We’ve made it to the halfway marker of One Piece. The big Paramount War at Marineford. When this arc came out, it almost felt like the end was near. We’ll learn soon after that this isn’t the case – if you couldn’t tell by the fact that there’s another 50 volumes published after this – but back around this time things were speeding ahead. Then for a longtime this was considered the halfway point of One Piece. Seeing as I can’t see the story ending in the next 4 or 5 years, it might be closer to consider this one third of the story. It is the end of an era for sure, but we still have a couple of volumes left before we fully get there. Let’s talk about the first act of this paramount war and all the parties that are involved.
Let’s begin with the Whitebeard pirates. We meet the man himself and his frightening earthquake powers. Without issue he shakes the world and causes an entire tsunami to envelop the marine base. The navy calls him the man who could destroy the world and looking at his power that doesn’t seem to be exaggerated. Serving under him are the different division commanders. Ace was one of them, but other notable names are Vista, Marco and Izo. They’re all powerful pirates in their own right, with Marco going toe to toe with Kizaru while Vista is able to hold off Mihawk.
On top of his own crew, Whitebeard is also joined by a large group of pirates from the New World – the second half the grand line – that are part of his massive fleet. And the biggest surprise here is that working for Whitebeard is a massive figure that is twice the size of most giants, Oars Jr. Being the descendant of Oars – the zombie that Luffy and the crew fought on Thriller Bark – he is a force to be reckoned with. Unfortunately the Seven Warlords are too much for the large target, falling to attacks by Doflamingo and Moria. He sadly recalls when Ace made him a straw hat with the skills he learned in Wano, before passing away, opening up the path for his crew to storm into the main plaza.
On the other side we have the three admirals. Aokiji is the one we met back on Long Ring Long Island, and he freezes the massive tsunami that Whitebeard caused, as well as quite a few of the hostile pirates. Next to him is Kizaru, who mainly shoots off beams of light at this point and gets blocked by Marco the Phoenix a bunch. Lastly is the one admiral we’ve not really seen much of. This is Akainu, the magma devil fruit user. Our first introduction of him isn’t particularly positive. He’s a moody person who uses his magma powers to burn those who oppose him. He’s seen vaporizing an entire block of ice but more importantly he’s also seen killing a fleeing marine. Coby and Helmeppo see him doing so and wonder why he’s back there, but it shows us his character. He has no problem killing a man for being scared. This is the protector of justice, by the way. Above them stand Sengoku, who is nicknamed The Buddha apparently as well as Garp who has a lower rank but arguably as much status. Garp is sad about the path that Ace took in life and wrestles with his position. There’s few marines in this story that I have respect and understanding for but Garp is definitely one of them. He’s a good guy working for a corrupt government doing the best with the cards he’s dealt. But more on that much, much later into these recaps, for now he’s Luffy’s grandpa and sad that Ace is dying today.
The seven warlords are a complete mess. Doflamingo seems like he’s always been a wildcard. Blackbeard renounced his title earlier that day after getting into Impel Down. Jinbe quits on the spot and Crocodile – although after Whitebeard’s head – has no love for his old bosses. That leaves Kuma, Moria, Hancock and Mihawk to properly fight on the navy’s side. Hancock hurts anyone in her vicinity, she only cares about herself and Luffy. Three out of seven warlords isn’t all that bad, right? Right? Maybe it’s time to think of a better system.
As the battle continues to heat up a ship comes falling out of the sky. Yes, I’m aware I’m going a little bit out of order, having talked about Jinbe and Crocodile already, but just roll with it. The escaped Impel Down prisoners come crashing down into the plaza, with Jinbe having to dive up the sinking devil fruit users. Luffy finally stands next to Whitebeard, both having the same goal. What’s most impressive about this scene – although not surprising for anyone who knows what Luffy is like – is the total lack of awe and respect that he has for one of the four Emperors of the sea. He sees him as another guy that wants to help his brother and that’s all that matters. Whitebeard is amused by all of this and recognizes Luffy’s potential. He tells Marco to protect him almost immediately. With everyone in place, Luffy is ready to go and save his brother from being executed.
Disaster strikes at the end of this volume though. While Luffy and many of the commanders of Whitebeard’s crew are rushing forward, one of the captains under Whitebeard, Squard, comes back to report. He has a melancholic tone to his voice and as Whitebeard’s guard is lowered, the captain impales his fleet commander with a sword. Whitebeard is looking to be in serious danger as we round out volume 57. Ace’s execution is still approaching rapidly and although Luffy is making his way closer, will he be on time? Friends and foe are all around him and it’s pure chaos. We have no idea what will happen next, so you’d best tune in again next week for the next recap. Thanks for reading.
Opal Kaharis 