#chapter 910

I’m beginning to wonder if Oda is indeed skipping Reverie, even though he has said that it was going to go on for at least 10 chapters. On second thought, it could be possible for Oda to get the starting ground out of the way for Wano Country Arc. The last chapter centered on the Strawhats Crew that are already at the location with the arising problem with Zoro. This chapter answered the question, “How do you enter the Wano Country” in an amusing way possible.

Putting the Reverie aside, it has been a while since we last saw Luffy and others after the hilarious development, which this chapter reminds me of his new bounty. Now that I mentioned it, Zoro’s action in the last chapter is probably screaming, “Higher bounty than Sanji is happening.” Anyway, time has gone by since the last time with the news about Reverie already surfaces. I just hope it’s not skipped entirely.

It’s a good feel moment with the crew reciting all the characters they have come across in their adventure. It would be very delight to see them reunite in one setting. Sanji is just overexcited to see all the Princesses, including Vivi. According to his logic, all of them are waiting for their Prince Charming aka Sanji to return. Yeah, that’s right; that’s what they’re all doing. It would be crushing if he learns that they are practically Luffy’s fanclub.

I have to admit, Chopper’s reaction to Doctorine is charming. I don’t know if he hits Sanji for lack of interest compare to his earlier reactions or he is amazed that she’s still alive. Either way, it was pretty funny since he has been a punching bag here. It’s also funny how both of them cut out the image from the newspaper like a portrait. Somehow, they can connect despite the differences. The problem is however they cut off the article about Big Mom and Kaido working together to eliminate Strawhats. Talk about the element of surprise.

Next to creating a magnificent lore, Oda is creative with the world design. The entry path to Wano Country is harsh and dangerous, but I’m more intrigued with its clear design of a whirl that resembles to Japanese cultural art style. I already sense that this arc is going to be filled with Japanese cultural references with a mix of Oda’s creativity, like how the last chapter displayed. I can’t wait for this arc already.

There’s a funny visual gag with a random octopus appeared with the crew. At first, I thought it was normal, but then I thought, “Wait, who has that as a summoning/pet?!” Nobody seems to pay any attention; all they focused was how Kin’emon warned them about the weather is always hazardous when entering the country. It takes a couple of panels later to finally realize an octopus is on board. Now what the hell is that doing there?

The school of fish appears below them, but they’re carp, a fresh-water fish type. Somehow, they are living and swimming freely through the harsh storm. While everyone is bewildered, Luffy thought of a new possibility for food, so why not try catching one. That’s exactly what he did, even leaving the ship. Well, the series is over. Fun journey, everyone. That or time to get a new protagonist. But first, they have to worry about the ship. But seriously, what the hell is that octopus that seems like it is giving commands.

As terrifying it is for the crew to go through a tidal wave, I am very awed by the visual. Obviously, the wave is straight from the cultural art style, but man, is it mesmerizing. The creativity is going to be fascinating. The pathway is coordinated with its wavy road that those carps are leading. If that wasn’t crazy enough, there’s a waterfall that they have to climb up to enter and those carps are climbing with ease. Some imagination Oda has got there. After all, it’s fresh water, so why not, right?

Luffy returns, so no need to search for a new protagonist. His idea to climb the waterfall is actually brilliant yet wacky at the same time. If the ship can’t climb, why not grab a hold on carps and swim along with them to go up. That’s not a bad idea, but since when the ship becomes a horse chariot? I can’t help but laugh so much with the scene. Bunny is overly excited, but Chopper is overly paranoid. Sanji is looking at the octopus, thinking, “Seriously, what the hell is that?” I’m going to assume that thing is just trolling the chapter.

The ship crash landed after coming across a whirlpool. It looks like the story begins with everyone on their separate path. That should be intriguing. The ship is under attack by a lion that is clearly a reference to Japanese’s lore. I feel blessed to see these references. Luffy’s thought process got me laughing. I can understand his confusion with the lion since the design is hard to tell apart when first encountering. However, the part that got me laughing hard is the baboon with a samurai sword, and by Luffy’s logic, he can confirm that he’s at Wano Country. Yes, because that’s the only place on Earth that would have a samurai sword. When I see snow, I’ll think I’m at North Pole.