Even though I did complain about Zoro's flashback not being super important to show for this showdown, I somewhat take that back. In retrospect, the flashbacks we saw were to refresh our mind on why this fight is important to them, not particularly why Robin is.
Luffy is here to save Robin like Shanks did to him once before. To live up to his understanding of what a good captain is and to eventually surpass Shanks while being heavily inspired by his actions. Similar to how Shanks risked it all to save his friend Luffy, Luffy is doing so for Robin. It's sweet.
Sure, Zoro's was less related to Robin, but it was an indicator and a reminder of why he is fighting. He was at that moment thankful for Luffy. Without him, he wouldn't have gotten nearly as strong as he is today. Luffy has led him to fight and fight again and supported his dream this entire time, such as when he stopped Buggy from cheating way back in one of the first arcs. And now, this is the biggest challenge yet. He has to win this fight for his dream and his childhood friend, with his and her blades alike. Again, less important, but still meaningful and I feel my first response towards it was jaded.
As I mentioned before, Usopp's relation with this showdown is a powerful one because of how deeply related it is to his own goals of becoming the brave warrior that he's actually almost already become. This is a test. For, the brave warrior he wants to be would definitely challenge the entire world for his friend's sake, and that's exactly what he's doing.
Nami's reflection here is one of the most touching. She can relate on a very deep level to Robin. She was in a similar situation as I described in my post that episode and her reflection showed that she's here to make sure that someone as hurt and alone as she once was has friends like Luffy to get her out of it. It's her time to walk to Arlong Park. :)
Sanji's felt slightly less meaningful than Zoro's reflection. I don't see how Robin is a parrel to Zeff here like Sanji mentioned. At least it was a nice reminder of Sanji's past. The farewell to the Baratie has always stayed one of my favorite scenes in the series, it's just so touching to see all of these manly men cry like brothers and family saying goodbye to their good friend. I hope we get to see Johnny and Yosaku in the series once again. I always want to mention how it was cool that Zeff has such a great analysis of Luffy so early on. His faith in himself allows him to transcend fear and that itself is his force.
Chopper's reflection was one that actually related super well to Robin. He can relate with Robin like Nami could. Not so long ago he had no one, his life before Hiriluk was Robin's life since forever really. She was even called a monster just like Chopper was. Because of that Chopper wants to make sure she has a Hiriluk in her life too. Someone to rescue her and tell her she's not a monster. To accept her. And that person will be him, and the other Straw Hats. For that reason Chopper's reflection was probably my favorite, it made me realize those things which I hadn't really realized before. It may be why they had such a motherly relationship because whether they knew it or not they could relate with each other.
Sanji had a really nice childhood comparatively to some of the others and it's part of the reason the Baratie is so nice. Sure, he starved to near death but he got to live his childhood with a restaurant of people that were so close they were practically a family!
This filler was a great way of reminding ourselves of why this encounter is important for each and every one of them, a reminder of their past and ideals, and as a way to see some cute shorts we'd probably not get otherwise. I really liked this. It was a nice calm before the storm. |