Our Momo Is All Grown Up Now!

One Piece Chapter 1023 Review/Recap

I’ve been covering the Wano Arc since the end of its first act on this blog, and in that time, I’ve seen it become one of the high points of One Piece. From the larger-than-life story of Oden Kozuki and his epic end to the ongoing war against the Yonko, this arc has succeeded all my expectations. However, with the arc nearing its climax, it’s time for a few more surprises. Sanji and Zoro push their power beyond their previous limits, while Momo makes a choice that would make his Dad cry from sadness and pride. Kaido doesn’t stand a chance now.

Recap

After getting the drop on King and Queen, Sanji and Zoro go head to head with the two All-Stars of the Beast Pirates. As they do so, the rest of the Alliance pulls out all the stops to keep the Beast Pirates from interfering. As the two Straw Hats clash with the walking calamities, they begin to reach levels of power that once seemed beyond them. Sanji, despite saying that wearing his Raid Suit has made his body feel off, manages to push Queen back with his Diable Jambe. Meanwhile, Zoro pushes himself further and further as he faces off against King, while Kawamatsu and Hyogoro can’t help but note just how similar he is to the former Lord of Ringo, and his ancestor, the legendary Ryuma.

In another part of the castle, Inuarashi faces down against the other All-Star, Jack, AKA the one who tortured the Minks for days on end. Despite everything the Beast Pirates have subjected them to, though, Inuarashi doesn’t care. As he transforms into his Sulong form, the Lord of Day says that long as they help the Kozuki Clan free Wano and bring about “The Dawn” of the world, it will be worth it. Elsewhere, Nekomamushi transforms into his own Sulong form and prepares to kill Perospero for killing Pedro.

Down below on Wano, the Heart Pirates are shocked when a massive dragon appears out of nowhere. However, Luffy knows right away that it isn’t Kaido, but Momo! Shinobu used her powers as Momo asked, transforming him to adulthood. As a result, he’s now a fully grown dragon and ready to help Luffy bring down Kaido, avenge his father, and free his home once and for all.

Momo, what a man!

Review

I could feel tears welling up in my eyes when I saw that Momonosuke make such an impossible sacrifice. He gave up his childhood and all the joy that goes with it to help free Wano! Not to mention, now he can’t expect to pull his “innocent kid” act on Nami or Robin anymore! Oden, your son may have just surpassed you in terms of manly audacity!

In all seriousness, though, I think that Momo made the right call. It’s been heavily implied that the artificial Devil Fruit that gave him his powers was made using Kaido’s DNA. Thus, while he won’t have the same amount of experience, it will boost his power enough to make him a serious threat to the Yonko. Between Momo and Luffy, Kaido won’t stand a chance.

As for Sanji and Zoro, they’re starting to reach unheard of levels of strength. While Sanji says his body feels “off”, my takeaway is that the Raid Suit’s unlocked some sort of dormant power within him. As for Zoro, it feels like his connection to Wano may be stronger than anyone realizes. However, the fact remains that I think the All-Stars are done for. It’s only a matter of time.

This was probably one of my favorite chapters in a while, to be honest. I’ve gotten more pumped up for the final battle than ever, and I know that Oda will continue to deliver to us good action. GO LUFFY AND MOMO! KICK KAIDO’S ASS!

I Give “Two Peas in a Pod” a 4.5/5

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