This is gonna be a Roger backstory, Figarland backstory, Rocks backstory, Iva backstory, Kaido backstory, Shanks backstory, Dragon backstory, Garp backstory and Kuma backstory at the same time 😭😭THIS SHIT IS GONNA BE SO PEAK
@@samasamaori I don't think we'll get into the fight immediately but I think we'll still get it even if it's a little cos I can't think of anyone else who will give us the flashback
@@Renagade01I mean it's literally just the beginning of it. We know it's gonna continue with the end of the chapter Kuma being found by Iva and Ginny.
What i like about Saturn is that he listened to Kizaru and didn't chastise him or anything similar to that. He looked at Luffy and said he understood why Kizaru is out.
For being at the penultimate top of the Celestial Dragons, he certainly has a lot of regard for anyone non-Celestial. From what we have seen of regular Celestials, they would 1) chastise Kizaru, and 2) barely acknowledge the existence of anyone else, at most complain about how rowdy it was to one another and perhaps their servants, and certainly not speak directly to them.
I don't think little Kuma is necessarily lying at "my master is so kind and gentle" I think it is even sadder. I think he genuinely believes it, since he doesn't know any world other than slavery, he probably sees some people who are abused much worse than him or flat out killed, and so that makes his situation "good" by comparison.
Everybody since Sabaody: "Oda, give us Kuma backstory RIGHT NOW!!!" Oda: "NAH, wall not ready" ~~~~~~15 years later~~~~~~ Oda: "Maybe a Kuma backstory, right guys?" *half a chapter of kuma life Everybody: "ODA STOP HURTING OUR BOY... OMG HE'S SO PRECIOUS!!! WE ARE NOT READY FOR THIS"
*Important to Note:* The Buccaneer's aren't the only one's in the story who have committed, very specifically, a "Grave Crime." The other would be *Zunesha,* who walks the ocean as punishment for a *grave crime* he committed 800 years ago (According to Momo). Given their passed down knowledge of Nika, it's VERY probable that the Buccaneers and Zunesha were involved in the very same crime 800 years ago. Joy Boy connects them all.
I was honestly thinking the same thing for Ivankov. Imagine how messed up things could get once the Celestial Dragons realized they could change someone's hormones, and what they could command Ivankov to do with that power.
@KevinVideo Its horrifying but would also even pwoer Ivankov's current desire to help people, imagine how horrible he must feel about changing people to a cellular level for the whims of others Being a miracle worker of sorts is probably his way of atoning and redempting himself, feeling uukty for everything
This is so cheesy but Im so glad to be alive and be a one piece fan at this moment in time. This flashback is a meeting point of a sooo many questions and mysteries the series has long hinted at. And when the full story is revealed so many secrets will be unveiled. I know for a fact oda has not lost his touch in writing heartbreaking gut wrenching soul crushing stories and I have no doubt this flashback will sit side by side with the top one piece emotional moments
I think the saddest part is that we've seen potentially where Kuma's story will end and now just the start of his story, and that even with whatever happens in the middle, he's still in the same place, of enslavement and abuse.
What impresses me the most is how after nearly 1100 Chapters, Oda still finds unique way to break our hearts. You'd think he'd done everything by now, but it seems Oda has still a lot of tragedy to show us. I don't know if I should be excited about that haha
This was such a good chapter. I’ve been wanting a Kuma backstory for so long but now that it’s here I don’t think I’m ready for it. This is probably going to be in the top 3 saddest backstories. The scene where Kuma’s dad tells him his mothers dead has kinda just stuck with me. It’s so tragic. Figarland has such an awesome outfit. Wasn’t expecting Ivankov to show up here, but knowing that they’ve known each other for so long makes their encounter during Marineford heavier. Ginny’s for sure going to die but Bonney might be a clone of Ginny.
I feel like Oda was inspired by 'The most dangerous game' story for this chapter. It's a pretty interesting book for those who haven't read it. I honestly feel that this is the time when Garp gained his disdain towards the celestial dragons after seeing what they wanted to call a 'game'.
Notes of things to remember in egghead -Caribou whereabouts -Ancient Robot is activated -Blackbeard Crew is on the island -Seraphim are still locked -Kuma is on his way to egghead
@@ladybookwormsship with blackbeards flag was seen nearing the island in one of past chapters, judging by who we’ve seen in battles against law and garp its probably Devon.
My jaw dropped when the words "God Valley" just appeared, it felt like I was sucker punched. To think kuma's backstory that has been teased for so long also leads into what happened in God Valley is so exciting!
9:41. "She was probably killed by beaten to death." That's not exactly accurate Merphy. If you want to be technical & literal it's because she was in a flashback. Flashbacks are the # 1 killer of ALL moms in One Piece.
You have to check out The Drawk Show and watch his mom reading one piece! Without exaggeration she is coming up with ideas that do not get revealed for hundreds of chapters and it feels as if she is reading the way Oda meant the story to be read.
I'm genuinely dreading Shank's eventual fate because of what we see happen to the good celestial dragons. The Doffy's parents and Rosinante, as well as Mjosgard who was executed by Garling. I kinda feel sorry for the Celestial Dragons because they really can't be good people and expect to live long.
Curious to see what devil fruits are in the 6 crates - I think it's fair to assume that with the amount of characters we know at God Valley that each of those chests will have a devil fruit that we recognize going to a character we know
Luffy, Bonney and Law's fruits seem like big contenders Though, since there's 5, could also be the fruits that the Gorosei eventually eat. Or perhaps these are freshly plucked/created df's? Lastly: could be the paw paw fruit, etc and they eat it, escape and create the RA
I think the obvious contenders are the Paw, Hormone and Dragon fruits, since Kuma and Iva don’t seem to have theirs yet, and we know Kaido got his fruit on God Valley. We know Whitebeard was here, so I think the Phoenix fruit might be one of them. I think it’s pretty likely we see Crocodile here also, he and Iva have a long history and he has a deep hatred for the world government, so one could be the Sand fruit. And for the last one maybe whatever Dragon’s devil fruit ends up being? I wouldn’t be surprised if he makes an appearance either.
