One Piece: Episode 96

What? No Ace-Luffy ribbing? No worries because the Kung Fu Dugongs are here. Half-turtle, half-seal, these dugongs protect their territory at any costs. However, once defeated by their opponent, they vow to recognize him as their leader no matter how stu–, erm, I mean, no matter who they are. Ussop was no match for them but Luffy’s monster strength effortlessly won. Luffy leading an army of Dugong martial artists certainly made my day.

Besides the hilarious Dugongs, more exposition makes up the bulk of the episode. The rain powder is explained in detail with matching cloud illustrations. Suspicion on Vivi’s father began when large amounts of rain powder arrived on the Alubarna City. Although the King had no part on purchasing such banned items, the delivery men claimed that they were specifically ordered by his royal highness. This incident caused the people of Arabasta to doubt the throne. Unbeknownst to them, this was only the beginning of Crocodile’s elaborate set-up to take the crown.

With no other choice, the crew had to walk through the desert to reach Yuba. Green City was the first city they reached. Three years ago, the place was filled with plants and animals. Due to the lack of rainfall, the prosperous city became another abandoned ghost town. At the ruined city, the group saw dried up a lone skull laying on the sand. This piece of evidence only triggered Luffy’s anger. He is ready to fight.

And how perceptive of Ace to catch an underlying motive of Crocodile. Compared to Luffy…Oh forget it. It’s redundant to state the obvious. Luffy is just being Luffy, heh.

Vivi’s seriousness is carefully balanced out by Luffy’s usual gags in the background. Eventhough the series tackles some saddening subjects, the characters manage to lighten up the atmosphere. Surprisingly, Ace’s addition has not interfered with the direction of the arc. However, I was told to look out for semi-fillers along the way. Honestly, I don’t really mind as long as Ace is around.