You can watch my next One Piece review (Water 7 Finale) RIGHT NOW on Patreon here (5$+): www.patreon.com/Aleczandxr To follow the readthroughs on stream, you can follow me on Twitch here: www.twitch.tv/Aleczandxr/ Link to AJ's Discord server: discord.gg/Ekhz7PNuJd CURRENT TWITCH SCHEDULE: Mondays @ 10am EST: A Blind Playthrough of The Great Ace Attorney Wednesdays @ 10am EST: A Blind Playthrough of Xenoblade Chronicles 3/Haikyuu Discussions Fridays @ 10:30am EST: New Hunter x Hunter Chapter reads Sundays @ 11am EST: Mob Psycho 100 and Chainsaw Man anime reactions & One Piece Chapter reads SOME FRIDAYS, I do full One Piece reading streams as well, after the HxH chapters.

I love how the Aqua Laguna was built up during this arc as the ultimate high tide. But all that water has to come from somewhere and the yearly Aqua Laguna lines up with the yearly low tide at Long Ring Long Land.

I've been reading One Piece for 16 years and waiting for someone to articulately validate my feelings about it for almost as long. You are IT, thank you.

#AJPiece Nami breaks her expected character stereotype twice this arc, to great effect: "Forget about the money, at least you're safe", and "Oh thank god so we can get Robin back if we just fight them?" (Or something along those lines) Both these lines are very underrated. Nami's character is underrated.

your analysis of odas writing strength is probably one of the best one‘s i‘ve heard until now

The conversation between Usopp and Luffy is easily the best single scene in the series. And it's followed up by the best fight in the series. Oda decided to just fuck up my life with this arc. I've seen probably 4-5 youtubers discuss this arc as first-timers, and it still gets me to tear up a bit every time even when they're just fuckin summarizing what happened lmao

#AJPIECE on Iceberg, I like how he's initially portrayed as childish and impulsive like Luffy. We don't think he could be a good leader, but he has the ability to hit a switch and immediately command respect. I personally believe that CP9 legitimately respects him as well. Like Aokiji, he can be goofy, but when things become serious he has responsibility as a leader that Luffy *must* adopt. And just as the keel is the foundation of the Merry, Luffy is the foundation of the crew. If he cannot function in the worst seas, they are bound to collapse.

Water 7 is just NEARLY peak shonen animanga. This arc is so rich and full of substance, emotions, world building, plotting and more, it just boggles the mind how much it does and how efficiently it does it. The twists and turns, the guessing game with Robin, the action and Usopp arc. It's just wild how much stuff happens here, it's easy to forget.

#ajpiece the biggest reason I have to love Luffy vs Usopp is that most fights between heroes seem contrived, and you figure they could solve their issues if they talked for 30 seconds. This isn’t the case here, no matter what Usopp is told, he’s still feeling the same way. This was both built up well but incredibly shocking, and I applaud Oda for it.

#AJPiece One thing that makes you appreciate the world building even more. Annual tide receding in Long Ring Long Land, which reveals the land roads between its islands, is what creates Water 7's annual Aqua Laguna tidal wave. It creates a massive displacement of water & Aqua Laguna is the consequence. I always loved that tiny fact. It didn't have to be there, but it is, and OP world building & its consistency is all the more better for such small details. Another thing is that in the anime, Luffy delivers the news about Merry to Usopp in a very nonchalant way. So Usopp's reaction makes even more sense. I too was shocked by Luffy when I was watching that scene for the first time. Also, to answer your question, you're right. Poseidon was the ancient weapon mentioned in Skypiea's Poneglyph, while Pluton was in Alabasta.

For anyone interested, Water 7 Part 2 (FINALE) is up on Patreon early access, and it's exactly 2 hours in length :-)

#AJPiece The way oda plays with the audience's expectations through water seven is honestly inspired. You expect the crew to be looking for a shipwright so it's no surprise when all of the shipwrights we see have very detailed main character looking character designs. When in reality, they have that kind of character design because they are actually hiding CP9 agents in their midst. Even the more inquisitive parts of the audience wouldnt be looking for the CP9 agents because they'd be focused on the main mystery, being who would be the next crewmate.

#AJPIECE many people view Usopp as pathetic and shallow for leaving the crew for the Merry, but forget his life before the Straw Hats came along. Usopp was abandoned by his father and lost his mother at an early age that led to Usopp having abandonment issues which got heightened arc after arc reaching its peak during Water 7. This also parallels his character with Robin’s who also had abandonment issues after finding a place to call home among the Straw Hats. It’s just Usopp is his own enemy while Robin’s is the world

Hearing AJ talk so long about the assault on the Frankly Family makes me realize how big this moment was. I always forget about this scene when it comes to this arc. Water 7, where even epic moments are eclipsed and almost forgotten.