@@kiyaleelevyrunaya9495I doubt it’s Luffy’s, since if the government had it they’d keep it locked up, and if it’s Law’s there’s a pretty big time gap between now and Law eating it. The timeline actually works out that Law eats his devil fruit only a few months after Fisher Tiger attacked Mariejois, so my guess is that it either reincarnated or was stolen in that attack.
You have no idea how happy I was to see the small panel of Kuma dancing with kid Bonney singing the drums of liberation song! It brought me so much joy because I am such a Gear 5 fan and Sun God Nika fan! It was absolutely heartwarming
Let's not forget that when Portgas D. Rouge was pregnant with Ace that the world government decided to go take out any child that could potentially line up to be Gold Rogers son. She had to do a seemingly impossible feat as a mother to even get Ace to birth. The government knowing that Kuma was a Buccanner is just another example of how crazy cruel and merciless the One Piece world is, especially towards children.
What I found weird is Saturn not killing Bonney or anyone else, other than an attempt on Luffy. He said you can't escape the island due to being surrounded by marines, not because they face him. He commanded the execution of Bonney, but again from the marines, even though he could clearly do it himself(?). He can literally crush her and It won't be any less messy.
Merphy, I follow plenty of OP reactors and I know most of them felt this chapter and its tragic moments deeply, but you always bring so much heart to your One Piece reviews, in a way that is unmatched in my experience. Following you is truly a joy, thanks for your work!
I always love flashbacks in One Piece because it's generally "Oh, this can't be worse than the previous flashback. My heart is strong now and can weather any storm Oda throws at me." And then it's often always "Oh god no this is so much worse, I can't take it! Give me more!"
I love that every CD figures in the flashback, aside from saturn and garling, are not given "face" or "name". They are collectively just one evil entity. And although the flashback is indeed very dark, Oda i think has intentionally speed through it by providing only snapshots of the cruelty. This has been established, so he did not dwell on it longer than needed. Also i think he managed to keep it tasteful regardless how grim it is.
kuma's "I'D RATHER DIE" is very reminiscent of Robin's "I JUST WANT TO DIE" i hope that means kuma will get the chance of seeing a free life despite everything suggesting otherwise ☹
I have 2 different hypotheses on this matter, but both give Kuma a happy ending. If you look at story beat, Kuma is absolutely a mirror of Robin. It's just that his character arc has been told in a much less compressed way than Robin's was. Think back to when we met Robin. She was at first an enemy who attacked igaram. However, the next time she interacts with luffy, she saves his life. Then, finally, a defeated Robin who no longer has any will to live is rescued by luffy in both a literal and metaphorical way. Kuma's first interaction with the straw hats was an attack. The second time they see him, he saves all of the straw hats' lives and proceeds to guard and protect the sunny, causing himself near self-destruction. Robin's friend Saul promised her that one day she'd meet her friends out at sea and she'd live happy. Kuma's father promised him that one day Nika would rescue him and take him out to the sun and the freedom of the sea. I wholeheartedly believe that if we lose Kuma, it will not be before he sees luffy triumph, symbolizing his freedom. One of the crewmates or even sunny could possibly eat his devil fruit carrying on his will and, therefore, never dying. Or he will not only live but will become the 10th strawhat
It's funny, in a way. I had the feels reading the chapter; wasn't as impactful as other emotional hits, but that just means i wasn't actually crying at the moment. But as soon as Merphy talks about it... I can't stop crying. Hearing her talk about the scene just caused the panels in question to live rent-free in my brain and I'm hearing and remembering voices from my own mom's passing 10, 12 years ago. I've always been closer to my dad too, and he ain't the healthiest guy, so the inevitable has just been a background dread for a long time too and I can see myself having the same empty, vacant smile/eyes afterwords. Oda is a masterful artist in the way he can show such strong vivid emotion in a few quick panels. Merphy is a wonderful speaker in that she just emphasizes Oda's art and makes it come just that much more to life. Just something about her speaking ability and her empathy that strikes me more than any other One Piece youtube content I watch...
My first thought finishing the chapter: “Merph is gonna lose her MIND” second: “no enough!” I’m stoked we are finally here. I don’t always get excited when we get to flashbacks, especially being caught up, but I’m so ready for this one!
Oda brought my eyes to tears within 3 pages of a character flashback. That's gotta be a new record. Crying speedrun any%. Also, you already know Luffy's gonna end up calling Figarland "Moonhead" lol.
@@KevinVideo oh yeah, most definitely. But he's a big cheese among the nobles and I'd imagine Luffy's gonna see him and maybe exchange a few words with him.
I love how Kuma devil fruit can have such a big effect and meaning now seeing the backstory and knowing that he can remove pain and suffering ODA is a madman
This was an excellent chapter. We're going to get so much into our faces that there's no way we're going to be able to walk away from this the same as we did going in. Also, only a few chapters left until milestone chapter 1100, and you just know Oda's saving all the juiciest of tidbits for that one to slam us with. Slight correction: the hunting games were tri-annual. Don't forget that the giant robot sparked to life as well, so we might see that come and fight Saturn (I'm hoping)
I think Blackbeard was also at God Valley when the Celestial Dragons attacked. Remember the one illustration Oda gave us, child Blackbeard CRING (so something must have happened) and then you have the MOON in the background again implying the importance of the MOON (my theory the Moon people = Gorosei conquered thru world 900 years ago). Also remember that Bkackbeard named his ship Xebec and that Rock's last name is Rock's D. Xebec. I think Blackbeard looks up to Rock's because Rock's was the one who SAVED Blackbeard in that incident and that's why Blackbeard has a deep hatred for the world or better put for the World Government.
