After thinking about it for awhile, I realized Oden is the primary problem and the source behind most of my complaints. He is the driving force of this arc and the protagonist of this flashback, but don't find him endearing in the slightest. Every other part was enjoyable from Kinemon's backstory, to Whitebeard's involvement, and Roger's final voyage.
However, I'm starting to question if it's being done on purpose? Like the story set up Oden to be an amazing guy, but the flashback contradicts it. Oden found one piece, but he lost his country. The story made us think he was an admirable ruler, but he really wasn't cut out for it. Oden was also made out to be a naive fool by wasting five years trusting in the promises of untrustworthy people. Afterwards his redemption battle against Kaido was rather brief and not what I was expecting. What kind of payoff is Oda going for here, and why set up such a contrast?
Obviously Oden and Toki will sacrifice themselves at the end to save the scabbards. I expect that much, but perhaps there's something else I'm missing or at least I hope there is. :unsure:
However, I'm starting to question if it's being done on purpose? Like the story set up Oden to be an amazing guy, but the flashback contradicts it. Oden found one piece, but he lost his country. The story made us think he was an admirable ruler, but he really wasn't cut out for it. Oden was also made out to be a naive fool by wasting five years trusting in the promises of untrustworthy people. Afterwards his redemption battle against Kaido was rather brief and not what I was expecting. What kind of payoff is Oda going for here, and why set up such a contrast?
Obviously Oden and Toki will sacrifice themselves at the end to save the scabbards. I expect that much, but perhaps there's something else I'm missing or at least I hope there is. :unsure: