Baratie Arc: Part I

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And so, we arrive at the Baratie Arc. Here, the story grows in complexity by leaps as characters go off in their own directions, following their own motivations and new characters are introduced. In this arc we’ll see Zoro go through one of his jumps in characterization, we’ll, of course, meet Sanji and explore his core nature. Nami also takes a jump in characterization as she has a decision to make and makes it. The main themes of this arc revolve around the courage of conviction, and fully fleshes out the concept of gratitude in big bold capitol letters. As we go through we’ll also look at the significance of food, how it is used and what it means.

For the beginning, though, we take a look at how the crew is forming and reorient ourselves with them + and Usopp. These first few chapters mark the cap of Usopp as an island bound kid, and the beginning of Usopp the pirate who is creeping gingerly onto adulthood.
We open on the Merry, where Luffy has just completed their flag.



Flag making with a DON! He’s so proud of it, too.



This, because, yeah, Luffy did put a lot of thought into making it. He knows how important a pirate flag is. The symbol on the flag represents who you are and your conviction. Sometimes, as we’ll see, it’s used as a warning. Sometimes a promise… and usually it represents the captain—because they, of course, are the ones to look at if you wish to know the nature of the crew. So, before we go much further, let’s look at some flags, shall we? And, keep in mind, these flags were made intentionally.

Alvida:



Alvida is obsessed with love. It’s the only thing on her brain and she needs it constantly, but only the kind of love that comes from adoration. You either give her what she wants and fill that space, or you die. (Also perhaps the heart to look feminine) She is the only one (so far) who has the skull looking away as if she’s keeping an eye on those around her and what’s going on rather than looking straight ahead.


Buggy:



Pretty old school pirate, crude and dangerous. He is going to make people respect and fear his nose, damnit. Respect and fear it or die. Also the slashes in the eyes, in deference to the whole clown theme, looking ahead at exactly what he wants.


Kuroneko Pirates:




And here you can see the difference between Kuro and “real” pirates. The black cat symbolizes the crew name, but says nothing about Kuro. Perhaps it indicates bad luck, since a black cat crossing your path is supposed to be so—but what kind of bad luck is vague. There is danger here, but no sense of purpose or intent other than, perhaps, just going around and being a douchecanoe.

Shanks:



Damn son. This flag means business. The scars are obviously important to Shanks and part of his character. Though why we don’t know yet. (I can imagine it being something like, him receiving them galvanized him into forming his own crew or perhaps becoming a force of reckoning within the Grand Line). He is the only one with so far with the crossed swords. Full intention to fight if he has to. This is a battle ship. But the skulls open mouth in a laugh seems to suggest he’s also out for a good time.

So, let’s look at what we have. What did Luffy want to symbolize?




The hat, of course, is the most prominent feature. It is the hat that he wears, but it is not his hat. The hat is the representation of his promise to Shanks to, not only return it, but to be the Pirate King one day. Basically it’s a bare bones (skulljoke yohohoho) statement of I’m going to be the Pirate King, short of having words to that effect. But you’d have to know the history of the hat to even get it. So from everyone outside that knowledge can easily dismiss it as something kind of goofbally. Skulls can’t help but grin, yet the grin of the straw hat symbol is far less sinister of those of Buggy and Alvida and actually looks kind of funny and friendly. But there are bones in the background which represent death, though in this case, it is him putting his life on the line for his dream/freedom.

The reaction to Luffy’s initial attempt is, well…



Rather mixed.

Usopp is kind of a jerk here. Granted Luffy’s art isn’t good by any stretch of the imagination, but Usopp can at least tell what it is well enough to copy it.

Nami is like, hm, I don’t really care since it doesn’t symbolize me—but let’s find a way to float this so that he feels good about it at least. Abstract art is a good thing, isn’t it?
And Zoro, Zoro you magnificent snarky bastard. I don’t think very mange people appreciate Zoro’s snark levels but they should because he’s hilarious. He’s even sort of accepting of it.

Certainly not embarrassed by it and he sort of says it looks weird without outright calling it bad. Also I love that little raised eyebrow.




Luffs doesn’t care what ya’ll think. He’s beyond proud of what he did. He thinks it’s cool as shit.

And Usopp? Yeah, still kind of a jerk. It would be one thing if he was saying this because he thought he could represent the symbol better for the pride of the crew or for Luffy’s own pride.



Essentially he said it to show off his own art skills and to try to sneak in the captaincy for himself. Now when I say he’s a jerk, he is, but it’s not intentional. He doesn’t say, oh I’m going to be a jerk today—Rather, he views this still as a game, not too much different from his Usopp Pirates. A game of chance for the Captaincy and the sneaky ones are the ones that get it. Mind, he’s not playing it too hardcore, because it is, after all, a game, but it’s still very much there. Also, Usopp is really used to aggressively putting himself out there so that no one can forget about him even if they tried—which is why seeking acknowledgement as captain is kind of important to him.

But he doesn’t really get what a flag means and why this is a crap thing to do and so of course Zoro and Luffy whack him for it. Zoro does know what it means and Luffy definitely knows what it means and it’s okay to tease and things but not about stuff like this.


Also let’s just look at Usopp’s flag. Well. It’s Usopp. Unlike the other flags which are more or less representations of their captains, Usopp’s flag is distinctly himself, representing no one else but himself. He prides himself in his nose, prides himself in his skill as a slingshot, and of course as a shining example of a soon to be hero (represented by that little twinkle there). It’s kind of what he wants to be. A badass and awesome.

Either way, you can tell the captain thing isn’t super important to him because he capitulates easily enough.




Nami being impressed by Usopp’s mad skills is super cute, just saying. Look at her so openly happy about it. Also, Zoro, you are a freaking dumbass. They don’t look that different. Also significant, Luffy can’t draw well enough to portray the symbol with which he’ll be known to the world, he needs a nakama’s help for that. They have skills he doesn’t.



