One Piece

[odin]

considering that this is Oda-sensei who is making this series i have absolute fate that it will work out well, i mean, he managed to give equal screen-time and development for each member of the straw hat making them all the protagonists basically, which is something we rarely see on manga and anime that feature a lot of characters and which many have failed to accomplish too, so i am confident that this 2 year gap will be for the best, after all if they want to go to the new world they need to get stronger and 2 years seems reasonable, in the best case scenario it will result into them been all equals in their own way (lets face it, ussop will always be the weakest of the group but that does not mean he can't be stronger than anybody outside of the crew), having a more mature view on the challenges they face but at the same time keeping the charm that they have in which we all know and love. worse case scenario is what happened in naruto shippuden, 3 year gap, everybody improved and some of them get some development in their characters......until naruto and sasuke go over 9,000 and the rest get to be a pretty wall decoration or canon fodder in which disappointed me because my favorite ninja is shikamaru and he got to show just how awesome he is and when that point came it all went down hill for me, Rock lee was one of my faves and i think he has done jack on development, (fillers don't count for me and i don't think he did much anyways there too). all in all one piece will keep being awesome each time we see it, now if we could see more of smoker i would be more happy although i am getting the feeling that we will see more of him once the new world journey starts, I think smoker will be to Luffy what Garp was to Roger, that's what i think anyways.

Edited August 27, 2010 by odin

[*BananaKing]

I have faith in the series, no question about that, I'm just concerned that if Oda Sensei does this two year gap and maturity thing the wrong way, the series will take too drastic of a turn in character.

Btw, you don't consider Zoro and Luffy to be the OP members of the group? We all know that zoro could definitely beat Sanji. I mean he was actually able to cut a small slice into Kuma, sanji nearly broke his leg hitting the behemoth.

[durendal]

It's funny how one little finger can hurt luffy.

I see this gap differently. That simultaneously waiting for the crews to emerge from their seclusion, the story will focus on the other characters like Garp, Dragon and all the other pirates as well as the marines. I mean, those other characters can fill up the two year gap with their adventure, similar to that clown and fat lady that were featured in the teaser intro of each chapter (which is sadly missing recently). Perhaps the reverse can be done, that while the main story focuses on the side characters, the teaser will now show the status of the crew members.

Regarding Zoro and Sanji, I think Zoro has more advantage in dishing out damage since he uses swords. While Sanji, being more versatile with his footwork, may have difficulty dealing damage compared to that of zoro. I would say that Zoro would be slightly stronger than sanji especially after he took the punishment of Kuma. Besides, Zoro is the first mate, and usually the first mate's strenght is only second to his captains. I'm also afraid that Sanji might come out gay after this. *shudders*

Also, aside from Luffy, who else do you think is able to use Hakki. I think Zoro and Sanji might be able to use it. But for non-fighter types like Nami, Ussop and Chopper, it is unlikely.

[*BananaKing]

Zoro maybe, but I have my doubts on anyone else from the strawhats being able to use it. Luffy's the only member with confirmed Haki and is being trained to use it. Mihawk may show zoro how to use it with his sword but I'm just not to sure if that will happen

[durendal]

It was made clear that anyone can use Hakki. It just so happens that Luffy has the Kings Hakki. I'm willing to think that the top 3 fighters will be able to use at least a level of Hakki that can fight against logia users. Perhaps even Ussop may learn to imbue hakki to his weapons.

[*BananaKing]

Ussop shooting Haki stars, now that would be awesome and hillarious. True everone does have haki, it doesn't mean that everyone can use it effectively and frequently in battle. I think zoro may be able to use haki in the same way that luffy does, you know that "King's Disposition" thing the Kuja called it. When he almost cut Charlros (sp) at Shabondy, I think he showed a small sign of it. The rest don't seem to show any signs of knowing how to tap into their haki, and unlike luffy and possibly zoro, have no means of being taught how to use it.

[durendal]

I'm currently confused as to the status of brook. I don't see any possible development of his abilities. I'm also unsure if brook might be capable of learning hakki, and his last appearance gave an impression that he will focus more on his musical talents instead of fighting skills.

