jo-ha-ky ū

Wano kuni arc seems to be built like a kabuki play, and one of the most interesting aspect of Kabuki is the jo-ha-ky ū concept.​

Jo-ha-ky ū :​

"is a concept of modulation and movement applied in a wide variety of traditional Japanese arts. Roughly translated to "beginning, break, rapid" [...]​

t is perhaps in the theatre that jo-ha-kyū is used the most extensively, on the most levels. Following the writings of Zeami, all major forms of Japanese traditional drama (Noh, kabuki, and jōruri) utilize the concept of jo-ha-kyū, from the choice and arrangement of plays across a day, to the composition and pacing of acts within a play, down to the individual actions of the actors. ​

Zeami, in his work "Sandō" (The Three Paths), originally described a five-part (five dan) Noh play as the ideal form. It begins slowly and auspiciously in the first part (jo), building up the drama and tension in the second, third, and fourth parts (ha), with the greatest climax in the third dan, and rapidly concluding with a return to peace and auspiciousness in the fifth dan (kyū). " Source : wiki​

So to summarize :​

Jo- 1st part Jo -Very slow pace, it introduces characters and plot.
Ha -2nd 3rd and Kth parts - is the building up of tension. Pace steadily increases, this parts are characterized by battles and some great moment of drama or tragedy (culminating moment) are supposed to happened in the 3rd part which is the middle of the play.
kyū -5th part - is a very quicked paced conclusion.

OP 1014 (pg 14-15)​

That panel where Kiku mentions again the "dawn" is intriguing. This recurring notion of Dawn seems/might be related to the Joy Boy coming back time. The symbolism is interesting too, snow in Japanese imagery is often associated with sadness. Dawn is the start of the day, the rise of the sun and is often meaning rise of something new (a new era, for instance), and it is the opposite of sadness, it is associated with Joy, hence the hypothesis that Joy Boy might be related to the Dawn mentioned many times in the manga, and it echoes Kaido's words, earlier. See some theories mentioned previously.​

Mystery of "D" theories

"D" is one of the biggest mystery in One Piece, its meaning is unknown.​

"D" as Dawn ?​

In this very chapter, Yamato said to Momonosuke, he is the one whole will guide the world to its Dawn. A similar sentence has been said by Pedro speaking of Strawhats in chapter 877. The word "Dawn" appears too, in the title of the 1st chapter and the title of chapter 601, just after the two years timeskip. It seems to refer to something important, and seemingly, Luffy, Momonosuke are linked to it. I tend to think the word Dawn here might be be refering to a new Era, and it is a symbol of light. I can see it being related to the "D".​

Chapter 1 - Romance Dawn​

Chapter 601- "Romance Dawn : For the New World"​

Chapter 809

Chapter 877

Chapter 996​

"D" as devil ?​

"D" can also be linked to devil not only because the "D" are seen as natural enemies of gods, ( Law's in this scene is remembering this exact words from Cora) but also for all "religious" symbolism and imagery reccuring in One Piece. like Devil fruits that can be associated with the fruit eaten by Adam and Eve, according to the Bible. Another symbol is the Adam Tree, whose wood is considered the highest quality in the World.​

​

Kabuki actors Bando Zenji and Sawamura Yodogoro; 1794
(public domain)​

To sum up

The whole chapter is built as a stage where some actors are about to leave, and that is how is illustrated scabbard's deaths especially Kanjuro's. The tone of the chapter is tragic from the start, it started with Luffy being defeated and ended up with 3 scabbards dying.​

We get some little glimpses of the notion of Dawn again mentioned by Kiku and Kaido mentioned Joy Boy, maybe we will get some important new reveals in upcoming chapters. Momonosuke is hearing voices again, he got some important information from Yamato's journal. Yamato, is probably going to meet her father and confront, at least it is the logical conclusion, and we might get too here some new informations regarding Kaido .​

Rating : A
MVP : Kinemon
Favourite Panel :

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NB - Please, to discuss this chapter and share your thoughts check out the latest chapter discussion thread HERE



Edit : please, apologies for the typos, for some reasons, i failed to save corrections i did earlier in the file i was working on, and only noticed later.

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