Usopp, you are such a little punk. Also another example of him aggressively putting himself out there. Annd the villagers were probably somewhat justified in being so damned irritated with him to be honest. You know he didn’t draw anything else but peons to Usopp. I can also see him drawing angry doodles of some adult who had really hurt/upset/pissed him off one day. Nevertheless, his proud face is quite adorable. Anyway, they get the mark on the sail and are underway!



Aww, everyone relaxing after helping out. That is so cute. They painted it on the sail together and what better way to represent the crew. Look at Usopp’s kind of grin there, just spread out. And ahem, Nami, too. She helped out despite not being ‘nakama’ Working just as hard as they did. Look how relaxed she is, and peaceful. Isn’t it cute? Most everything about the Baratie arc is damned adorable let me tell you. Also Zoro ellipsing over something. Maybe about to fall asleep himself. But no a loud DOKON jolts him as Luffy sets off the cannon. Also I love Zoro expressions, so sue me. And, hee, paint on his face. I just love that detail.



Luffy… firing at random things in the sea is not the way to make good use of the cannon. B| Maybe to someone who just wants to fire it off because it’s a cannon and therefore cool, aka you, but for normal people not so much.

Also Usopp struttin’ up to show Luffy his stuff. He’s definitely got to show these dudes just how awesome he can be.

Luffy tells him to aim for the rock and Usopp agrees.




Now he’s not just taking lucky shots here. He’s not just some intuitive prodigy who knows just where to shoot without knowing how. No. Usopp calculates distance and angle to get it aligned just right. He hits it dead on, too.



But even he’s surprised at this, which is another key aspect of Usopp’s character and one we didn’t really see in Syrup. He doesn’t believe in himself overly much, even though he knows the stuff—that he can actually make the stuff he knows come true shocks the hell out of him. But of course he can’t stay shocked for long. If he sees an advantage to let others know how awesome he is, he’s going to be confident about it. Look how put together he is. He’s definitely amazeballs and should be captain. Of course, you can kind of say he’s joking here because I think he’d be surprised if they actually did it, but you know if they let him have the position he’d sure as hell take it.




Luffy has other plans, though. I also really adore that smile and the little dimple off to the side. Much like he claimed Nami and stuck her in a spot, so he’s doing for Usopp—giving him a definite roll and place on the ship.



And, holy shit, this is a ship, guys. They are no longer under open elements in two ships and cramped spaces. They have a kitchen, a table, a bench that they can sit at. A place where Nami can write. Where they can hang out and bond. This is a really huge freaking deal. And where are they bonding? The galley. A ship Merry’s size, the galley is pretty much the only place other than the deck that can act as a common room. But most importantly, this is home. Look at them all just hanging out, sippin’ their teacups. Luffy leaning back on his hands, Nami just sitting there working on her book. Zoro giving Usopp the raised eyebrow are you serious look. Annd all this is possible largely because of Usopp.


Oh yeah and words. Though I think, Usopp is probably content with the captain thing, at least in terms of his nakama go , because he has a place and a role; he’s also still playing the roll of Badass Pirate and saying words that he doesn’t necessarily mean and didn’t think through. Because for Usopp, they are just words. Yeah, maybe he’ll mean them when the time comes, maybe he won’t, but for now they just sound cool so why not say them. Luffy agrees. You know he’d do it, too, except for the fact that if Luffy ever chickened out of anything like that it would be because of a disaster of epic proportions that his mind could not handle… So let’s hope that never happens, shall we?




And this just because gosh, they are so adorable. Luffy’s serious expression there. Nami resting her cheek on her hand—though of course verbally still separating herself from the crew. While she may help with the painting and belong to the crew in her heart, her mind is very much still set apart. Also that grin in the ‘you think so too, right?’ And Zoro’s comment. Even he knows the value a cook has… and his comment about the cook being indispensible is something that he still believes no matter how much he fights with Sanji much later on.

The next panel, I don’t like the translation of it because I think the tone is entirely too harsh. But we all know the story anyway. Luffy wants a musician. His nakama think he’s an idiot, because really why would you want that first? Nami asks if he really knows the first thing about sailing on the seas. Luffy says: B-but pirates gotta sing right? In chorus and stuff. He’s just thinking of fun and doing fun things with his friends.

But the glimpse of a sword shows someone coming to ruin their fun.



Usopp is not ready to become a pirate right this very damn second, you guys. Holy shit what was that? Who was that? He’s definitely going to die. Also the fact that they are drinking what looks like coffee. Or, at least Usopp is. (if it’s Luffy, let’s just hope it’s decaf)
Anyway, Johnny comes on board and wrecks some barrels. Luffy asks: “Who the hell do you think you are?!” Johnny says: I should be asking



Poor Merry, already broken. I love Zoro’s confidence in Luffy, which of course we already know he has. He’s already gripping the sword, but if there’s just one there shouldn’t be a problem. And of course we see the birth of the ‘weak’ duo (eventually trio), who would rather not fight if that’s all the same thanks. Also Usopp’s expression as his nose is pressed to the glass. He’s so not ready to deal with this shit, guys. No really. Give him another eighty to a hundred years or so.

Johnny fights with Luffy a bit, accusing him of killing his partner, even though he’s a nameless pirate and they’ve killed a thousand notorious pirates. Luffy tells him: Don’t



He says as he wrecks his own ship by slamming Johnny into the wall, and damn hard, too. But this panel is just up here to juxtapose to the one beneath it. Johnny is beaten, falls and Luffy:



Look at how casually he’s asking this. The fight is over. The guy is beaten. Luffy’s not sure why he’s here but since he’s not breaking the ship there’s no reason to be mad at him for anything. As this is the first fight we’ve really seen him get into that wasn’t a “boss battle” as it were, it’s important to see that Luffy doesn’t really hold a grudge, and, more importantly, wants to know what Johnny was after to begin with.