The character work with Robin, Franky and Usopp in this arc is rivalled only by the likes of HxH, Berserk, Ashita no Joe and Haikyuu.

#AJPIECE Fun fact about Water 7: after the battle between Luffy and Usopp, Luffy goes 15 chapters without smiling. Its so compelling that Oda added this detail to a character that is designed as carefree and childlike. Its a very relatable moment to the reader as I'm sure most everyone has had a fight or a falling out with a friend and its always heartbreaking to go through. While the reader might pick sides and determine who is morally correct in their argument, Oda shows that the emotions of both sides are justified. You don't have to justify the way you feel because you don't control how you feel, only on how you act on your emotions. its no coincidence that 2 of the silliest crewmembers were pitted against each other in this duel, I can't imagine that any other crew member would have reacted the same way as Usopp in this exact scenario. Its a great moment that doesn't only have a large impact on the future of this story, but an impact on the character which makes the reader wonder how will the world change and if the crew will ever be the same again. Also, have you ever found or has your chat ever pointed out any of Oda's hidden Pandamen throughout your streams? They're silly little Easter eggs he likes to put into the background shots of the story and its amusing to find one whenever you're reading through the story.

I've already read this arc before but hearing you narrate it makes me feel emotional again.

God, how have I waited for this video! Ever since you discussed the philosophy of Luffy Vs Buggy, Water 7 was a milestone. Guys, it's finally here! 😭😭

First time ever paying for a Patreon of any sorts. Well worth it.

For me, the "Water 7 Saga" (which is my/the informal name of Water 7 and the following 2 arcs) is One Piece's coming of age story - both for the characters, aswell as the story itself. For this, I will eternally rate it extremely highly. The character developement, world building and the new characters aswell as the plot are just incredible.

I love that "Oh my goodness" at 31:39

One Piece has some of the best fights in all of shonen to me. Not necessarily because of amazing choreography and action, which admittedly some other series do better (even though OP sure isn't *lacking* in those departments) but because of the emotional weight behind them, and the way they never fail to deliver those hard-hitting pay off moments you mention in this video. There are plenty of examples throughout the series but for me, Luffy vs Usopp is still my favorite fight in all of animanga because of this aspect, because just like you, Luffy and Usopp were and still are my favorite characters. Oda built up their conflict so perfectly, and the the way he drew the fight makes every attack between them feel like it hits me directly as a viewer. "Goodbye Usopp. It's been... fun." had me in shambles 18 years ago when I first read it and still does to this day. So glad to have finally caught up to both your reviews and all the VODs I could find on your Twitch. New Patron here, glad to be jumping aboard at this point specifically because it's my favorite stretch in all of One Piece. ✌

Man this went by way too quickly.

My favorite arc in the series can't wait for future reviews👍

#AJPiece The Water 7 saga is fantastic for many reasons, and I’m very glad you enjoyed it. One of the reasons why I think it’s so good is because it massively expands to scope of the world in meaningful ways that also enhance the themes of the series. We (much like most of the characters) learn that the World Government and the Navy are one of the major antagonists of the series, capable of just as much, if not more, destruction than the pirates they reign in. Their existence is authoritarian, which place them in direct conflict with the Straw Hats who seek freedom in opposition. This reveal adds so much more thematic weight to story because of how it reinforces on of the key messages of One Piece: You are not good because of WHAT you are; you are good because of WHO you are. There are moral and evil characters who are pirates, just like there are moral and evil characters who are marines. I’m honestly so glad Oda put time into fleshing out this complexity rather than painting everything with broad strokes, because it adds so much on a read through.

One Piece has MANY emotional moments, but the aftermath of Luffy vs. Usopp breaks my heart even watching it for the millionth time! I recommend watching the anime for this! The voice acting is phenomenal!