[*BananaKing]

If you recall when the strawhats fought the Flying Fish Riders, Brooke used his music as a means of fighting. Brooke hasn't seen that much action anyway, he's more of a comic relief character than a fighter. We haven't had a real good chance to see the extent of his abilities. The only real fight he's had was the fight with Ryuma, and most of that fight was off camera. The only real attack he seems to have is that Notch Arrow Strike, otherwise he's got nothing. I like him though, he's funny and cool. Back in senior year in high school I made a 7ft tall figure drawing of him and glued it onto a big foam board cut-out. It was soooo cool, but the when the art department was cleaned out, the school got rid of it without telling me...I miss my Brooke drawing.

[odin]

zorro stronger than sanji? i think they are very close in strength in my opinion but it is possible that Zorro is a bit stronger but by a small margin. if we are talking about power levels of the crew here is my placement theory:

1.Luffy

2.Zorro

3.Sanji

4.Chopper(with monster point, if not place him below franky)

5.Franky

6.Brook

7.Robin

8.Nami

9.Usoop

this list is debatable since there are 2 factors to be considered:

-we have not seen the full potential of brook since he has had very few fight scenes so i don't know if he could be stronger than Franky or chopper.

-we barely see robin fight but given her devil fruit it is at least obvious that she is stronger than nami and usoop, although she may be able to at least neat brook but it is all just a theory.

Btw. who do you think the 10th member of the straw hats will be? Luffy stated in the beginning that he wanted at least 10 crew members so if you don't count the ship there is still a vacant spot for the last member. ppl think that it could be jimbey but i doubt it since he has to protect the merman island now that whitebeard is gone now, I think Boa could be given taking in consideration that she loves luffy (did not see that coming when i first saw her) but if the WG find about her betrayal she may be forced to protect her island just like jimbey so it may be somebody new altogether.

[*BananaKing]

My brother and I strongly believe the tenth member of the crew is the Thousand Sunny. They treat their ship like is part of their crew.

Now I do disagree about Chopper stronger than Franky. I say Franky is #4 of the crew solely because he actually beat Monster Point back at Enies Lobby. Granted, Monster Point was REALLY exhausted and he just shot him into the water, but he did still beat him. And Nami stronger than Ussop? Ussop is both really smart and cunningly strong. On top of that, he built Nami's Climatact, don't you think he knows its weakness? And don't get me started when he buts out the Sogeking mask, then Ussop goes Super Saiyan!

[durendal]

I would have to agree that Ussop is stronger than Nami. Remember when Ussop challenged Luffy? Besides, he fights much dirtier than Nami. Nami uses her sex appeal, which I doubt would work on Ussop. Also, Ussop has the advantage of distance. No matter how you look at it, Ussop can hold his own.

Also, even though we rate Nami as the weakest among the crew, I can safely say that she can beat the crap out of Sanji.

[odin]

the reason why i state that usoop is the weakest is because oda sensei said so himself in an interview, usoop will always be the weakest of the group but it does not mean he can't beat the other members aside from luffy sanji and zorro which are the powerhouses, its just that he is and will always be the weakest until oda decides otherwise. about the luffy vs usoop fight, you do know luffy was holding back? if he wasn't he would have killed usoop in an instant no matter how many tricks usoop pulls his strength will not be on par with the others, which is not a bad think cause fighting is not his strongest fort and they are a family so fighting amongst themselves by arguments but never life or death. now on the other hand i do belief usoop will be stronger than anybody outside the crew and i am exited to see him fight blackbeards marksman, that will be an epic fight.

about the haki discussion I think at least all of them will be able to learn the color of armament since it is essential for them to learn if they want to be able to inflict more damage and protect themselves against Logia users, same for color of observation although i would limit it to only Luffy, Zorro, Sanji, Usoop, Brook and maybe Robin. now for the Color of the conquering King it is obvious that Luffy has it but as for the rest of the team, i would limit it to only Zorro since he has showed more will power and loyalty to make sure that luffy succeeds than any other straw hat aside that he is the first mate and it would be only fitting if he had it just like Rayleigh.

opinions are welcomed.

