OP ch.342

[xparrot]

Just when you think things can't get crazier... Everything's building to a head here - we're looking at simultaneous battles in multiple locations, against the backdrop of a giant flood. You just know Oda-sensei's been waiting for this. Probably giggling in evil anticipation as we speak. ...or frantically drawing, seriously, how can these mangaka keep up such a pace week after week!?

Yeah, Franky, go after Usopp! So he can KICK YOUR ASS! I rather am liking Franky as a villain, he's as crazy as the next OP baddie. But the folks who want him to be the new nakama...er...what? He's a bad-tempered bully who's shown no inclination to be a shipwright. And he'll haveta do a hell of a lot more than show off his l33t cyborg p0w3rz for me to forgive what he did to Usopp.

My money's on Pauley. Been going with that horse for a while now, in part because Pauley's thus far the most developed of the Galley-la - we know he's a gambler, in debt, has trouble with girls showing skin, fights with ropes, and is, like the rest of the Co., fiercely loyal to Iceberg. More than that, tho', I like Pauley, without even knowing why I do...and Oda-sensei is so very good at manipulating emotions that this makes me suspicious. Especially since, following the pattern of every male crewmember, Pauley seems to have strong ties to Iceberg that go beyond the rest of the Company's - first there was his rage when Iceberg was shot, and now he was the one entrusted with the Secret. I am not going to be surprised if anytime now Pauley launches into a dramatic childhood flashback about how he dreams of building a ship to, uh, sail to the moon, and how Iceberg...I have no idea, but became his father figure somehow...

Of course I'm probably totally wrong. Thou Shalt Not Predict One Piece. And the ship's already got one smoking blond. But dangit...I do like him.
...I at least wanna know if Pauley's related to Smoker. I mean, really, now, those cigars?

And what IS Iceberg's Secret? Are we gonna find out, already? A roll of something - map to Raftel, plans to a ship, something else? Kinda thick to just be paper - a weapon? argh!

Robin's new outfit...umm...I'm sorry, I was distracted by the giant scary teddy bear...

Zoro & Nami's expressions at the "Eh? Where's Luffy?"....*DIES LAUGHING* Though where did Luffy go? To protect Iceberg, or something else? And while we're at it, where is Sanji-kun? When he went after Robin he told Chopper he wasn't going to do anything stupid, therefore I am terribly worried for the boy. And still eager to see him fight Califa!

Okay, next chapter! now! Please?

Comments

[nest.livejournal.com]

I agree about Franky. He's an interesting antagonist and has a crazy personality, but I do not want to see him join the crew. I would be very surprised if anyone even mentions the idea after what he did to Usopp. In Luffy's mind, hurting nakama is unforgivable. (Even after what happens between Usopp and Luffy, I'd think that Luffy is still angry at Franky for what he did to him.) And you're right - other than his cyborg abilties, Franky really doesn't have anything else to offer the crew. I'm surprised at how many people want him to join. O.o

I'm afraid for Usopp right now. He's been so beside himself and irrational since Franky's gang robbed him. If Franky were to show his face at the GM with the intention of kidnapping Usopp...I think he'd rather die than allow his pride to be insulted again.

As for all this mess about Iceberg, Robin and Galley-la: I can barely sort out how I feel about all of that, so I'm just sitting back and watching for now. But your theories sound reasonable.

I haven't entirely given up on Robin, though. At least she had the decency to give a warning of what's to come. But that doesn't mean I like what she's doing. ><

Wargh, I need more One Piece...

[xparrot.livejournal.com]

I'm a bit worried about Usopp, but I really am thinking he's gonna kick Franky's ass. Someone has to do it, and he's the best one, after his defeat before. He's (somewhat) recovered now, he knows how strong Franky is, Franky doesn't have his minions...our fave sniper could take him!

And Robin, I don't like what she's doing - but neither does she, and I'm convinced she's got reasons for doing it. I want to know her story so bad! It's gotta be tragic...and I want to see Luffy help her get over it, as he helps everyone. and I want to see her call him by name, just once...would be so cute!

[perseid.livejournal.com]

my money's on Kaku - imagine the puns and situations Oda-sensei can create with him and Usopp.

"Huh? You mean you're not brothers?" >__<

OTOH, you're right about variety on the ship no one else needs to share Sanji's limelight *koff*. the guy with the talking bird - can't remember his name - seems about right.

[xparrot.livejournal.com]

I don't think Kaku's likely, I think the Usopp-resemblance was just to set events into motion. The bird guy is Luchi? Ruchi? I think? But I don't think he's been major enough...then again, this is Odachi. Who knows! (except him...)