aaand done! (spoiling ramblings under the cut, up to chapter 1173)
First and foremost: peak romance for Shakky and Rayleigh (all is almost forgiven). I can't believe how central that amazing woman was in that piracy era. The Amazon charm sure is something, but it rrreally takes gumption to set up shop in The Pirate Island and declare it neutral territory.
But also, the comic relief of it all. And her kidnapping having an impact on the world's economy for weeks!! Girl
I'm still mad I'll have to retcon some of my fics but honestly Oda's writing and build-up made it a romance for the ages and my hurt-comfort-loving fangirl's heart is full.
The Yamato in Wano cover story was cool but I saw that Izou lantern and was mad at Oda again. We had a Bepo & Law cover too! (on a cloud with a rainbow so probably in Heaven ahahahah sorry)
Didn't expect the God Valley Incident to turn out that way but it was "great". Heartbreakingly great. Setting up (retroactively for the reader) a lot of things. And one more recent example that OP does indeed fiddle with politics, for those still doubting.
I felt for Teach and honestly grew to love Rocks. Shoutout to Oda for actually naming and portraying another mother in full. Eris is a hell of a name.
Learned more about bloodlines and the D. Or at least the Davies (who are still not forgiven for the existence of the Davy Back Fight). Not too clear if Teach's lineage is considered by Imu to be the only one able to defeat him and why he wants them all destroyed or if Imu thought there was no other D.
Bet we hear "A Man's Dream Will Never Die!" a bit differently, now eh?
And now we also know the destruction of Lulusia was not just about Sabo and the Eight-Nation Revolution...
Harsh awakening for Dragon and Garp. Interesting to see the path they each chose. I understand them both, even if it's weird seeing Garp wondering about justice a couple times on that island. But loved his open disrespect of the Elders. Very funny.
Nice insight on major Marines too.
Imu talking about worlds, claiming this one as his, reminded me of the Haley. I can get behind that and the whole abyss things from a plane/dimension perspective?
Already established but: terrifying powers. At least they take their toll. Will they have to defeat/unmake 13 pacts to get to him? I sure hope not.
Lots of lore dropped but still lots of things left unexplained. Like the Devil Fruits (and how Big Mom knew which one was which). Still unclear if the Gomu Gomu was in Roger's treasure or if it's something Shanks found/went after later on.
Oh. Shanks.
His arm! His blood! His need to be better, to make a difference. Him then betting on Luffy. Chapter 1 is so much more powerful now...
Galera/Galley-La as a mystery giant army... I need to think about that. The name is no coincidence but as to what Oda planned...
Some of the frozen giants seen in Punk Hazard are wearing uniforms similar to Impel Down ones.
I need to refresh my memory on the ancient weapons and Tom and Water 7. Maybe these giants are linked to Pluton.
And then back to the current fight(s). Gaban settling in Elbaf makes much more sense now. Yarle's speech was a powerful one, even if the reveal process is getting a bit old (but what can you do really, to inform the masses). Of course Loki couldn't be that bad of a guy. Zoro is Zoroing. Brook's thing with Gunko feels a bit off but we'll see. Curious about Ragnir and Loki's devil fruit.
Much to be uncovered still!
