Every volume of One Piece features a special SBS (Shitsumon ni Kotaete) section. This unique question-and-answer segment allows creator Eiichiro Oda to explore various subjects that he may not have fully addressed within the chapters themselves. Fans have the opportunity to engage with Oda directly through this interactive column.
Although the mangaka often provides ambiguous responses, he frequently utilizes the SBS to divulge pivotal backstories and clarify significant mysteries surrounding the series.
Continue reading to uncover the revelations shared by Eiichiro Oda, which span the backgrounds of characters like Fujitora and Ryokugyu, details about Yamato’s initial Devil Fruit, and insights into the Egghead Vice Admirals, all found in the SBS of One Piece volume 110 set to launch in Japan on November 1, 2024.
Disclaimer: This article contains significant spoilers from the One Piece manga up to chapter 1131.
Key revelations from Eiichiro Oda in the latest One Piece SBS
Backgrounds of Fujitora and Ryokugyu
Issho, known as “Fujitora,” and Aramaki, referred to as “Ryokugyu,” enlisted in the Marines during the recent World Military Draft. Their exceptional combat abilities led them to become the new Admirals, succeeding Kuzan, aka “Aokiji,” who departed from the Navy, and Sakazuki, alias “Akainu,” who rose to the position of Fleet Admiral.
In the SBS of volume 110, Eiichiro Oda shared notable details about the histories of Issho and Aramaki. A West Blue native, Issho previously served as the military chief of Aoi Kingdom, which was devastated during a colossal war; thereafter, Issho gained infamy as a war criminal. This might link back to his statement about blinding himself in remorse for his past actions.
Conversely, Aramaki’s backstory includes a stint as a police officer in the Taya Kingdom of South Blue. Following a significant incident involving a woman, he found himself imprisoned. Undeterred, the World Government opted to recruit him for his immense strength, ultimately appointing him as one of the new Marine Admirals.
Yamato’s initial transformation with the Devil Fruit
Yamato, the daughter of Kaido, identifies as his son out of profound respect for Kozuki Oden. A formidable warrior skilled in all three types of Haki, featuring the advanced Color of Conqueror, Yamato is also an adept user of a Devil Fruit.
Yamato consumed the Dog-Dog Fruit, Model: Okuchi no Makami, a rare Mythical Zoan Fruit that grants the abilities of a divine wolf. This mythical creature not only enhances the user’s physical capabilities but also offers powers to create and manipulate ice.
Years before the current storyline, Kaido imprisoned Yamato, then a child, in a cave without food as punishment for their admiration of Oden. In the midst of hunger, Yamato discovered and consumed the fruit, which endued them with extraordinary abilities.
Currently, when transforming into Okuchi no Makami, Yamato’s appearance changes significantly, featuring a white mist cascading from their shoulders, prominent canine fangs, elongated sharp claws, and a large white-and-blue tail, complemented by matching fur. During childhood, Yamato’s full animal form appeared fluffier and more delicate, distinctly lacking the fangs and claws seen in their current form.
The mystery of who fed Luffy during the Egghead Incident
During the Egghead Incident, Monkey D. Luffy faced off against Admiral Borsalino, known as “Kizaru,” attempting to prevent him from harming Dr. Vegapunk. Eventually, Luffy unleashed the Gum-Gum Star Gun, a powerful attack utilizing Gear 5 to extend his arm and deliver a spinning punch enhanced through the use of both Armament and Conqueror’s Haki.
This attack not only propelled Kizaru away but also caused significant damage, leading the Admiral to state he needed time to recover. However, Luffy exhausted himself performing this move, collapsing to the ground from sheer fatigue.
Soon after, a mysterious benefactor provided Luffy with an enormous amount of food seemingly out of thin air. None of the surrounding individuals— including Saint Saturn, Sanji, Franky, or Bonney— could identify the benefactor due to the overwhelming pressure emitted by Saturn at the time.
Numerous One Piece fans speculated that Kizaru was the one who fed Luffy, particularly given that he was observed in different positions before and after this scene. As the wielder of the Glint-Glint Fruit— which allows light-speed movement— Kizaru could easily gather food for Luffy and escape unnoticed.
When asked directly by a fan, Oda did not confirm Kizaru’s involvement explicitly but emphasized that the act was done “at the speed of light,” suggesting Kizaru’s role without stating it outright.
