第201回：Egghead Lil’ Bits: Part1

It’s curious that something as seemingly abstract as Haki can be temporarily stored within the boundaries of a physical knot. While objects being imbued with Haki isn’t necessarily new -swords for example- the notion of being able to tie up and reserve that Haki such that it may be instantly released by someone who isn’t even familiar with Haki manipulation is novel to say the least.

…or is it?

Haven’t we seen something like this before? Consider Haredas’ ‘magic’ knots that seems to control the weather. Was Haredas familiar with this notion due to his relationship with Vegapunk? If that’s the case, does Nami possess this knowledge as well??

I’m very relieved to see that Vegapunk’s mental aspects all seem to be intact and functioning properly. While York’s existence will continue to be problematic to Vegapunk’s humane aspects, I do genuinely hope she can be reeled in someday. If anything, she proves that no single aspect of any human’s heart can fully operate well without others to keep it in check. The collective of Vegapunk’s being would certainly benefit from her presence so perhaps combining their consciousness’ into a single entity could control her natural impulses.

It’s been such a long time since we’ve had a full spread like this in the series. Given that they’re so rare these days years, Oda must truly have been itching to draw this depiction of these particular villains. Not even the triumphant full reveal of the complete (original) Strawhat Crew envisioned by Odacchi in Chapter 989 was an uninterrupted spread. I only hope we can experience more of these stunning renditions during the final years of the series.

Volume 16 Ch.145 Inherited Will
Volume 24 Ch.225 The Dreams of Mankind
Volume 110 Ch.1121 The Surge of the Times

While these are all chapter titles which were subsequently chosen as volumes titles for each of their corresponding volumes, they’re also excerpts from a Gol D. Roger quote. Now that all three have been utilized, does that mean we really are close to the end of the series?

I can’t help but wonder…which side will NEO MADS find themselves on in the conflicts waiting for us at the end of the story? Will they support the government and serve as an antagonist to the Strawhats? Will they add their knowledge and aid to Vegapunk’s satellites? Or will there be a split between Judge and Caesar that sees them supporting opposing forces?

It’s also going to be exciting to learn whether or not Scien will return to their side. Judge and Scien might find out they have more in common than just a love for science. What am I talking about? Scien’s Vivre Card revealed his age to be 56 which makes him the perfect age to be…well, let’s just leave it at that for now.

Is this Disco, the auctioneer from the Human Auction on Sabaody?! He wasn’t looking so great last time we saw him and not much seems to have changed!

A&Mu

….A …と…Mu….

あ　と　む？

アトム？？

In Japanese, ‘a’ ‘and’ ‘mu’ could sound like ‘atomu’ or the English word, ‘atom’. Whether this is another playful Easter Egg comparing aspects of Vegapunk to Atom Boy (Astro Boy) or a full-fledged hint towards the origins of the terrifying power of the Mother Flame remains to be seen but either way it’s pretty exciting.

After more than 20 years, the Krieg Pirates have returned to the pages of ONE PIECE in the main story! What I find most interesting about this is, Krieg and Gin are on the move here. They’re not listening to the message and have clearly been spurred into action. Where do they intend to go? I’m sure Odacchi will amaze us!

This was absolutely crazy for longtime fans like myself! These three (and their wooden horse) are The Funbari Curry Pirates! They were a pirate crew designed by Odacchi and his mangaka friends for a contest in Weekly Shonen JUMP in 2000. While they have an official entry in the data book ONE PIECE BLUE, they’re now officially in the series canon itself!

Just who is this figure? I have a number of ideas but one of my favorites is... Oh no! Looks like we’re out of time for this column! All I can suggest is, rereading Volume 90 might be interesting! See you next time!