Chapter 1126 of One Piece has arrived, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. Recently, we experienced an anime episode featuring Imu's voice, which sounded distorted and otherworldly—almost nonhuman. This could either be a clever ploy to build suspense before Imu's true identity is revealed or a deliberate choice by Oda to emphasize that Imu may not be human at all. Perhaps Imu is so ancient that their humanity has become distorted. What was your interpretation of that voice if you caught the episode?
In this chapter, we got a glimpse of Imu and a deeper understanding of their powers. When CP0 returns to report on their withdrawal from Egghead Island, Luchi claims to have killed Stuy. Initially, I thought he was covering for Kaku, who might have insisted on keeping Stuy's fate a secret. But one of my patrons suggested that Kaku might have lied to Luchi, leading him to believe Stuy was dead. Regardless, the narrative currently suggests that Stuy is deceased, even though we know she continues to live, which aligns with the theme of characters believed to be dead but who persist nonetheless.
The standout elements of this chapter revolve around Saturn. He declares that he doesn't care about following the Straw Hats into Elbaf—his focus is solely on the Iron Giant, which he is personally responsible for. This twist caught me off guard, as Saturn seemed so loyal to Imu and the World Government's orders. He enters Egghead Island, reprimanding them for disobeying orders related to the Void Century. Ironically, it turns out that 200 years ago, Saturn was the one who instructed scientists to defy orders and dismantle the Iron Giant for the sake of knowledge. This parallel between Saturn and Vegapunk highlights that greed and the insatiable quest for knowledge led to both of their downfalls.
The chapter also reveals that Saturn, despite being a figure of authority, cannot resist the allure of knowledge. He believes the Iron Giant represents the future and will be useful to the military, showcasing his ambition. The irony is palpable, as his quest for understanding ultimately leads to the exposure of the World Government's secrets.
We also see a marine questioning whether Vegapunk's message was a failure, suggesting that Vegapunk was truthful in his warnings. This moment emphasizes the stakes involved and the consequences of their actions.
Edison, one of the Vegapunk satellites, returns in a delightful panel, humorously exclaiming, "Oops, busted!" as he creates more Skypiea clouds to help Punk Records float away. While the government may have won this battle, the Straw Hats managed to achieve their objectives, including rescuing York and obtaining crucial information.
The chapter also highlights the absurdity of the Celestial Dragons' food shortages, illustrating their disconnect from the realities of the world. Their entitlement is evident as they demand beef without understanding the consequences of their actions on those who serve them.
Garling's entrance into the Chamber of Power is another significant moment. He casually declares himself the new Godhead of Science and Defense, which raises questions about Saturn's fate. The removal of Saturn’s powers is depicted as agonizing, suggesting a deep connection to his very essence. This scene reinforces the theme of obedience to Imu and the consequences of failure.
The chapter concludes with Dragon warning that not everyone who hears Vegapunk's message will prepare for the impending disaster, foreshadowing chaos ahead. This sets the stage for the final conflict and highlights the urgency of the situation.
Overall, this chapter was a masterclass in storytelling, revealing the depths of Imu's authoritarian power and the intricate dynamics within the Gorosei. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the chapter, especially regarding Imu's voice in the anime and Garling's rise to power while Saturn faces destruction. Let's discuss in the comments!
