One Piece – Chapter 680

And a million “Oh Fuck”s were given that day.

It seems that as bad as the average Marine is, even one belonging to the G5, they only get worse as they become stronger. I still have trouble remembering the exact position Vergo has, but all the other Marines present clearly see him as someone to look up to and respect. Unfortunately for them, he follows the same style of abusing that trust as Caesar Clown with his own subordinates. Now that the G5 Marines have become inconvenient to keep around, Vergo has no problem with personally cutting them all down. Even the constant cheers of admiration do little to slow him down, which shows just how amazingly ruthless he is.

What this chapter reminded me of most was the flashback with Rob Lucci back during Enies Lobby. A member of the strongest authority in the world murdering hostages purely for having the audacity to get captured is not an easy thing to forget. The big difference, of course, is that Lucci at least seemed to think he was working for the good of the World Government and those loyal to it. As completely screwed up as that is. Vergo attacking his fellow Marines to protect his own personal interests comes off as much worse. Of course since both are using Rokushiki techniques, the two become much easier to compare.

The confrontation with Vergo was inevitable, but I’m very surprised to see that Sanji is the one who gets to fight him. With all the meaningful interaction he’s had with Smoker and Trafalgar Law, I expected it would be one of them to bring him down. I guess it makes sense from a combat perspective, since Vergo is an unarmed, unfruited brawler who is not the main villain. The only other good opponent would be Chopper, and he’s busy at the moment. Not that I’m complaining, since watching Sanji fight has always been enjoyable. I will, however, make a quick theory that Tashigi will assist in defeating Vergo, even if it’s just an “I know that attack! You should do this to avoid it!” or two. After everything he’s been established as, someone who knows him should have some part in bringing him back to justice.

I’m definitely looking forward to this fight, as well as the promised match between Luffy, Smoker and Caesar Clown. I really should have seen Smoke Fruit vs Gas Fruit coming. The climax of Punk Hazard is now underway, and it looks like it’s gonna be the epic showcase One Piece fans have come to expect.