#AJPIECE It's difficult to talk about just the 1st portion of Water 7 (though you did a phenomenal job) but I think this is where the story "grows up" a little. One Piece has an ever shifting focus and scope but there's definitely a tonal shift starting with the end of Long Ring Long Land in the form of meeting an immovable object by the name of Aokiji. The story matures with both the audience and Oda. It's the first glimpse of the actual power of the World Government. Up until this point they've kinda seemed like pushovers with the exception of Smoker but even he gets bested every time he appears. Meeting just one of the 3 Admirals was enough to utterly destroy the Strawhats. Now we have undercover super powered death squads in the form of CP9. Also I would say this is where Luffy is solidified as a captain and Zoro as the right hand of the future King of the Pirates, Luffy's First Mate. I want to say so much but it would be beyond the chapter this review ended on. The series starts off very villain of the week with just a 17 yr old boy and a dingy and now him and his crew are getting entangled in a large scale government plot. They're falling apart and everything to do with Usopp is just heartbreaking. Water 7 begins a new era in this sprawling epic and I'm so glad you've made it this far. Wasn't sure if you were gonna stick with it in the beginning but of all the reviews I watch I look forward to yours the most. Thanks for putting it out there!

#AJPiece I hope you noticed that up until this point, that this is the ONLY time Luffy ever thinks about anything. Most characters will have internal monologues about whatever is happening, even the Antagonists. Luffy genuinely has no filter and says whatever pops up in his head instantly. He needed to actually sit with himself and think about what to do with Merry. Ultimately there were consequences no matter what option he chose.

THE THUMBNAIL NOOOOOOOOO. Can't wait to see what you thought of this iconic arc. This is where One Piece truly becomes a 9/10.

Yes I have been waiting for this. One of the best fight scenes in the manga/anime.

Can’t wait to get through finals and have Part 2 of this waiting on the other side! This series is greatly appreciated

One can experience One Piece for the first time only once. Thank you for such a long analysis video (dropping comment before I dig in)! Again, appreciate your thoughts and effort put into this.

Man I love these reviews! They really take me back to when I read OP for the first time! Well done :)

#AJPiece Thank you for another amazing review! I'm commenting rather late, so I doubt you will see this, unfortunately, but I wanted to ask whether you saw the conflict between Luffy and Usopp coming. I'm asking because - while I certainly did not see it coming - in hindsight I feel like it was always bound to happen (nothing to do with the Merry). It is arguably the longest and best set up plot up until this point. It was always bound to happen because...Luffy was never Usopp's Captain and Usopp was never Luffy's crewmate. When you look back at it: Luffy had a good reason to recruit every member. He was looking for someone with specific skills and then found them: Someone strong, navigator, cook, doctor...he had the intention to find these people because he needed them. But Usopp was never that case. He was curious about the kid that he heard so much about from Yasopp and went to see him. And then they got along great and when Usopp wanted to go to sea as well, Luffy invited him. And they quickly became best friends. That's what they are/were: *Best Friends* I know you said that you don't think Usopp is Luffy's best friend but Usopp is the only one that Luffy genuinely _socialises_ with on a consistent level. If Luffy wasn't a pirate or a captain of a crew, I can still see him being super close to Usopp - not so much with the others. They're on a similar wavelength: whether it's fooling around together, playing in the snow etc. or dreaming about going to Elbaf etc. There are even scenes that distinctly show how Usopp rubs off on Luffy (like the peaking on Nami and Vivi scene): Luffy usually isn't interested in that stuff but he still peaked bc he wanted to play along with Usopp. And Usopp always put Luffy's life above Luffy's orders. Because he's his best friend and he cares about Luffy in that way. He was upset when the crew left Luffy behind with Crocodile, he was upset when the crew left Luffy behind with Aokiji etc. He always had the mindset of *"Friends* always come first. Who care about orders in that regard." There are, of course, also the scenes in which Usopp (jokingly) challenges Luffy as captain. Like, when he joins the crew the first thing he says is: "I will be captain, right?" And when Fullbody recognised them as pirates, while Luffy said "I'm the captain", Usopp immediately added: "And I drew the flag." Of course this was all in good fun but it's a hint at how Usopp didn't take the whole hierarchy/crew thing too seriously (no one else in the crew would say/do these kind of things). But that comes back to Usopp being invited as Luffy's friend. _Not_ as the "insert position/role" of the crew. Some people say that Luffy is partially to blame bc the way he handled the situation/told Usopp wasn't the way to do it etc. Regardless of that, if Luffy was to be blamed for something, it would probably be this: Usopp's standing in the crew. Yes, Nami is pretty weak. Even Chopper (although technically much stronger than Nami/Usopp) is insecure and feels weak. But Nami is the navigator. Chopper is the doctor. They have expertises to fall back to for confidence and "usefulness". But what the hell is Usopp? It is obvious that Usopp's insecurities (regarding his own weakness etc) eventually lead to this but it really didn't help that Usopp didn't really feel secure in his place on the ship/as part of the crew. *Because Luffy never made Usopp feel like he was needed.* Usopp clearly knew how much Luffy liked Usopp - can't say it often enough: they are best friends. He just never felt like Luffy needed him. That's what it ultimately came down to. Of course there was no ill will from Luffy's side. Luffy loves Usopp - literally his best friend - and never felt the need to specifically let Usopp know that he wants/needs Usopp as part of his crew. And he failed to recognise that this was very important to Usopp. Luffy explicitly relies on every single member of his crew for certain things/tasks/expertise. But Usopp, while being trusted, probably never felt that way about himself. And even when he was trusted (like with the money) he ultimately failed. This is ultimately a result of Usopp's insecurities. But those are not only based on his (perceived) inadequacies but also the crew's dynamic/environment as he saw it/felt it. Luffy and Usopp were friends on a ship where Luffy was Captain and everyone else were crewmates. And that's why _something_ was always bound to happen eventually. No one having inherently bad intentions aside...it wasn't healthy. Ironically: "quitting" and challenging Luffy is probably the one single greatest act up until now in terms of proving how much of a Straw Hat he was. He was the _only_ one who knew about the Klabautermann at the time. He knew the ship was alive. But only he knew. Luffy even said: "Don't compare a ship to people. It's different." And Usopp was adamant that "they're the same!" No matter how ridiculous it would seem to others, Usopp defended what he believed in, defended his friend (Merry) and challenged someone to a fight no matter how unreasonable it was/would seem to others and did so knowing his opponent was far stronger and there was almost no chance of winning. Having courage to believe and defying all odds...that's what the crew is about! What do you think about this? Greetings from Germany