Edited August 28, 2010 by odin

[Divine-Guyver]

I've just caught up with the manga a week ago.

And about the others getting haki..

I'll think Mi hawk we'll learn Zorro(possibility)

Sanji could learn it from the okama's,

but I don't know if they can use haki!?

Nami wont learn it.....

Robin, NEEDS it, her powers could become a lot more useful.

chopper would be awesome with haki

ussop doesn't need it necessarily.

Franky probably won't get haki.

Brook we'll just learn rock, metal or something,

But probably not haki.

An about the tenth nakama question.

There (probably) won't be another crewmate.

I mean a new crewmate, won't have experienced the trauma

They all have been in Saobody Archipelago and this timeksip.

But maybe Hancock can't let luffy go?!

[*BananaKing]

Uh, she kind of already did in order to let him train with Rayleigh.

I still say the Thousand Sunny is the Tenth crew member, or rather the spirit of the ship is the tenth member

I'm not sure how much about Haki Ivankov knows. Sanji is learning about food, not fighting. He's being taught a type of cuisine that'll keep the crew at top vigor and improve their power.

[Divine-Guyver]

Uh, she kind of already did in order to let him train with Rayleigh.

I still say the Thousand Sunny is the Tenth crew member, or rather the spirit of the ship is the tenth member

I'm not sure how much about Haki Ivankov knows. Sanji is learning about food, not fighting. He's being taught a type of cuisine that'll keep the crew at top vigor and improve their power.

I meant, she wouldn't let him go of HER Island.

because now at the moment they are petty close by.

About thousand sunny, My favorite characters were Ace & Going merry.

And there has not been much footage about sunny, but with the Merry on the other hand(a lot!)

So, I still need to grow more to the Sunny.

But that has to happen OP part 2)can't wait).

sanji's cuisine would then become what his cuisine is in the videogame:p

what an improvement!!(not)

But I could see it making the weak characters exceptionally strong.

[odin]

if you don't count Luffy their is still an empty slot for a crew member, that is of course if luffy was not including himself when he said that 10 crew members would be enough, man i can't wait until this series resumes again, how many weeks has it been already? 2 or 3?

[*BananaKing]

It restarts next week

[odin]

goody cause i am suffering from one piece withdrawal right now, good thing that the anime is still ongoing and has no filler at the moment although i am sensing one is coming real soon, its a good thing that One piece fillers are always good.

[*BananaKing]

I actually sense the reunion of the Strawhats as a filler then perhaps the long awaited journey to fishman island with a battle along the way to demo the Strawhat's new individual talents.

The crew has been separated long enough and I'm sure Oda knows how his fans must feel. The story is its best when the Strawhats are together, sharing fun moments and fighting alongside each other like true nakama

[odin]

who do you think it will be the first guys to test the new power of the strawhats? i think it is either going to be a new person to the series or a super nova, I doubt they will face an admiral right off the bat altough a shishibukai would also be a good choice hopefully Don Flamingo since i want his him beaten already for that superiority complex that he has, I am actually trying to decide if he or Blackbeard will be the final opponent for luffy since little is know about that guy and looks like he is a very formidable foe to boot and a sadist.

Edited September 21, 2010 by odin

[*BananaKing]

I actually wouldn't be surprised if Luffy and Doflamingo never actually fight each other. I can see the two maybe confronting each other and Doflamingo spouting garbage about his New Era and just like he did to Bellamy, Luffy clocks Doflamingo in the face, and tells him something about how Doflamingo only puts down the dreams of others because he can't achieve his own. I had another idea of Doflamingo controlling Luffy's friends as a means to fight him like he does in one of the One Piece video games, but two don't seem to have much to hate each other for. Doflamingo is too caught up in his own agendas to care about Luffy, even though Luffy has mettled in two of Doflamingos affairs. It would be cool if the Strawhats land on an island in the New World that happens to be Doflamingo's HQ.

