Ron Does Stuff

It’s the penultimate episode! LET’S GO!

The guys are off to find the lone girl of the crew, after Nami left with Arlong’s crew in the previous episode. And they’re doing it with Buggy’s help, because he really doesn’t have a choice now that he’s just a head.

However, without the competent woman to guide them and with a literal clown giving them directions, the guys aren’t sure if they’re going to where they’re supposed to go. But they do end up in Conomi Island and we finally get Nami backstory. Or at least just a hint of it, because it looks like Nami can hold her own among Arlong’s crew.

All of that is hiding the soft, soap opera center of Nami’s personality because that scene with her Not-Family is a favorite in every soap opera I’ve ever watched growing up. It looks like Nami’s had a rebellious streak, but deep down, she knows she has to do the right thing. And when Arlong sends her to the village where she grows up…well, will she have a crisis of conscience?

Looks like she doesn’t! She shows up to collect the tax from Coco Village and her sister, Nojiko, isn’t happy about it. Especially since they both have a horrible past with Arlong. And Luffy isn’t happy about it either because he thinks Nami is better than this. Either way, Nami insists they go but Luffy and the gang seek out Nojiko instead.

But Nojiko isn’t just going to give information willingly, although I love Sanji constantly trying to flirt. Maybe I’m just an unintelligent whore but it’s working for me, okay?

Over at the Baratie, Garo has arrived and is trying to get Zeff to reveal where Luffy is. Seems like they have a past together, at least deep enough for them to cordially share a glass of wine together. Or maybe it’s just boomers bonding.

Then we jump back to the past, where Nami and Nojiko’s mom sacrifices her life for the two of them and I guess it’s me being a softie but I teared up? I’m old and sentimental, you guys! While the rest of the guys think it’s pretty clear cut that Nami is a bad person who joined forces with the person who killed her mother, Luffy thinks otherwise and bravo to him for that!

Over at Arlong’s base…it’s very much giving a race discussion. Slavery’s even mentioned! I don’t want to comment on whether this was handled well because I’m not Black and I have no background on such a complicated topic but whew.

We also find out what Arlong has over Nami’s head — 100 million Berry. Bitch that’s a lot of money. Which I don’t think Nami has! She’s lying through her teeth!

Meanwhile, Butt Boy has easily gotten Koby drunk over at the Baratie and now Koby’s told him that Garp is Luffy’s grandfather and sorta kinda found someone to tell them where to find him as well. Alcohol truly is the social lubricant.

Back at Coco Village, Nami does have 100 million Berry. That is a very competent thief! However, she’s underestimated Arlong. Or maybe overestimated his integrity? But he’s a killer so honestly what did Nami expect? Anyway, Arlong arranges it so that Nami’s 100 million Berry gets taken from her and now he can destroy Coco Village.

Nami finally reaches a breaking point and to Luffy for help. And for once, Luffy is deathly serious. We’re going to head into the finale which looks to be a clash between Luffy’s crew and Arlong’s!