Iceberg is truly underrated as a character.

Let's absolutely go, i have been waiting on purpose so when I finish this video the wait for the next one on youtube to be coming sooner but I can wait no longer. I can't wait to hear your reactions to this masterpiece.

been waiting for this specifically

#AjPiece even we have little interaction about this, just imagine nami not being in the crew. We already talk about she been the best navigator and the contribution, but now imagine the economy part of the crew. Who will handle the money and treasures? Sanji? Robin? Another layer how she in the back is holding this crew together

Was waiting for you to get here to sub to your patreon. Hope you enjoy this saga as much as I did!

So excited for this arc/video :)

Thanks for making the drive to and from work pleasant today.

The aj piece section always changes my view of something in the story ❤

#AJPiece Usopp said he felt for a while that he's not useful to the crew, and I think the crew wasn't expecting that because they see him in a totally different and more truthful light. Zoro is more observant and maybe he was already aware about how unfair Usopp is about himself, but Zoro doesn't go around telling people how to feel and just treats them with the amount of respect they deserve. Zoro (and the crew) respects Usopp more than what Usopp allows himself to believe. After they lost Chopper during the Davy Back Fight there is this one line where Usopp says they have lost because he's useless, but the crew knows and we know that Usopp wasn't the only player in round 1, he was brilliant during the race and they lost just because the Foxy pirates deceived all of them. And yet Usopp was really quick to give zero faults to others and to take all of them on himself. No matter the limits he overcomes, Usopp always believes he's not enough and I don't think this comes just by the comparison between him and stronger characters, but it could relate back to the fact the father he admires so much left him behind and, at least in real life, that easly makes children believe they are not enough as people. Usopp's worries about the challenges of the Grand Line are legit, but his blindness about his own resoucefulness and worth is a dangerous fault and it's hard to overcome because it's engraved in his brain since forever. In Arlong Park, Usopp jumped off the boat leaving Zoro to the fishman, but later in Skypiea he went back alone on Ener's ship to retrieve Sanji. If that's not character development I don't know what it is. Someone please give some selfawareness to this boy, he has no idea how much he's needed and loved

1:22:15 To have the world still moving as the main cast action happens is one of Oda's best suits

#AJPiece water 7 was when zoro became my favorite character in one piece. Even though he doesnt get alot of screentime or spotlight, the way that he backs up luffy and keeps his head on straight is exactly what a vice captain should do. Despite being as devastated as anyone, he keeps it together for the sake of his family and the one man he puts above himself. Remember, when zoro first joined the crew his terms for joining were that if luffy ever gets in the way of his goals, he'll leave him behind. And throughout the story entirely in the background that has changed so much as zoro, arguably the most prideful man in the series, learned to put someone else above him. And the fact that his loyalty comes from pride shows through his actions. He keeps luffy on track and makes sure luffy is aware of his burdens because he expects nothing less then that from a man that would be above him. He does care for the crew as a family, but luffy is the one person who's supposed to be better then him and zoro makes sure to hold him to that because he'd accept nothing less as his superior.