I like this because it’s so freaking rare that Zoro knows anyone outside of the crew, or really relates to them. We’ll see it as time goes on more, but right here it’s just a pretty cool indicator of the life he led before this. He’s sort of a loner, I think, in general as Johnny and Yosaku must have parted ways with him before Morgan’s Island. Otherwise, they would have at least tried to help him out and been defeated by a frog’s hair no doubt. Still—I think he’d call them friends as he knows them well enough to know they always travel together and to be concerned about their well-being.

Johnny reveals that Yosaku is sick and Johnny isn’t sure why. They had been going for a rest on top of a rock but….



This is pretty funny. It’s presented as comedic, and it is, but it also shows that they easily apologize for an unintentional mistake—and also that they’re pretty upset by it. Johnny is pretty harsh here, but also right. Even if this it plays off as comedic, it also sets and continues the tone of the sea being a pretty harsh place. You never know when a time might come when you’re trying to recover and are accidentally winged by a cannon ball. Also just a note how Usopp and Luffy play off each other. They are emotional brain twins, especially when it comes to feeling things deeply (goofy or not) in fact all the emotions in this beginning are richer and more vibrant than they were previously.



Firstly, I love how honest Johnny is. They made pirates shake in their boots just by hearing their names… from time to time. But more importantly, they really think that Yosaku is going to die from some weird illness and check out Zoro’s expression. It’s a mix of worry and concern. Essentially, I think, he’s pretty sure Yosaku is going to die from this but there is shit he can do about disease or anything so he just has to stand there and watch some guys that he knows and is friends with die. Zoro, much like Luffy, can face his own death easily enough—but when it comes to the death of people that they care about—not so much.



Nami recognizes the symptoms of scurvy is and pretty pissed off that these idiots don’t seem to know it. How the hell could they even go to sea without knowing something so basic? But also note how pissed Zoro is at the assumption that Nami is mocking Yosaku dying. It shows that while he’s willing to travel with her, he still doesn’t know her very well—or perhaps trust that her intentions are honorable. It takes a while for Zoro to trust anyone who is not fully and blatantly themselves. (like Usopp and Luffy and Zoro himself to an extent)
Nami tells Luffy and Usopp to squeeze some lime juice, they do and have Yosaku drink it as Nami explains about scurvy.




Rather than this being a reflection on everyone’s idiocy, I think it’s a reflection of Nami’s preparedness. How many pirates who start off from land really know how to make it on the sea? I’m betting, not a whole lot. Nami, though, knows her stuff. That’s because she has a plan—a goal—and she’s going to get things done in the most efficient way possible. That means knowing everything about what she’s going to embark on and the dangers and so forth. Let’s not forget that one of Nami’s hobbies is reading and so I’m sure she’s researched plenty on the dangers of the sea (probably mostly just East Blue at this point) as well has had tons of experience. This partly why she’s continually frustrated at Luffy just going headlong into situations without knowing anything about them.

At any rate, Yosaku is “recovered” and they introduce themselves as bounty hunters who worked with Zoro for a time.



Mostly this for Yosaku showing gratitude. Also that they realize these guys are pirates but make no noises in going after them. Granted none of them really have a bounty that they know about, still it paints them as the kinds of guys who don’t do that sort of thing to someone who helped them out. Also the lower panel—Yosaku is still sick and spurting blood and Zoro, worried that he is, tells him to shut up and get rest so he won’t, you know, die. If only he could take that kind of advice himself. B|



Nami is still distancing herself here, but at the same time trying to help them out. She’d rather not see them die herself. Zoro, stop talking as if you knew this sort of stuff before hand. B| Also Usopp putting together that conclusion. That’s sort of important, because it’s something that Nami would know but not have to say out loud because duh. Maybe Zoro might have, too. But Luffy? Hard to say. In either case, he says the obvious out loud, thinking about the consequences of what might have been.



But then he comes up with a solution. Usopp’s talent (that Zoro and Luffy don’t exactly have) is figuring out how to make things comfortable for the long term. Thinking and planning ahead. Nami does this, too, of course, but she doesn’t really think in terms of people as Usopp does. Also it’s really not on her to suggest something like this. I really love the impromptu crew meeting. XD and Luffy’s excited little wiggle in the top panel. Following this down, you can easily imagine he heard the term sea chef which lead to food which lead to not really caring about anything else but the thought of tasty tasty dishes. Oh, Luffs.

Johnny tells them where they might find such a person at a restaurant on the sea.


 

Usopp, what even is your expression? XD He’s super excited about this though. I mean, how cool is that? Luffy too is raring to go and even Nami seems to think this is pretty neat. Zoro is just like. One exists, huh? I don’t think it occurs to him perhaps that there will be booze there that he may buy—but on the outset, I think he thinks for himself, there’s nothing really too cool about that.

Johnny continues that they’ve got to be careful because the place is really near the Grand Line, so there are lots of tough guys around and:



Sooo much internal keysmashing right there. Zoro is so not ready for Mihawk to come into his life. Yeah, he set out to sea to chase the guy down and beat him to become the strongest, but even he is almost like, I am not ready for that level—but if he’s there I’d better be ready.
And as we go into chapter 43, after a short time sailing, they arrive at the Baratie.



I just love their reaction images. Nami, who hasn’t seen it yet (as she looks to be in one of the store rooms) just annoyed at Johnny being stupid and calling her that. Zoro waking up from a nap and being mildly curious about it. I love that eyebrow raise. I love how Usopp is just sort of lazing around the Crow’s Nest and looking at it upside down. It really emphasizes his youthful nature. While Luffy is just super excited about seeing it because it’s super awesome! It’s a fish! It’s a restaurant! At sea! With food in it presumably!

And I think the Baratie deserves a full page, don’t you? Of course you do.



