[Analysis] One Piece – Why Yamato Will Leave Wano After Kaido’s Defeat

Looking at Yamato as a character, Oda-sensei introduced them in a very specific way that directed him toward Luffy. From the fact that Luffy was the person Yamato was waiting for to Yamato’s expression of wanting to travel aboard Luffy’s ship. There wasn’t much hesitation in Yamato’s mind about leaving with the Straw Hat Pirates once Wano was liberated and its borders opened. In order to make a case for Yamato remaining in Wano, the narrative would need to entrench Yamato and his desires within the plot threads of Wano but as at chapter 1049, that has not yet happened (potentially it still could). Rather, Yamato leaving with Luffy has only been reinforced.

One Piece Chapter 1048 – The Weight Of 20 Years

The climatic moment approaches with the weight from decades of pain, suffering and death characterising it. Oden was Wano’s hero but on the day he died, the night representing such a tragedy never ended. Its darkness continued for 20 years encapsulating the whole of Wano and bringing about a reality defined in misery and destruction. Throughout such devastation, a single hope remained in the hearts of the people of Wano. A hope symbolizing the Moon reflecting the light from the Sun within the darkness. Toki’s prophecy of the dawn in 20 years time. On that prophecised day, Wano will be set free and the sun will once again shine on its people. The hope of Wano across 20 years have amassed on this day and the representation of it lies in the form of a titanic fist thrusting itself down from the Heavens onto the embodiment of darkness imprisoning Wano.

[Analysis] One Piece – Kurozumi Orochi: The Mastermind Of Wano’s Ruin

Despite being Shogun, Orochi never sought to rule Wano, his intention was always to bring Wano to ruin while enjoying himself in the process. And in that regard, he was immensely successful. Orochi brought the Kozuki name to the point where it was ridiculed and vilified. When you really look at how Wano fell into devastation and had its peoples’ resolve depleted to the point of hopelessness, you come to recognise how systematic Orochi was in deconstructing the aspects of Wano that represented its identity. From the nations honor, to the pride of its people, to the symbolism of the Samurai and to the hope embodied within the Kozuki name. Orochi was the antagonist Wano created. And when he came into power, he desired revenge.

One Piece Chapter 1046 – Luffy VS Kaido: Rhythm Of Liberation

Amidst the sheer outlandishness on display, Kaido can’t help but wonder who Luffy is and how the shift in his power and presence evolved since their first encounter. Kaido’s perspective of Luffy continuously kept transitioning throughout their encounters. From a rookie unable to truly comprehend the realms of an Emperor toward one who was capable of challenging the Yonko and pushing them to the brink. Kaido now recognises Luffy’s spirit and acknowledges the will he possesses as genuine. In conjunction with Kaido’s changing view, Zunesha too is having a reevaluation of their thoughts. Zunesha did not believe Luffy was Joy Boy when they first met during the Zou Arc but now after Luffy awakened Gear Fifth and the Nika Fruit, Zunesha understands that Luffy is the one who has inherited Joy Boy’s will. After over 800 years of separation, Zunesha has experienced the rhythm of his dear friend who could not accomplish the mission he began all those centuries ago. Zunesha’s heart danced to the sound emanating from Luffy inspiring them to put all of their hopes into Luffy. All those subject to Luffy’s awakening may view it from different avenues from they all arrive at the point where they are left in awe on what is on display.

One Piece Chapter 1042 – Luffy VS Kaido: Trauma Of Victory

Ever since the moment it happened, that event has haunted Kaido. Persistently. Relentlessly. And Continuously. The unearned victory he claimed over Kozuki Oden who represented someone capable of overwhelming him never embodied a victory within Kaido’s mind. Not really. Kaido’s anger following Oden’s defeat in the presence of underhanded tactics took the form of an execution carried out on the one directly responsible for the situation. Kurozumi Higurashi was killed. And now with the same scenario playing out in front of Kaido but with different actors, I don’t see the reaction from Kaido to be any different in regards to the one responsible for the intervention. Rather, the resulting consequence would be many fold more severe.

One Piece Chapter 1038 – Kid & Law VS Big Mom: Defiance

The Yonko are indeed the titans of the current age whom influence macro and micro decisions of varying factions existing across the Grand Line. When you have someone like Big Mom who destroyed one of the leaders of the Elbaf Giants as a child and continues to threaten the role of the Marines through her dealings with the Underworld and her pursuit of becoming Pirate King, it is little wonder why her name evokes terror whenever whispered. And beyond Charlotte Linlin there is Kaido, Shanks and Teach. Each of these mysterious characters are elevated to the positions they hold by the power they possess. Their name, status and reputation ensured any challenge directed their way was kept to a minimum. But it is this hubris that blinded them to the true threat of the Worst Generation. Even now, Big Mom rejects such a reality. Her biggest and most severe misstep she has taken in her tenure as a Yonko is underestimating the opponents currently before her. The defiance Law and Kid have expressed has literally stopped Big Mom in her tracks.

[Theory] One Piece – The DEVIL Fruit Of Legend

With the revelation in chapter 1037 hinting toward a Legendary Devil Fruit that brought much concern to the World Government that they sought to hide it’s real name from the world and its history, certain elements in One Piece are now painted in a different light. Specifically elements that involve certain beings and Islands. Why did the World Government seek to erase this Devil Fruit’s name and why are they so afraid of it “awakening”? Do they fear this Devil Fruit as a weapon the Ancient Civilisation of the past used? The development leaves many questions but it also establishes the a very real connection the current events in the Wano Kuni Arc have to the wars engaged between the Ancient Civilisation and the World Government of the past.

One Piece Chapter 1037 – Luffy VS Kaido: Drunken Dragon

Living a life where death is out of reach can disillusion ones mind to the value of life. When every action remains free from the ultimate consequence, what stakes would matter in ones eyes? Death becomes a dream and boredom defines itself within the realm of reality. The strength Kaido naturally possesses diminishes any semblance of challenge from approach. The actions he has taken speaks to the longing raging within his soul. Kaido demands chaos. He seeks an escape. He craves to live. And the best form of defining a life is knowing that death walks alongside you hand-in-hand. Luffy has awoken Kaido’s soul and through it, an excitement long forgotten begins to reverberate across his being. In this moment, Kaido has come to feel the joys of living once again.

One Piece Chapter 1030 – Challenging The Current Era

It is becoming increasing clear that the force that will challenge the current age won’t be just the Straw Hat Pirates but the next generation as a whole. Those that represent the powers standing against the status quo will be the architects for the future age for all intents and purposes. The Straw Hat Pirates won’t be alone in their fight against the past. As such, the focus given to the allies supporting the Straw Hat Pirates isn’t just a passing acknowledgement of their relevance but rather an expression of their continued importance to the change about to arise.

One Piece Chapter 1029 – Killer VS Hawkins: Wheel Of Fortune

What seemingly appeared a hopeless situation with Killer backed into a corner turned into a moment of inspiration where Killer discovered an unforeseen weakness in Hawkin’s Straw Man ability. If nothing exist on the Straw Man target in the place the damage accorded, the injury suffered by Hawkins will not transfer over, rather it will be sustained by Hawkins himself. Using such a supposition, Killer created the path on which Hawkin’s defeat resided. Killer spun the wheel of fortune with his actions and achieved a turning point. Kid is now free from Hawkins’s ability and the pain that was consuming him. The collapse of the Yonko are now on the cards and a new way forward is a destiny awaiting all.