#no wonder wano was a struggle

[watchingthefallofrome]

my roommate and i are watching inuyasha for her first time, i love seeing her fresh reactions to a 20+ year-old show, some highlights:

she thought inuyasha was a cat because he has catboy ears

only remembers kikyo's name, does not remember kagome's

miroku = sanji, shippo = chopper

loves that miyoga the flee can be squished and survives

shocked at the amount of blood and violence in the show because i told her it was more of a romance and an easy watch and also tend to forget how much blood and violence is actually in this show

wanted to call kagome "ka-goam", had a brain blast when i told her japanese vowels are roughly the same as spanish ones, has now unlocked the skill to pronounce all character names

immediately made a "time of the month" joke when learning about inuyasha's human transformation

said she'd use the the sit command just as much or even more than kagome does, if she was with someone constantly starting fights with her like inuyasha does

is happy the characters look japanese and not european

was really affected by the inuyasha childhood flashbacks, felt super bad for little inuyasha when everyone was mean and ignored him, brought up his past every episode after that

does not get the appeal of sesshomaru

is constantly enthralled by the will-they-won't-they romance between inuyasha and kagome, watches with rapt attention, experiences pure enjoyment when they nearly kiss or stare at each other too long

surprised that the primary love triangle is between inuyasha and two women rather and kagome and two men

asked if kagome was even the main character if the anime is called inuyasha

in episode 13-ish, asked if kikyo ever shows up in the anime, told her "yes, she never leaves"

[otkuhotgirl]

─── 𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐙𝐎𝐍 .

# with : black-leg sanji.

at last, having been granted enough privacy, following your lover’s catastrophically failed wedding, you’re determined to remind him who he belongs to.

⎰ & smut. post whole-cake island. sub!sanji. amazon position. oral (reader receiving). dom!reader. pathetic sanji (😍). praise kink. fem!reader. no y/n used.

W.C: 4K.

sanji prided himself in a select — yet useful — number of crafts. he was a terrific chef. he had an innate talent to find the ripest fruits at the street market. he had muscular legs and quite a vast list of attacks. and the most important of them all: he turned out to be a master in pleasuring his woman. one could count the manner with which he treated women in general, yet upon learning of his love, sanji had ceased to flirt without a purpose, rather focusing on the one whose finger he meant to put on a ring one day.

by the end of those miserable two years of training — apart from those he cherished, running without a second of rest —, sanji was thrilled to, at last, reencounter his crewmates. it was enough a blessing to bear witness to nami and robin’s perfection, yet nothing had prepared him to the sight of you, a breathing deity; the epitome of all that was sacred. and when his captain proudly stated that you were given the allowance of your empress to join his crew? sanji learned of heaven.

it proved to be a complicated task — earning the trust of a kuja, as a man. particularly because, upon first meeting the strawhats, your idea of the behavior of a man was based on luffy. and luffy was far from normal.

nevertheless, sanji had refused to quit. he memorized your favorite dishes and introduced you to ones you never had; he paid attention to your stories; he seeked you out amidst the others. at first, it was mere attraction — born from the idealization of the island of women and the warriors born and raised in amazon lily. however, soon enough, sanji was left dumbfounded at the realization that he fell for you — and hard —, during those shared moments.

luckily for him, it seemed that the kuja were also prone to falling madly in love in a scarce interval of time.

being your partner was the biggest marvel of his life, and quite the accomplishment of one of the wildest dreams of a clear pervert — to teach his partner the wonders of sexual endeavors and to be aware of the fact that she’d learn it all from him. sanji adored the thought of being your first — and only —, as you were his as well. sex began with its rough patches due to mutual inexperience, and your absolute cluelessness regarding a man’s intimacy and even the act of masturbation, yet time proved itself to be a blessing; you caught on to the act pretty quickly, learning of his most sensitive spots and taking advantage of them during those intimate moments.

sanji was on top during the first instances, his experience — consisting of porn magazines and eavesdropping on past conversations at the baratie — gave him the upper ground. yet, as your confidence grew with repetition, sanji found himself struggling to maintain his dominance. it started gradually: you, riding him more than often; a hand to the nape guiding itself to his throat; his tie wrapped around one of his wrists. it was a matter of time until he surrendered himself entirely to you, unashamed to be at your feet.

and the time at hand came after the unfolding events of his failed and arranged marriage; the freedom of wano; and the brief peace thereafter. the sunny docked at the boisterous deck of a town for supplies, and before sanji had the chance to venture it with the means of restocking the kitchen, you grabbed the collar of his shirt and dragged him to the women’s quarters.

the ship was oddly quiet due to the absence of the rest of your crewmates, and he watched as you searched underneath your mattress for something in particular.

“are we… alright, my beloved?” he inquired, fidgeting.

you had long understood and forgiven him for his past acts, yet sanji was neither a fool nor blind to the ever-growing tension lodged in your shoulders; the clench and unclench of your fists when you were lost in thought. it made him nervous — terrified, even —, wondering if you meant to leave him.

rather than answering, you turned towards him with a magazine in hand, your finger marking a specific page with quite graphic illustrations.

sanji recognized it immediately, his eyes growing wide and throat drying up. it was one he bought ages ago, back in loguetown, that had at least seventy sex positions listed in it.

“i want to try this one,” you stated matter-of-factly. “it has the name of my island.”

he felt his legs tremble as he approached you, wary in his steps. sanji glared at the page in question, the amazon written in black ink above the illustrations, seeming to taunt his resolve.

at last, his eyes softened as he placed one hand above your cheek, caressing the skin with his thumb, aiming at a loving encounter. “i could never deny you a thing, amoureuse.”

sanji should have known better than to expect you to be tender. your eyes were sharp as you threw the magazine somewhere meaningless, gripping the front collar of his shirt.

“take off your tie,” you demanded, the intonation of your voice unallowing protests.

he shuddered; fingers trembling as he complied. your eyes remained glued to his movements, the famine stare of a predator facing its cornered prey. sanji let out a breath of awe, feeling a heat reach his cheeks and neck, painting the paleness of his skin a shade of pink. the erection jailed by the knitting of his clothing became painful within a second. he was too hard; grinding against nothing for an ounce of non-found solace.

you cooed at the action, tangling your fingers amidst golden threads of hair, caressing his scalp. “so eager, sanji-kun. you missed me, haven’t you?”

behind the lust and the command, he caught on the briefest glimpse of uneasiness — as though you longed to be reassured. he felt weak and ashamed, wishing to punish himself for having ever made you believe such a sour and untrue thing of your importance in his life.

sanji knelt in front of you, hugging your legs with both arms as he claimed the flesh of your thighs and bones of your knees with his lips and tongue, his eyes trailed to your face as he rested the side of a cheek against your skin.

“there’s no life for me without you in it, dearest,” sanji whispered, voice meek as you softened — for the merest of seconds — before the loving touch in his hair turned into a bruising grip.

“get up and give me your tie, will you?”

sanji’s mouth fell open to produce a shameful whimper at your touch. he felt your fingers moving down to his chin, nails digging in the skin as you forced him to meet your eyes.

“don’t make me repeat myself, lover,” you demanded, to which he gulped.

sanji’s legs had been crafted into a wonder of itself. muscular and firemade; unbreakable flesh and bones meant to shield and serve. yet, as he raised from the ground, those same legs trembled and faltered under the pressure of your glance.

the fabric of his tie — expensive, at that —, was crushed between your fingers, and sanji found himself not caring in the slightest, mouth foaming at the sight.

his teeth clashed once your thumb forced his jaw shut. he observed you with widened eyes as you soothed the region, skin scraping against his goatee.

“lay down on my bed,” you instructed, pressing your palm flat against his chest to push him further.

sanji complied, his back meeting the soft surface. he whined, observing your knees digging into the mattress as you hovered over him, not quite meeting his clothed thighs. sanji observed you with certain desperation, his fingers trembling due to the overwhelming desire as he aimed at your waist.

“now, now,” you cooed, gripping his wrists as you tied them both to the bed. “we have the entire afternoon, why the hurry?”

sanji tested the binds, well aware that he had more than enough strength to tear it with the merest of pulls. your glance hardened, not an ounce of sympathy offered towards his actions. sanji ceased immediately, accepting his fate.

“please,” he mumbled, his voice sounding odd to his own ears, lacking its usual fire.

“please what, sanji-kun?” you taunted.

“touch me!” he found himself begging, tearing his head from the pillow; buckling his hips as he searched for the contact from your figure.

you gripped the middle of his shirt, pressing a kiss to his forehead. sanji closed his eyes, whimpering as he clung to that faintest touch as though one would to the lingering taste of a most favored food. he chased your lips, nearly losing the sense of the words that graced his sore ears.

“don’t be mad at me for that,” you whispered, breath fanning above his earlobe.

sanji meant to protest. to remind you that there was not a thing you could do or say to ever grant his distaste. yet his voice failed and melted into a yelp, his eyes widening as he observed the buttons fly across the room, the fabric of his shirt tearing open and your eyes drowning in the sight of his bare skin.

sanji’s head fell against the pillow as your hands traveled down his chest, pinching the skin; massaging his abdomen. he tried — he really did — to maintain his composure. sanji was still when your fingers unraveled him, and remained still when your lips, teeth and tongue greeted his flesh, leaving a trail of bites and kisses and bruises in its wake. he was in a pathetic state of broken moans and pleads, yes, but he was obedient. that was, of course, until your mouth closed around a nipple.

sanji’s hips buckled. he moved with pure desperation, chasing friction, whimpering, fighting against the tie. your own hips lowered, forcing his back against the mattress. you applied force, ceasing his movements all at once, and observing him with a glint of disapproval.

“stop that,” you grounded him, gripping his wrists.

“‘m sorry,” sanji caught himself saying, a pool of tears threatening to spill at the pressure of your figure above his aching cock. “‘m sorry. ‘m sorry.”

“you won’t move unless i tell you to,” he nodded fervently. “repeat it.”

“i won’t move unless you tell me to.”

“and i’m your one and only.”

“and you’re my one and only,” he started, refusing to stop at that. “i’m your devoted servant. your loyal dog. i’m nothing if not born to be yours.”

“that’s good, beloved,” you said, and sanji could have melted if not for your next words. “because you’re not being a good boy right now.”

sanji felt himself flush with shame, devastated at the prospect of having disappointed you in some sense.

“i’ll do better,” he whimpered with clear desperation, eager to serve.

“of course you will,” you answered, pleased with his reaction. “you won’t get to cum otherwise.”

ruthless, he thought to himself. his dick twitched. sanji never loved you more.

your lips returned to its previous ministrations, claiming each and every inch of his skin; torturing the most delicate spots of his neck. when you bit down on his pressure point, sanji moaned. his mouth clamped shut thereafter, nervous-struck tears rolling down his flushed cheeks.

he cleared his throat, forcing himself to meet your piercing gaze. “c-can i—”, his voice toned down, embarrassment overcoming him.

“use your words, sanji,” you reminded him, lightly pinching one of his nipples.

he shuddered, swallowing down a whine. “can i make… noises?”

sanji was unsure; meek, even. you pressed a single kiss to his chest, humming. “you must.”

his throat went dry, and he mumbled incoherences, clinging to the tie. a harsh bite to his flesh stole a moan from him — a reminder that he was to speak.

“alright,” sanji whispered, losing a sense of sanity as he observed you unzip your shorts and toss the fabric somewhere amidst the lost buttons.

sanji whined at the sudden lack of contact once you aimed to position your core above his awaiting lips.

“would you mind?” you teased, refusing to remove your panties, while well aware that he had no means to do it himself.