It’s a Fish Shaped Restaurant with a DON! Nami, while irritated before, is super impressed with this place and excited to see it. Luffy and Usopp, once again, braintwins in emotion! Especially excitement! Though note how Luffy veers toward what it is (and related to food) while Usopp comments on the aesthetics of it. Though they’re both reacting to the same thing. And Zoro’s just in the background like. Huh. So that’s a thing.

And then , right out of nowhere, a Marine ship off the starboard side. Usopp wonders if they’re going to attack and Johnny and Yosaku try to hide, claiming they aren’t even pirates. Unfortunately, you’re on a pirate ship. But, to his credit, Fullbody doesn’t open fire right off the bat.



Though he’s definitely there to look intimidating, especially by the way he’s showing his brass (screw?) knuckles. It could be that he’s just showing them off because of his name, but as we know (or will find out) he is all about presentation. So there’s definitely a mood he’s trying to create here. Also Luffy, being entirely too honest with a Don! Johnny and Yosaku obviously don’t believe him because there’s no way they’re sailing with rookies, right? And Usopp presenting himself, making sure people know his name, and also still toying with the captain idea… Since Fullbody asked who is the captain and of course, even as the “vice” captain, there’s still “Captain” there and just in case he ever is “Captain” for reals, Usopp has to say his name with confidence. (But not with a don)

Fullbody recognizes Johnny and Yosaku from their frequent time spent in the government offices and calls them small time bounty hunters.



Annd here Johnny and Yosaku are kind of dumb. It’s sort of like the thing with Shanks. People really strong and confident wouldn’t care what they are called. They do, which shows that they’re really not strong or confident at all. Even if Fullbody was kind of pretentious, attacking him is kind of an extreme reaction—plus, he is a navy guy. They could become criminals and pirates themselves if they attack him and he decides to turn them in. And as Yosaku said, there is nothing at stake in this but a kind of hollow pride. He didn’t call them bad bounty hunters after all, just small time ones.

They get their asses handed to them, Luffy asks if they’re not sure they’re not really just weak. Which they deny because they only lost by a frog’s hair—and even Zoro asks them what the hell they’re doing since attacking him was pretty pointless.



Fullbody seems to take it in stride, saying he’s on a break and that if he runs into them later, he’ll definitely kill them and yet…




…yeah. So what’s the deal with this? Well, Fullbody said their lives were forfeit next time, which means he’s not going out of his way to kill them—but he didn’t say anything about not sinking their ship. If they survive, good for them, if not well-- /shrug/ Also it’s not as if they’re out in the middle of the open ocean. The Baratie is right there after all. Swimming to it isn’t going to be difficult by any means. When you look at what Fullbody is doing from a Marine perspective, he’s honestly not doing enough—but what he is doing is preventing a pirate ship to go marauding any time soon. So yeah, he’s an asshole, but he’s actually not a bad Marine and certainly much better than Morgan.

Anyway, Luffy Gum Gum no Fuusens and says he can have the cannonball back buuut is pretty careless and, to sneak in another full pager:



Luffy is careless and fucks shit up the chapters. XD It’s actually an interesting facet of Luffy’s character. If things get destroyed during a fight, particularly at an enemy base, he doesn’t really focus and/or feel bad about it. But accidentally destroying something and/or hurting someone he didn’t intend to destroy/hurt, that really gets to him and makes him feel bad. He’s not just wantonly destructive. Also, Merry sweatdropping rofl and Nami. Nami who looks more strained than annoyed right now. Why? Well, sometime before Fullbody aimed the cannon at him, Nami saw the wanted posters that Johnny and Yosaku dropped.



It’s Arlong and we know it is and suddenly Nami is reminded of what she has to do. One thing to remember is that whenever we see her from this point on, Arlong is always going to be in the back of her mind. Also, she never answers the question of something being the matter (though probably because they were being shot at).

After this, some time passes and we switch to the inside of the Baratie.



Yes, Fullbody is quite popular in these waters. And I love the background detail of everyone. You can see right off, too, that this is a place that houses pirates (note the tatted guy on the right), Marines, and other’s presumably (with the food stealer on the left)

Oh yeah and by the way, Sanji has entered. Yeah. Unlike Zoro, Usopp and Nami who entered with a dramatic flair, the first appearance we see of Sanji is him working in his environment. Usopp was also shown in his environment, but unlike him, Sanji is very much at home here. He’s so nondescript, in first reading it, you wouldn’t even know he was significant. Just a waiter.

Can’t even see his face. Sanji sneaks in under the radar as he does a lot. He seems insignificant, but look at his pose. He’s not pouring wine as a waiter would. No. He’s stiff armed, one and hand in his pocket, hips cocked forward just a bit—there is nothing at all servile about his form.


Back to Fullbody briefly:



Who is kind of a pretentious smarmy ass, yes, but to be fair he is trying to impress a date. He’s also quite smooth and even just a touch charming. But sort of like Johnny and Yosaku, he’s claiming expertise he doesn’t possess in a way to show off and that will bite him in the ass.



Hello, Sanji, you long-legged asshole. That is a way to make an entrance. He shoots down Fullbody’s bullshit in cold blood—and you know, you know that he knew just what Fullbody was trying to accomplish with impressing the lady. (whose name is Moody according to a data book) But nah, not going to fly with Sanji. Love is a battleground after all and you don’t give other guys any more of a lead than they’ve already got. Also, Sanji wants to make quite clear his shitty role in all this. In a direct contrast to Johnny and Yosaku claiming that they are strong or Fullbody pretending to be an expert, Sanji is the assistant head chef and won’t take the role of waiter. Why? Because he worked his ass off to get this far. He is confident in his abilities. He’s filling this role only because the Baratie needs it, willingly (somewhat) putting himself out to wait on people, but he wants to make sure this asshole knows just who he is.

