Yes, we know how much you love meat, Luffy. Glad to have One Piece back in the issue ALONG WITH!… An interview with Oda! Hurrah!
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The Biscuits Room - Well, even though Perona found Kumacy, doesn’t do much now that he doesn’t have a shadow in him. And already the cover stories are at Thriller Bark? It has been a long time, but it seems like we’re going so fast. Getting a better view of the children, Sanji points out that they’re all different sizes. And now we know who Samurai Head is looking for, Momonosuke. I’m sure if I were young, and saw a cyborg like Franky, I’d be in awe, too. Unexpectedly, I never would have guessed that the children would want to be saved. Some great character moments for both Nami and Sanji (sort of, since he dislikes the kids for being able to sway Nami). Brook makes his triumphant reappearance (well, off-screen triumph). Looks like the other half of the Straw-hat crew are going to meet up. Let’s hope that they can solve this mystery together, like in Skypiea. What’s with those other man-animal hybrids? A man-leopard and man-giraffe? And FINALLY! Confirmation of theories from a few weeks ago: Vegapunk’s involvement (island named “PUNK” and “HAZARD”) and the dual between Aokiji and Akainu. \o/
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Eco Seaweed!! - A fine reunion of friends and old characters, welcome back Gourmet Knights! Today’s side adventure for the Fortune Roll (remember that food?) takes us to Eco Land for the Eco Seaweed. Looks like sushi chef Monchy has a twin brother, Nonchy, mayor of Eco Land. It was pretty interesting and silly how they use gourmet foods for everyday items, like running water and electricity. I liked that there were multiple Solar Turtles, too. Kind of a meh chapter in terms of actual development. It’s beginning to feel like a real filler arc.
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Signposts - Looks like once again, Sasuke is chasing after Itachi. But instead of a fight, we get a verbal argument with questions from Sasuke. We see why Itachi did not kill him, along with why he tried to make Sasuke find him. Of course, things don’t go Itachi’s way. He doesn’t stop, even at Sasuke’s behest. Instead, he keeps charging to face Zombie Madara. Some new info to me, I didn’t realize that Tsunade is a descendant of the First Hokage. A few disparaging and sexist remarks aside, looks like we’ll get to see a Tsunade’s full determination and fighting strength come out…relatively soon.
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The Big Meeting - Title of the chapter is right, this is a really big meeting. Rikuo gathers many clans to his house, both friendly and opposing. His attempts to rally them together to face Nue are met with much disapproval. It’s a little fun seeing Rikuo argue with his yokai side every now and then. It’s not crazy if it’s a split personality that manifests itself once twilight sets in, right? Of course, if you hadn’t noticed, it’s the two yokai who look the most like humans that rally to join Rikuo. Though, he does present a much bigger offer with news of the Kyushu Ayakashi being the first victims of purification. Meanwhile, what’s this? Tsuchigumo is back? Well, hell yeah!
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Kreigs Erklärung - The intruders aren’t afraid of Yamamoto’s strength, which hopefully means they are able to back up their courage or arrogance when the inevitable fighting happens soon. Looks like the group Ebern is involved in somehow allows them to either nullify or destroy a soul reaper’s bankai. But of course Ichigo is able to overpower it. It’s the last arc, you think it would end here? We’re left with the name of the group being Vandenreich, a fallen Saskibe close to death, and an ominous warning that Soul Society will be annihilated in five days. As long as we don’t get some sort of BS hyperbolic time-chamber, color me very interested. Still wish the chapters didn’t feel so abrupt.
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Voice and Response - Got to admit. Miho was really able to turn this predicament around. Granted, there will always be some sort of fanboy hostility. I was surprised by the last minute open Q&A, but the scenes where Saiko called in were really touching. Makes you just want to root for them, right? Of course, Miho’s manager’s flippant attitude toward the whole thing had me laughing while reading. Now with this out of the way, what’s next? The audition, or some other sort of problem to get the anime made?