“please,” he pleaded, feeling pathetic at his own despair. yet your eyes held neither pity nor disgust, but burning lust and passion; the intrinsic pride of having him into such a position.

sanji had prayed to be loved; to be desired. he wasted ages pursuing such a thing, at last to comprehend that one did not capture love, but was rather captivated and lured into it during the least expected instance. love was the sight he was faced with as in that moment; love was what he meant to pour in his tongue once it met the drenched patch of your panties, seeking your warmth.

slowly and with certain sadism, for he wasn’t allowed to move a mere inch, you lowered yourself, at last offering him the solace he chased. sanji latched his mouth on your clothed clit, circling his tongue around the sensible bud. he whined at the sounds of your pleasure, sending vibrations through your core.

the first moment in which he begged you to sit on his face had been surrounded in reassuring words from his side. you once hovered, hesitant to have him uncomfortable or trapped in between your thighs. sanji, then, had a vice grip on your flesh, pleading you to use him for your pleasure. and once you complied, it became clear that you had taken a particular liking to that position — and sanji would never complain whatsoever.

he buried his nose in your cunt, coating your panties with his saliva, attempting to have his tongue inside your pussy regardless of the fabric in between. you gripped his hair, bruising the scalp, forcing yourself further down his mouth. sanji drowned in it, controlling the urge to rut his hips, eyes trailed to your reactions.

sanji adored the sight of your face once it was contorted in pleasure; thrived in the fact that he was the one responsible for it. he fastened his pace, teasing your clit with his nose while biting the vexing panties that stole him the delight of tasting you fully. you were nearing an edge, melting at the teasing of your folds — he could sense it. before sanji could demolish your resolve whatsoever, you raised your hips, tearing your cunt from the ministrations of his lips. he whined, observing you; a pout threatening to form in his lips.

“don’t complain,” you reprimanded, returning to your previous position above his thighs. “i’m not cumming on your tongue.”

sanji’s erection was painful, constrained by the fabric of his clothes. his eyes filled with tears yet again, and your gaze softened ever-so-slightly.

“my love—”

“shhh,” you reassured, working to unbutton his pants. “i got you.”

sanji’s grip tightened around his tie as you stripped the lower half of his body bare. your panties were thrown above the pile of his trousers and underwear, and you touched his calves softly. with sudden tenderness, you raised both his legs, pushing them beyond his shoulders, eyes wide.

“you are flexible, aren’t you?” you mused, the compliment causing him to nod with fervor and melt.

“for you, mon cheri, i can be anything,” he breathed out, lost with the sight of your intimacy.

your palms remained on his calves, forcing his feet to meet the headboard. “don’t move.”

“i wouldn’t dream of it, my heart,” sanji proffered, missing the warmth of your palms as you guided one of them to his cock.

you tightened your fingers around the hard shaft, teasing the reddish head. sanji whined, struggling to contain his squirming. yet, he remained still — as you had instructed him to.

“what a good boy,” you complimented, aligning his dick to your entrance. sanji offered you a meek smile, moaning as you teased your folds with his erection.

your walls enveloped his cock as you sank into him. sanji closed his eyes, his cheek against the pillow. you pressed your chest against his own, wickedly satisfied with his reaction. sanji trailed his glance to your covered chest, trembling with desire, his fingers twitching due to the urge to touch your figure.

the fabric of his tie scratched against his wrists as sanji squirmed, struggling to keep his hips tethered to the mattress, as you were unmoving. if he was to switch the angle of his legs ever so slightly, he would feel his feet brush against the side of his head. yet your palms held his calves with an ironmade grip, nails digging in the surface.

“what do you want, love?” you inquired, and he poured his adoration into his glance at the sound of your voice.

“to touch you, ma perle,” he answered with near desperation, struggling to maintain his voice stable.

you tilted your head to the side, grinding your hips. your walls clenched around his shaft and sanji whined, tearstruck eyes born from lust.

“you are touching me,” you said, raising your hips for a mere instance before sinking all the way down. the sound of your moan pushed him through the bottom of a cliff.

“please, please,” he pleaded. “i’ll make you feel so good, mon amour. let me touch you properly, i promise—”

“oh, but you’re making me feel good already,” you mumbled, moving your hips to tease his cock — sheltered inside your warmth. “let me have you this way for now, hm? could you do that for me, sanji?”

“yes,” he broke down, his resolve melting in a puddle.

you hummed, pleased at his willingness. after what seemed to be a thousand ages, your feet sunk into the mattress as you sat above him, holding his raised legs into place. the bed creaked and complained with your bouncing, the tip of his cock reaching newer and deeper spots due to the angle; spots that had you mewling above him, a fruit of ecstasy that sanji so eagerly devoured.

a choir of whimpers tore through his throat as you rode him, raising your weight until his tip brushed against your entrance, to at last slam yourself back down, allowing him to brush against your sweetest spot. you held his wrists for further equilibrium, mouth agape and drool dripping down your chin to his chest as the base of his cock disappeared amidst your folds.

sanji’s glance was tethered to your face — contorted with pleasure —, while he fought against the urge to roll his eyes. the sensitive flesh of his cock was painted white with your essence; the alluring sound of your flesh meeting his own, his balls caged under your ass for the briefest instances. he teared up at the stimulation, his voice assuming a louder — yet shriller — intonation.

sanji felt the warmth of your essences on his skin as it dripped from your intertwined bodies to the silken sheets. he struggled with the tie, repeatedly hitting the back of his head against the pillow. sanji was muttering incoherences — from meaningless pleading to the broken syllables of your name —, a desperate fool of aching feet that could not cease to dance at the tempo of your music.

sanji was barely able to make out your figure through the blurriness from his tears. your hips halted to a slower pace, taunting circles that had him gasping and squirming for a deeper contact.

“what do you want, dearest?”

sanji glazed at your hardened nipples, hidden behind a slim fabric. a harsh grip to his chin — one that guided his eyes to your face — brought him back to the matter at hand.

he cleared his throat, struggling to find the words, lost in the feeling of your walls clenching around his cock.

“want to help you,” he mumbled, aware of your trembling legs, threatening to crumble. “want you to use me.”

you hummed, sinking your knees on the mattress. his tip brushed against your cervix, the position granting him deeper access. sanji cried out, arching his back, his legs diligently obeying to your commands as your palms spread them open. the room filled with the sounds of skin-on-skin, and your pace wavered due to the previous effort; your hips rolling, rather than rising.

your palms met his bare chest, and you yelped when sanji — out of sheer instinct — buckled his hips upwards, matching the tempo of your bouncing. sanji prepared a choir of apologies for the haste; for disrespecting your commands. yet, he was graced with the sound of your mewls, arching your back and digging your nails as you conceded to his actions. your breasts followed the pace you settled, and sanji’s mouth all but watered at the sight, his tongue rolling past his lips due to the desire to have your nipples covered in saliva.

you spared him a glance, eyes losing focus as your thighs burned and your release fled from your grip.

“sanji,” you drawled out, placing one hand on his cheek. the man followed your touch with his lips, pressing wet kisses and sucking onto the skin, observing you through his lashes; eyes glassy.

“y-yes, mon amour?”

you gulped, falling prey to his flushed cheeks and fucked up expression. so much for following-in with the dominance.

“touch me,” you allowed him, emitting a groan of frustration with one last descent.

your cunt swallowed him whole, his balls brushing against the flesh of your ass. your moan got lost between the sound of his ripped tie. sanji lowered his legs and sat up with such haste that his forehead met yours with a particularly unnecessary strength.

“ouch,” you mumbled, giggling as sanji cradled your cheeks with worry.

“‘m sorry, my treasure,” he breathed out, pressing kisses to the extension of your face, not leaving a single inch unattended. “allow me to take care of you.”

you brushed the sweaty hair off his face, wishing to have both of his eyes focused on your figure. you rolled your hips, fueled by his reaction. sanji cranned up his neck, and dug his digits on the flesh your ass as he set the pace, moving his hips to meet your own as you rode him.

the cook latched his lips to your collarbone, unable to reach your breasts due to the angle, yet refusing to have your skin without a trail of hickeys. you hugged him, pressing his face closer. your back arched, eyes rolling with pleasure as your tired throat failed to produce a single moan.

sanji sobbed at the clenching of your cunt around his sensitive cock. gripping his hair, you adjusted the angle of your head to allow him to lick the sweat off the side of your neck. somewhere in that haze there was the sound of frail wood — not that neither of you cared.

“i’m c-close,” you moaned, hips giving in as sanji did his best to rut into you, claiming your insides as his tip continued to meet your sensitive spot.

“c-can i cum too?” he inquired through trembling lips, his voice close to giving in. “please, my star, let me cum with you. i’ve been—ngh, good, right?”

you felt his tears dripping on your skin, mixed with his saliva and your own sweat. your fingers caressed the blonde locks of hair as you nodded, attempting to reassure him through the broken moans as your hips rolled against his.

“cum for me, love,” you encouraged, feeling the familiar twitch of his cock within you.

sanji whimpered, burying his face on your shoulder as he bottomed out, spurts of his seed filling your insides and dripping on the sheets. you rode him, ignoring his pleas and sobs, chasing your own high.

“so good for me,” you cooed, pressing your lips to the crown of his head. “you’re always so good.”

a last bounce undid the invisible knot that held your own release. as it seemed, it also demolished the structure of the bed, and you heard the cracking wood before you, sanji and the mattress were thrown on the ground. your essence mixed with his, and sanji’s cock remained deep inside as he hugged your figure to shelter you from the impact.

“oh shit—”, he worried, anxiously observing the surroundings as you guided him to the soaked sheets.

both of you whimpered, sensible, when you removed his softened cock from your cunt. sanji’s fingers settled on your back, drawing hearts on your skin as you laid above him.

“it’s fine,” you soothed, pressing the side of your head to his chest to hear the wild beating of his heart. “want to stay like this for a little longer.”

the cook peppered kisses on the crown of your head, allowing the silence to engulf the room. musing how he had managed to live for such a long period without your guiding light.

“missed you,” you confessed, kissing the spot above his heart.

he stifled for a second, before his arms hugged you tighter, as if fearing that you were but a dream that he was soon to be woken up from.

“i’m so sorry for leaving so suddenly—”

“sanji.”

“hm?”

“you’re back and you’re mine. and i love you. that’s all that matters to me.”

his throat dried up as he swallowed. “i love you more.”

“enough to take the blame for the bed when nami returns?”

he shuddered, observing your face as your chin pressed against his chest. “anything for you.”

— 🐈‍⬛ : hiiiii (mouth foaming) it’s been a while (i need to impregnate that man) hope everyone’s having a great week (clenching my fist) let’s all do our best!! (if i don’t have sanji by saturday i’m going to crawl up the walls and eat a tree).

[grandlinedreams]

Can I request zoro angest with happy ending

The reader is in love with him and everyone knows that except him so when she saw him sleeping with that girl she started to get distance

:3 i hate that girl I’m sure all zoro simp does

Whdhd you mean Hiyori? But sure bb, I can do that! I hope this is to your liking!

[Heads up!: afab/fem aligned!reader, misunderstandings, Zoro's a lil dumb but it's okay we love him, Wano spoilers]

Of all the times to be jealous, now is not one of them. Not when you have so much at stake, when everything seems to be unraveling from carefully made plans to absolute chaos (thanks in no small part to the antics of your beloved captain) ㅡ you don't have time for things as petty as jealousy.

And yet it continues to rear its ugly head, glittering green serpent eyes as it coils low in your stomach, despite your attempts to focus on anything but that.

