With the most recent chapters of One Piece, its the most I've kinda felt I live in an alien world compared to the rest of the fandom.
I've found Roger's characterization in these flashbacks some of the most I've ever liked him. He's so silly and goofy and pouty and full of love. I'm kinda charmed by him, like he's kind of adorable at this part of his life, lmao. He feels like a real guy, more than just a legend. So does Reighley and Shakky etc etc.
Which is why its kinda shocking to go online and seeing nothing but "haha he's a simp and a gooner, man his character is ruined for me forever" etc etc like, huh? I feel like I read something different.
He just felt like a young fool in love to me. I don't remember him being creepy at any point. And mostly, it felt like he respects Reighley's feelings for her as well, and despite his own infatuation, he is willing to put that aside to make both of them happy. He felt like he was actually trying to wingman them in 1158. Which is kinda sad and really human, because Reighley is doing the exact same thing for his captain, he doesnt want this romantic mess to get in the way of his best friend. You can see how much all three of them care about each other! How much they're all willing to make sacrifices and mistakes and let things go for the sake of love etc.
And most importantly...it felt like Shakky is the Roger Pirates' friend. Yes, a lot of them are infatuated with her but... the way Roger talks to her at the bar? That's also his friend.
No, God Valley wasn't about "simping". It was about love. They went over to rescue their friend. Reighley loved her too. She was someone they cared about. People are so.... weirdly cynical, idk.
I'm the no. 1 person to criticize Oda's misogyny, I've made that pretty clear. But Shakky doesn't feel like she's being treated as a "prize to be earned" or something, at least to me. She has agency, and a ridiculous amount of power. And it's not like Oda ISN'T weird about his female characters and the desires of the men around them, he's fucking weird about it all the time, I get it. But it... simply didn't feel like that this time.
I think people are falling for characters'masks again, and not seeing past the surface level text. Idk. People are mad their "Legendary Pirate King" was once a silly young fool, with flaws and desires and affection towards other people. And that includes Shakky AND Reighley.
And the Rocks Pirates too! Rocks canonically expresses complete disinterest in Shakky now that he has a family of his own, and you KNOW Gloriosa was there to get her girl. But no, one million "Goon Valley" jokes be upon ye. Aren't you laughing yet.
Maybe I sound bitter but its kinda exhausting lmao.
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