#AJ Piece You really are amazing at getting to the heart and soul of the story and it is obvious to any one piece reader that you really read and are feeling the things that we all felt at one point. Watching these reviews has been such a rush of nostalgia and your ability to illicit so many thoughts and feelings I had when i read the story! Super excited for Impel Down! Keep up the amazing work it is so refreshing to hear these perspectives!😅 My question is how seamless was it for you to read Water 7 for the first time. For me it was like being on such a rush of moments that just kept developing and drawing you back in to what is really going on!

Never heard/read the word "coalesces" so many times till watching these videos and reading the comments 🤣. Enjoying the videos, though. Glad you became a fan. Keep it up.

Great video!

I've been waiting for your water 7 review since you started, Usopps my favorite by far and obviously this arc was huge for him

#AJPIECE Another major theme that Water 7 carries is the concept of knowing when to let go and accept death as a part of life. Merry has a big component showing this and Usopp looks as though he is basically going through the stages of grief because he has the most attachment to Merry since he started off his journey on the Merry while everyone else started their journey before or after the Merry has been established. It's painful to watch the fallout between him and Luffy because both have reasons to justify their side of the argument which makes it a morally gray area which carries massive weight for what follows suit in the aftermath.

THIS is what saves my day after 12 hours of work on a saturday!!!

Thank you for this.

Yo that Gengar evolution line lamp is sick! Gengar is one of my favorite original Pokémon 😁

#AJPiece Something that people miss out about the fight between Usopp and luffy and calls Usopp "childish" or "naive" or just plain "stupid" is that NO ONE explain Usopp why the crew cant continue on the Mery. Compare the explanaiton that luffy and nami got vs the explanaiton that Ussop got from luffy. Luffy and nami got explained with detailed and luffy got even comfront by iceberg, franky got explained and he get it because of his knowledge, and everyone was burden about it but now imagine Usoop that the going mery is extra special for him (because of sirup village and was a gift from the one he love) plus his insecurity of not being good enough plus proyecting himself im the ship and how he feels (again, because noone explain him) that the crew is just "discarting the going mery" gaves a new vision when Usopp says "whill you discart me to for being to week?"

What beautiful misery this fight between warriors has been. Well done AJ, made me tear up again…

W after W with these one piece videos

1:43:20 Poseidon was mentioned in Skypiea, and Pluton in Alabasta

This is still my favourite saga of OP with Enies Lobby is Peak OP for me still so far and I'm caught up also how the crew faces struggles here like before is amazing from the walk to the Franky house reminiscent of walk to Arlong Park, the total loss of the merry, leading to Ussop vs Luffy best fight in the series you've read so far then Zoro reining in Luffy with the rest of the crew giving cold hard facts so much to love not to mention the architecture and layout of Water 7 itself

AJ you finally made to the best arc in One Piece! Congratulations!

Wooohoooo Christmas came early!

Yes I was definitely Chuckling at you last video.. I was like oh boi he just don’t know… it only gets better from here brother

Hype! I hope to see you wearing a Straw Hat sometime in one of these videos in the future! ;)

32:26 Well, it is based on Venice, so it makes sense (hence the masks) xD I'm sure you realize Alabasta is based on Egypt + Las Vegas (at least Rain Dinners is), Loguetown is based on Florence (it has even several storefronts virtually copy-pasted), and there are many more to come. If I remember, I will point them out as you reach there, just in case you missed it

1:43:20. Since I don't see any comments that state this I'll make a quick one. We currently know of TWO ancient weapons at the point of where you're reading; Poseidon which Robin found details of in Skypeia, and Pluton which details were in Alabasta. The poneglyph in Alabasta revealing Pluton's location was the big reason Crocodile did his whole plan.

