#kotwn

Apologies that this one came out late.... I’m going to try and do better in the future, promise!

Alright, so what did Curtis and I review this week? The escape from Loguetown, Luffy vs Smoker (and Buggy, sorta- he was there but not a huge focus), Zoro vs Tashigi, and the introduction of Dragon. We also have that sick new intro from Gold Roger himself (and of course, my fanfic need not adhere to current canon, er... the canon that we have already reviewed)

And of course, Dragon is the most interesting out of those, so let's focus on him (with certain restrictions. I certainly know more about Dragon than I let on in the podcast episode, and in retrospect, the narrative I spin here hits awfully close to the truth in certain regards, but I’m a man of my word and this is what I came up with on a deadline). Curtis speculated there was something weird about those marks on the side of his face, and he interfered for *some reason* before Smoker could defeat Luffy, shortly after Luffy was saved from death

So I'm thinking... some sort of religion or ideological faction. The people in this group would wear the cloaks, have matching tattoos, take on code names like "Dragon" and "Wolf" and "Black Smoke." Also they have a band that's pretty metal.

Why would Luffy, a pirate, interest a group of religious people? (Let's call them... the Watchers, for reason I'll get into in a sec) Because lightning struck the very execution platform Luffy was on just before he was about to be beheaded. So Dragon believes Luffy was "chosen."

This also ties in to the question Curtis asked that one time, "What's fate got to do with anything?" Maybe that's where Luffy's scar came from- some other brush with death. Maybe Luffy's the luckiest guy alive, and part of that luck means accidentally winning over this faction

Why are they called the Watchers? Well, because Dragon's timing was just too darn convenient for me. Either Oda knows what he's doing and did this on purpose (*cough cough* this is the correct answer), or this was sloppy writing and my fanfic can fix it.

So the idea is that the Watchers send their members to different islands. Places of historical importance, places from which lots of rumors originate, places of cultural significance and scientific or philosophical advancement.

And they're there to ensure the "natural" course of history continues on its way. Because what are the marines at this point in the story? Corrupt, incompetent, power hungry, and greedy (see Axe hand Morgan, Fullbody, and Nezumi as examples)

So the actions of the marines must further this corruption. So the watchers are enemies of the marines who believe in divine intervention, and Loguetown, being the birthplace of Gold Roger is under their watch

Now, what would this mean for the future of the series? It would mean Luffy would probably receive help from them in the future, given that they see him as chosen by divinity. But if Smoker really is that determined to capture Luffy... maybe he'll uncover their organization

Which, I guess, are the Watchers a secret group or are they well known? Hmm. Maybe the group as a whole is secret, but Dragon isn't very good at concealing himself. I like that. This is my fanfic and I make up the rules.

So anyways, Smoker gets stronger by facing these enemies (the same way Luffy gets stronger from each opponent he topples), which means that by the time he shows up again, he'll be even tougher and Luffy won't have the aid of these mysterious forces.

meanwhile BECAUSE FANFICTION and BECAUSE ANIME, maybe the Watchers could help Luffy and co get stronger in some way, so when the time comes the Straw Hat pirates won't have to rely on a mysterious man who quotes the former King of the Pirates. maybe like a sick sword for Zoro, or a more effective weapon for Usopp, or maybe just.... like a gun for Nami! Luffy could get a sort of sensei character who tries to teach him some awesome new punching techniques but here's the part where humor kicks in....

Luffy says no. Luffy is completely uncaring about this Watcher agenda, and they seem to want to distract him from his true quest. And also maybe the sensei type character annoys him, or maybe Luffy is so sure in his own strength, why would he need to rely on this other guy?

But, being as how this is a series that relies a lot on humor and stubborn personalities, the sensei shows up on ocassion anyways. Luffy would be all "butt out, I can handle this!" While this other guy was cracking their knuckles and getting ready to fight.

(a bit like this famous scene, actually. Darn I’m just recycling ideas left and right)

And it turns out Luffy does sort of learn from this new ally without meaning to. Just from fighting side by side they begin to develop trust and Luffy sees minor ways to hit harder and such, and maybe he even begrudginly allows this new ally to help the next time Smoker pops up

Holy cow! Curtis has finally gotten to officially welcoming Robin to the crew! I mean, that opening had already spoiled it, so I think it lost any shock value it may have had, but still. We say goodbye to both Vivi and Mr. 2 Bon Clay, and both scenes hit us emotionally! The 46th overall episode of our One Piece podcast is available now! http://kingofthewhatpod.libsyn.com/alabasta-saga-episode-18-a-farewell-to-vivi-welcome-robin-to-the-crew

Man, someday I’ll be better about posting on Tumblr. I’m so sorry for any of our fans that follow us on this platform. I promise we are alive and well! Luffy on the other hand... he wasn’t doing so hot in this episode of the podcast. http://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/8118617

This week’s episode introduces one of my favorite parental figures in One Piece, Dr. Hiruluk. As @ara-kina​ mentions in the cold opening, he truly does embody the ideals of the “Romance“ from the “Romance Dawn“ in One Piece. He’s goofy, he has a cartoonishly good heart, he’s a great dad, and he gives one of the most impactful speeches in the entire series. If you only listen to some of our episodes, or can only watch some of the One Piece anime, please watch drum island, mostly for him but also a bit for Dr. Kureha, and Zoro has some funny moments too.

http://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/7481690 Give us a listen if you like and, as always, please share with anyone you think might appreciate our content. We pay absolutely zero dollars and zero cents for advertising, so we rely on the kind word of mouth of our followers. And we occassionally throw our business cards at people at cons ;)

Well folks, sometiems I have a lot to say, and sometimes I’d rather just let the episode speak for itself. We wrap up the Little Garden arc and we have a lot to say on a number of topics. Most important, perhaps, are Miss Goldenweek’s unique power set, some interesting nicknames for the various characters, and some honest-to-goodness gawking at the strange battle technique wielded by Dorry and Broggy at the arc’s conclusion.

http://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/7311233 Give us a listen if you like and, as always, please share and reblog as much as you can!

Hey folks, it’s been a while since I was on Tumblr, and I must apologize for that. I’ll try to do better, but I can’t make any promises :( Our episodes might be regular, but my ability to stay on top of social media is not.