Nico Robin Owns Her Nickname of ‘Devil Child’!

One Piece Chapter 1021 Review/Recap

Nico Robin, AKA the “Devil Child” of Ohara. By far one of the smartest of the protagonists, she’s also one of the more under appreciated members of the Straw Hats. Unless fan service is somehow involved, then not so much.

The fact remains that, while she’s physically one of the weaker Straw Hats, Robin’s value isn’t diminished. And in this chapter, she not only proves herself to be as deadly as her friends, she lives up to her nickname of “Devil Child”.

Recap

The battle between Robin and Black Maria begins in earnest. Thanks to her powers, the two seem evenly matched, but Maria discovers a major weakness in Robin’s powers. Anything that hits her cloned body parts will hurt her. As a result of that, the spider woman pushes Robin into a corner, all while mocking her for how weak she and Sanji are. That’s the biggest mistake she could’ve made.

Robin remembers her two years of training with Koala, Sabo, and the Revolutionary Army. In particular, she remembers how Koala taught her a secret Fishman Karate technique: find your opponent’s core, and strike. Using her lessons, Robin does just that, bringing the roof down on top of Maria. Then, her giant clone transforms into a black Devil, living up to her nickname of “Devil Child” before breaking her back. While her minions are horrified by the giant devil, Brook takes them all out!

Meanwhile, down below, Luffy devours a months supply of food, courtesy of Caribou’s Swamp-Swamp Fruit. Meanwhile, Momonosuke takes Shinobu aside to ask a favor of her. In order to help Luffy in the best way possible, he wants Shinobu to use her powers to age his body to adulthood!

Review

Never underestimate the Devil Child, Nico Robin. Her moves may not be as flashy as other people’s, but she’s one of the most ruthless members of the crew. She didn’t hesitate to break Spandam’s spine in the Enies Lobby Arc; and don’t forget what she did to Franky! In other words, if you anger her, you better be prepared to win, or you’ll be in for a world of hurt.

Having said all that, it’s nice to see that Robin’s embraced her nickname as “Devil Child”. It was a name unfairly given to her by the World Government for reasons beyond her control, making her feared and hated by everyone. However, thanks to the Straw Hats, she’s finally people who will fight for her, no matter what. Now, she truly owns her title, and all the Flying Six are down for the count!

As for Momonosuke, I was surprised by his decision. I never considered that Shinobu’s Ripe-Ripe Fruit could age a person up, but this is a big risk. On the one hand, an adult Momonosuke could rival his Dad in power. On the other hand, he will be sacrificing his right to be a child and all that comes with it. If he’s going through with it, he better mean it. Regardless, I respect his resolve.

Regardless, we won’t know what happens for another two weeks. But it’s worth the wait.

I Give “Demonio” a 4/5

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