It doesn't help that Hiyori is beautiful, with connections that you could never dream of having ㅡ in short, she is everything that you are not. And as bitter of a taste as it sours your mouth with at the thought of it, you can't blame Zoro for liking her.

"Maybe you're better off," Sanji tells you, because he's aware of how you feel ㅡ as is the entirety of the crew, perhaps sans Luffy and definitely sans Zoro. You've not been overly obvious about it, but it's clear if he cared to truly pay attention ㅡ and clearly he hasn't. "Guy is an idiot anyways."

"He's not an idiot, Sanji." The blond cook stares, and you look away. "It's fine. Not like it matters, I never said anything anyways."

"Said what?" You tense at the sound of Zoro's voice behind you, turning to find the swordsman glancing between you and Sanji, the way your expression closes off.

"Nothing," you say, and he tracks your movement as you step past him before he follows you, curious as to what you'd been talking to Sanji about.

"Did I do somethin'? You're acting weird." How painfully oblivious can one man be? You wonder if he's truly as clueless as he comes off, or if this is a subtle attempt to hammer home the point. He's not yours. Never has been, and now ㅡ never will be.

"No," you answer at last, watch the aimless drift of sakura petals on the breeze. "You didn't do anything at all."

ㅡ

"Are you that much of an idiot?" Zoro bristles at Sanji's verbal barb, eye narrowing as the cook glowers at him. "It's amazing that any lady looks at you!"

"Watch it! Last time I checked it was you who throws himself at anything that breathes like a damn fool!"

"We're not talking about me, mossbrain." Sanji's tone is sharp. "If you're really this oblivious to what happens around you, I feel even worse for [Name]."

Zoro blinks, then scowls. "What do you mean by that?"

Sanji hopes that you'll forgive him, that he'll spend forever apologizing if this doesn't go well ㅡ but gods above, someone needs to give this dumbass swordsman a kick in the right direction.

"She likes you, you moron." Sanji exhales, giving Zoro a withering stare. "How do you think she felt seeing you cuddled up with Hiyori like that?"

"It wasn't like that, damn it!" Zoro snaps. "[Name] knows that, doesn't she?"

Sanji scoffs. "You don't know shit about women, mosshead. All I can say is you better figure out what to say to her."

ㅡ

Zoro stews about it for the better part of an hour before he goes to find you. He'd thought it clear he had no feelings for Hiyori, that her sleeping on him had happened after he drifted off. But apparently not, if it's upsetting you.

There's also the fact that you like him ㅡ when had that happened? How long have you ㅡ

"Zoro?" Your voice pulls him from his thoughts to find you watching him, expression somewhere between fond exasperation and confusion. "Did you get lost again?"

"No, Iㅡ" He halts, struggling for words. "I was looking for you."

"For me?" Your head tilts with the jingle of the gold kanzashi in your hair, delicate strings of beads swaying with the movement. "Is something wrong?"

If he were that stupid cook, it'd be easier. He could wax poetic about how pretty you look ㅡ but he's not good at that kind of thing, knows he'd make a bigger fool out of himself.

The cool press of your palm makes him jolt as he snaps a hand up to catch your wrist, and you frown. "You're scaring me a little, so I thought maybe you had a fever, butㅡ"

His grip tightens, and Zoro yanks. He's never been skilled with words the way he is with swords, always better at showing than saying ㅡ so he hopes the press of his lips to yours says enough.

There's some satisfaction to be had at the flush of your cheeks when he pulls away, other hand pressing to your mouth. "But Hiyoriㅡ"

He scoffs. "I don't like her, and it wasn't like that."

Your expression shifts to something like relief. "Oh. And you kissing me?"

"Thought that'd be obvious." He pulls you close again, this time gentler, tone softer. "Do I need to repeat myself?"

Your eyes glitter with mischievous light. "Maybe."

He's all too happy to oblige.

[icaberries]

What if the Vinsmokes were in the Wano Arc?

Go read Part 1 here but TL;DR the Vinsmokes regain their ability to feel emotions and escape Germa with Sanji and the Strawhats.

Mostly headcanons with a side of canon plot.

They’re still modded physically, but now their pain receptors are active so they’re dealing with the ramifications of years of neglecting their body. Ichiji is partially blind from using Valkyrie, Niji has burn marks all over his body, and Yonji has chronic pain in his wrists. It's a struggle, but they feel like they deserve it after all the torment they inflicted.

Ichiji comes across traditional tattoo shops in Wano and decides to get new tattoos on a whim. The ‘1’ tattoo he had before had been his first rebellion against his father and now that he’s free he wants to add more to it. He gets tattoos for all his siblings along his other arm—a pink butterfly for Reiju, a blue lightning bolt for Niji, a green clover for Yonji and a yellow sun for Sanji. It helps to ground him when the Feelings™ get overwhelming and reminds him that he’s not alone in this world. 

The drama in Shokugeki no Sanji with Sanji’s soba stall still happens, only this time he’s backed up by the rest of his siblings who glares at the soba competitors in submission. 

Reiju is first in line when the soba stall officially opens. She’d had to fight her brothers and the Strawhats for it. Robin is a close second but only because Reiju was distracted by her. If you know what I mean ;) 

The handcuffs left marks on Sanji’s wrists. Surprisingly, it’s Niji who asks why Sanji’s hands are so precious to him and Sanji tells them about Baratie and Zeff. There’s something about the sparkle in Sanji’s eyes as he talks that draws them in, the way he speaks so highly and softly about his found family on the East Blue. They wonder, if somewhere down the line, Sanji would speak about them with that same fond tone. 

Niji gifts Sanji a pair of dark brown leather gloves, long enough to cover the marks on his wrist. Sanji wears it to the raid and Niji is quite proud of it and claims he must be Sanji's favorite brother now. Until Ichiji chimes in and says that Sanji’s hairstyle as Stealth Black/Soba Mask is more similar to his and confidently declares himself as Sanji’s favorite brother. Ichiji and Niji argue for hours.  

(It’s actually Yonji who's the favorite. Sanji only has one little brother and he’s got a soft spot for him.) 

Just imagine Law, Basil Hawkins and X Drake watching Soba Mask. Now imagine them seeing a group of brightly-colored siblings cheering on Soba Mask, while they themselves look like Sparking Red, Electric Blue, Wench Green and Poison Pink. It’s a good day to be a North Blue fanboy in Wano. 

AND NOW FOR SOME ANGST!

They witness Sanji awakening his modifications and for a brief moment they’re happy that Sanji caught up to them like he always wanted, until they see the horrified look on Sanji’s face. He looks so afraid to turn out like them, to the point that he’d ask his own crewmate (Zoro) to take him down if he ever ended up like them. They’re not even mad. They’re just sad and guilty that Sanji felt that way. 

There’s a brief lull in the battle and Reiju pulls her brothers aside to tell them about their mother and her sacrifice. She told Sanji that story so he’d remember that his life was worth living and being kind. Now she’s telling the same story to Ichiji, Niji and Yonji so they can remember the same thing. Sora wanted them to live and be good. 

After his fight with Queen, the brothers hug it out. Reiju may or may not have taken a picture.

Right after that, the brothers now hug Reiju! Because she deserves it alright! Years of pretending for Judge, of keeping her brother's in check and dealing with their mother's death, Reiju did her best to be there for all of them. Now she gets to see her little brothers grow up into the good people their mother wanted them to be and she can finally stop pretending. She can be herself again <3

(I love Reiju sm yall but that's just the eldest daughter syndrome talking)

The road to redemption is paved with triumphs and stumbles. It’s just fortunate for them that Sanji has a good sense of direction. 

AND NOW BACK TO FLUFF!

Yonji continues to cement himself as the favorite when he calls Chuji the cutest thing in the world and proceeds to share his snacks with the little guy. Niji and Ichiji never stood a chance. Little brother is strong and is hitting all of Sanji's buttons.

The worst part of regaining emotions though? It’s not the gooey mushy feelings of love, or the cold guilt and shame over their past mistakes, it’s the annoyance they now feel whenever they witness Roronoa Zoro flirt with their oblivious brother. They can’t stand him. Unfortunately, he makes Sanji happy so they’re forced to seethe on the sidelines while Zoro picks another fight/flirting session with Sanji. 

Reiju doesn’t tell them that it’s not just Zoro they have to worry about. Trafalgar Law keeps finding an excuse to check Sanji over for his “health”, a jaguar mink keeps asking him out to smoke together, don’t even get her started on Basil Hawkins and X Drake asking her for her blessing. That’s not even counting Sanji’s other suitors who aren’t in Wano right now. Their baby brother is quite the popular guy.

[alllsunday]

A few thoughts on how Portgas D. Ace is the epitome of the Tragic Hero. For one, his entire life was a tragedy.

“A tragic hero is the protagonist of a tragic story or drama, in which, despite their virtuous and sympathetic traits and ambitions, they ultimately meet defeat, suffering, or even an untimely end. They are often imperfect or wounded with some sort of fraught experience, and typically have some sort of fatal flaw.”

He fits the criteria :

1.) “High status/noble”

Ace is the sole heir of the notorious Pirate King and the only known female Will of D carrier. Yes, he’s not a noble, but he is obviously a high status pirate and a person with the “noble” qualities Aristotle was talking about even if he wasn’t literally one. Honourable, generous, polite.

2.) “Flawed”

The fatal flaw (hamartia) that brings about the hero’s downfall, destruction caused by their own hands. In Ace’s case … well, if I had to narrow it down, I’d say wrath, arrogance, and never backing down were the most key to his downfall, but the title of #1 has to go to his hubris (excessive arrogance/pride). It was because of this he went to Wano to challenge Kaido, the monster not even Oden could slay. Izou himself pointed out Ace’s arrogance. It was because of this he challenged Whitebeard, went after Teach, and ultimately ended in tragedy. Ace had been the strongest almost his entire life, losing was.. new. It doesn’t matter, cause everytime Ace is in a situation where he fucks up he always gets himself out of it, and when it comes to fighting as a whole, strength is his one constant. Even in the face of Teach’s power, he underestimated him, thinking that he’d win, which brings me to my next point :

3.) “A reversal of fortune”

“The character should suffer a terrible reversal of fortune, from good to bad. Such a reversal does not merely mean a loss of money or status. It means that the work should end with the character dead or in immense suffering, and to a degree that outweighs what it seems like the character deserved.”

Ace was a traumatised and heavily wounded character who spent his childhood suffering. It was not quite a childhood. As an older teenager, he was tearing up the world of piracy (the first pirate of the new generation, super rookie, all at an insanely fast rate, even much moreso than Luffy) before joining Whitebeard and settling down. Though not eradicated, his internal struggles cooled down slightly. Maybe by the time he was a fully wisened man and not a boy fresh out of his teenage years, he could have been on the road to healing - but his belief that he could obviously beat Teach, his subordinate, was the catalyst for the events that were to come.

It was seemingly going alright - Ace had fit in, made friends, had the family he had so needed.

That flipped over almost instantly, and ended in his painfully premature death. During the fight, Ace realised he’d been overconfident. But this time he couldn’t back it up. Teach had won.

On his deathbed, Ace finally realised that he wanted to live. Death was the thing he’d wondered about for his entire life, and now that he was actually on the brink of it - he had changed his mind. After 20 years, he genuinely wanted to keep going for the first time. Yet it was snatched away from him.

To add insult to injury, Sabo’s death, one of Ace’s many traumatic experiences, ended up being a misunderstanding. Sabo was alive and didn’t remember him… until he had died.