#AJPiece Hello AJ, Joice from Italy here! First of all, I wanted to say that I'm really thankful for all of your OP videos, it's so nice to relive the whole manga with a first time reader and getting into all your theories and opinions, your videos always keep me company! Regarding the review itself, I just wanted to give some nice of trivia on Water 7, as I don't think I saw this mentioned in the review and you enjoyed the world building details. Water 7 is pretty clearly inspired by the city of Venice, Italy, and so are most of the details that sorrounds it. First of all, Venice is structured as a town built on water, as is Water 7. Acqua Laguna and its consequences, slowly raising with every passing year, while completely fictional, is definitely akin to real life water floods that every year threaten to destroy Venice (Acqua Laguna is literally translated to "Water Lagoon") and that have sadly only gotten worse in recent years (it's well known that Venice will probably disappear in the not so distant future). In the Middle Age, Venice was well known as one of the main four ports of Italy (aka "Maritime Republics", the others being Genoa, Pisa and Amalfi), which meant that the town thrived as a commercial/trading center for the whole Mediterranian Sea... and that, for this reason, the town was also very well known for its many shipyards and shipwrights/carpenters, just like Galley-La Company! Last but not least, the town's citizens dressing up with creepy masks and coats is a clear reference to Venice's Carnevale. While the whole of our country has Carnevale, some cities are remarkably famous for their century hold traditions and celebrations; Venice is definitely one of the most famous one, having tourists from all over the world travelling for Carnevale. Nothing new, I'm sure, but I think these are all pretty fun references that show that Oda really can do his work. Keep it up!

Personally I consider Water Seven and the next Arc to be one Arc with this Superarc as the best of one piece. So I hope that you will forgive me but I'm planning on watching all of your reaction when it all comes out. I'm so excited for your views of all of the characters. Robin and Usopp are standouts in my opinion. But there is excellent character-work throughout. So exciting that you are here! Additionally, I feel this Arc is the arc that challenges Luffy's leadership the most. Hope that the growth is as cool to you as it is to me! #AJPiece

Great video! Robin is my favorite character so I very much enjoy hearing your thoughts on her

#AJPiece keep going AJ, enjoying the videos and streams a lot 👏

Bonds being tested makes for great content when it's not because of a misunderstanding, but clashing values between members of a group

Oh can’t wait to the second part,, make sure you show them tears because we know you gonna cry,, hell I did

#AJPIECE hi! super big fan of the series so far and One Piece is like my favorite piece of media so it's been lovely watching you nail all the themes and characterization! One part I didn't really notice you mention about the Usopp/Luffy fight, though: up to that point, I had always been really aware of Usopp's determination to prove himself as a leader because he had associated that trait with being brave (and, well, constantly calling himself "Captain Usopp"). The line "We're not just playing pirates (may have been said differently in the manga!) by Zoro really stuck out as a turning point to their crew in that regard. To me, Usopp had been naive towards his position as an established pirate- not to say he wasn't in dangerous situations, but that he didn't really take in the weight of being on a pirate crew in full. And, by extension, didn't really see Luffy as the captain. To challenge Luffy on his decision about the Going Merry was a culmination of self-worth and further issues, as you covered, but I also saw it as a refusal to see himself as a subordinate and Luffy as his superior (which I suppose also links to the self-worth thing). That, too, added a lot more weight to Zoro's presence while watching their fight, because he's pretty consistently been the figure who takes their ship roles the most seriously. Basically, their conflict, to me, gave a lot of insight on how their ship was run in respect to power dynamics, and the lack of respect one can give a leader that can topple the bond on a ship. Hyped for the next video!

Nobody ever gets Pauly's gag. Its suppose to be funny bc Pauly's the foreman on a dangerous job site where the slightest distraction could get someone crushed or seriously harmed, and a pretty girl in a mini skirt is more than a slight distraction to damn near everyone employeed there. Also, they have high professional standards there at the Galley-La company, a characteristic of any first rate industrial firm, exspecially those who work in hazardous environments like a shipyard. Oda goes to great extent showing us the first rate professionalism of The Galley-La Company. The single most effective thing for turning a disciplined group of professional men on a dangerous jobsite into ineffective incompetent jackasses that pose a threat to not only themselves but their coworkers around them is the presence of a pretty girl in a tight get up showing it off to everyone there. There is a time and place for that attire. A dangerous industrial scale shipyard full of prime aged men operating dangerous equipment is NEVER the place for that kind of attire. Its just a fact of life. As foreman, this is very frustrating for Pauly bc its his job to keep the men working as safe and efficiently as possible. Hence why he reacts that way, trying to hide what her attire is revealing while attempting to shame her into putting on some pants before somebody gets hurt, killed, or at the least work slows to a hault, further delaying a project that's already behind, as all projects always are... Personally, I think its one of Oda's best gags in the entire series.

I aways love the FFXIV music and subtle decorations that indicates that you love it

#AJPIECE In case you didn't know since you didn't mention it in the review, Water 7 is inspired by Venice, the italian city of water, which actually functions very similarly to Water 7 and looks pretty much the same. They even have tons of mask shops all over the island as it's very rooted on their culture as they are known as the best mask makers in the world, and every year as the famous Venice Carnaval comes around, everyone wears this masks. This happens a few times through the story, some islands are inspired by real life locations but adding the One Piece universe flavour, another of Oda's strenghts as a writer in my opinion. Also fun fact, some character designs are also based on real life people, as you'll surely begin to notice soon. Enel for example was based on Eminem.

