One Piece: A View from the Self-Proclaimed Queen of the Pirates (PART FOUR) *SPOILERS*

This episode gave some horror movie vibes and the outfit changes from the villains were iconic. The sneaking around from Nami, Kaya, and Usopp was just excellent, as you can sense and see the scared looks on their faces as they crept around, trying to find a hiding spot. It was Alexander Maniatis rambling and raging monologue that did it for me. He was holding so much resentment towards Kaya and the way she was. He had always wanted to kill her and only pretended to be her friend and confidante. It was enough to break anyone’s heart as he slashed away in their hidden attic.

Kuro’s voice changing from anger to a soft, sending chills down your spine, and when he gives that smirk, it makes you shiver! The whole fight sequence with Zoro and Luffy working together to bring down Kuro, Sham, and Buchi was amazing, it felt like it was finally bringing the crew together. The quick steps of Kuro and the dynamic between Sham and Buchi as they fought and taunted the others was nice. This was a great episode between the actors as they played the villain roles very well. Especially Kuro, I will always have a soft spot for the Captain of the Black Cats. He was sinister and manipulative in the manga/anime, and Alexander Maniatis did a good job replicating that same personality in live action.

Zoro’s backstory was beautiful, but it fell flat for me; the emotions played on didn’t translate well. However, the first flashback of the younger Zoro fighting to beat Kuina and her advice to him was something I did enjoy seeing. Audrey Cymone and Maximilian Lee Piazza did an excellent job portraying them both. I wish there had been something more to give to their scenes together.

The ending is what brought it all together for me, the naming of the Going Merry, Zoro, and Luffy telling Usopp to join them. This is something that I was so happy to see them do and not take away. Usopp drew his own jolly roger and the laughter that filled the ship. This is the crew I grew up watching and was happy to see them go forward and form together.