The fact that Klap believes that his wife is better off dead and takes comfort in the fact that she is dead just because she doesn't have to go through the inhuman treatment by the Celestial Dragons breaks my heart sooo much. 😢😢
Amazing chapter. Was so happy to see Iva-chan again. As for after this flashback, my money is on: -Kuma Arrives -Kuma removes Luffy's fatigue (Maybe chucks it at Saturn to weaken him?) -Bonney buffs Luffy with her Devil Fruit -And maybe we take down one of the 5 Elders causing an incident that shakes the world.
Saint Saturn saying "you humans" and "you insects" implying that he is NOT a human, my theory the Gorosei and Imu Sama are Moon people, Moon God's who conquered the world 900 years ago the opposing force was the D clan the D Kingdom, they lost 900 years ago and the Sun God will defeat them, Sun vs Moon and Oda loves that, remember the fight Blackbeard vs Ace, Light vs Darkness and you know I LOVE it too!
If the speculation that Rocks is a "hero" holds true, then the reasoning behind him possibly trying to kill the slaves would be that he's trying to free them from misery. And Roger would be fighting against Rocks to protect the slaves lives saying they should have a bright future ahead of them
Honestly i'm on board with the idea that the original Void century Joyboy was from the Buccaner race. Cause there's nothing that fits better for it than the literal "cartoonishly big-bodied pirate" race. 😅
I was expecting the Kuma flashback soon... and I was expecting the God Valley flashback eventually... but I was NOT expecting them to be the SAME FLASHBACK. I am so hyped.
Dunno where i've read this, but it sounds plausible: Shanks was a prize for the winners of the manhunt. Was it by Garling's hubris, thinking that there's no way he'd lose , or maybe as an entry fee since maybe the Figarland family wasn't that rich or influential compared to the other celestial dragons, or maybe even so that Garling could get rid of him since maybe he didn't want any children. I don't know, but that sure would make an interesting plot development.
Hey Merphy, You should check out Drawk Show's mom piece, shes a first time one piece reader and first time manga reader, her takes are awesome and the banter between her and her son are funny. She has picked up on so much that some or rarely any of us picked up on and shes only in Jaya arc so far, youd be blown away from her takes
This chapter was an emotional rollercoaster lmao, I went from smiling, to goosebumps, to literally crying at the end. Also I personally think Oda has like, 5 or 600 more chapters of One Piece left.
I feel like people need to remember that this is a KUMA flashback and its gonna connect to egghead so i dont know how much of god valley we'll really get i feel like oda could still keep alot of the god valley incident hidden until that info is related to what were doing in the arc cause as far as i know the only thing related to egghead in the flashback is kuma revolutionaries and saturn but I'd love if we get the whole god valley flashback but I feel like this was gonna be a shorter arc
I have grown used to how dark and cruel the world of One Piece is. But this recent chapter actually made me feel ill of how nightmarishly disturbing the World Nobles are. And given the recent reveal that one of the Five Elder literally has a devil form, it just gives a disturbing implication that the world is potentially ruled by satan-like figure.
This CH also explains Fishman Tiger and all ex-slaves of WG knows and aware with the legend that Sun God Nika would liberate them. Apparently, i guess, Kuma is the one who spread the story among the slaves, spreading hope to them. This could probably what triggers Tiger's rebellion back in the day
The thing about being shot when imitating Nika: it would create pure trauma to ever seek out freedom, but also forever etched into Kuma as a way to be free.
I did not expect to laugh so much at the Ginny part 15:24! Amazing video as always and excited to see more of what Goda has in store even though he keeps hurting us.
With the idea that Kuma arrives after this flashback, I saw a great theory that he rejects Luffy’s pain and exhaustion, bringing him back into the fight. That way he gets to be the man that saves his world’s saviour, and bring Nika back.
Shanks probably ended up in the chest due to the appearance of Rocks at God Valley and the danger that all of the Celestial Dragons were in during that event. His mother probably wanted to save her baby from the chaos.
I just remembered that Atlas wears the gloves that can "punch" light. There has to be something coming that involves her and Kizaru. Oda always sets up those little things.
Wow, its amazing how Oda is able make the most depressing backstories for 26 years! It scares to think that there is still a lot depressing backstories coming later in story.
8:37 I don't see it as Kuma lying, I see as Kuma being ignorant of another way of life. His father may know they are being mistreated but how would that young Kuma know? He was enslaved right after he was born. He didn't have a single moment of normal life until way later.
The chapters was so crazy with information, but I'm not gonna lie, Kid Iva eclipsed a lot for me, cause they're one of my favorites and seem them so bright as a kid made smile. I can barely wait to have my heart ripped of my chest by all those rotten adults being the worst to baby Iva and baby Kuma. It feel so omnious to wait a extra week...
It has come to my attention that Merphay HAS in fact, read the first arc of Ascendance of a Bookworm:) YAY! I'm not sure how I missed it, but I did. Anyways, I'm super looking forward to your review on it! I absolutely love it and believe me, it only gets better!
I'm a bit concerned about the writing of the Celestial Dragons. I understand what they are suppose to represent : the worst of humanity. They're (for the most of part) ugly, selfish, racist, egotistical, arrogant, cruel, and stupid. They are slave owners, colonizers, child abusers, possibly r*pists, and now we learn they took part in human hunts. That's a lot, maybe even... too much ? In the same way making a character who is too perfect can make them boring, I think creating an overly despicable character could be a bit dangerous on a writing perspective. Because at this point, what'll happened when the WG fall, and the Celestial lose their privileges ? How will the world punish their crimes at the end of the story ? Should we kill them ? Imprison them ? Torture them ? FORGIVE THEM ?!! I'm worried that nothing we'll do to them will ever repay the amount of suffering they caused during all these centuries. Don't get me wrong, I want to see those assholes die a painfull death like the next guy. But we all know what happened when you answer violence with violence : It only result of the birth of people full of hate and resentment like Doflamingo and Orochi, and I don't think that's the message Oda wants to promote. But on the over hand, leaving those guys be and forgive them we'll feel so unfair. So what should we do with them? What will be the fate of the Celestial Dragons at the end game, and we'll it be satisfying for the reader ? That is my concern...
