#oda i need answers

[hannya-writes]

Remember the Wedding Cake Sanji made?

As usual, I was overthinking about something (the Whole cake Arc) and came with a crazy theory about that cake and the special ingredient Sanji put on it, something unorthodox and that Big Mom had tasted before: Blood, more specifically Pig's blood.

How in hell I came to that conclusion? Because you see there's this old Italian recipe of a "Sanguinaccio Dolce", dark chocolate + pig's blood, that I had the idea that it's really delicious.

Now, remember no one seemed to like the idea of Sanji putting "that" ingredient and they asked him if he really wanted to do it "that way" since it was going to take more time.

And I don't know you, but that skulls in the decoration seem like a clue to me.

Now listen to the song she sings after she has eat some of the cake. At first she can't define what's that taste, but then she mentions dead puppies and a pet cemetery? Like ok, that's weird! But then she says is risky, how can it be risky? Maybe because the sanguinary chocolate is not something you put in a cake. She talks to mother Caramel and suddenly she recognizes the flavor as the One and only flavor of Happiness while remembering her 6th birthday, the day she committed cannibalism.

So yeah, that's my crazy theory, maybe I'm late for this but hey, whatever just wanted to share it and know, what do you think? Could it be possible or am I a bit twisted?

[panrao]

when will my sharp dressed husband return from the war?

[andaniellight]

What even is this "Voice of all things" ability? Thought Luffy can only hear to the Sea Kings' voices? Thought Luffy's only the receiver, like Momo and the mermaid princess? Why could Heart Pirates crew, and even Law, hear his voice as well, while he's drowning in the ocean after falling off Onigashima??? What was he even saying to them? Could it be different things? Different orders? Was it even a coherent message at all like he told Momo that he's alive and he'll defeat Kaido instead of some fuckin'- nonstop screaming? Could it be just the repetitive of "i will defeat Kaido i can't die now i can't lose I CAN'T LOSE!!! I WILL DEFEAT KAIDO!!!" over and over again? All I'm sure of is it must be Luffy's ability alone, right? Reaching out to the most sensitive or the ones he trusts so he doesn't worry them...

Could his own crew hear him too, since a long time ago...? Would be funny tbh if it's only Zoro who could hear him but decided like oh yeah of course we're connected telepathically, i know him the longest so obviously we have the most special bond, or whatever. And then someday someone brought it up and he's like. wait. WAIT. YOU COULD HEAR HIM TOO? VERBATIM???

Also hilarious to think that Law could be very dismissive about it, being a doctor or man of science he is, saying "damn i'm losing so much blood and my head was beat too hard i can't stop hearing Mugiwara's screaming at all" until the voice disappeared. Him questioning his own sanity until he couldn't hear Luffy's voice abruptly. "Oh, it finally stopped... [slowly worries] why does it stop? was i not just imagining things??? Did I not hallucinate Mugiwara's selfmotivating screaming about defeating Kaido at all???" Shocked that he's affected by it. Even more Shocked once he finds out someday his crew apparently heard him too - while they're submerging on the fucking ocean.

[thewillofdeez]

Fact: Jinbei summons a school of whale sharks during the escape from Impel Down. Implication: While the ability to speak with sea life is usually only for merfolk, there are likely at least some fishmen other than him who can also speak to sea life. Further, they can speak to the specific kind of sea life they are based on. Jinbei is a whale shark fishman, therefore he can at a bare minimum communicate with/summon whale sharks. Fact: Hachi is an octopus fishman. Hachi also runs a takoyaki stand.

Implication: If Hachi also possesses this ability, he likely doesn't actually fish for his octopuses. Instead, he probably summons them en masse onto his boat, the octopuses climbing aboard to their impending doom not knowing they are about to become fritters.

[dykealloy]

genderfluid law using room to mix-and-match his secondary sexual characteristics. you agree.

not satisfied until the pussy is downright diabolical

[firefistacesfreckles]

any ideas on teach? i always figured there was something going on with him, it's been stated like a hundred times, but i never thought his lineage would be so important? at least not to the point where even the gorosei would know about it.

[strykno]

Top ten mystery in SoL history or something

[baahsu]

I love how we all mostly agree on how much/how little the drug worked on 1234ji. We know it worked on Sanji - 100%. I either see for Niji or Yonji that people hc that Sora's drug worked around 50% on either of them, not both. Or that Niji and Yonji share a 25% on the drug working on them, I guess it depends on the person. What I see the most is that the drug didn't have an effect on Ichiji at all.