[danwhobrowses]

One Piece Chapter 1117 - Initial Thoughts

The breaks always feel long but they always end

because One Piece is back! Which means we have to see more of Vegapunk's transmission and the Straw Hats' escape

Let's not linger on it, let's see what we have!

Spoilers for the Chapter, Support the Official Release too!

Yamato is still yet to start his voyage, this time stopping by Nekomamushi and Hyou's neck of the woods

Seems Neko is living among the Yakuza, which to be fair does fit his style

The reveal last chapter that the Roger pirates knew about the world sinking causes some to wonder if the One Piece is underwater

Or at the least, great treasure hidden at the bottom of the sea

Seems the Polar Tang wasn't the only known ship able to dive underwater, but they're expensive

Also made myself sad because we lost the Polar Tang...and the Victoria Punk

EDIT: I didn't even see it the first time but the Krieg Pirates are there, you see Pearl even more decked out, Krieg has a mane and GIN! HE'S ALIVE!

There are however 2 other ships that know how to dive, an alliance of Romance Chasers

Montblanc Cricket and the Saruyama Alliance react to the news, and consider doing some more diving to investigate a new romance

Cricket also notes how it was before Noland's time, so it would be uncharted territory, just regulate yourself so you don't get the bends again

In the G-5, the SWORD agents lick their wounds

Hibari is defrosted, and Koby is struggling to process everything

Kujaku notes how a captain is recovering, but I'm not sure who that is, Koby's the only known SWORD captain and he's in the panel, plus they use male pronouns so it can't be Tashigi

Koby looks to Grus about the shitstorm about to go down, which Grus is also concerned about, Kujaku however relishes a chance to step up

X DRAKE'S ALIVE

He's out of Wano and in a recovery bed, what about Hawkins? Did he make it?

Tashigi's also making a call to Smoker

Missed ya Smokey, driving all badass across water with your motorbike, no need to guess who you learned that from

Vegapunk continues his message, noting that anything else would be speculation so he won't delve deeper - much to audience chagrin

Back to the Labophase and the barrier has been lifted by Stussy

Nami and Chopper notice that the clouds have also stopped moving, but Usopp assures that they can make it to the sea

Lilith however notes the ships they'd be landing on, some of them friendlies as well

Brook charges up the Coup de Burst so it's all waiting on Jinbe and Zoro

Speaking of whom, they are nearly there, but they're on the tail of something bigger: V. Nusjuro

Nami thinks Zoro and Jinbe ended up getting distracted and chasing a monster, but I would assume Zoro (since Nami wouldn't take that tone with Jinbe as often I don't think) notes that they're going the same direction

Whoever it is, they note the Gorosei's 'special presence'

Usopp, Chopper and Lilith go into an eye pop as the Gorosei prepares to bisect the Sunny

Jinbe and Zoro are doing the Fastball Special!

V. Nusjuro blocks Zoro's Nitoryu, though the clash isn't a simple swat away

Zoro confirms what we've theorized with V. Nusjuro having the final and most powerful Kitetsu blade, Shodai Kitetsu

The impact sends both swordsmen being knocked back, and the twitter fans go wild

Jinbe catches Zoro, as Zoro tells Nami to launch the ship anyway, intending to latch on before it flies away

With Sanji's group, he, Bonney, Atlas and Franky are still waiting for Luffy, but they're also under heavy fire

Comms are down, but Luffy's voice is unmistakable

Dorry and Brogy also call on Oimo and Kashii to get the ship ready, sending the legendary Giant Warrior Pirates into action

Out they come taking on a warship each by themselves, the one in the lower middle looks like he's about to eat a dude

Bluegrass isn't some easy shmoe though, using a commandeered Weaponized Sea Beast to attack and encouraging the marines to step up

The laser blast from the sea beast blows a hole in the longboat, and then Kashii is battered by Doll's Rock n' Roll Blaster (which seems to be a Gatling-esque series of punches)

The marines much like they do with Hina fawn over Doll when she gets violent, wonder if she trained under Garp with such fisticuffs?

The felling of Kashii has motivated the marines to not back down from the giants either

Luffy meanwhile is curious where Warcury went, since he's no longer on their tail, but the giant captains are too relieved to wonder about that

Alas, all but V. Nusjuro surround the Iron Giant, realising that it's the same one that attacked Marejois

Of course this is where Vegapunk is about to deliver a closing juicy statement

'To those who carry the letter 'D.' in your name' !!!???

Dragon with the classic ellipsis, Sabo thinks of his brothers, Koby thinks of Luffy and Garp, Blackbeard interest piqued, and Bepo calls out to his captain - so Law is very much alive

'Among you there is mo-' and the giant is knocked down, along with the transmission

And a collective wail among the audiences of the world in and out of the manga is heard

Morgans, Vivi and Wapol react to the cut off, as the Gorosei and York breathe a sigh of relief that the transmission is over.

Well god damn

We expected the blueball and yet it still sucked to be blue balled XD Unless we aren't that is. Pride comes before the fall maybe?

I would say it's 70/30 on the side of the Gorosei succeeding, we don't need to know any more at this stage right now - but I do blame the 10 minute delay for picture. But what could 'mo-' - the chapter's title - mean? What more was it. Among you there is mo-what? Someone with the D. has something, and it's important.

But it does look like we're reaching the final escape from Egghead. I hope Sentomaru made it out, X Drake can survive and leave Wano after all. There are still some fights going on among the Giants and the Marines, plus we don't know how the CP0 lot will resolve itself, but we tend to take for granted just how insanely jam-packed Egghead has been, and Elbaf is next!

Glad Zoro got a little bit more cred back for matching V. Nusjuro, plus I liked it was a fastball special it's just fun when groups fight in sync with each other. Also kinda glad we put some respect on Bluegrass and Doll, shows there are levels to vice admirals outside of just Garp.

All the cameos were good too, would've liked to have seen Tashigi and Bogard again but happy to see Smoker and Cricket was a nice surprise.

Unless Vegapunk has one last trick up his sleeve, it's time to get off this island.

[kookie-doughs]

Again And Again

Portgas D Ace X Reader

-Amatsuki Y/N decided to stay in the future without her sister upon meeting a friend’s son.

Chapter 1: Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep

The Oro Jackson, with its grand sails, docks at the port of Wano. The crew members, including the you and your brother-in-law, Oden, stand on the deck, your faces filled with melancholy. The golden rays of the setting sun cast a bittersweet glow on the scene.

You look down to your leg and there held on, was Buggy who was practically sobbing and Shanks who looked at you sadly.

"Hey I'm also leaving, why do you two only care about Y/N?" Oden sighed.

You were the only woman on board, it made sense they'd get attached to you. You were the crew's princess after all.

And to be fair... it wasn't just the two kids who held onto you.

"Roger get off her." Rayleigh sighed as he pulled his captain away.

"This crew has been my family, and I'm grateful for every moment we spent together... I'm going to miss you all." You say with your voice trembling.

"Y/N DON'T FORGET US! ALWAYS PAY US A VISIT OKAY?! NO MATTER WHAT TIME IT IS!!" Roger says as he struggles from his first-mate's hold.

"Take care of yourself... We'll miss you so much." Shanks says and lets go of your leg and pulls the sobbing Buggy with him.

"We'll see each other again, I promise! This isn't going to be the last!" Oden cheers.

"Thank you for everything. We won't forget any of you. I promise to see you again!!" You smiled.

As you and Oden descend the gangplank and step onto the solid ground of Wano, you turn to face your cherished family for the last time. The crew members line the deck, waving and calling out their farewells, their voices filled with emotion.

"Goodbye, everyone! Thank you for making this journey unforgettable." You yell at them waving.

"Farewell, my friends. We'll always cherish the memories we made together." Oden says with tears and a smile.

The ship slowly sails away, and the distance between the crew and you and Oden grows. The crew members stand united, watching their friends depart, hearts heavy with both sadness and pride for the incredible adventures that they had gone through together.

"I miss my Toki so much, come on!" Oden yells as he grabs you and carries you like one of his bags.

Something you've gotten used to over the years of being with him.

"Y/N!" Your sister greets you as soon as you arrive.

Her husband falls as you have won her attention first.

You hug your sister, "Oh how I've missed you."

Two children, came rushing in the room to hug their father. After Toki gave Oden a kiss she pulls you aside to catch up.

"Toki, Oden was looking forward to you." You laughed.

"He can wait, we have a lot of time." She rolled her eyes, "So? Catch me up! Tell me everything."

Toki, was the dearest person to you. You could tell she also holds you close to her 3rd only to her children.

You two are peas of the same pod after all, twins with similar yet opposite power.

"I had thought you would've ended up with Roger." Your sister chuckled as you tell her your story.

"Oh god no. Rayleigh was definitely more of my type. But alas, I couldn't get attracted to them."

"You are a liar. I know you and your type is definitely Roger."

"Whatever! Go spend time with your husband!" You rolled your eyes causing her to laugh.

~

News from outside Wano travel a whole lot slower. The news was year ago, why have you only gotten it now?

Amigasa Village, here you were the last place you saw your dear former captain.

"Y/N?" Oden came to you, Toki following after him.

"I heard Roger died a year ago." You smile sadly at the couple.

"Oh did he?" Oden sat beside you.

"Yeah, paper says Marines got him. They executed him after he went on about One Piece." You laughed.

"That's bull." Oden laughed with you. "Marines trying to look good."

You sat in silence as you stare at the waters, Remembering the ship that had left you here not long ago.

"I wonder how the others are..."

"Well considering the news was a year ago. They probably don't think much of it."

"I want to see..."

"See what?"

"Hey Toki," you turn to your sister. "Can you take me to the future?"

The couple froze.

"What?"

"I can't let you go alone."

"We can't do anything with how things are right now. I want to see how it is in the future."

"I said I refuse to let you go off alone." Toki reiterates.

"I can always come back."

"Y/N there's a reason you haven't gone back and fixed Wano. You can't simply go back to past and future like that." Oden reminds you.

"I can come back after a year. It's not that long."

"What if you get in trouble to whenever I send you?"

"Toki, I sailed with Roger Pirates for years and trained with Oden. I'll handle myself fine."

"What do you even want to see? Why do you have to leave?" Oden sighed

"I want to see the world."

"Y/N... What if the future isn't something you like?" Toki says sadly.

"I'll wait till I can come back. A year wait shouldn't be too bad."

"A lot can happen in a year." Oden replies.

"I'll go back anyway. Somehow, I'll find a way. I'll get back to you."

"The future isn't even great."

"How would you know? Toki, please. I want to see outside of Wano."

"Promise you'll come back..."

You smile at your sister. "i swear."

A light envelops you.

"I'll see you in a year."

"Ill see you in 19 years." You smiled.

And then, there you were.

In a beach. You were luckily familiar with the place. It hasn't changed. You smile.

You would've thought your sister or your nephew or niece would be here to greet you.

You make your way to the village. There you saw children running around with men who didn't seem to be citizens of Wano.

The village looked poor, it surprised you how much life it had despite it.

"Who are you?" You hear a voice behind you. "You're not someone from this village."

The man wore a mask over his eyes. He is a muscular man with spiky long light blue hair, and wears a very long opened coat which stretches down to his knees and leaves his chest exposed.

You looked at him confused. He was most definitely a pirate. But what was a pirate doing here?

Pulling out your Katana on your hip you point it at the man.

"Do you serve Kaido?" You glared.

People gathered and gasped. The citizens tried to get help. The man was unarmed after all.

"I don't." The man says nonchalantly.

You were about to hide your sword when you felt a presence that was coming behind you.