Not to focus too much on power scaling, but it's crazy how powerful Saturn is if he can keep Sanji completely immobilized in the moment a woman he is trying to protect is about to die. But now that some of the Kuma flashback was shown, I wonder what purpose the giant ancient robot at the beginning of the arc has, especially as Kuma is on his way to egghead. Also, shot in the dark, Kizaru had been saying all arc long how much he didn't want to go through with the plan. Not to downplay Luffy's strength, but I wonder if our sparkly admiral went down on purpose as an easy out to not kill Vegapunk himself
That chapter was painful watching Kuma's dad killed in front of him was rough and if look at the panel closely the celestial dragon didn't just shoot him because of the noise he reacted to the drums of liberation
Seeing roughed up Kuma and in shackles made me tear up and all the more as I remember all the children who got killed by evil militants in the current wars. I've never been happier to see Ivan cos he for real brightened up my day.
Honestly, 10/10 chapter. I've waited so many years for Kuma's backstory, and he's already got one of the most tragic stories 😢. And not only this, but the emphasis on Saturns true powers and finally brining us to God Valley! Oda is truly giving us a treat with these chapters. Great video tho, I was looking forward to your breakdown since I read it 😁👍
With all those insane breaks this whole year, Oda manage to hold us tight with insane reveal after reveal, huge incident after huge incident, Banger story one after another. I will be lying if i say i'm good with the breaks, but nonetheless, I'm greatful. Its been a blast! At best we could get 5 chapters until the end of the year. But u doubt we could reach 1100 for usually end year always full of breaks. But, we are The Grandfleet. Enjoying the calm before storm. #thankYouOda
I've been on the Bonney joining the Strawhats train since her introduction, and as more about her has come to light in this arc, something I thought of that would be cool about it all is the reason. And my thought was that the reason Kuma saved the Strawhats, outside of Luffy being Dragon's kid, is that Kuma saw a place for his daughter to be safe. And now it comes to light that Kuma has been waiting for and praying for Nika to return. So I feel like it's all coming together nicely.
You know, I always wondered how or even if Oda would have the five elders serve as end-game bosses, since they never really seemed all that capable… …now I know 😬(and I feel silly for even doubting it).
Simply parroting some ideas I've heard elsewhere that I found very interesting: God Valley may be inspired by old timey American Western/Wild West themes based on some glimpses of architecture we see in the final pages and the rock formation resembling Monument Valley in Arizona. Could also give context to Ivankov's trademark Hee-Haw! Plus, foreign invaders invading a resource-rich land, claiming it as their own, then systematically massacring the natives? Sounds a lot like Native American history (plus I'm sure countless other histories around the world).
I am really impressed how oda is tying so many plots together. Like now we are getting kuma, revolutionary army, bonney, vegapunk, shanks, giants and gorosei, and he did the same thing in cross guild. Crocodile, mihawk and buggy together and possibility of other warlords in this chaotic group is just cheffs kiss 😂 and on top of that whitebeards son and reyleighs wife -forgot her name 😂-is rocks too so at some point they will get involved in this mess😂
I've been waiting for Kuma's flashback for more than 10 years, seriously it's in the top 3 things i was waiting for in One Piece, and it's delivering. The pain.
I love the idea that Kuma just saved his friend's kid only to find out said kid was who he'd been waiting for all his life.
Whose kid? Jinny? I'm fairly sure that the person at the end of the chapter is more likely Bonney's mom.
@@skrishna3 Dragon's kid
@@skrishna3no dude, Luffy
Kuma became friends with Dragon, Dragon is Luffy's father
Luffy is the next Joyboy
@@skrishna3 I meant Luffy lol
@@skrishna3try again 😂
This is gonna be a Roger backstory, Figarland backstory, Rocks backstory, Iva backstory, Kaido backstory, Shanks backstory, Dragon backstory, Garp backstory and Kuma backstory at the same time 😭😭THIS SHIT IS GONNA BE SO PEAK
One Peak
Shiki and big mom too
I feel like Oda will avoid the god valley story in the next chapter and focus in something else
@@samasamaori I don't think we'll get into the fight immediately but I think we'll still get it even if it's a little cos I can't think of anyone else who will give us the flashback
@@marshyboy4637 Remember that Oda NEVER EVEN ONCE showed us a detailed fight in a flashback.
Everyone was expecting a sad backstory for Kuma, but Oda definitely went above an beyond that.
its actually short but its enough to inflict trauma to its readers
Ya, i was holding up till now but hearing merphy's heavy voice opened the flood gates.
Oda went “heard yall were talkin shit, you wanna play” lol
@@Renagade01I mean it's literally just the beginning of it. We know it's gonna continue with the end of the chapter Kuma being found by Iva and Ginny.
@@Renagade01this makes me look down on garp even more. He knows they are this despicable and instead of helping his son, he chooses the marine anyway
What i like about Saturn is that he listened to Kizaru and didn't chastise him or anything similar to that. He looked at Luffy and said he understood why Kizaru is out.
Yes. Luffy is taken as a serious threat in this world and not as some uppity whelp.
Not making excuses and apologizing does wonders in the real world.
Saturn has been such an interesting antagonist!
For being at the penultimate top of the Celestial Dragons, he certainly has a lot of regard for anyone non-Celestial. From what we have seen of regular Celestials, they would 1) chastise Kizaru, and 2) barely acknowledge the existence of anyone else, at most complain about how rowdy it was to one another and perhaps their servants, and certainly not speak directly to them.
He knew that Nika is a problem
I don't think little Kuma is necessarily lying at "my master is so kind and gentle" I think it is even sadder. I think he genuinely believes it, since he doesn't know any world other than slavery, he probably sees some people who are abused much worse than him or flat out killed, and so that makes his situation "good" by comparison.
This is 100% what i thought. Way more heartbreaking...
You made it even more sadder 😭😭
Everybody since Sabaody: "Oda, give us Kuma backstory RIGHT NOW!!!"