Do you see it the same way? If not, I would love to hear how you see it :)

I think in general ppl's hcs are similar to this, but how much the drug worked on each of them is a little different

Like, for me, it actually didn't work 100% on sanji since he's kinda changing now, so I'd say 99% for him

For niji and yonji I'd say 10% maybe? We see niji getting angry, so I imagine that's the only emotion he can express, and yonji seems rather curious or excited about certain things? But he shows some of it on a "let's fight!" sort of way too... Maybe 15% for yonji instead?

Ichiji I do think we all agree on lmao I can't think of a single scene in wci where he showed any emotion or reaction, he's like a blank wall. I still like my hc that he might be the one to regain his emotions first and starts pretending nothing changed with him, but if I had to pick between the two I'd put my money on the drug not working on him at all

[the-gayest-sky-kid]

BLOCKED

[astrumocs]

odarem have u thought much about the future? do u wanna work in the fleet forever?

"Not a whole lot to think about, I'm afraid. Unless I become useless enough to be discharged without getting myself killed, this is a 'for life' sort of deal. Sure, I've entertained some thoughts here or there, but nothing serious."

"Between you and me, I'd rather meet an early grave from overworking than be stuck in the fleet forever. My only real goal is to do as much good as possible with the circumstances I've been saddled with, y'know?"

[nururu]

"garp let ace die" ace killed himself. nice that you let the entire point fly over your head though. people who blame everyone else for their problems truly want there to be a villian in aces story. ace was his own worst enemy. idk how you guys think "garp let ace die" when ace would've killed himself regardless of who stepped up for him. obviously. because his entire friends and family and even hundreds of people he'd never met stepped up for him and risked their lives for him and none of that mattered. how would garps influence have changed anything? if Luffys didn't? if white beards didn't? ace wanted to die. ace chose to die. ignoring that and blaming his death on everyone else is a disservice to the story oda is trying to tell you.

[tuxxydo]

when will jinbe teach robin more fishmen karate?

[brainfuzzz]

I want to know why we didn’t see croc reading the paper about luffy’s new bounty post wano and instead got… marine hunting cross guild? Maybe they’re somehow connected… 🧐

Well... if you know anything about me then you know I am in DEEP crocomom hell, so I like to think that he's doing it to somehow help Luffy? Instead of pitting pirates against pirates, finally have pirates hunt marines to get some heat off Luffy's back? Maybe? I dunno, I haven't gone too deep into this thought process yet. Or maybe he could be doing this to help the Revolution somehow? Even if it's not crocomom/DragonxCrocodile related. I sometimes like to think he might have something to do with the Revolution even if he's not entirely part of it, but this feels like a stretch, and I doubt it. But it could be another reason why Crocodile protected Luffy at Marineford because he has connections with Dragon/The Revolution?

OR it could be that he just wants to give a big fuck you to the Navy and run a company again. I mean, in the One Piece movie Stampede (I know movies aren't canon but stay with me) Crocodile was the main reason they were able to beat Bullet. He literally came up with the plan and had Law get the others to follow along with it. (Also, how does Bullet know Crocodile??) So MAYBE he has this big plan to get a big force (army if you will) and use it against the World Government. In Alabasta his whole plan was to get Pluton to have major military power that rivals the World Government so this could be a stepping stone towards that. And if not for Crocomom reasons then maybe he has been keeping up with Luffy because he has a way to use him for this plan???

And then the big question for that is... what happened to Crocodile to make him want to take on the World Government? Power? Something in his past????

I have NO idea LOL but I can't wait to find out more!

[art]

Creator Spotlight: @themetalhiro

Hi, I’m Metal! I’m a freelance artist from good ol’ New Jersey. My favorite things to work with are a lot of bright colors, exaggerated poses, and candid scenarios. I try to farm sensible chuckles whenever I can, so I’m also big into comics. I love making them about my life, and the media I’m into, and one day I’d like to publish my own series!  Thank you to everyone who has gotten me this far!!

Check out Metal's interview below!

Did you originally have a background in art? If not, how did you start?

I guess so! It’s funny, I don’t remember a single time in my life that I wasn’t drawing as a hobby… somewhere in middle school (a little late, I know.) I put the pieces together that animated movies were made by artists, and that it wasn’t just for fun, they were paid to do it. The moment I discovered people could be paid to make art, I decided I would do that, too. Now I’m here!

How has your style developed over the years?

I think the best way to answer this would be with an example! Over the last few years, I have made more of an effort to draw more intentionally, which sounds silly. Now, I put more thought into my poses and step out of my comfort zone with shape language and composition. I had a phase where I drew everyone with a huge, perfectly circular head and no nose. That definitely did not lend much variety...

