#ch 1036

rereading some late wano chapters and noticed that luffy’s line here is the same one he will later get into the habit of calling out when he enters gear five: 楽しくなってきた/tanoshikunattekita, ‘this is getting fun!’

Usopp getting so flustered and having the heart above his head because Izo knows who he is...amazing...

And we get a leaked chapter a week in advance! Good, since we get some resolutions and more information. Bad, since the next chapter drops on the 15th of January, so there’s three weeks waiting time instead of the usual two.

To start off: my reading comprehension last week was correct — Zoro clipped King’s wings.

That beam of haki-infused lighting heading for King’s untouched wing doesn’t bode well, either.

But, in some sort of poetic justice, it is fitting that Zoro, Luffy’s first and most stalwart knight, is the one to cripple King; the man who gave up on his dreams, just because he feels like he picked a winning horse.

Interesting comparison here as well: as far as we know, King hasn’t lost before this and his losing now does signal that Kaido will never become the Pirate King. But Zoro has lost. Most notably, he lost to the Pacifista and to the admirals at Sabaody (and, of course, to Perona and her negative hollows). But his losses has made him stronger and determined to do what it takes to realise both his own and Luffy’s dreams. He is still fighting for his dream, which King isn't- King is fighting for someone else's dream.

Is the CP-member adding or removing a white marble?

And the Marys are creepy. Efficient, but creepy.

SUCH A BEAUTIFUL PAGE, SO YOU GET THE WHOLE OF IT.

Usopp dishing out some philosophical heavy-hitters! Kiku and Kin’emon listening to him! A Mysterious Saviour arrives! AND IZO.

I crown this the most beautiful panel this week. His movement, so well depicted! His rapid-fire shooting, so precise! Usopp’s cowering, so cowardly! And the movement!

Unless I’m missing something, Izo has magic guns that can fire at least 15 shots in succession. Nice for him.

This also works as a nice juxtaposition to Raizo:

..who isn’t listening to Usopp’s words about the necessity of living. You can see the flames actually licking his shimenawa/obi-belt — he will perish before Fukurokuju. Why not live up to Oden’s wish and find another way to defeat his opponent in order to free Wano and open its borders?

And speaking of sneaky ninja and their masters..

Orochi is still a slimy little snivelling coward.

His thought bubbles indicate that he’s still going to flee with Fukurokuju — but this isn’t brought up with the love of his life, suddenly appeared before him. Is he ready to abandon her to the flames or is he still doubting his eyes and her presence?

Poor wings of the Pirate King, all knocked down and out of the game for now. I really like Oda’s panel contrasts, as mentioned here, for example: here a victorious, but terribly exhausted Zoro and Sanji are nicely balanced by the middle panels of Bepo and Killer, still in the fray. Zoro lying in a pool of his own blood and Sanji is getting some tender care by the geishas, seems like — AND HIS EYEBROW IS BACK TO NORMAL. I repeat, HIS EYEBROW IS BACK TO NORMAL!

I also really like how happy Big Mom seems here, big grin stretching over her face. Contrast this with her opposing captains who look anxious and like they’re giving it their all, Worst Generation or not.

And this is another point once more establishing her as a true emperor of the sea. Both she and Kaido are truly delighted at the fight, having the time of their lives. As do a certain rubber-brained boy…

Although Kaido has been dominating the fight so far..

..not giving him an opening.

But when Luffy finally fires his shot, it is beautiful.

It even looks like a bullet, the smoke effects obscuring his arm from view.