Oda: "NAH, wall not ready"
~~~~~~15 years later~~~~~~
Oda: "Maybe a Kuma backstory, right guys?"
*half a chapter of kuma life
Everybody: "ODA STOP HURTING OUR BOY... OMG HE'S SO PRECIOUS!!! WE ARE NOT READY FOR THIS"
*Important to Note:*
The Buccaneer's aren't the only one's in the story who have committed, very specifically, a "Grave Crime."
The other would be *Zunesha,* who walks the ocean as punishment for a *grave crime* he committed 800 years ago (According to Momo).
Given their passed down knowledge of Nika, it's VERY probable that the Buccaneers and Zunesha were involved in the very same crime 800 years ago. Joy Boy connects them all.
One important factor is that they’re all giant associated. Giant elephant, giant buccaneer and giant strawhat
Boa Hancock was given her devil fruit for the celestial dragons' own amusement. So the same could end up happening with Kuma, Ivankov, and Jinny.
I was honestly thinking the same thing for Ivankov. Imagine how messed up things could get once the Celestial Dragons realized they could change someone's hormones, and what they could command Ivankov to do with that power.
@KevinVideo Its horrifying but would also even pwoer Ivankov's current desire to help people, imagine how horrible he must feel about changing people to a cellular level for the whims of others
Being a miracle worker of sorts is probably his way of atoning and redempting himself, feeling uukty for everything
This is so cheesy but Im so glad to be alive and be a one piece fan at this moment in time. This flashback is a meeting point of a sooo many questions and mysteries the series has long hinted at. And when the full story is revealed so many secrets will be unveiled. I know for a fact oda has not lost his touch in writing heartbreaking gut wrenching soul crushing stories and I have no doubt this flashback will sit side by side with the top one piece emotional moments
and your absolutely correct 😭
Im already crying for Ginny in advance, thanks Oda.
There is a LOT to unpack, this chapter alone gave us fuel for hundred of new theories!
If this is a tip of the iceberg, I am going to emotional damaged when this ends, Kuma has become one of my favourite with just these few pages.
I think the saddest part is that we've seen potentially where Kuma's story will end and now just the start of his story, and that even with whatever happens in the middle, he's still in the same place, of enslavement and abuse.
What impresses me the most is how after nearly 1100 Chapters, Oda still finds unique way to break our hearts. You'd think he'd done everything by now, but it seems Oda has still a lot of tragedy to show us.
I don't know if I should be excited about that haha
No its not unique
Its exactly the same
@@dhruvbharija172dumb north Indian 😂
This was such a good chapter. I’ve been wanting a Kuma backstory for so long but now that it’s here I don’t think I’m ready for it. This is probably going to be in the top 3 saddest backstories.
The scene where Kuma’s dad tells him his mothers dead has kinda just stuck with me. It’s so tragic.
Figarland has such an awesome outfit.
Wasn’t expecting Ivankov to show up here, but knowing that they’ve known each other for so long makes their encounter during Marineford heavier.
Ginny’s for sure going to die but Bonney might be a clone of Ginny.
It's already the saddest backstory of One Piece
I feel like Oda was inspired by 'The most dangerous game' story for this chapter. It's a pretty interesting book for those who haven't read it.
I honestly feel that this is the time when Garp gained his disdain towards the celestial dragons after seeing what they wanted to call a 'game'.
That's immediately what I thought of
Notes of things to remember in egghead
-Caribou whereabouts
-Ancient Robot is activated
-Blackbeard Crew is on the island
-Seraphim are still locked
-Kuma is on his way to egghead
Also, while Zoro is currently dealing with Lucci, the other Straw Hats aren't preoccupied.
I’m sorry but where does it say that Blackbeard’s crew is on the Island? I seem to have missed that.
Don’t forget Vivi and morgans otw too
@@ladybookwormsship with blackbeards flag was seen nearing the island in one of past chapters, judging by who we’ve seen in battles against law and garp its probably Devon.
The amount of stuff connected to this one incident is truly outstanding.
It literally shaped the history of the world thereafter.
My jaw dropped when the words "God Valley" just appeared, it felt like I was sucker punched. To think kuma's backstory that has been teased for so long also leads into what happened in God Valley is so exciting!
9:41. "She was probably killed by beaten to death." That's not exactly accurate Merphy. If you want to be technical & literal it's because she was in a flashback. Flashbacks are the # 1 killer of ALL moms in One Piece.
You have to check out The Drawk Show and watch his mom reading one piece! Without exaggeration she is coming up with ideas that do not get revealed for hundreds of chapters and it feels as if she is reading the way Oda meant the story to be read.
I'm genuinely dreading Shank's eventual fate because of what we see happen to the good celestial dragons. The Doffy's parents and Rosinante, as well as Mjosgard who was executed by Garling. I kinda feel sorry for the Celestial Dragons because they really can't be good people and expect to live long.
All the suffering Kuma has been through since his birth and his dream is to be a hero to save others
Curious to see what devil fruits are in the 6 crates - I think it's fair to assume that with the amount of characters we know at God Valley that each of those chests will have a devil fruit that we recognize going to a character we know
Luffy, Bonney and Law's fruits seem like big contenders
Though, since there's 5, could also be the fruits that the Gorosei eventually eat.
Or perhaps these are freshly plucked/created df's?
Lastly: could be the paw paw fruit, etc and they eat it, escape and create the RA
I think the obvious contenders are the Paw, Hormone and Dragon fruits, since Kuma and Iva don’t seem to have theirs yet, and we know Kaido got his fruit on God Valley. We know Whitebeard was here, so I think the Phoenix fruit might be one of them. I think it’s pretty likely we see Crocodile here also, he and Iva have a long history and he has a deep hatred for the world government, so one could be the Sand fruit. And for the last one maybe whatever Dragon’s devil fruit ends up being? I wouldn’t be surprised if he makes an appearance either.
@@kiyaleelevyrunaya9495I doubt it’s Luffy’s, since if the government had it they’d keep it locked up, and if it’s Law’s there’s a pretty big time gap between now and Law eating it. The timeline actually works out that Law eats his devil fruit only a few months after Fisher Tiger attacked Mariejois, so my guess is that it either reincarnated or was stolen in that attack.