In a conflict of loyalty, Kizaru, ordered by the World Government to eliminate Vegapunk, found himself torn, aiming to uphold his Admiral role while covertly supporting Luffy and Vegapunk. Had Luffy thwarted Saturn and his allies, Kizaru would have been able to protect his friends discreetly. Sadly, events unfolded differently, leading to Vegapunk’s tragic fate, causing Kizaru emotional turmoil.
Interestingly, this discussion highlights that Kizaru did not fully exert himself during his duel with Luffy. Earlier, after being propelled into a Navy vessel by Luffy, he requested the Marines to leave him alone, revealing that his true injuries were internal. Though Luffy’s attacks in Gear 5 were powerful, they did not physically harm Kizaru, who was overwhelmed with guilt over Vegapunk’s demise. Instead of capitalizing on Luffy’s vulnerable state, Kizaru chose to feed him, indicating his underlying intentions were benevolent.
Details about the Vice Admirals at Egghead
Alongside Gorosei member Saint Jaygarcia Saturn and Marine Admiral Borsalino, the force dispatched by the World Government to besiege Egghead included nine Vice Admirals. While Vice Admiral Doberman was already familiar to fans, the SBS of One Piece volume 110 offered insights into the other Vice Admirals.
Most Vice Admirals among this cohort possess powers derived from Devil Fruits. For instance, Vice Admiral Pomsky has consumed the Otter-Otter Fruit, enabling him to assume the form of a “Sea Otter Human,”proficient in wielding a mace fashioned like a seashell. Vice Admiral Urban has the Cannon-Cannon Fruit, granting him the ability to transform his head into a cannon, therefore being dubbed “Artillery Human.”
Vice Admiral Hound, despite resembling Rear Admiral Kadar, is an entirely different character and possesses the Dog-Dog Fruit, Model: Hunting Dog, allowing him to morph into a human-hunting dog hybrid. Vice Admiral Bluegrass can utilize the Ride-Ride Fruit, which permits her to convert any living being or object within her Haki range into a controllable vehicle. She maintains a cordial relationship with Tsuru, a distinguished Marine officer from Gol D. Roger’s era.
In addition, Vice Admiral Doll is characterized as a martial artist with a “rock’n’roll” spirit. Vice Admiral Tosa combines the Rokushiki martial art with Armament Haki to deliver a formidable two-handed Finger Pistol attack, effectively turning his hands into biting jaws. Vice Admiral Guillotine employs a deadly ornament atop his head as a boomerang. Lastly, Vice Admiral Red King augments his punches with steam engine power.
Member ages and heights in SWORD
Encouraging readers to consult the One Piece Vivre Card Databook for updated information, Oda nevertheless revealed some personal details about members of SWORD. This clandestine Marine unit consists of officers who have opted out of active duty in the Navy, allowing for greater operational freedom.
Currently, six known members of SWORD include Koby, Helmeppo, X Drake, Prince Grus, Hibari, and Kujaku. Here are their official ages and heights:
- X Drake: 33 years old, 233 centimeters tall.
- Prince Grus: 29 years old, 205 centimeters tall.
- Kujaku: 26 years old, 180 centimeters tall.
- Helmeppo: 22 years old, 179 centimeters tall.
- Koby: 18 years old, 167 centimeters tall.
- Hibari: 17 years old, 165 centimeters tall.
Despite his title, Prince Grus is not royalty, but he is exceptionally wealthy. Oda also mentioned that Grus and Kujaku engage with Drake as equals, despite their relative youth.
Additional tidbits from One Piece SBS volume 110
True to form, Oda utilized the SBS section to amuse fans. He humorously shared that the Gorosei’s stylish suits are crafted by Nyornyo Nyarmani, a designer exclusively producing garments for them, modeled after the real-life luxury designer Giorgio Armani.
Oda also imagined what Jinbe would look like in his senior years, depicting him in both a “good” and a “bad” future scenario. Additionally, he offered a quirky detail about the Longarm Tribe within the One Piece universe, a unique human race possessing two elbows instead of the standard single elbow, each with designated names. The elbow nearest to the hand is termed the “Friend Elbow,” while that closer to the shoulder is known as the “Love Elbow.”
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