Introduction

Hello, fellow One Piece fans! As the seasons change, I find myself battling some mysterious symptoms that might just be the onset of pollen allergies. Despite feeling a bit under the weather, my appetite remains strong, which is crucial! This week, I’m diving into my thoughts on the latest chapter of One Piece, Chapter 1145, titled “The Forest Road No. 8: Fire in the Second Forest Area.” The excitement is palpable as we witness the clash between the Straw Hat Pirates and the formidable military figure, Gunko.

The Left Arm of the Pirate King

In this chapter, we see the incredible observation haki of Scopper Gaban, the left arm of the Pirate King. He is the first to sense the “abnormal voice” of the three intruders, showcasing his remarkable abilities. It makes one wonder who would win in a battle between Gaban and Rayleigh. The voice of the Celestial Dragons is indeed “abnormal,” as we have seen in previous arcs where Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, and Jinbe sensed Shanks’ haki from afar. Was Shanks intentionally releasing a massive amount of haki to intimidate Green Bull? It’s fascinating to think about how Sanji, with his superior observation haki, might be able to detect Gunko’s presence.

Jinbe’s Heroic Moment

Jinbe shines in this chapter as he uses his new technique, “Sea Cloud One-Shoulder Carry,” to extinguish a forest fire that even the Elbaf fire brigade couldn’t handle. His actions not only impress the Straw Hat crew but also leave the young Colonn in awe, repeatedly exclaiming how cool he is. Colonn, who aspires to be a pirate, might just end up begging Luffy to take him along by the end of the Elbaf arc! Jinbe’s humility, despite his immense strength, is truly commendable, and Robin’s acknowledgment of him as a handsome man shows her discerning eye.

The Arrival of Gunko

Just as the crew is celebrating Jinbe’s success, Gunko makes a surprising entrance on the deck of the flying ship, Suvar. Although the fire has been extinguished, the children’s march continues, and the Knights of God’s original plan to dominate Elbaf by abducting giant children is still in motion. It raises questions about why Gunko chose to approach Colonn specifically, especially since capturing all the children doesn’t seem necessary for their plan. Perhaps it was a coincidence, or maybe Gunko is targeting the Straw Hats instead. Gunko’s abilities remain a mystery, and while he has already defeated two giant gatekeepers, it’s uncertain how he will fare against the Straw Hats.

Conclusion

As we anticipate the next chapter, the stakes are higher than ever. With Jinbe’s newfound strength and Gunko’s mysterious motives, the upcoming battles promise to be thrilling. Stay tuned for more insights and discussions on One Piece!