You envelop your sword with haki and slashed at the direction of the attacker, you didn't put much power into the attack as you didn't want to be hostile to someone who isn't an enemy.

The flame that was coming to you was cut and it turned into a man. His arm had been cut.

"I do not wish to fight!" You clear it up before he attacks once again. Putting your sword away to prove it.

The man in the form of flame materializes. You froze when he looked at you.

A familiar feeling swells in your chest. They shared almost no striking similarities aside from their jet-black hair and the intense darkness of their eyes. But you felt something the man before exuded an air of charisma and determination, possessing an unwavering spirit that drew others to them like a magnetic force. Just as the man you followed before.

It was something you had always admired on your former captain. You looked at the man in front of you awestruck.

"Who the hell are you?" the man gritted his teeth, angered at the fact you pointed your sword at his friend.

But you were too engrossed in your thoughts to pay mind to his question.

This seemed to be destiny was it not? In your despair of losing Roger, you travel in time only to be in the arms of you assume to be his son.

You smile as your tears formed. You had promised to meet him again after all. It wasn't like you can meet him again. You were in wano during the incidents.

"I asked you something." The man calls for your attention again.

Your tears slowly dripped and your smile grew wider, "I'm Y/N."

The man shocked by your tears, came over to you, "I-If you're not an enemy I'm not going to fight you! Don't cry!"

You laughed causing your tears to fall more. "To think you'd be the one here. Maybe you are the future I'm meant to get to."

The man blinks confused, "I-Is that a romantic u-uh I-I..."

Placing a hand on his head to pet him, "You never gave me your name."

"Ace?" He says confused.

Your heartache swelled, yearning to tell Ace about your shared past, about the legendary crew you held dear. But the weight of time and the knowledge that your stories belonged to a bygone era held you back. Instead, you could only stand there, filled with a profound sense of loss and nostalgia.

The encounter with Ace had awakened a longing for the past, but it also reminded you of the joy in forging new connections and embracing the adventures that awaited them in this new era.

He is not Roger. You couldn't wait to get to know Ace.

Masterlist | Next

Taglist?

@gayer-than-the-gayest-gay @nykie-love-anime

[cptn-m]

One Piece chapter 1119 Review and Analysis

Confronting Wano’s lingering prejudices in the cover story is a pleasant surprise. I wasn’t sure there’d be a way to do it in the near-wordless cover stories, but Oda’s taking it on anyway. This choice helps retroactively justify the slow start to the story because of the contrast it creates with all the people heaping praise and assistance on them in the early installments. I did have, looking at this, a thought about Wano’s culture. Some comments are quick to call out the country’s citizens for not learning from the monster they created in Orochi by blaming blood instead of individual, and I myself was pretty hard on Hiyori on that point back when the arc ended. But we have to remember, the purge of the Kurozumis happened when Orochi was a child, and the man died at 54. So have these kids learned from what happened to Orochi? Hell no, they weren’t around for that. Even Hiyori wouldn’t have seen the events Orochi lashed out over. And yes, there may be older people alive who witnessed the full cause and effect, they might be forgiven for not passing that down fully to their kids considering what’s been happening to them for the past 20 years. You have to solve issues of life and death before people are able to ease their focus toward social problems. Hopefully Wano is now at the point where they can start doing that.

Mars’s “defeat” on the sea below is something I think could have been choreographed more clearly. Like, the concept works, but it’s spread over so many pages that it looks more like Bonney, Sanji and Franky push Luffy into Mars for an extended struggle before he flies away. Given that the final push seems to be Luffy fully inflating, what was the point of what the others were doing? I think this should have been something more like the launch of a cannonball, where the three hit Luffy simultaneously back near the ship and he flies out and hits Mars full force, carrying the launching power of their attacks. You could still fit the back and forth around using Haki into that in roughly the same number of panels, and the motions of it would actually make sense. Turning things that seem like the should be quick hits int physics-defying pushing struggles is nonsense when the anime does it to draw out scenes, and it’s nonsense when Oda does it too.

But luckily, this one kinda awkward clash actually isn’t the finale of the arc just yet. The Sunny’s group is being held up, presumably by Nusjuro, and the other Elders aren’t giving up yet.

I’m worried by Atlas’s moment though. That thought to Lilith about York’s monitoring feels really ominous for her survival chances. Are all the good Vegapunks really going to die together on Egghead? I wonder if Atlas and Lilith will work together to take York out of the World Government’s hands as well, ending them all in a blaze of glory. That would be a sad; they’re fun characters, and I really like Atlas’s design. Normally with Oda you wouldn’t worry about this kind of thing, but with Shakka and Pythagoras gone and Edison implied to be down and out as well, it’s starting to feel more likely.

And don’t think I didn’t notice his lack of fear about hitting the water after. It doesn’t outright confirm anything – we’ve seen a lot of Devil Fruit users make big risky jumps over open sea in the past – but it’s definitely an interesting addition to the evidence.

(Also the concern about the spat-out Cipher Pol agents “dying on impact” is pretty funny considering they’re only here after surviving the even bigger fall from the Labophase basement, but I guess the Marines on the ships wouldn’t know that.)

There’s the mystery of what makes the time right for EMET now, presumably the same thing Roger was “too early” for, but putting toegether the dots, what was it that made it seem like the time could be right 200 years ago. Have there been multiple opportunities to do whatever the One Piece was intended to do, and all we’re seeing is the one that works?

As ready as I am to see Elbaf, I’m also not going to complain about Egghead taking the extra few chapters it needs to totally put a bow on things. A climax for the remaining Vegapunks. The big escape for the Sunny’s group. A final smackdown on Saturn for all he put Kuma and Bonney through and the definitive last word of the broadcast are going to be worth it in the long run. Will the Elders be allowed to achieve their objectives of capturing Punk Records and the Mother Flame, or will Atlas/Lilith/Stussy perform one final, sacrificial act of sabotage and make it so everyone loses?

With break week nigh again, I’m going to drop volume 2 of my rewrite project at some point in the next seven days, either when spoilers would normally hit or when the official release would be on a chapter week.

Reminder that you can read this review and more on my Wordpress.

[sabo-has-my-heart]

Holding You Again

Okay, I lied, the smut isn't going to be in this part, it's going to be in... PART 3!?!?!?! I got so carried away writing what happens next, I didn't have enough words for the smut, lol 😅. I guess after being so sick for 2 weeks, I had a lot of pent up creativity. I should have part 3 out later today.

Part 1, Part 3

Warnings: suggestive

Word Count:1410

     It was a sudden thing, how the two of you went from having never seen each other to seeing each other everywhere. Instead of spending meals with the rest of the nurses, you’d often wander to eat with the rest of the crew, Ace in particular. Any time off that had previously been spent reading, was now spent up on deck talking with him or, more often than not, flirting with him, and nights spent staring up at the stars thinking about him, were spent talking to him about stars and constellations. 

     While you had no problem striking up a conversation with Ace, the poor fire user was quite the opposite, not quite sure how to talk to you. The boy was nearly bursting at the seams in excitement at seeing you again and wasn’t quite sure how to proceed without scaring you off. He wanted to simply pull you into a kiss, hold you tightly, and make up for lost time, but at the same time he was terrified that you didn’t remember him, that he’d be moving too fast for you. It tested his patience as he tried not to move too fast for you, particularly when you flirted with him. Were you actually flirting with him or was he seeing what he wanted to see? Did you remember him and were trying to give him hints or did you just find him attractive? Did you even realize how crazy you were driving him? How much he longed for you, longed to hold you close? Should he ask? Maybe if he brought it up, he’d at least know where he stood. At the same time, did he want to know? What if he didn’t like the answer? What if it was all just coincidence? He was tearing apart and he didn’t know how much longer he could take it.

     You, on the other hand, were enjoying the teasing, enjoying watching his internal struggle as he tried so hard not to do something that might drive you away. It wasn’t that you enjoyed torturing him, only that you found it sweet that he was trying so hard for you, trying so hard to not drive you away, to make sure you cared for him. Despite the years, despite how he was part of a different crew, despite everything, he was still the same sweet man who’d stolen your heart that night as he held you close, whispering sweet nothings in your ear as he brought you to your climax again and again. Another division commander had approached you, Izou, inquiring about who you were and where you were from, chuckling when he heard you were from Wano as well, revealing that Ace had asked him to talk to you, to see if it was really you. You’d told him the truth but asked the man not to say too much more, you wanted Ace to take that step naturally, without somebody’s interference. Even if that interference was simply telling him that you remembered him. As an oiran, it had been easier for him, all he had to do was literally buy your time, pay for an afternoon and night with you, but as a Whitebeard nurse, things were trickier. He couldn’t just go up to you and say “Hey, I want to pay to spend time with you.” and not expect to get slapped. Not that he thought he could ‘buy’ a woman, you were a person, not property that he could just buy and own. It was just easier when he could pay for your time. 

     Taking a few deep breaths, he stared at himself in his bedroom mirror.

     “Y/n, I was wondering, do you remember me? No, no, no, that doesn’t make sense, we’ve been talking for weeks. Phew, okay. Y/n, This is gonna sound a little weird, but I actually met you a few years ago. No, that sounds so… forced. Uhhh…. Y/n, I… damn it.” Ace growled to himself as his head fell to rest against the mirror. He couldn’t take it anymore, he had to know if you remembered him, had to know if he needed to start courting you from scratch or if he had some sort of foundation to work with, “Y/n, I- fuck! Thatch, what the hell?! Knock next time!” Ace shouted, spinning around to glare at the man who stood in his door, doubled over in laughter.

     “What? Does the newly appointed commander think he’d got a shot at the cute little Wano nurse?” Thatch teased, making the boy glare.

     “As a matter of fact, yes, I do. And unlike the rest of the crew, I’ve got an advantage. She might have turned everyone else down, but you don’t know her like I do.” Ace boasted, making the man raise an eyebrow.

     “Oh? Do share. What exactly makes you different from all the rest of the guys she’s turned down?” Thatch asked, crossing his arms, leaning against the doorframe.

     “Simple. She and I have history. I… I don’t know if she remembers, but the first time I met her wasn’t on the Moby Dick, it was back in Wano. Back when she was an oiran. I promised to pay off her debt back then, to free her from that life. She ran away before I had the chance, but I promised her I’d see her again, it might not be in Wano, but I’m not going back on my promises to her.” Ace said, readjusting his hat, glancing back into the mirror as he took a deep breath. Turning back around, he shoved Thatch out of his room before heading out himself, closing his door behind him as he went in search of you. 

     It didn’t take long for him to find you, bumping into you not even 10 seconds later as he rounded a corner to literally bump into you, arm wrapping around your waist to stop you from falling.

     “Y-Y/n! I… I was just about to go looking for you, actually.” Ace said, surprised at how quickly he’d run into you. He’d wanted to find you quickly, but he’d thought he’d at least have a couple more minutes to mentally work things out in his head before running into you. You giggled, your mouth hidden behind your hand like it so often had back in Wano, a fact he hated. He loved seeing the smile on your lips when you laughed, always pulling your hand away from your mouth so he could see your smile. 

     “What a coincidence, I was looking for you as well.” you said softly, smiling up at him. His cheeks flushed pink, quickly and gently pulling you into his room; he didn’t want any of the crew seeing him stumble and blunder his way through his confession to you. 