But he’s at least polite about it. All he says is Fullbody isn’t even close and tells him to enjoy his soup while it’s hot. Fullbody is, of course, humiliated, as anyone caught like that would be and people are laughing at him because he made such a big flashy deal about it. But instead of laughing it off:



He stubbornly tries to save face. Despite the fact that he’d tried to plant it to begin with. Now that he’s been discovered, there’s no way he can really win at this situation. Even Moody looks amused as if she doesn’t really believe a word he says.

Speaking of that owner though— The cannonball bounced by Luffy put a hole in his room. The other cooks are concerned about him and he yells at them to get back to work despite the fact he’s pretty badly banged up because:



Zeff is the kind of guy that believes in hard work. Even working so hard that you might just drop dead because of it. Why though? Why does he want to keep the restaurant going? It’s not about money or fame, but to keep the customers well-fed. It shows that even though he is freaking hard core, he has a nurturing side and cares about others more than himself. There is also a component of pride to it. He’s still alive. He can still walk. There’s no point for the restaurant to stop going.

Throughout this arc, we’re going to pay attention to Zeff. He is the first ‘parent’ we see in the current day context. How he is, how he acts, what he believes, forms much of Sanji’s core values and personality as well. You can tell how important Zeff is



Because he’s the head chef with a DON! Also Luffy is so upset about this. They could have noped out of there, but Luffy chooses instead to take responsibility for his actions, accidental though they were, by apologizing right off the bat and then freaking out when he thinks Zeff lost his foot because of something Luffy did. Though the wording is really great foreshadowing to the real reason…however we’ll get to that when we come to it.



Luffy doesn’t even bother explaining why. The why doesn’t matter. It was his fault that the cannonball bounced so he’s going to make it up to Zeff. He’s really casual about it, too. Luffy is the kind of person who is repays his debts. Zeff, for his part, doesn’t hold a grudge. That’s pretty amazing actually. Luffy busted up his restaurant, got him pretty badly hurt, but he’s willing to give Luffy what he wants (forgiveness) if he works for it. There’s no sense that Zeff is going to make him do it if he doesn’t want to. I think he actually wants to test Luffy’s tenacity, though I don’t have any doubt that Zeff really would work him hard for a year. Luffy did, after all bust up his restaurant and startle his cook staff. That shit doesn’t fly around Zeff.

Meanwhile, back on the Merry.



Zoro sure hopes not. Though I’m pretty sure he’d stick around even for a year. In fact, he’d probably respect the power of Luffy’s word. It’s not as if he has anywhere to go in a hurry and, hey, if Mihawk might show up, no reason not to stick around right? Besides which, Zoro’s pretty loyal.

Nami is ever the sensible one in a place where sensibility doesn’t really work. Though even if he did blame the Marine…who is really to blame for it? After all, it is a Marine’s job to shoot at pirates. If someone is running a Jolly Roger, they should expect Marines to shoot at them. Fullbody is not Morgan and would likely not even paid attention to them had they not been pirates. Therefore, the fault really is theirs if you look at the root of it.

And Usopp, gosh I love Usopp. You know, if it weren’t for him, chances were they’d probably just hang around the Merry and wait for him. They might go in eventually if it took too long, but I can’t see them venturing in on their own right away. But it’s Usopp who suggests it because, hey, giant fish restaurant! And food! And it’ll be neat and an adventure! It also seems he doesn’t really get that this is a big deal. Like the impact of what happened really doesn’t sink in. Luffy did something, but it’s not really his fault, so he can go ask for forgiveness and it’ll be alright, right?

Back inside the restaurant proper, Fullbody calls Sanji over by calling him a waiter.



Sanji you smarmy git. Look at his eyes in the top left panel. He is definitely on his way to steal yo girl, Fullbody, since there is no way Sanji didn’t notice her earlier. But since food has been delivered he sees nothing wrong with just sliding on in there and pressing his advantage by asking her to have a drink with him. Also by bribing her with free wine. Uhuhuhu. Ass. Also I can see part of it being revenge on Fullbody for calling him a waiter again. As for Fullbody himself, since he can’t save his own face, he’s going to humiliate someone else and get his own revenge on Sanji by damaging the rep of the whole restaurant and that’s what makes him a bastard. He’s the one who set himself up for humiliation. The rest of the kitchen staff has nothing to do with it. This is their livelihood that Fullbody is messing with. Though, granted, I’m sure he doesn’t really see it that way. In other words, he’s not out to say I’m going to destroy their lives bahahaha. No, just that he’s going to embarrass them twice over for Sanji embarrassing him.

Also I love Sanji’s mildly surprised expression at the bug. But only mildly surprised. He knows damn well that shitty bug wasn’t in there when he put the plates down. In all likelihood, the only way that ended up in there was due to Fullbody himself. But Sanji is a master at presentation, especially of himself, and doesn’t let on what he suspects—especially in this game of not losing face.



Check and mate. Sanji, you snarky asshole, I adore you. It’s a great line delivered awesomely and everyone busts a gut laughing. (I would, too) But, really, Fullbody has no one to blame but himself.

In desperation to get some control of the situation, Fullbody smashes the table.



Finally, Fullbody turns to what he does know. Which is beating faces and taking names.
But oh no you didn’t just do that. Sanji is pissed. It’s one thing to knock the table over, but it’s another to waste the food. You can even see that’s what he’s angry at as the emphasis in the middle panel isn’t in the table or even broken wine glasses but the soup spilled on the floor with the hapless fly.



In other words, he is really freaking tempted to make you eat it right off the floor, you shithead. But more to the point, it’s the message of food. A bug is distasteful, yes, but it’s not going to ruin the food. You can still eat it. It can still fill you up. It won’t kill you and will probably keep you alive. I’m pretty sure he’s saying that, too because he’s about || this close to hauling off and hitting the guy with a wrench heel.



Since intimidation doesn’t work, Fullbody is using his last last hope—which is his right as a customer to be an asshole since he’s paying for it. He’s also quite ready to punch Sanji in the face but he’d really rather to see humility first and be recognized as the dominant figure here. Sanji, I’m sure, knows what he means but his mind is still on the wasted food. He doesn’t care if you’re the shitty Queen of E—King of England, he’s not going to let you get away with so blatantly wasting food and not even acknowledging what a damn crime it is to do so.