I think after the Battle at the Summit, Oda Sensei has made Blackbeard Luffy #1 nemesis, even though Akainu actually killed Ace. Remember it was Blackbeard that set the war in motion and caused Ace's and Whitebeard's deaths. He's trying to get in Luffy's way and be the Pirate King first. (Well actually I think he wants to rule the world but as Pirate King you probably do rule the world.

I'd really love to see Luffy vs Shanks over who gets to keep the Strawhat. You don't get to see the battle you just see a series of destroyed islands, the two friends covered in bruises and blood, and they burst into laughter after collapsing. And after their long battle, Shanks tells Luffy the hat is his symbol and its helped make him the Pirate King he set out to be. Awww, touching moment.

As for who they test their powers on...I think one of the Supernovas is wishful thinking. IMO the strawhats can beat any of the Supernovas, including Law and Kid. Most of the Supernovas have weak crews and rely on Captain strength and the only ones with real crews like Luffy's is Kid and Law. Luffy has a debt to repay with Law so I don't see a conflict between the two. Law risked his life to save Luffy, and even though he won't admit it, he must have some sort or respect for Luffy to risk his life the way he did. Kid however seems agitated with Luffy and is the most likely candidate to fight Luffy. However Kids powers don't seem as developed as Luffy's and Luffy's gear system can probably shred Kid apart. I say Oda sensei will have the strawhats face off against some pirates at Shabondy to test their new powers out.

However one thing bothers me...when did Kuma go back to Shabondy and the Rosey Life Riders took arms against him? I can't find the chapter. I know its after Rayleigh left for Amazon Lily since only Shakky and Duval are the only one's present...but I don't know what chapter that is. I don't even remember reading it. It has Kuma looming over the Thousand Sunny as his full PX-0 state (No longer Kuma) and the Rosey Life Riders are all freaking out about his presence. Shakky then comments on how they shouldn't worry.

[odin]

i think that was one of the later chapters and now that you reminded me of that i think Kuma may be their first opponent my guess is that Kuma takes their ship away and Luffy and the gang has to recover it facing Kuma and the pacifistas and maybe Sentomaru also. Luffy could easily defeat Kid and Law? I don't think that could happen easily even on their current power levels, their is little known about both captains although from what i can see Captain Kid is basically a Pirate Magneto so i could see the fight very evenly matched, law on the other hand like you said luffy owes him so their fight might not be right away and he may be the Whitebeard of the new era, Luffy being basically the replacement of gol d roger and if it is like i think it is going then it is a given that Smoker will be to Luffy what Garp was to Roger an "enemy" that in way is his closest friend. makes sense? although this is just a theory i strongly believe that Law may be Sabo his other brother (in the same fashion as ace), my guess is after the he was blown away by the Tenryubito's ship he somehow survived (he was stronger than luffy at the time so it could happen) but was severely disfigured and suffered amnesia then when he woke up he was saved by somebody who may have surgeon skills and reconstructed his face, then after a while he went and became a pirate, and saving luffy may have been in his subconscious to do it or something, although it is said that he is from north blue it could be that he was brought to north blue and having amnesia i imagine that he thought that he was from there. a little far-fetched but it is only a theory which could be totally wrong.

[*BananaKing]

I think Sabo is something Ace and Luffy never told anyone about because he brought up such a painful memory. I think Oda only introduced him to help us understand just why and how strong the bond between Luffy and Ace really is. To add more to Sabo's story might diminish the importace of his character. I think Law just respected Luffy's courage and power and saved him for the same reason. Either that or its repayment for keeping Kizaru off his back at Shabondy.

I didn't think of the Strawhats having to fight Kuma off the bat. Although I think if anyone should fight Kuma it should be zoro. The next test of his sword skills would be to take down a Shichibukai.

[odin]

I guess that makes sense and luffy would face Sentomaru while Zorro takes care of Kuma, and the rest of the crew would face a pacifista having the new and improved franky dominate almost all of them to show how much better of a cyborg he is

[*BananaKing]

I think it would be funny as hell to see a pasifita attack the strawhats and Franky load Brooke into an arm mounted missile launcher and fire Brooke right through the pasifista like a super fast light-weight rocket!

"Suuuuper Franky Skelemissile Launcher 2000!" GO!!!!