     “Y/n, I… I know this is going to come off as strong and weird and confusing, but it’s been driving me crazy and I really need to know… Do… Do you remember me? From, you know, Wano?” Ace asked nervously. It wasn’t exactly what he’d hoped, but with you in front of him in his bedroom, he didn’t have time to make sure it was perfect. Giving him a soft smile, you placed your hands on his freckled cheeks, pulling him in for a soft kiss. Your lips were still as soft and smooth as when he’d first felt them on his own.

     “I was starting to wonder if you’d ever approach me about our time in Wano. I need to know, did you ever go back for me? I know I ran away before you got the chance, but did you still try to keep your promise?” you asked, Ace just nodding dumbly as he stared at you, his hands finding a place on your hips as his heart threatened to pound out of his chest.

     “Yeah, I did. Even paid off all your debts even though you weren’t there anymore. I… I made a promise to pay off all your debts and free you from that life, whether or not you were there, I wasn’t going to break that promise.” he whispered, leaning back in for another kiss. After so much time apart, he needed to feel you against him again. Ace had you nearly melting in his hold as he pulled you closer, your arms wrapping around his neck, fingers tangling in his soft, black locks. It felt so good to hold each other again, to feel each other again.

[condoriano-67890]

Mind isn’t working and I can’t sleep so HERE’S A FANFICTION

Luffy X Fem! Reader

Warnings: sickness, spoilers of Wano

Summary: You are sick— and Luffy is there to help.

Recently, you and the Strawhat Pirates had just left Wano Kuni, after defeating Kaido (you were there to witness the entire fight… you had fainted from the shock of having seen Luffy become God).

You and the rest of the Strawhats had been partying for the last week entirely— defeating Kaido himself required no less of a giant party. But some of the food you had eaten wasn’t exactly prepared properly (any food not cooked by Sanji isn’t good enough 😤). It had taken your body a little while to start showing symptoms.

After leaving Wano Kuni, the Strawhat Pirates soon stopped at a nearby island, as every one of the Strawhats needed to get something from the market there. Except for Luffy.

Luffy wanted to explore the island, so you were assigned the task of making sure he didn’t do anything stupid like try to fight the locals. So, you had to go with him.

To be honest, you weren’t feeling so good throughout the entire day, but you just assumed it was the exhaustion and stress from Wano.

You quietly followed him as he ran through the forest— to keep up with him you attempted to stay in a light jog, while also conserving energy. You had managed to keep up for about a mile, until you had tripped over a fallen tree branch, falling onto the forest floor.

Luffy heard the sudden thud come from behind him— and stopped, turning around, wondering what it was, when he saw you on the ground. He giggled, “hey, y/n, you okay?” He asked, standing there.

“..y-yeah,” you muttered, suddenly realizing just how sick and exhausted you were. You placed your hands on the ground, and attempted to lift yourself up— but to no avail.

You felt as if you weighed hundreds of pounds. You breathed deeply, and slowly, in, and out, as you remained calm. You stayed on the ground for a few moments before trying again.

But, again, to no avail.

Luffy’s eyebrows furrowed as he watched you fail to get up. Realizing that the situation was a bit more serious than he thought, he began to approach you.

“Y/n?” He asked, beginning to sound a bit worried.

You breathed heavily, as your eyes trailed up Luffy’s figure to meet his face. “Y..yes?” You asked quietly.

“Your face is red,” he told you, kneeling down in front of you. It reminded him of when Nami had gotten sick, causing them to land on Drum (now Sakura) Island. He placed his hand on your forehead— you were burning hot. Just as he thought.

“We gotta get you back to the Sunny,” he said, eventually. Standing up, he stretched his arms, wrapping them around you several times. Then he lifted you up, placing you on his shoulder.

“Oh—“ you blushed, “L-Luffy, I’m okay-“

“No you’re not,” Luffy said sternly, as he began to carry you back to the Sunny.

You knew Luffy well enough to know not to struggle against his grip. Even though it was very uncomfortable to have his shoulder digging into your stomach, you didn’t resist.

“…thank you,” you said softly, as the Thousand Sunny came into view.

[fallensnowfan]

The manga is on break this week, meaning it's a good time for some truly ridiculous math!

Some stats about characters with Nika-like forms and the arcs they appear in:

Carrot - Activates Sulong in 888, exhausts in 889. During a full moon. Big Mom lands on the Sunny the chapter Carrot's transformation wears off. 65 chapters into the arc. 13 chapters before the arc concludes. 17% of the arc remains. 83% of the arc is complete. Ends at 902.

Yamato - Activates hybrid zoan form in 1019, exits in 1025. During a full moon. Luffy and Momo return the chapter Yamato leaves hybrid form. 117 chapters into the arc. 32 chapters before the arc concludes. 21% of the arc remains. 79% of the arc is complete. Ends at 1057.

Bonney - Activates her "most free" form in 1118, exhausts in 1119. No moon because it's day time. Robonosuke/Emet punches the boar the chapter Bonney's form tires out. 59 chapters into the arc. Speculation: 12-16 chapters before the arc concludes. Speculation: 79%-83% of the arc is complete. Ends at 1131-1135.

No math here though I want to bring up Stussy as well, have an idea about her that may connect to all this. During the Egghead Incident, we learn that Stussy is a clone of someone who precedes her, that even her name doesn't fully belong to her, being the same as the person she was cloned from.

Her struggle with feeling she has no identity of her own has potential to mirror Luffy's situation in some important ways. Not unlike Okiku/Kikunojo of the Lingering Snow's story regarding identity.

Quick aside, it'd be sweet if Stussy chooses her own name in a future chapter.

Luffy's devil fruit awakening is causing others to look past his name, to refer to him as Nika/Joyboy instead. A name that doesn't belong to him, instead being that of a figure from an 800 year-old myth. It's something I imagine Stussy has felt anxious over before, feeling like she doesn't have a name to call her own.

Luffy brushes it off during his battle with Kaido, and he and his crew say it isn't the case during the current arc. Though he still seems to not be in full control of his awakening, which has me wondering if Oda has more planned with that aspect of Luffy's story. The "Joyboy" identity could end up being something like Sniper King to Usopp, or Soba Mask to Sanji.

Perhaps the reason Joyboy failed his crew is due to him coming to believe in the name others assigned to him, "Nika," to the point he lost touch with his own humanity.

It may parallel the ways Oden failed to live up to expectations. To protect his followers and his country. Turning down Roger's offer to help defeat Kaido, believing only those bearing the name of the Kozuki Clan should be responsible for freeing Wano, believing the lies Orochi and Kaido told him, in spite of his retainers advising him otherwise. Dancing to save thousands of people, though not having a way to stop those people from being enslaved in Kaido's weapons factories over the next 20 years.

I will be keeping a close and curious eye on Luffy's interactions with Robonosuke as this arc carries on toward its conclusion.

[dittobooty]

I haven't written a fic in at least 8 years but a really good AU does something to a man so have this little ficlet I wrote in like 15 minutes and didn't even bother to read back over for mistakes and don't even have a title. I just didn't feel like drawing a whole comic for this okay? This is inspired by @charliethechandelure's Weird Summer AU. Hopefully it's not too messy, enjoy.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

The news about Pedro was only given to them after everything was said and done in Wano. Franky sobbed for the boy they had only known one summer. A tear sprang to Robin’s eye and she silently wiped it away. That night they would grieve in each other’s company but on the Grand Line there’s no time to properly mourn a loss before you have to keep going. So they decided after that night to accept his passing and move on. That was until Egghead brought them back in the company of two people they never thought they’d be close to again. The truce with Lucci and Kaku was uneasy but necessary. To annoyance of Lucci, Franky was as boisterous and friendly as ever, as though their circumstances had never ripped the pairs apart. It wasn’t until after they had dealt with York and the Seraphim that there was a moment of peace to truly reconnect but, more importantly, to break the news to them. “May I speak with you both for a moment?” Robin asked, calmly approaching the two. Kaku barely remembered anything from the time that they had spent together that summer. He was so young at the time that all he could recall were like snapshots in a hazy dream, the feelings remaining more than any actual events. Lucci on the other hand could remember everything but he never spoke of it, almost as though it was a point of shame in his life. “What do you want?” Lucci replied, never even looking in her direction. “It’s Pedro, he…” “He’s dead isn’t he?” He responded with a voice that felt like ice. “Yes…” This was how it was on the Grand Line. People came and left your life regularly. People died regularly. Kaku struggled to remember the boy that they were speaking about, finally recalling the young leopard mink. He instinctively traced his fingers along the beads of the now too small friendship bracelet that he still kept on his wrist and watched Lucci for any reaction but there was none. “Sorry for your loss” Kaku decided to say. He supposes it was his loss too but it doesn’t feel right to claim it since Pedro was a ghost to him long before his actual death. Robin nodded. “Thank you” she said quietly before leaving them alone. Lucci was always a hard character to read, even for Kaku who had known him for so long, but there were always small signs. Right now the man was looking down with a slightly furrowed brow and a clenched jaw. This was the most grief he’d allow himself. Kaku wonders if the young mink haunted Lucci long before this moment given his devil fruit. There was no way of knowing, but if the loss hurt him, he would be there to help him heal.

[grandlinedreams]

Omg, i like the way you wrote Law get treated by reader. So i was wondering if you can have Law in middle of struggle? Like, he was already on his bed but he keep his eyes opened when he was super tired. And he keep thinking dark thought or dream. Maybe at that time, reader was away or came into his room later to comfort him 👀

But if you don't wanna write similar scenario, ignore this ask wink

Hiya!! I'll never turn down a chance to write Law stuff when he gets the comfort he deserves!! I hope this is to your liking, bb!!

[Heads up!: mentions of nightmares/anxiety, set between zhou/wci and wano]

Some days are better than others. There are weeks where he doesn't think of Corazon or his family at all ㅡ and almost thinks he's finally learning to let it go.

And then he catches a glimpse of something ㅡ the feathered collar of his own coat around his neck, patches of his skin that are a shade or two lighter than the rest, a tickle in his throat that won't go away ㅡ and he's drowning again. They seep into his skin, sticky and heavy and dragging him down until he's gone days without sleep because he doesn't want them to follow him into his dreams.

Tonight is one of those nights. Maybe its for the fact he has more people he has to be responsible for the safety of right now, people depending on him to be stable, to have an answer for everything.

And then there's a tiny voice that notes how much colder his bed is right now, absent of another body ㅡ you. It'd been a quiet discussion of you going with the Strawhats to retrieve their cook, mostly because with you tagging along he can trust they won't get into too much trouble ㅡ he hopes, anyways.

But he feels your absence more acutely right now, moving from his bed to his desk and retrieving your vivre card from where he's tucked into a drawer in his desk. It inches slowly and steadily, and he's tempted to follow it instead of continuing on to Wano. But he knows bettet, and he also wonders when exactly he'd gotten so soft.

It's all your fault. You, with your kindness and boundless patience, strong and dependable ㅡ but he can't hate you for it. Could never hate you for it.

Knowing sleep won't come easily and desperate to at least try, his attention turns to the transponder snail on his desk. He listens to the 'purururu', ready to back out the longer it takes ㅡ and then he hears your voice.

"Law?"

"Did I wake you?"

"No," you answer, and he can hear you shift, the creak of wood and distant sound of wind and ocean. "I figured they needed sleep, so I'm taking over watch for right now."

"You need to sleep too," he says, brow knitting, and your laugh in response has butterflies stretching their wings in his stomach.

"Is that why you called? To scold me?" Your tone sobers for a moment. "Everything is okay, right? I didn't think you'd run into trouble after Zhouㅡ"

"Everything is fine," he answers. Truth be told his guests are getting on his nerves a little, but he isn't going to say that. "I just...miss you."

