One Piece Chapter 1184: WE’RE ALL BONES WHEN WE DIE

Music is the soul of One Piece. Luffy wanted a musician more than any other crewmate. Brook’s life has been one of tragedy and joy in equal measure. The good things never seem to stay around and his loyalty to Luffy only makes more sense the more we learn.

It seems Brook has always had death on his mind, as we hear another song of his, exploring the fact everyone will meet the same end eventually, regardless of status. Brook and Shuri are an example of another Father-Daughter-type relationship, of which we have seen many in the story, I can’t help but feel are influenced by Oda being a father to girls. Shuri is another strong Princess, unwilling to bend to the whims of men, which only makes it sadder her current state as a possessed plaything of Imu. Shuri clearly has a childish crush on Brook, even though naturally he isn’t interested.

We then flash back further, to Brook’s early childhood. Brook was homeless, eating scraps and singing to hide the pain. He’s even made his own violin from scrap. Reuven and Brook share a meal, even if it’s basically inedible. This is such a classic moment for One Piece, food, like music, is something that emphasises the bonds between people, and brings them together on the most basic human level. Reuven reminds me a lot of Rocks and Blackbeard in his facial expressions, I’m not sure what this could mean. Reuven seems to have run from home to avoid an arranged marriage. Oda really enjoys having leaders learn from being humbled. Being amongst the lowest of society is what makes a leader understand best what a kingdom needs.

The Marines have brutalised the young Brook, assuming he is a drug mule, pressing him for information. In this moment, believing his life is over, Brook sings. This moment made me tear up, knowing the fate that will befall him as an adult, singing being the only thing to keep him sane as he loses each and every one of his friends. Oda also shows us another facet of Marine corruption, acting extrajudicially and without mercy. Reuven also makes a comment on how the World Government protects those who abuse their position. I’m sure that isn’t political commentary by any means. Candelle saying she’s a “trusted blade” calls to mind Gunko’s epithet as well, perhaps indicating Candelle was or is a Holy Knight. If that is the case, how and why is she here in Esperia, is she undercover, or actually a good person? I’m sure we’ll find out soon, she also doesn’t have her age listed, unlike the other characters in the flashback. We also can infer that Reuven and Candelle are who taught Brook his swordfighting skills.

The repeated references to being left as bones definitely bring to mind the lyrics of Binks’ Sake (Binks’ Brew), the part which was quoted by Luffy after unlocking Gear 5th. Luffy almost died before his heart restarted, Brook did die and become a skeleton. There is a link between Binks and life and death.