Absolutely loved this chapter. The three non-human Scabbards are the ones that stuck out to me most initially because of the way Wano is. Oda didn't spare any details giving us their origin stories, their first encounters with Oden, and their interaction with the Scabbards. Little Kiku being cute adds to the vibe that Oden was running a daycare here and in that sense you see Oden as a father figure on top of a lord. Izo is just weird, I have a feeling despite the lipstick that he's the most stern and adamant personality there. Denjiro continues to be a nerd and talks about money, now that Oda's emphasizing there's no doubt where this is going.
Daimyo Oden's procession was beautiful. The scabbards went from fanboys to genuine pillars of support that can proudly stand by Oden's side. It hits especially hard because it parallels the Strawhats, even though Oden never actually wanted any of his guys. He's a human magnet. The Strawhats all struggled and gave up so much to show their gratitude and support of captain Luffy, that's what it takes to even keep following such an amazing figure across the Grand Line. Then it makes you sick that in the present time line that these amazing samurai are left without their lord, a crew cut off from their captain, a body without its head, a people in need of a new leader.
Usually arcs focus on fleshing out one or two strong supporting characters that may come from or lead a group, but this time Oda is developing the entire group itself. We're dealing with a cast unlike any others. "Raizo is safe!" This wasn't a just clan loyalty, this was personal. The Nine Scabbards might become my favorite supporting actors of any One Piece arc.
Before the chapter is over the young Whitebeard Pirates get dropped in to take it over the top. How can a face like that look so good with golden flowing locks? Whitebeard already had most of his kids by that point, but there doesn't appear to be any stand outs. I wonder if allies like Andre and Whitey Bay were originally Commanders. Daddy Whitebeard clashes with Daddy Oden, what a way to introduce yourself to the man you want to be subordinate to! Oden's one main fault is that he can't sail with his own navigation skills, he can't even leave Wano. He would board an impressive ship even if it was Kaido at the helm. The feeling we're all getting here is that Oden's personality was too strong for even Whitebeard to tame, since we know he eventually moved to his rival Roger's ship. But Oden spent many years there and served as Division Commander, the Moby Dick wasn't simply a getaway ticket. I'm looking forward to seeing their relationship develop and anything we learn from the Whitebeard Pirates.
The biggest question I'm left with: which of Oden's boys get to go on board, which of them stay behind to take care of Kuri? I imagine Oden won't be completely irresponsible here, but the man still has a dream. This is the perfect time for a traitor to develop as Orochi has Wano all to himself.