Which 3 famous artists (dead or alive) would you invite to your dinner party?

Ack! I’m so terrible at history! I’d love to give a well-thought-out answer about fine artists of old, but I don't think we’d have much in common… Most artists I admire and who have driven me forward creatively are the people behind comics I’ve read. Andrew Hussie, Bryan Lee O’Malley, Eiichiro Oda... these guys have inspired me greatly and had a heavy influence in developing my art style and sense of humor. I’d love to ask them questions about their processes and upcoming projects. I think it would make for an entertaining night!

Over the years as an artist, what were your biggest inspirations behind your creativity?

Outside of pure aesthetics like searing bright colors, layered clothing, and loud noises…. the best and most inspiring moments in my life were those surrounded by friends and loved ones! I cherish the hell out of memories of hanging around in fun locations, trying weird food together, and impromptu midnight walks... so I try my best to capture that atmosphere and my own memories in my work when I can, even if I’m imposing fictional characters on top of them. That’s always the core of it.

What is a medium that you have always been intrigued by but would never use yourself?

I would never permanently refuse a medium, but every time I pick up clay, I’m like a baby using its hands for the first time. Absolutely dreadful. If one day I could make and paint a figurine like the ones I admire in videos, that would be awesome... But for now, I’m not counting on it.

How do you want to evolve as a creator?

I’ve had an absolute blast drawing fanart over the years, and it’s certainly played a massive role in my growth as an artist. But my dream has always been to publish my own stories for y'all to enjoy! I have lots of worlds I want to introduce to you before I’m old and gray. I want to get faster, work harder, and get better at drawing interesting settings so I can get the wheels turning as soon as possible. I also want to stop avoiding the color blue like a coward.

What do you wish you knew when you first started out creating art that you know now?

Pay your taxes quarterly. Tablets will break at the exact moment you need them most, so have a spare. Wear your blue light glasses. You’re going to need to wear a brace on every joint on the right side of your body. It can be lonely sitting at your desk all day. The car on the side of the road that costs $1000 cash….. don’t trust it!!!

Who on Tumblr inspires you and why?

@cranity—They use absolutely beautiful colors and weighty line work. Everything looks so sharp and clean! I wanna put it all up on my wall!

@vewn—Their ability to crank out quality short films and illustrations packed with detail is incredible. The off-kilter perspective they use really sells disorientation and catches your attention like nothing else.

@nelnal—They have absolutely banger character designs again and again, I can’t believe one person’s mind can come up with so many creative ideas!

@jinx88kc—They have a beautiful and recognizable style, and the way they incorporate animation into their illustrations sometimes is SO cool!

Thanks for stopping by, Metal! For more of Metal’s work, follow their Tumblr, @themetalhiro! If you haven't seen their Meet the Artist piece, be sure to check it out here!

[opbackgrounds]

This scene with Sanji is one of his most important moments in the series, and in my opinion also one of the most difficult passages in the manga to interpret, because to completely understand it you have to look at the manga holistically rather than this scene by itself.

The big question that needs answered is why does Oda let Zoro "win" here by having him be the sacrifice instead of Sanji. Both are equally willing and both are identified much later on as the Wings of the Pirate King, implying that they have similar importance (although vastly different roles) within the Straw Hat crew.

If we go back to Sanji's introduction on the Baratie, his big flaw was that he lacked the "spear of spirit" to pursue his dream. Since he's been a boy he's wanted to find the All Blue, but even when he had the opportunity to go after that dream he chose to stay on the Baratie out of a feeling of obligation to Zeff. Sanji put the continued existence of the restaurant over his own life, something Luffy rightfully called him out for at the time, and even at the end of the arc had to be pushed away by Zeff and the other chefs before he finally set sail for good.

On Drum, Sanji once again almost died protecting Nami and Luffy during the avalanche, resulting in a broken back that required surgury from Dr. Kureha. Luffy again calls him out (note the English translation here isn't entirely accurate, see here for a breakdown), and with his power there's a good chance Luffy could have gotten them all out of trouble without all the dramatics by Sanji.

Something similar happens on Skypiea, when Sanji puts himself in the way of Enel so that Usopp and Nami can be saved. This case is perhaps more justifiable given the extreme situation they were in, but nonetheless he was still quick to throw his life away.

Then on Enies Lobby Nami--while not criticizing his chivalry--calls out Sanji for simply not running away from Kalifa, instead just accepting that he's going to get the shit beat out of him, and possibly die.