#AJPIECE On Iceberg. I always liked him as a character but on this reread i realised the first time how much development he actually goes threw. I always thought of him as the voice of reason who had to put Franky in his place. After all thats what their whole flashback is about. Franky just builds stuff because he can while Icebergs thinks building weapons is wrong because you have to take responsibility for your creations and you cant know what they will be used for. The events that happened seemed to proof him right and leave Franky guilt ridden but actually the truth lies in the middle and both end up learning from each other. Tom also embodies both those philosophies. He would put his ego aside for the greater good and was able to make compromises to achieve his goals. In order to create the Puffing Tom he didnt hestitate to work with a corrupt gouverment that wants him dead. However he also did build an incredibly mighty battleship and gave it to a bunch of criminals (and even if he did trust Roger other people might use it). He pretty much created the weapon that Roger ended up using to conquer the world with. Not really something the old Eisberg would understand. Franky really isnt the odd one out here. Tom represents Frankys side just as much as he does Eisbergs. Neither of them is fully right nore fully in the wrong and both needed each other to grow. I really love their dynamic.

I agree with alot of what you said about usopp But, kaya gave the ship to luffy, usopp didnt even think he would join the crew until thay told him to get on. So while its probably true that usopp cares about merry the most (maybe also because of its connection to kaya), it is wrong to say its his contrebution to the crew

#AJPiece have you ever read or watched an arc quite like this? Where it does so many transition things and worldbuilding but also has such an amazing story in itself? While other arcs are slightly better in the series, Water 7 is so impressive to me because of how much it achieves for every aspect of the story.

Did you see the anime version of usopp’s departure from the crew because oh goodness the voice acting in those scenes and the animation in the fight afterwards are just godly

I was just wondering when the next review will come lol

Just a reminder of the no-spoilers policy. Do not influence expectations in any way, or you will be asked to put a spoiler warning or edit the comment. If you don't, the comment will be deleted by a moderator such as myself. This includes arc names.

Oh BABY! It's peak fiction time!!!

#AJPiece After seeing once again luffy's trust and loyalty to his crew (Robin's betrayal), do you have a different opinion on the Luffy vs Zoro fight in Whisky Peak ? If I remember correctly in that arc you addressed this topic a little bit and you said it didnt seem especially out of character at the time. Appreciate your videos as always!

#AJPiece easily missed, but did you catch how the tide and weather from long ring long land leads up to the weather event in water 7? (I may have missed you pointing that out) It's neat how they're connected. One Piece is pretty unique in that very few things are ever throw-away elements. Oda uses every part of the animal that is story.

#AJPiece Jaya/Skypiea will always be my favorite arc for being a perfect distillation of what One Piece is all about, but Water 7/Ennies Lobby is a very close second for its dramatic weight. Also somewhat unrelated, but Sanji’s my favorite Straw Hat and I think his character is a bit more complex than he’s given credit. I know the idiosyncratic Japanese cultural humor surrounding him rubs some westerners the wrong way, but I think the gags Oda writes for him can be pretty clever and fun in future arcs. I hope that doesn’t affect you negatively and you can see the harmless goofiness in it all and zone in more into the heart of his character. Eventually there’s an arc that really fleshes him out down the road that re-contextualizes a lot of his behavior that I know you’ll appreciate. Too often people can be incredibly reductive and dismissive of the different sensibilities that color other parts of the world. Often people treat the cultural arc of America as the center of the universe. I think a lot of the sexual gag humor surrounding him there would be equivalent to how violent slapstick is treated here. It’s buffoonish and juvenile, but never implied to be emulated. That fits naturally into One Piece. It’s an over the top zany world with archetypes and caricatures filling it up, but it plays them straight and that’s where it’s magic comes from. It’s believable in its absurdity.

1:42:34 - I recognise the music here but can’t put my finger on where Ace attorney?

