OP 524 spoilers!
How about that, after the terrible Amazon Lily arc the next few chapters thankfully look to be good.
Even Moria's there (and all bandaged up, heh.) It's just a shame that we finally get to see (most of) them together and Crocodile isn't there. ARGH! I always wanted to see a scene like this, but in a flashback sequence so we could have the seven original members.
I still have trouble seeing Blackbeard as one of the seven. I think because even long before he had it, we knew that he was just using his position as a stepping stone in a greater scheme (well okay, a few of them are, but he's going to SUCCEED). Blackbeard just has this indescribable "Final Boss" sign painted on him. His plans to become pirate king are more elaborate than others' and it wouldn't surprise me to see him suddenly turn around and say "fuck you" to the WG once he's used them to eliminate or weaken the Whitebeard obstacle.
It's also interesting to see that the two 'happiest' looking members there are also seemingly the most evil. DoFlamingo's another guy I can see besides BB as a "Final Boss" for the Straw Hats and I'm looking very forward to seeing the interaction between them. Even moreso considering that back on Jaya, BB called the "New Era" that Bellamy spoke about (and actually it's Doflamingo's New Era) a 'load of shit'.
While I still don't care about Ace, the adventures on Amazon island proved to be so disappointing that I'm actually RELIEVED the story's focus shifted to him. Also since Ace is in Impel Down right now I think there's still a chance that we might see a bit of Croc and even the top 3 Baroque officers. Heck there might even be a mass-prison break since Luffy does owe Bon Kurei one for Alabasta.
I cringe thinking about how hopeful I was about Boa Hancock not too long ago. Unless she reveals some secret power or awesome fighting prowess that just hasn't come up yet, she needs her shichibukai status revoked - simply for being an embarrassment to the rest of them. But I think I'll make a separate rant post just for her.
And some thoughts from Chapter 523:
Naaaami! I missed her. And she's on a Sky Island. Oh Oda, why do you tease me?
On the one hand I'm a bit disappointed because I was pretty sure/hoping her fate would be left uncertain, paving way for a Nami-centric miniarc at some point. Though that was a BIG downer for me, I'm still pleased because it looks like she's going to be taught some new weather-based powers!
Same thing goes for Franky, lol conventiently landing on an island of cyborgs (but eh, Kuma planned this). I have no idea what new skills Sanji could possibly pick up where he is but who knows. Maybe that's where Bon Kurei was trained. (That or Oda is just on a very sadistic streak.)
Even Moria's there (and all bandaged up, heh.) It's just a shame that we finally get to see (most of) them together and Crocodile isn't there. ARGH! I always wanted to see a scene like this, but in a flashback sequence so we could have the seven original members.
I still have trouble seeing Blackbeard as one of the seven. I think because even long before he had it, we knew that he was just using his position as a stepping stone in a greater scheme (well okay, a few of them are, but he's going to SUCCEED). Blackbeard just has this indescribable "Final Boss" sign painted on him. His plans to become pirate king are more elaborate than others' and it wouldn't surprise me to see him suddenly turn around and say "fuck you" to the WG once he's used them to eliminate or weaken the Whitebeard obstacle.
It's also interesting to see that the two 'happiest' looking members there are also seemingly the most evil. DoFlamingo's another guy I can see besides BB as a "Final Boss" for the Straw Hats and I'm looking very forward to seeing the interaction between them. Even moreso considering that back on Jaya, BB called the "New Era" that Bellamy spoke about (and actually it's Doflamingo's New Era) a 'load of shit'.
While I still don't care about Ace, the adventures on Amazon island proved to be so disappointing that I'm actually RELIEVED the story's focus shifted to him. Also since Ace is in Impel Down right now I think there's still a chance that we might see a bit of Croc and even the top 3 Baroque officers. Heck there might even be a mass-prison break since Luffy does owe Bon Kurei one for Alabasta.
I cringe thinking about how hopeful I was about Boa Hancock not too long ago. Unless she reveals some secret power or awesome fighting prowess that just hasn't come up yet, she needs her shichibukai status revoked - simply for being an embarrassment to the rest of them. But I think I'll make a separate rant post just for her.
And some thoughts from Chapter 523:
Naaaami! I missed her. And she's on a Sky Island. Oh Oda, why do you tease me?
On the one hand I'm a bit disappointed because I was pretty sure/hoping her fate would be left uncertain, paving way for a Nami-centric miniarc at some point. Though that was a BIG downer for me, I'm still pleased because it looks like she's going to be taught some new weather-based powers!
Same thing goes for Franky, lol conventiently landing on an island of cyborgs (but eh, Kuma planned this). I have no idea what new skills Sanji could possibly pick up where he is but who knows. Maybe that's where Bon Kurei was trained. (That or Oda is just on a very sadistic streak.)