Also, lawl, their respective sides trying to stop them. Though in Moody’s case, she’s sure that Fullbody will show no mercy and says to forgive him since she’s sure his ego can be appealed to. The cooks, however, know that this isn’t about ego for Sanji but one of the tenants of his faith, as it were, and they’re just focused on stopping him from kicking Fullbody a new one.



They… are not quite on time. That is such a badass line, too. (with a Don), and why are cooks on the seas so tough? Well I think partly it’s because it’s always a battle to keep food on the table, both in terms of hungry sailors eating it all, and just the pain of resupplying when you’re on the sea so much. Fish won’t provide all the nutrients as we’ve seen. Also they have to continually balance to make sure nothing goes bad and everything is used and well used. Also, to some extent, a true cook is a bit of a nurturer. Someone who feeds others and takes pride in their work, and will protect both. That’s all conjecture on my part, but as we go on, we’ll see if it’s true.

Also look at Sanji in the lower right. Despite how wrecked Fullbody is, you can definitely tell that Sanji was holding back. He really wants to lay it on this guy but is only just restraining himself.

As chapter 44 begins, we cut back to Zeff and Luffy.



Zeff—is kind of a goofball in his own way. He’s tsun as fuck but if he didn’t have any goofy dere in him he wouldn’t be hitting Luffy on the head with his hat. More important however, Luffy will repay his debt but he is the one who decides just what it is and how much he owes. He’s not a hero who lets other people decide for him, but a pirate who decides his own way.



Yeah, Zeff is a goofball. I really love that kick, too, and Luffy’s expression. But also that it’s a kick of Justice. Zeff is the wronged person here, therefore the justice belongs to him and he gets to decide. Luffy basically calls bullshit on that because Zeff can walk around and isn’t apparently all that hurt….which of course, isn’t the point. Much like Sanji and Fullbody, this is a fight for dominance in who gets his way. But it isn’t about humiliation, it’s about Zeff being used to being in charge and Luffy used to doing what he wants and them duking it out to see who will prevail. Zeff says the alternate way for Luffy to get out is to leave one of his legs behind, obviously trying to creep Luffy out, test his perseverance and maybe even put the fear of Zeff into him.




Luffy’s like, yeah, pass. Also the: I ain’t Buggy, rofl. Zeff is not used to being said no to. Definitely not by Sanji who may bitch and call him a shit geezer but does more or less what he wants anyway. Not by the cooks he employs. Not by the crew he sailed with. He’s used to being on top of his game as I said and is going to ever greater lengths to keep himself there and dominate over Luffy. Since, I don’t think in the end, that Zeff really cares about debt of any kind.



I love love love the moment that Zeff realizes what he just did. Much like Fullbody, he overcompensated to get his way to his own detriment, that is, breaking the restaurant. To his credit, Luffy does tend to do that to everyone though. Aggravating little snot.
Cut to Patty (who also gets a DON by the way. This is a very DON chapter) briefly for two different aspects of this arc:



Service is love. No matter how rough around the edges Patty is, I’m sure that he and all the other cooks that work at the restaurant believe that. This, of course, applies to Sanji as well. We’ll definitely explore that as we go on.



Part number, two, what anyone has worked in customer service for any amount of time has seen. The customer is always right. The customers are Gods. That means no backtalking them, humiliating them, shooting down their pretentiousness, or cold clocking them in the face with your shoe.




To further Patty’s point, his focus is mostly on the customer and the idea of the customer. Plus how famous or important said customer is, i.e. Marine Lieutenant. And yeah it makes sense. Customers are kind of what keeps the restaurant in business so you don’t want to scare them off. Also the marines are a pretty big deal and you really don’t wanna piss those guys off. But mostly, this is Patty’s pride, standing for the restaurants pride in serving customers and not kicking them. Sanji doesn’t give a shit about that. The guy had what was coming to him as far as he was concerned. He’s more of a cook then a restauranteer and an ideological cook at that, but grounded in really firm experience.




But in as much as Sanji isn’t a restaurateur, he’s extremely invested in the Baratie itself. We know why, and we’ll explore it later, but for now this just hints how much that he cares about the damn place. Because, Fullbody is not just any old guy, he is a Marine and not low-ranking at that. If Sanji does kill this guy, he’s going to be in a shitload of trouble. Though I doubt he’d kill him. Kick the everloving shit out of him maybe but not beyond that. Also credit to Fullbody in a sense, yes he’s threatening to report them to the government and close the place down, but it’s a last straw kind of moment. I mean yeah he’s still an asshole but at least he didn’t start out with it.



First of all, damn son, even three cooks can’t pull Sanji back that well. Once his legs are braced he’s not going nowhere. Also he’s livid, and a little upset at the prospect of the Baratie going under. But yeah, Fullbody is spoiled, used to getting his own way and, I’m sure Sanji is sure that that guy never had to starve a day in his life. Though it also makes me wonder if Sanji had to put up with supremely spoiled bastards in the part of his past we don’t know about and can’t stand that aspect of people. In either case, it’s now Sanji whose paying for fighting in the name of his conviction. I am sure he knows that if Fullbody shuts them down there is shit he can do to stop it. Fullbody is rightfully terrified.

The mauling is somewhat put on hold however as Luffy and Zeff come crashing through the ceiling.



Yeah, the thing with Luffy? He’s not going to take the blame for something he didn’t do. Yeah he accidentally bounced the cannonball onto the Baratie, but he didn’t accidentally get Zeff to jump kick him. But Zeff barks at Luffy anyway because of course he does.