Egghead island has a very solid argument for being in the top 3 arcs of one piece
You have no idea how happy I was to see the small panel of Kuma dancing with kid Bonney singing the drums of liberation song! It brought me so much joy because I am such a Gear 5 fan and Sun God Nika fan! It was absolutely heartwarming
Let's not forget that when Portgas D. Rouge was pregnant with Ace that the world government decided to go take out any child that could potentially line up to be Gold Rogers son. She had to do a seemingly impossible feat as a mother to even get Ace to birth. The government knowing that Kuma was a Buccanner is just another example of how crazy cruel and merciless the One Piece world is, especially towards children.
This was incredible chapter. Emotional, scary, unmeasureable hype. Top tier
What I found weird is Saturn not killing Bonney or anyone else, other than an attempt on Luffy. He said you can't escape the island due to being surrounded by marines, not because they face him. He commanded the execution of Bonney, but again from the marines, even though he could clearly do it himself(?). He can literally crush her and It won't be any less messy.
Merphy, I follow plenty of OP reactors and I know most of them felt this chapter and its tragic moments deeply, but you always bring so much heart to your One Piece reviews, in a way that is unmatched in my experience. Following you is truly a joy, thanks for your work!
The biggest thing about this is seeing Rocks backstory and finding his motivation. If only to *finally* get an idea to Blackbeards end goal.
I always love flashbacks in One Piece because it's generally "Oh, this can't be worse than the previous flashback. My heart is strong now and can weather any storm Oda throws at me." And then it's often always "Oh god no this is so much worse, I can't take it! Give me more!"
I love that every CD figures in the flashback, aside from saturn and garling, are not given "face" or "name". They are collectively just one evil entity. And although the flashback is indeed very dark, Oda i think has intentionally speed through it by providing only snapshots of the cruelty. This has been established, so he did not dwell on it longer than needed. Also i think he managed to keep it tasteful regardless how grim it is.
kuma's "I'D RATHER DIE" is very reminiscent of Robin's "I JUST WANT TO DIE" i hope that means kuma will get the chance of seeing a free life despite everything suggesting otherwise ☹
I have 2 different hypotheses on this matter, but both give Kuma a happy ending. If you look at story beat, Kuma is absolutely a mirror of Robin. It's just that his character arc has been told in a much less compressed way than Robin's was. Think back to when we met Robin. She was at first an enemy who attacked igaram. However, the next time she interacts with luffy, she saves his life. Then, finally, a defeated Robin who no longer has any will to live is rescued by luffy in both a literal and metaphorical way. Kuma's first interaction with the straw hats was an attack. The second time they see him, he saves all of the straw hats' lives and proceeds to guard and protect the sunny, causing himself near self-destruction. Robin's friend Saul promised her that one day she'd meet her friends out at sea and she'd live happy. Kuma's father promised him that one day Nika would rescue him and take him out to the sun and the freedom of the sea. I wholeheartedly believe that if we lose Kuma, it will not be before he sees luffy triumph, symbolizing his freedom. One of the crewmates or even sunny could possibly eat his devil fruit carrying on his will and, therefore, never dying. Or he will not only live but will become the 10th strawhat
It's funny, in a way.
I had the feels reading the chapter; wasn't as impactful as other emotional hits, but that just means i wasn't actually crying at the moment.
But as soon as Merphy talks about it... I can't stop crying. Hearing her talk about the scene just caused the panels in question to live rent-free in my brain and I'm hearing and remembering voices from my own mom's passing 10, 12 years ago. I've always been closer to my dad too, and he ain't the healthiest guy, so the inevitable has just been a background dread for a long time too and I can see myself having the same empty, vacant smile/eyes afterwords.
Oda is a masterful artist in the way he can show such strong vivid emotion in a few quick panels. Merphy is a wonderful speaker in that she just emphasizes Oda's art and makes it come just that much more to life. Just something about her speaking ability and her empathy that strikes me more than any other One Piece youtube content I watch...
My first thought finishing the chapter: “Merph is gonna lose her MIND” second: “no enough!” I’m stoked we are finally here. I don’t always get excited when we get to flashbacks, especially being caught up, but I’m so ready for this one!
The kuma flashback made the fight between him and ivonkov where kuma didnt recognize his longtime friend even more sad
Oda brought my eyes to tears within 3 pages of a character flashback. That's gotta be a new record. Crying speedrun any%.
Also, you already know Luffy's gonna end up calling Figarland "Moonhead" lol.
I don't see Luffy fighting Moonhead, but rather Zoro. He's a swordsman after all, and Zoro always calls dibs.
@@KevinVideo oh yeah, most definitely. But he's a big cheese among the nobles and I'd imagine Luffy's gonna see him and maybe exchange a few words with him.
I love how Kuma devil fruit can have such a big effect and meaning now seeing the backstory and knowing that he can remove pain and suffering ODA is a madman
Oda is a different author when we see black background in the pages
This was an excellent chapter. We're going to get so much into our faces that there's no way we're going to be able to walk away from this the same as we did going in. Also, only a few chapters left until milestone chapter 1100, and you just know Oda's saving all the juiciest of tidbits for that one to slam us with.
Slight correction: the hunting games were tri-annual.
Don't forget that the giant robot sparked to life as well, so we might see that come and fight Saturn (I'm hoping)
3:40 that line was straight out of George Orwell's 1984
Perfect fit because Saturn is part of the party and they do erase and change history
I think Blackbeard was also at God Valley when the Celestial Dragons attacked. Remember the one illustration Oda gave us, child Blackbeard CRING (so something must have happened) and then you have the MOON in the background again implying the importance of the MOON (my theory the Moon people = Gorosei conquered thru world 900 years ago). Also remember that Bkackbeard named his ship Xebec and that Rock's last name is Rock's D. Xebec. I think Blackbeard looks up to Rock's because Rock's was the one who SAVED Blackbeard in that incident and that's why Blackbeard has a deep hatred for the world or better put for the World Government.