In the brief gap of silence that follows, Law grapples with the sudden fear that he's too much. Too needy after so long of not allowing himself to be. Too demanding.

"I miss you too," comes your soft reply, washing away that burst of fear. "You can't sleep, can you."

It's dangerous that you know him so well even now, but still a comfort. "Maybe," he answers, listening to you sigh.

"Go lay down." When he doesn't answer, you press further. "Just do it, I have an idea." He debates for a moment before he complies, carrying the transponder snail with him.

You listen to the sound of blankets rustling, the creak of the mattress ㅡ and when it stops, you speak. "Close your eyes, and I'll talk. You don't have to sleep, but just listen, okay? Let your body rest."

"It'd be easier if you were here." It's a quiet admission, one that hadn't come without lots of patience and reassurances that you won't disappear on him, won't leave without a fight.

"I know," you answer. "But we'll be back together before you know it." You adjust to get comfortable yourself, watching the pale break of waves on the horizon. And then you begin talking.

It ranges from what's unfolded on the Sunny during your stay (you'll try not to take the Heart Pirates and their brand of natural chaos for granted anymore) to more general observations, then to stories of your childhood.

It doesn't matter what you talk about because when you finally pause, you can only hear the soft cadence of breathing from Law's end rather than the hums and scoffs he'd been answering with. He's asleep ㅡ at least you hope he is, keeping your voice soft as you whisper, "Sweet dreams, Law. I love you."

And you resume your watch, at peace with the sound of waves and the sound of him sleeping.

[infriga]

I watched the live action One Piece because of you and your excitement over it and I really loved it, so thank you! Wondering if you have suggestions of where to go next? Read the manga or watch the anime? It honestly seems a bit overwhelming, so not sure where to start.

That's awesome! I love inspiring people to try One Piece, it's a really fun ride! It's always great seeing new fans coming in to enjoy the series! 🤗

I wanted to be as informative and thorough as I could for anyone wondering about this, so this might be long, but I'll provide a summarized version to start then include the long version under a readmore if you want more info in order to decide. Sorry if it gets a bit rambling lol.

So the answer to the "anime or manga" question is not necessarily complicated, but it is a little more nuanced than some fans will lead you to believe (a lot of manga-only elitists have a hate boner for the anime to a degree that imo isn't warranted) . There are a few major factors.

Summarized version:

1) this one's obvious, but bears saying; if you prefer manga, go with the manga, if you prefer anime, go with the anime. If you like both, go with both, unless you only want to consume one. Some people tend to gravitate towards one over another, and that's fine.

2) if you're interested in consuming both, I recommend starting with the anime, then going to the manga after, to avoid tainting your experience with the anime by comparing it to the manga all the time. If you only want to consume one, stick to the manga, because it is the better version. If you're on the fence or haven't decided yet, start with the manga then decide if you want to also try the anime later.

3) if you want to consume the anime, then determine how much of the original experience you want to be retained. There's not many filler episodes, but they do exist, and there are watch lists that explain which episodes to skip if you don't want to watch them. Otherwise obviously the manga is the true original and is the best version of the story. The anime isn't terrible, I still enjoy it, but it does have its flaws compared to the manga. That said, it does also have some benefits you can't get from the manga such as the top notch voice acting (at least in Japanese) and incredible soundtrack. Also the animation in Wano has been sending One Piece fans to the emergency room with priapism lately so do with that what you will.

4) determine how much time you're willing to invest. The manga is going to be the fastest way to consume the series, but there is a fan edited version of the anime that speeds up the pacing to match the manga, and thus takes a lot less time to catch up on. You can also read the manga then look up your favourite scenes in the anime as a supplement without investing into watching the whole anime, either shorter or longer version. The only thing to keep in mind is don't ever skip any canon arcs, you WILL regret it later. Oda never forgets.

Where to watch/read:

If you want help finding a good place to read or watch the series, for free or otherwise, let me know and I can provide some links! I can also provide recommendations for which movies to watch and when if anyone is interested in those, or even just OP fanfic recs if there's a market for that lol.

Now, for:

The long version (oh god I'm so sorry this got so long I am incapable of talking about this topic succinctly):

1) what type of media do you prefer and have an easier time consuming? Comic or animation?

I have an anime only friend who struggles with reading comics for some reason (he can read books just fine, but he struggles with comics and he doesn't know why), but he loves the anime, and is even currently rewatching it so we can catch up on watching Wano together since that arc is ending soon and we like to wait and binge entire arcs instead of watching weekly. If you prefer one over another, then whichever that is, is fine fine to go with. If you don't have a preference, then your next factor is:

2) do you want to only consume one, or are you open to consuming both?

I read the manga and watch the anime. I get a slightly different experience from both, I prefer the art and pacing of the manga, but I love the voice acting and music of the anime, and some moments just hit harder for me in the anime. I haven't cried very often reading the manga, but I have cried quite a bit more watching the anime when seeing the same scenes, like full on sobbing at some points ngl. It's not that I think the moments are done better in the anime or that they're not just as sad, but I have an easier time crying when seeing something in motion with sound for some reason. I rarely ever cry when reading books or comics. It happens, but not as easily or as often. Also while the animation throughout most of the series is middling (not bad but not amazing) for most of the series, aside from major fights, the most recent arcs have seen a huge upgrade in regards to the animation, WCI to some extent but especially Wano. The animators have just been going HAM on the animation during Wano. Like, it's all but impossible to find good examples without spoilers because of just, how many spoilers there are at that point in the story, but I'll at least show Luffy being pretty lol:

That said, the anime isn't without its flaws, but I'll get to that in a bit.

If you do want to consume both, then personally I recommend watching the anime first. I find people who read the manga first are more prone to comparing everything in the anime to the manga and wanting things to fit 1:1, which I think puts the anime at a disadvantage and makes people a bit more hypercritical of it. But ultimately this is up to you. Maybe you don't know yet if you'll try both, in which case the manga is probably better because it's the version that, by its nature, is the best version, and will give you the original experience, and you can decide later whether you want to supplement that with the anime as well.

If you only want to consume 1, at least mainly, then the next factor is:

3) How much of the original experience do you want to stick to?

The One Piece anime doesn't have nearly as many filler arcs/episodes as other long running shounens have had in the past, and past Enies Lobby there's almost no filler arcs whatsoever, aside from the rare 2-5 episode arcs, usually ones that advertise the movies that came out not long after they aired. But there are some full filler arcs earlier in the anime, and the general consensus is that most are pretty meh. Not horrid, but nothing special, and many of them ended up accidentally contradicting canon when new information about the world or certain in-world systems came out later. There are watch guides for skipping these widely available, and most OP fans do recommend watching the G8 filler arc because it's viewed as the only one that is on par with, or at least close to, canon content. I enjoy it myself as well personally.

That said, one of my biggest gripes about the anime, especially after sabaody up until Wano, is how it takes Odas more mild level of sexualization in comparison and dials it up to 1000. At its worst it has taken scenes where a female character is introduced with a full body shot and a name/title card in the manga, and turned it into a scene where the camera zooms in on her boobs, thighs, waist, butt, and then slowly pans up her body starting from the feet, including boi-oing noises or weird many sound effects with each zoom in shot. It also increased the boobs sizes and decreased the waist sizes constantly, put a lot more effort and attention into boobs jiggles than was necessary, and at least one point they even blatantly zoomed in on Nami's boobs bouncing isolated on the screen while she was running for absolutely NO reason. Oda doesn't do this in the manga. He doesn't introduce women in bits and pieces focusing on their body parts in an oggling manner, he doesn't put their boobs front and centre unless it's maybe by accident because of necessary framing. Even when he has sexy shots of women, they're usually full body shots that also even manage to serve as establishing shots most of the time. I also often get the feeling that a lot of it is also him being aware of his target audience in Japan, which is teenage boys. You can see a lot of how his approach adjusted when he has a different audience in mind in the Live action, not only regarding stuff like diversity (which WAS present in the original, their real life equivalent ethnicities have been said to be diverse for a long time, but Oda himself, as much as I love him, only has one skin tone marker in his whole house apparently and he uses it for every single character in colourspreads and covers, including the characters that are supposed to be black, and the anime isn't much better on that front, so it's nice to really see the proof of the diversity visually in the live action in a way that doesn't come across as clearly in the anime or manga), but also in regards to adjusting shounen tropes to better fit a live action setting. You can see in a lot of his SBS answers that he takes his target audience and what he wanted to see as a young boy into account a lot even if he might otherwise explore different tropes or depictions or structures in a different medium or genre.

BUT the anime does have its flaws. I won't pretend that Oda doesn't draw his female characters sexier as the series goes on, and while he also does with the men (Zoro canonically has the biggest bust size on the crew according to Oda lmao) it's not to the same degree as the women. This is especially concentrated around Nami, possibly because Oda's wife is a Nami cosplayer and iirc he met her while she was cosplaying Nami. It's the most overt in certain later arcs, but not too present in earlier arcs up to, say, Sabaody. But, while he does draw the women sexier, he's not... Idk the right terminology to use but he doesn't employ an oggling pov towards the women very often. Not never, but compared to the manga you relatively rarely get much particular purposeful focus on body parts like boobs or ass, there's also never any panty shots (seriously, not a single one in the entire series). That's not so say that the series is always perfect in this sense, but rather that's to compare it to the anime. And while there are some things One Piece doesn't do perfectly sometimes, there are also a lot of things it definitely gets right about how the women are written as complex multifaceted people with conflicts and motivations just as deep and diverse and complicated as the men. They mostly just look extra seggsy sometimes, at least the main ones do. And YMMV, but personally I'm okay with some sexiness, so long as it doesn't compromise the characters story and personality and doesn't go overboard to the point of being softcore porn, which Oda doesn't do in the manga. And I also don't like how often criticism of sexiness turns into shaming any clothing that shows more skin. There's a difference between disliking fanservice and going full conservative prude.

Now from what I've seen this has gotten significantly better in Wano in the anime, probably because Oda himself purposefully played down even his own horniness during Wano because of the focus on traditional Japanese aesthetics and dress. Idk if it will get bad again after Wano, but a lot has changed regarding the way the anime is animated and directed since the last time it was bad, so hopefully not. But this can be a significant barrier to the anime for some people. If that's the case, then I definitely recommend the manga. It's the original, and in comparison it is practically chaste. It's not prevalent throughout the entire anime, it's mostly bad for the stretch from Fishman Island to the end of WCI, which consists of 3 big arcs and 2 smaller in-between arcs, but improves significantly in Wano, and isn't too bad in arcs before Fishman Island. Still more egregious than the manga, but not to the same degree. So it's possible you can tolerate it for that stretch since there are still lots of good moments in the anime in these arcs too. Though I'll note that there's quite a bit of censorship in the anime compared to the manga, Zeff eating his own leg for example, while included in the live action, was not included in the anime. Instead he lost it when it got caught in some ship debris while he was rescuing Sanji from drowning. Stuff like gore and blood are also tones down a lot. The live action honestly isn't any more gory than the manga is, even at the beginning. There's even less blood in the live action, the wound Zoro got from Mihawk was nastayyyy in the manga. Bro nearly got bisected fr.