I love how they know that Zeff is the only one who can stop Sanji and how Sanji is pushing that one guy’s face down. We can also tell what’ smost important to Zeff at the moment since he’s temporarily forgotten Luffy and is focused primarily on Sanji. Sanji doesn’t even bother to deny that he was running wild. Though I think he objects to the term as he wasn’t running wild so much as giving Fullbody his …just desserts. (badum tssh)

/coff

Also I love how this isn’t the first time that this is happened… and even Patty knows the guy is an idiot. Just because customers are gods doesn’t mean you don’t call a spade a spade. Also Luffy just plopping there and watching what’s going down as Luffy is wont to do. Though in sitting there he does recognize Fullbody. Anyway, Zeff lays the smack down on Sanji:



Not that it’ll be effective. Because he knows that Sanji will do it again as he has before, but that doesn’t mean that Zeff can let him get away with it. But, note, that even though his legs tremble, its his upper body that moves from the forced of the kick. He stays in place. Once Sanji has decided to stand somewhere, there’s not much that can move him.



And he kicks Fullbody and it’s 100% because he riled up Sanji. And Sanji is pretty damn hard to rile up when you think about it. Putting his later relationship with Zoro aside, he’s mostly stoic unless something really hits him where it hurts and then it has to be a concentrated effort to get him going. Also, it says so much that Zeff cares about Sanji more than he cares about customers…and really, I think that’s been the case for a long time now. Never underestimate a father’s love.

Fullbody thinks that his restaurant is run like a pirate ship and we’ll end on a triple Don.



Now, this chapter was called, The Three Cooks, so let’s look at what is being represented here.
On the far right you have your “traditional” customer service restaurant type cook. Patty cares for paying customers who are like Gods so you treat them well and give them good food to eat. Though he takes pride in cooking and is probably really freaking good at it, at the end of the day, it’s a profession.

In the middle, Sanji, the ideological cook. He doesn’t care so much about customers as he does the food itself. Not only cooking, but making it ideal, nutritious, tasting good and looking good. Customers, unless they are of the female persuasion, can go suck (well made) eggs. Food is his passion and, you can even say, his religion.

Then on the far left is Zeff who is a professional cook with a passion, but also a hell of a lot more grounded. Food is important. The Baratie is important. But at the end of the day, people and family are the most important. To use an anatomical metaphor, if Patty is the stomach of the Baratie (undiscriminating as long as it gets fed/paid), and Sanji is the fiery passionate heart, Zeff is the brains who understands both the need to get fed, and the need to beat with burning passion.


Themes

Taking Responsibility Regardless: This is a big one, and an important one. Playing the blame game doesn’t do anyone any good. Luffy and Usopp shot the rock, they take responsibility for Johnny and Yosaku. Sure they didn’t know those guys were on there but ignorance is no excuse. Luffy accidentally bombarded the Baratie, regardless of intention, he still takes responsibility by making it up to Zeff. The bulk of Sanji’s responsibility we’ll see later, but he doesn’t apologize for roughing Fullbody up, nor does he protest when Zeff kicks him.
On the flip side, you have Fullbody who doesn’t want to take responsibility even for what his own continual fuckups, and, indeed escalating them to the point where he shoots himself in the foot. Tying into that…


Knowing When to Take Responsibility: This is all very much wrapped up in debt, which we’ll get into later, because Sanji doesn’t really have this down at all. But Luffy does. He decides what is his fault and what isn’t is fault and doesn’t let anyone change his mind.

The Price of Saving Face: Because there always is a price. Especially when your pride is hollow like Fullbody’s (in terms of the wine) and Johnny and Yosaku’s. Because they couldn’t stand for people to think any less of them or see past their image, they had to fight to maintain their image and got trounced. Usopp does this sort of thing, too, though it’s not quite as bad (yet). Essentially, for him, it’s not letting anyone cotton on to the fact that he’s not as confident as he’s pretending to be. But he’s way too sensible to start a fight over it. (yet)

Though it's worth saying that 'saving face' is not the same thing as presentation which is what Sanji, Zeff and Nami practice. Usopp actually sort of does a little bit of both. But we'll get into presentation next time.


Food: Is essential. And not just food, but the right kind. All the meat in the world isn’t going to ward off scurvy. Food is a precious resource that is not to be taken lightly. But food is also used to bring people together. Having dinner is a common thing for people to do on dates. We’ll see more of that later.

People can be jerks sometimes: Yeah. It happens. They don't always mean to be. Maybe aren't even aware that they are. For one reason or another, based on circumstances and/or misunderstanding, they can be toads, and that's just how it is.



Characters:

Luffy: We’ve already covered most of it, but just to sum up, he takes responsibility, but only how much he wants to take. As much as a goof as he is, he is really serious about this pirate thing coupled with his own ambition.

Zoro: Cares about what friends he has and doesn’t do well with potential death that’s beyond his ability to stop. He’s only mildly interested in interesting looking things that aren’t overtly dangerous—and he’s really not ready for this Mihawk thing, guys. He seriously isn’t. Is he going to do it? Of course he is. But like hell he feels anywhere near ready for it.

Nami: Is the kind of person who makes sure she knows what she’s getting into. She’s not very fond of dangerous surprises and she wants to make sure she does things in the most efficient way possible. Though she’s slowly being pulled into Luffy’s pace and the pace of the crew without even realizing it, especially as the place feels more and more like home.

Usopp: In as much as he brings the fun to the yard, helped in providing them with a home and painted the iconic symbol to be recognizable, he hasn't changed much from the Syrup Island Punk he was. He's still striving to be, if not the center of attention, at least off to the side just by a little. Partly it's due to not wanting to be forgotten or passed over, but I also think that old habits die hard. Plus he's not really taking this too seriously yet. Even with Fullbody attacking them, it was easily diverted so the shit has not even come close to the fan.


Johnny and Yosaku: Loyal, but entirely too proud of something they really didn’t earn, a bit on the weak side and kind of dumb. There’s not much to them now and not much to differentiate them from one another- but even they go through a little change.

