One Piece Chapter 1189: THOSE WHOSE DEATH BRING CELEBRATION

Gaban takes the stage as he steps-in to prevent Imu from doing any more damage to Luffy. He finds Imu repulsive, but he’s also disappointed with Luffy, not providing him any words of support, but those of disdain. As many have before him, Gaban makes it clear to Luffy that the world is bigger still, that while he has grown immensely and has attained titles he cannot afford to let up now. He can’t believe Luffy needed an old man like him to step in, and he reminds Luffy exactly what is at stake here, Elbaph and the lives of his friends cannot be taken lightly. He emphasises to Luffy that none of this is going to get easier, to be King of the Pirates is to be the most wanted man on the seas.

While only the first part of the chapter it really leaves an impact. I adore moments like this and Oda has always been the master of it, showing us just how far Luffy has yet to climb before he’s ready to claim that title he’s been seeking for the whole story. I always say to people that Mihawk’s introduction into the story is a masterclass in setting stakes, as Zoro is still chasing that very moment from the East Blue all these years later. The way Gaban talks really reminds me of both Rayleigh and Jinbe during the Paramount War. They took Luffy under their wing when he needed them most, but refused to coddle him, in order to let him come to his own conclusions and pursue his own strength. Jinbe’s respect for Luffy led him to join the crew after all.

Gaban really does know about the relationship between Imu and Joyboy. However he has no interest in chasing after Joyboy, just seeing Roger’s dream through to the end. This is interesting, as it means that whatever Roger was seeking, didn’t have anything directly to do with Joyboy, ergo he didn’t know of Joyboy when setting out to achieve his dream. Imu has been intent on suppressing the ‘D’ especially with Roger, which I guess we saw the impact of; ‘Gold Roger’ rather than ‘Gol. D Roger’. What I really love about his whole chapter, is how it shows us that Imu has created his own enemies, the D Clan and Nika have become self-fulfilling prophecies. Imu’s fears around Luffy have cemented him as the one who will take him down. Gaban says he’ll protect Luffy, because Imu’s hatred of him has manufactured him to be the one they’ve already been waiting for.

The action in this section is really phenomenal, with Oda really flexing his dynamic panelling. Their Haki reaches an apex…  Onlookers are amazed by the power. As Luffy finally regains some stamina, it’s all too late, as Gaban’s broken body lies bleeding, his right arm severed. I love when a villain, through paranoia, creates their own worst enemies, trying to suppress the D and the legacy of Joyboy has only emboldened it.