Ginny is a mother in a flashback, she never stood a chance
I love the way you talk about the chapters, it's really sincere and I really deeply feel what you are trying to convey
The fact that Klap believes that his wife is better off dead and takes comfort in the fact that she is dead just because she doesn't have to go through the inhuman treatment by the Celestial Dragons breaks my heart sooo much. 😢😢
Amazing chapter. Was so happy to see Iva-chan again.
As for after this flashback, my money is on:
-Kuma Arrives
-Kuma removes Luffy's fatigue (Maybe chucks it at Saturn to weaken him?)
-Bonney buffs Luffy with her Devil Fruit
-And maybe we take down one of the 5 Elders causing an incident that shakes the world.
They're trying to leave they are NOT going to stay and have a drawn out fight, what don't some of y'all understand they are trying to gtfo asap
@@dillianevan4200they wont be allowed to leave scot free
@@aritrasaha441 true
Saint Saturn saying "you humans" and "you insects" implying that he is NOT a human, my theory the Gorosei and Imu Sama are Moon people, Moon God's who conquered the world 900 years ago the opposing force was the D clan the D Kingdom, they lost 900 years ago and the Sun God will defeat them, Sun vs Moon and Oda loves that, remember the fight Blackbeard vs Ace, Light vs Darkness and you know I LOVE it too!
If the speculation that Rocks is a "hero" holds true, then the reasoning behind him possibly trying to kill the slaves would be that he's trying to free them from misery. And Roger would be fighting against Rocks to protect the slaves lives saying they should have a bright future ahead of them
Honestly i'm on board with the idea that the original Void century Joyboy was from the Buccaner race.
Cause there's nothing that fits better for it than the literal "cartoonishly big-bodied pirate" race. 😅
"She gone doe" Murphy 2023
The callousness of that statement brings a tear to my eye
I was expecting the Kuma flashback soon... and I was expecting the God Valley flashback eventually... but I was NOT expecting them to be the SAME FLASHBACK. I am so hyped.
Dunno where i've read this, but it sounds plausible: Shanks was a prize for the winners of the manhunt. Was it by Garling's hubris, thinking that there's no way he'd lose , or maybe as an entry fee since maybe the Figarland family wasn't that rich or influential compared to the other celestial dragons, or maybe even so that Garling could get rid of him since maybe he didn't want any children. I don't know, but that sure would make an interesting plot development.
Can’t wait to see 1098 review
Hey Merphy, You should check out Drawk Show's mom piece, shes a first time one piece reader and first time manga reader, her takes are awesome and the banter between her and her son are funny. She has picked up on so much that some or rarely any of us picked up on and shes only in Jaya arc so far, youd be blown away from her takes
Franky having a moment after so long feels good
It’s nothing big but I love it
This chapter was an emotional rollercoaster lmao, I went from smiling, to goosebumps, to literally crying at the end.
Also I personally think Oda has like, 5 or 600 more chapters of One Piece left.
Knowing oda he’d want to end at a nice number like 1667 an inversion of 1997, the year one piece started
I feel like people need to remember that this is a KUMA flashback and its gonna connect to egghead so i dont know how much of god valley we'll really get i feel like oda could still keep alot of the god valley incident hidden until that info is related to what were doing in the arc cause as far as i know the only thing related to egghead in the flashback is kuma revolutionaries and saturn but I'd love if we get the whole god valley flashback but I feel like this was gonna be a shorter arc
- HEY BAE WAKE UP! New Merphy Napier is out!
Oh man, this is gonna be a good one 🙃
Glory to the World Government and Imu the Illustrious. May their reign last eternal.
I have grown used to how dark and cruel the world of One Piece is. But this recent chapter actually made me feel ill of how nightmarishly disturbing the World Nobles are. And given the recent reveal that one of the Five Elder literally has a devil form, it just gives a disturbing implication that the world is potentially ruled by satan-like figure.
This CH also explains Fishman Tiger and all ex-slaves of WG knows and aware with the legend that Sun God Nika would liberate them. Apparently, i guess, Kuma is the one who spread the story among the slaves, spreading hope to them. This could probably what triggers Tiger's rebellion back in the day
The title of the chapter is so tragic and so fitting
The thing about being shot when imitating Nika: it would create pure trauma to ever seek out freedom, but also forever etched into Kuma as a way to be free.
I did not expect to laugh so much at the Ginny part 15:24! Amazing video as always and excited to see more of what Goda has in store even though he keeps hurting us.
I cackled so bad lol
With the idea that Kuma arrives after this flashback, I saw a great theory that he rejects Luffy’s pain and exhaustion, bringing him back into the fight. That way he gets to be the man that saves his world’s saviour, and bring Nika back.
Shanks probably ended up in the chest due to the appearance of Rocks at God Valley and the danger that all of the Celestial Dragons were in during that event. His mother probably wanted to save her baby from the chaos.
I just remembered that Atlas wears the gloves that can "punch" light. There has to be something coming that involves her and Kizaru. Oda always sets up those little things.
Hearing you talk about Kuma his past made me cry. The backstory has just started and it already hits so hard.
At this point, I'm convinced that Kuma's moniker ("The Tyrant") is negative propaganda from the WG; I can't see him leading a nation at all, honestly.
Wow, its amazing how Oda is able make the most depressing backstories for 26 years! It scares to think that there is still a lot depressing backstories coming later in story.
8:37 I don't see it as Kuma lying, I see as Kuma being ignorant of another way of life. His father may know they are being mistreated but how would that young Kuma know? He was enslaved right after he was born. He didn't have a single moment of normal life until way later.
The chapters was so crazy with information, but I'm not gonna lie, Kid Iva eclipsed a lot for me, cause they're one of my favorites and seem them so bright as a kid made smile. I can barely wait to have my heart ripped of my chest by all those rotten adults being the worst to baby Iva and baby Kuma. It feel so omnious to wait a extra week...