Fullbody: Kind of an asshole, but not too terrible, and so is relatively inconsequential for all his snobbish posturing. Insofar as he’s a Marine, he’s certainly not a bad one and probably represents the norm for Marines in the area.

Zeff: Is a pretty stable guy, all told. He strikes the balance between caring for his dream, that is, the Baratie, and the people that come and the people that work in it. I think he would have been harder on Luffy had Luffy been not so apologetic—but since Luffy wants Zeff to forgive him, Zeff has no qualms about making him work for it. He’s kind of a tsuntsun old man at present but considering how much he got into it with Luffy was probably a firecracker back in the day, but has nevertheless made a solid home on the Baratie where he cares for his family. He’s not particularly good with emotions however, as we’ll see.

Sanji: Can be fairly polite and not a bad waiter until he’s pressed and then he turns into a snarky asshole. Pressed more and he becomes a downright violent, bordering on psychotic, asshole, but only when you push all his buttons hard. For the most part, though, at least initially, he’s restrained. He takes pride in his work and what he is, though there’s not the sense that he looks down on the waiters, he nevertheless isn’t as servile as them. And he’s not above a little showing off himself. The soupdish on his head? Sanji pls. And can be somewhat of a smooth operator with women even if his eyes give his inner goofball away. (Which is why I say it’s partly in revenge because if he wasn’t trying to show Fullbody up, you know he’d be heartfarting all over her)



Relationships

LuffyxUsopp: Continue to be bffles. When it comes to fun and adventure, they speak the same language and it’s obvious they enjoy each other’s company quite a lot. Luffy is easily impressed and Usopp is eager to impress, tell stories and otherwise just hang out with this guy his own age! Amazing! Vice versa, too. Zoro is a little older than Luffy and he’s always been surrounded by older brothers/people. Coby was probably the only one younger than him. But Usopp is just his age and pretty damn awesome. In the scenes where they’re sitting together or goofing around together, you can see how relaxed Luffy gets—and as I said, they are emotional brain twins, reacting much the same to certain circumstances (though not all of them).


Zoro-->Nami: Are still kind of cagey around each other. Despite Nami helping out at Syrup, Zoro still isn’t 100% sure of what to make of her and doesn’t always understand why she says what she says. Not that he distrusts her but he’s not behind her completely since she’s still operating under the guise of not nakama, just allied partner for now. (Though we all know alliances with Luffy never work that way)

Comments

[rainsometimes]

Amazing meta as always!

Also just a note how Usopp and Luffy play off each other. They are emotional brain twins, especially when it comes to feeling things deeply (goofy or not) in fact all the emotions in this beginning are richer and more vibrant than they were previously.

Totally agree! With Usopp's addition there's a wider scope of dynamics than there was previously. Although there's also the fact that the previous arc also helped the earlier trio grow and find out more about each other.

Good points about Fullbody being an ass but not so much of one as he could have been.

I keep forgetting Nami had already seen that newspaper by this point, looking back on the arc. All the while now she's thinking of how to get back. I wonder if she'd already decided on borrowing Merry rather than finding another way to get back.

I think the first times I read this I got the impression that Arlong winding up in the newspaper was a coded message to Nami to get back, but there's really nothing to support it in the manga, is there? My imagination got ahead of me...

Also, Merry sweatdropping rofl

Totally missed that! I wonder if it's just a gag or if we should take it that after just one whole day of sailing with Luffy and crew, the ship already feels beloved enough to start to gain a spirit. If so, maybe it helps that it seems to be built with plenty of love by human Merry to start with.

But Luffy does. He decides what is his fault and what isn’t is fault and doesn’t let anyone change his mind.

He's certainly got a much healthier attitude than Sanji, but I think it should also be pointed out that Luffy has no clue how much it would cost to repair the cannon ball's damage of the Baratie. He offers a week of work because anymore of that would go too much against his own goals. Zeff's demand of one year is unreasonable, but Luffy's just being self-centred in sticking to a week. If everyone thought of their responsibilities that way... well, perhaps in a way it would still be a far better world than what we have since there are many people who don't face them at all, but it could still be pretty chaotic. Luffy can do it because he's got Protagonist Power.

And Sanji is pretty damn hard to rile up when you think about it. Putting his later relationship with Zoro aside, he’s mostly stoic unless something really hits him where it hurts and then it has to be a concentrated effort to get him going.

This I rather disagree with, though with the caveat that Fullbody pushed his buttons to an unusual degree. But Sanji's always struck me as the Strawhat that's closest to anger, even fury - much more so than Nami. It's part of that whole fire motive he's got. (Even so, he was probably worse on the Baratie; since he repressed his own dream and his hopes and adventurousness so much - even his goofiness, which doesn't seem to get free reins in this arc - he had a lot of pent-up anger with no clear target to direct it on except insolent shitty idiots who waste food.)

[we_are]

I don't think that the Merry really has any kind of Klaubauterman yet, I think it's mostly just a gag as the ship is too new and they're still trying it out.

Yes, Luffy is self-centered. I think even if he knew how much it cost to repair, he'd only work the amount of time he wanted to work. There are plenty of examples of him being a self-centered kid-- but no one said he was a hero. He does what he wants.

You may be right about the last though. I'm not sure what was on my mind when I was thinking it because Sanji is pretty cantankerous when he gets riled up--which is probably often? But he holds back a lot here, too so maybe he has more control on the Baratie. (but not by much) It's definitely something I'll have to look at in future installments.

[rainsometimes]

but no one said he was a hero. He does what he wants.

Agreed! But you did say that Luffy has it down when it comes to knowing when to take responsibility, and I'm not so sure he does. (But at the same time, like I said I think his attitude is much healthier than Sanji's.)

[we_are]

He knows when to take responsibility... but he's only going to take as much responsibility as he wants to take. It's like regardless of how costly it is... he says I'm only going to do this much.