So there's a pattern of self-destructive behavior. Sanji repeatedly puts his life on the line when he doesn't need to in order to preserve the lives and dreams of the people he loves. Even him constantly simping over Nami and Robin falls a little into this category, because if either of them told him to take a long walk off a short pier I have no doubt he'd comply. It's that same extreme willingness to sacrifice anything and everything for the people he cares for that we see in Baby 5, except Sanji was fortunate enough to not be surrounded by people that encourage these worst impulses of self-destructive behavior. As he says here in Thriller Bark, he's just the cook. Luffy can always just find someone else.

(The glory of Whole Cake Island being Sanji realizing, no, Luffy can't, and he won't).

And it is finally on WCI that get to the heart of why Sanji is like this with yet another episode of putting his own dreams and happiness aside for the sake of others, and not until Wano that we finally see him take the first steps toward asking others for help instead of passionately throwing his life away when he doesn’t need to.

When Zoro first offered his head to Kuma, the prominence of his dream was first and foremost. Notice that Sanji never mentions the All Blue. One Piece is a series that places the pursuit of one's own ambition above all else, even if that ambition is selfish. Sanji hasn't yet learned to be selfish, so Zoro knocks him out and ends up being the one to accept Luffy's pain. Sacrifice isn't sacrifice if the person doesn't value what they're giving up, and right now Sanji clearly doesn't value his own life compared to the rest of the crew.

Next chapter Oda will speak through Brook to confirm that Sanji's willingness to give himself up wasn't foolish or stupid. It's just that he's missing a piece of the puzzle, and that's not something he'll have for a long time yet.

[salteytakesonmanga]

Your explanation about retconing made me think Oda's way of writing is exactly what bring people to think he has every single thing planed down from the start, even if he didn't.

The story has been going on for 20 years, and Oda himself has admitedly had ideas along the way that he added. But the fact he's still able to connect every new idea instead of having to retcon things is what makes one piece feel so perfectly planned and tied.

Anon, you innocently sent me this ask to share your thoughts and unknowingly triggered one of my rants. I’m sorry/thank you.

Anon is referring to this post.

Oda is just a good writer! He is good at the craft of writing! Even if you don’t like the story (I’m assuming you do, but for people who don’t…) it’s just WELL WRITTEN. People really aren’t used to seeing good writing anymore, to seeing tropes deployed effectively and having plot lines actually connect. This isn’t just me being cranky and old, it’s just truth. People are talking about this in film, TV, books… One Piece has been around so long that it comes from a generation of storytelling that is vastly different from our modern media landscape.

I think people are burned out on the way modern storytelling never delivers (looking at you, JJ Abrams) or constantly jerks people around to elicit a reaction, all for the sake of nabbing that viral moment. When they see Oda deploy a trope or a storytelling device they’re immediately suspicious and fearful that it’ll turn into another unsatisfying gotcha. They rush to look for proof that it’s either all part of a detailed master plan, or it’s just a cheap trick to sell more issues.

In both cases, people are looking for a reason to be LESS INVESTED in the story. If he has a master plan, they don’t need to get worried or excited because it’s all heading to some inevitable conclusion that’s been clearly telegraphed and once you’ve cracked the code then you can already tell what the ending will be, so you don’t actually have to care. If he’s winging it, then the story is just a sequence of loosely connected meaningless scenes whose only purpose is to get you hype about a plot leading nowhere, so you don’t actually have to care.

And it breaks my fucking heart.

When it comes to One Piece, so many people are insistent that One Piece is EITHER 100% planned in advance down to every minute detail, or Oda is completely winging the whole thing. But the real answer is somewhere in between, in some muddy grey area that people find really unsatisfying. They want one clear answer that they can hold up as “The Right One,” but life is not made up of black and white answers.

Honestly it makes me really sad that people can read ALL THIS - pirates are evil except actually pirates are good and the Marines are evil except the Marines are trying to protect civilians by keeping countries stable so that's good except the rulers are evil tyrants so that's bad except when they’re not and then they’re good but only sometimes and… - and what they come away with from it is, “Okay but what’s the RIGHT answer.”

The thing that makes One Piece feel like it’s so cohesive despite Oda constantly changing his mind and making shit up is that he has a very strong and clear idea about what’s actually important to the story and what’s flexible. Because he has that as a guide, he can add the Shichibukai and change Vivi from a villain to a princess and make up who Ace’s parent is without diluting what he wants to say.

That’s what it MEANS to be a writer. Foreshadowing isn’t “boring,” it’s good writing. A plot twist you didn’t see isn’t “cheap,” it’s good writing. Fleshing out a backstory isn’t “reconning,” it’s good writing.