That´s true, it contradicts each other.
Not that deaths necessarily elevate a story, but i can certainly underline possible consequences while emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Also that´s only one part of "maturity" and i think it´s unfair to reduce it to only that.
It´s definitely relevant, maybe even essential, for suspense purposes, also as another layer for the audience to feel, but it´s not necessarily influencing other things that can be classified as such.
Ultimately i agree to a certain extent though.
Who knows, maybe Pedro, Yasu and such were supposed to be signify that transition, even if it did not work so well, though i only believe it when i see it definitely.
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Yep, OP fandom is not a homogeneous bunch. Some want only battles (which i never thought Oda did pretty well beyond the clash of ideals), some want other things.