It has come to my attention that Merphay HAS in fact, read the first arc of Ascendance of a Bookworm:) YAY! I'm not sure how I missed it, but I did. Anyways, I'm super looking forward to your review on it! I absolutely love it and believe me, it only gets better!
I'm a bit concerned about the writing of the Celestial Dragons. I understand what they are suppose to represent : the worst of humanity.
They're (for the most of part) ugly, selfish, racist, egotistical, arrogant, cruel, and stupid.
They are slave owners, colonizers, child abusers, possibly r*pists, and now we learn they took part in human hunts.
That's a lot, maybe even... too much ?
In the same way making a character who is too perfect can make them boring, I think creating an overly despicable character could be a bit dangerous on a writing perspective. Because at this point, what'll happened when the WG fall, and the Celestial lose their privileges ? How will the world punish their crimes at the end of the story ? Should we kill them ? Imprison them ? Torture them ? FORGIVE THEM ?!!
I'm worried that nothing we'll do to them will ever repay the amount of suffering they caused during all these centuries.
Don't get me wrong, I want to see those assholes die a painfull death like the next guy. But we all know what happened when you answer violence with violence :
It only result of the birth of people full of hate and resentment like Doflamingo and Orochi, and I don't think that's the message Oda wants to promote.
But on the over hand, leaving those guys be and forgive them we'll feel so unfair.
So what should we do with them? What will be the fate of the Celestial Dragons at the end game, and we'll it be satisfying for the reader ? That is my concern...
I love your vunerabilitu when describing kuma's father telling him his mother has died and she's in a better place
Not to focus too much on power scaling, but it's crazy how powerful Saturn is if he can keep Sanji completely immobilized in the moment a woman he is trying to protect is about to die.
But now that some of the Kuma flashback was shown, I wonder what purpose the giant ancient robot at the beginning of the arc has, especially as Kuma is on his way to egghead.
Also, shot in the dark, Kizaru had been saying all arc long how much he didn't want to go through with the plan. Not to downplay Luffy's strength, but I wonder if our sparkly admiral went down on purpose as an easy out to not kill Vegapunk himself
That chapter was painful watching Kuma's dad killed in front of him was rough and if look at the panel closely the celestial dragon didn't just shoot him because of the noise he reacted to the drums of liberation
Seeing roughed up Kuma and in shackles made me tear up and all the more as I remember all the children who got killed by evil militants in the current wars. I've never been happier to see Ivan cos he for real brightened up my day.
Re-reading maniford is gonna be insane after this flashback
The plot twist I see oda pulling in this backstory is that ginny is alive cause everyone already says she's dead...people didn't even do this to toki
Honestly, 10/10 chapter. I've waited so many years for Kuma's backstory, and he's already got one of the most tragic stories 😢. And not only this, but the emphasis on Saturns true powers and finally brining us to God Valley! Oda is truly giving us a treat with these chapters. Great video tho, I was looking forward to your breakdown since I read it 😁👍
Already feeling like the sort of tragedy only Brook and Robin can truly sympathize with
With all those insane breaks this whole year, Oda manage to hold us tight with insane reveal after reveal, huge incident after huge incident, Banger story one after another. I will be lying if i say i'm good with the breaks, but nonetheless, I'm greatful. Its been a blast!
At best we could get 5 chapters until the end of the year. But u doubt we could reach 1100 for usually end year always full of breaks. But, we are The Grandfleet. Enjoying the calm before storm.
#thankYouOda
The addition of god valley makes this backstory even exciting
Tragedy.
Tragedy + Time = Comedy
Elbaph looking kind of fun.
I think the buggy cover page was to soothe us before the pain hits
When i saw the kuma flashback start i immediately thought to myself "oh merphy is gonna LOVE this chapter 😂"
It's gonna be sad again so much pain this arc
Kuma’s story reminded me a lot of the movie Life is Beautiful (La vita è bella) : (
Dam Girl...your takes on chapters is making me fall back into the fun, enjoyable side of OP Manga :)
The panel with the dad beat up while his mom hugged him was surprisingly shocking to me
I've been on the Bonney joining the Strawhats train since her introduction, and as more about her has come to light in this arc, something I thought of that would be cool about it all is the reason.
And my thought was that the reason Kuma saved the Strawhats, outside of Luffy being Dragon's kid, is that Kuma saw a place for his daughter to be safe. And now it comes to light that Kuma has been waiting for and praying for Nika to return. So I feel like it's all coming together nicely.
You know, I always wondered how or even if Oda would have the five elders serve as end-game bosses, since they never really seemed all that capable…
…now I know 😬(and I feel silly for even doubting it).
Simply parroting some ideas I've heard elsewhere that I found very interesting: God Valley may be inspired by old timey American Western/Wild West themes based on some glimpses of architecture we see in the final pages and the rock formation resembling Monument Valley in Arizona. Could also give context to Ivankov's trademark Hee-Haw! Plus, foreign invaders invading a resource-rich land, claiming it as their own, then systematically massacring the natives? Sounds a lot like Native American history (plus I'm sure countless other histories around the world).
No wonder Iva was so devastated seeing the state of Kuma.
I am really impressed how oda is tying so many plots together. Like now we are getting kuma, revolutionary army, bonney, vegapunk, shanks, giants and gorosei, and he did the same thing in cross guild. Crocodile, mihawk and buggy together and possibility of other warlords in this chaotic group is just cheffs kiss 😂 and on top of that whitebeards son and reyleighs wife -forgot her name 😂-is rocks too so at some point they will get involved in this mess😂
Rayleigh's wife's name is shakuyaku, and she was the empress of amazon lily, 2 generations before hancock, she wasn't part of any rocks.
Shakky isn't a Rocks pirate. That was a fake manga panel.
SADDEST FLASHBACK EVER those 2 pages broke me
I've been waiting for Kuma's flashback for more than 10 years, seriously it's in the top 3 things i was waiting for in One Piece, and it's delivering. The pain.