#AJPiece the thing that I love most about Water 7 is the fact that it perfectly matches the tone of what needs to happen to the crew. Up to this point, it was mostly Nami barking out orders and Luffy was mostly the captain because he was the strongest. This was unsustainable as the way forward. As the Galley La told them, the keel of the ship was gone and needed a new ship just like how water 7 was unsustainable with how the city was set up before the agua leguna, they need to build it anew and have a more sturdy structure. Funny enough, for how bad Long Ring Long Land is, it is the perfect set up, not just with the geography, but the themes of the davy back, particularly the end of the davy back, and Aokiji smacking them back to earth by just showing up. Both were all about how fragile the straw hat crew structure is and with characters leaving the crew as well as stepping up to the moment. This and Ennis lobby combined are my favorite arcs for just the themes, but for the action and set up, you have a couple to go. I cant wait until you get to the arc that this sets up in the future and seeing how you react to the next arc

#AJPiece What I took from Zoro’s actions during the argument between Luffy and Usopp was something that I believe showcases just how in-depth the character writing is for this series. All of the straw hats share a bond with each other, however some relationships are closer than others. One of those is the relationship between Luffy and Zoro. I think his silence was in respect to the fact that he is friends with both and didn’t want to be in the middle, but you can see his allegiances through the composition and his actions, he’s always at Luffy’s side, in the anime when Usopp walks out after saying he’s leaving the crew, Nami, Chopper and Sanji immediately follow first, Zoro doesn’t walk out until Luffy walks out. Zoro though empathetic to Usopp, still will ultimately choose Luffy, because that’s who he has the deepest bond with. Same with Chopper, chopper i feel looks at Usopp as his best friend in the crew, even alluding to how he wanted to leave with Usopp.

#AJPiece How do you think the women/female characters in One Piece measure up to the rest you've seen in shonen? Do you think they're the best, or among the best?

To this day these episodes - and the finale episodes of Luffy vs Lucci (ep 309), were the moment my life at 17 back in Spring Break 2010 was permanently changed. Then Hunter x Hunter further changed it from there

Ngl it’s pretty tempting to join pateron for the next few arcs

#AJPiece I was very surprised when you started reading and liked Usopp so much, I hated him at the start and was overly critical of him being afraid and not taking the opportunities to act brave (from my overly harsh point of view). But when the fight happened was when I realized that I actually liked Usopp and didn't want him to go away! Usopp is very important and his dream is very abstract overall, he is always working towards his dream. I think that seeing him defend himself and merry against someone he knows he can't defeat made me respect him as a full character specially because of all his flaws, he is now one of my favourites!

I really wanted pauli, i mean he is bit purist but a nice contrast to sanji. And he is a delinquent enough to be fun with the crew. An i really like his rope stuff. He would hav made a good strawhat, through ilike th one we got and he grows too so, but still he would be a good fit. Ussop and robin are so much pain :( Thats not just europe, that is straight up venice in one pice including the sea trade and th sinking, the masks. Venice en has hiastorical intruiges thre with the doge.

#AJPIECE Not just counting moments in this arc but others as well (When you started talking about the Ussop and Luffy moments in this arc it sounded different from most other things/moments you've covered in your reviews) Looking back did you think at the start, or before you started, that One piece would have moments, characters, themes, or fights that would be this good?

#AJPIECE I don't know if you made the connection but Aqua Laguna (a phenomenon that repeats every 10 years) is connected to Long Ring islands. This phenomenon creates huge waves which are massive displaces of water making the islands on Long Ring being connected by land.

We are finally here ladies and gentlemen

Prior to watching the video, looking video timeline: I'm not sure I need a 90+ minute extensive breakdown of the happenings... 80 minutes in, crying along with the recap: Ok, yes, I see the appeal of this content, and I will be re-reading water 7 later this evening 😭

maybe this is asking for too much but it would be lovely to have some stream highlights of the reaction to some of the stuff that happens in said arc. how you describe these intense moments urges me to go look for your reaction on twitch but its kinda tough to navigate if it wasnt clipped already

#AJpiece To be honest, in hindsight the Water 7 Arc reminds me, more then most other arcs of a literal high speed roller coaster. The start of the arc is slow, deliberate. It let's you get a feel of the place, but there is this underlying feeling of suspence. Like you are sitting in your seat at the roller coaster, being slowly liftet to the top of the first arch, waiting for the drop and for the speed to come in. And then, when you think it's over and it was great, you get a small moment to realize that the second half is still in front of you.

A lot of people in streams might be real fans of the Japanese terms sometimes, but rokushiki is basically just Japanese for Six Powers; they're perfectly fine translations, because this is a translation. A lot of old school fans still insist on "nakama" and I find it kind of silly tbh. It's real "keikaku means plan" stuff.

#AJPIECE I don't know if chat ever told you, but Franky, Blueno and Kiwi are based on Popeye, you can see it in franky with his forearms and he having a power souce like spinach. I don't know popeye that well to make the same connection with Bruno and Blueno. Anyway, I think it is some fun trivia to know