Though I will say that I think one thing that helps make the more sexualized aspects of the series feel more balanced and a lot less center stage is that Luffy himself, the main character, is completely and totally 1000% gender blind. He's not blind to stuff like masculinity or femininity, but he's blind to whether masculinity or femininity is something that is only applicable to men or women. He likes plenty of manly things, there's a gag about him not wanting frills on his shirt because he doesn't think they're manly and he doesn't like that, but he doesn't think that it makes a man less of a man if he wears a frilly shirt, and he's not opposed to wearing other clothes that might be more feminine coded like his fuckin cute li'l dress thing in Egghead, or the literal dress he wears proudly for all of 3 seconds in Film Gold lmao. There are plenty of men in the series who wear frilly shirts. There are also men who wear makeup, wear pink, crossdress, etc. Luffy could not give less of a shit what men, or women, wear. He does not discriminate between women and men in how he treats them in any way shape or form, his awareness of gender expression is limited entirely in how he personally expresses *his* idea of *his* gender. If a woman pisses him off he'll beat them up just as easily as he will a dude. If a trans man says they identify as a man, he'll refer to them as a man, even if they have a more feminine appearance, and vice versa. He does not blink an eye at non-binary/genderfluid/queer characters, etc. That's one of my favourite things about his character, in part because I'm aroace and identify with him and his gender blindness a lot (among other things, he is an aroace icon for a reason lmao), but also because it's nice to have a 100% gender blind character as the main pov throughout the series.

Then there's the final factor, which is

4) How much time are you willing to spend?

The anime is undoubtedly the longer time investment. Which can be good or bad depending on your view. I know when I caught up sometime after episode 505, I was devastated at not having any more episodes to watch. I started out thinking "this will take me forever and I probably won't finish it", then shifted to "damn those 100 episodes went by fast, but that's okay, I still have 400 episodes left" to "200 episodes already? Well I'm not even halfway yet, that's fine" to "300... Oh God I'm already more than halfway" to "400!? Where are they all going?? Why aren't there more?!?" to "well I HAVE to read the manga now because I can't stand to wait for the episodes to come out weekly" then I banged out the rest of the series in the manga in a few days like I was a drug addict trying to hide my stash from the police by snorting it all at once. So to some, the length can be a blessing rather than a curse lmao. But if you are worried about length, the manga is a lot easier to go through without taking months and months to catch up, unless you take your time reading it. There is a fan edited version of the anime called One Pace, which takes out all the filler and adjusts the pacing to be closer to the manga, which might also be an option if you want to watch the anime but still want a less exhaustive itinerary to watch. They. Might even edit out a bunch of the excess sexual shots and editing in the anime though I haven't watched it myself to determine that. The main issue is that One Pace hasn't completed every single arc, but it is an option for watching the arcs it does have. I know Dressrosa is one of the longest arcs and might benefit from some trimming. I also recommend, if you choose the anime, to watch episodes in batches rather than weekly. While the pacing of the manga is quite a bit faster, so it lends itself to weekly updates better, the anime does suffer from being watched weekly. I've always binged arcs all together and I find that improves the experience a lot.

Aside from that, you can also always just read the manga then only look up and watch particular scenes you wanna see in the anime to get the experience with the voice acting and music and animation, without having to invest as much extra time into it. I may not be a dedicated anime hater, but I do agree that the manga is undoubtedly superior to it as a whole, so while I don't think there's anything wrong with being anime only, if you are open to both, but only want to choose one to consume, it's the manga all the way. You only have to start at chapter 1 and go from there. Or episode 1 for the anime.

I hope this helped, and wasn't too confusing or overwhelming. I know how daunting the series can be to get into so I wanted to try and be comprehensive and objective, and provide some approachable options for people new to the series by explaining some pros and cons of each approach.

[melonteee]

i feel like its more like sanji USED to really hate himself and HAD zero self worth, he has clearly been healing and his fight with queen was about him FINALLY coming to terms with himself and learning to accept himself (esp the anime did a FANTASTIC job with this, showing him finally breaking free from judge and knowing he IS loved, by his real father and his crew) and he did wonder what "version" of himself luffy would prefer but in the he made the decision himself, i just aaaaaaa love when a character who just fucking despises their existence finally starts realizing their worth and that they ARE loved and they CAN ask for help, wano was amazing for sanji's character, he was faced with his worst fears but in the end, he came out better for it, FINALLY starting to let go of his past buuuut i also hope oda is not completely done with his story (since, you know, the eyebrow situation) i just really love how sanji has been since the queen fight and it really does feel like he is starting to love himself, finally 💕💕💕

It's true Sanji is on the path to healing now, but he still has a very long way to go. After all one does not just begin to immediately see worth in themselves or leap over their self worth issues after like, a few days dfghkd. The fact he still questioned what LUFFY wanted from HIM, even if he still picked his own path, is enough to show Sanji is still very much struggling. After all, did Sanji break the germa suit for himself? Or did he break it because he remembers Luffy saying "Well, that's who you are!", therefore leading to the idea that Luffy wouldn't want him if he weren't his current self?

And while he did ask for Zoro's help in that regard, the help in question was still to KILL HIM?? Sanji is so desperate to stay how he is, he doesn't even ask for help through his mutation, but just to outright KILL HIM?? Like he has SO many problems and Sanji is definitely struggling to accept himself as of yet HHH

I personally can't see if he's actually loving himself right now, or if he's still trying to find worth from those around him at the moment. He has a very long ways to go, and not to be biased but I feel like Zoro confirming Sanji DOES have worth in himself at SOME point would be the final nail in the coffin Sanji needs to FINALLY, TRULY accept himself. After all, it wasn't just Luffy that convinced Sanji to join the crew, but Zoro's own display of strength against Mihawk that really inspired Sanji.

[danwhobrowses]

One Piece Chapter 1114 - Initial Thoughts

And we are back

TCB uploaded on a Thursday for the first time in yonks, but it had to be midway through my trip back from work

but anyway, GLOBAL WARMING! Vegapunk is pouring the tea, the world is sinking, so what more does he have to say and how will the world react?

Spoilers for the Chapter, Support the Official Release Also!

Yamato's pilgrimage involves taking the long way around Wano to bring Yasuie's sword to the Enma shrine (the god of the underworld not Zoro's sword)

We'll likely encounter a bunch of characters on the trek but it surprises me that he's bringing back Yasuie's sword and not Shusui to Ryuma's grave. Either are still fine but I feel like that had more narrative significance, though if that was the task then Zoro wouldn't have been able to visit his grave off-screen - which should've very much been on-screen!

You know the tea is spilling when the chapter title is 'The wings of Icarus'

Naturally, the world takes in the revelation we left off on

The Navy reacts first, the Vice Admirals in disbelief but Akainu silent

Mock Town of all places is next, filled with nonbelievers of dreams, they mock the smartest man on the planet and deem themselves wise

Water Seven are shocked too, finding it difficult to believe that it's the whole world and not just them

Paulie and Pepe Lulu cameo too (love Franky but in another life I would've liked to have seen Paulie as a Straw Hat, would've been a perfect foil for Sanji too since he's a bashful perv, plus Nami would totally abuse how bad he is with gambling)

Doflamingo of course is revelling in the news, mocking Magellan about how this affects Impel Down

It's so surreal to me how we all know that Doflamingo is a menace, his debut literally involved him pitting marines against one another, but now he's in Impel Down he's just chilling, on his back just vibing with people like Magellan and Tsuru

It seems the Mother Flame's flooding did cause some problems for Impel Down

Doffy predicts that it'll take 5 more meters for most of the world to be flooded

He also implies evacuating 'somewhere high up' - like the Red Line maybe?

Fishman Island also reacts to the news, like everyone else they find it hard to believe

Back at Egghead though, the Buster Call don't care if it's valid, it's coming from Vegapunk so it holds weight but either way it's bringing unrest and discourse

The Gorosei meanwhile are livid, even considering going scorched earth to stop it

York is also annoyed, suck on it

Vegapunk makes a prediction, accurately pointing out the weather effects of Lulusia being wiped out

That for sure has got people more convinced, given how it's pre-recorded

Surprise Smoothie and Mont D'or cameos too!

And another already flooded island is surprised how much to a tee Vegapunk got the prediction right

Damn even Tonjit from Long Ring Long Land is getting a cameo!

Aokiji bandaged up also listens from Fullalead

Vegapunk also calls out that the earthquakes were not natural, which really sets the Gorosei off

The Straw Hats continue to fend off Saturn to protect Robin, with Lilith also in on the fight

Most of them get knocked away though, being caught by Robin's Spider Web

Saturn does still appear to be showing some damage, so still props to the crew for doing the job

Because Saturn has shifted his priority from Robin, making his way to the power station to protect it

Saturn crashes in, as Vegapunk explains his obsession with finding an unlimited energy source

Back to his 'human' form, Saturn basks in the Mother Flame

I was expecting something different, but it is a tiny flame kept in a giant tank

I wonder if the S-108 and the A&Mu stand for something? The latter are not elements on the Periodic Table

Also it's a flame inside liquid, A FLAME INSIDE OF LIQUID!

The Sleeping Giant still is on the move, passing unfazed through fire and flame

Even the Giants are struggling in the flames, still in pursuit by Warcury

Luffy however is back in Gear Fifth, that fermented shark meat must've done the trick

Marejois is stirring though, because Vegapunk has just brought up the void century

Most of the Celestial Dragons are in uproar, blaming the marines and feeling big enough to take on Vegapunk to kill him themselves

Though, interestingly, Saint Shalria - Charloss' sister - seems almost intrigued, it appears not all the Celestial Dragons know about the Void Century

Vegapunk goes on to talk about how the Poneglyphs are key to the void century

In a woodland a giant lounges as he takes in the news, the familiar laugh of Dereshishishi coming from him

I'm still not certain it's Jaguar D. Saul mind you, why hide his face for so long?

Man we're even going as far back as Orange Town!

With the Mayor and Chouchou!

The benefits of having a 20+ year manga is how you can bring back so many minor characters briefly to just show the entire scale of the world that's been built

We also see Margaret from Amazon Lily, her face seems conflicted

Vegapunk however explains that his second sin was trying to decipher the Poneglyphs, using documentation gathered from Ohara

Since Luffy could hear the broadcast I'm sure Robin is hearing it too, I wonder how she feels about Vegapunk about to lore drop a bunch of Poneglyph stuff she didn't get to discover herself

Brook is also calling for Zoro and Jinbe, not sure what their status is, same with Franky, Bonney, Atlas and Sanji vs V. Nusjuro

'History is a story, after all' is a lowkey banger line

But the Labophase is behaving differently, the clouds are stretching

Edison's plan has come into action, making the clouds wider so the Sunny can drop off into the ocean

Credit to Usopp for figuring it out too

Seems like the little tyke isn't making it out, it may end up being just Lilith at this stage

Vegapunk keeps going, stating that he only knows little about the void century, so he'll give the world some of the only facts he knows

Luffy strikes Warcury again with a Gear Fifth big punch, but the result hurts his hand all the same

Meanwhile Vegapunk details the story of a person born 900 years ago to a bountiful and advanced kingdom

Just like Nika, he had an elastic and stretchy body - which the world will very much connect to Luffy - called Joy Boy

Joy Boy was the first man to take to the seas: The First Pirate

But a break again next week, I know last week was a SJ break than an Oda break but c'mon I feel like he does this every year!

Oda sure loves to set a stage huh? What do you mean Joy Boy was the first pirate? That'd imply he's rebelling against something right? Was the advanced kingdom too restrictive maybe? So much still yet to be said

For the most part, what the characters were doing this chapter were secondary to this announcement built up, it's still cool that the Straw Hats deterred Saturn away from Robin - though we are overdue seeing Jinbe and Zoro do something of substance. Ju Peter and Mars are still kinda floating around, Doll and Bluegrass were circling the island last we saw them too. But yeah, lots of unique and surprising cameos, the mystery deepens as the plot continues somehow to thicken.