In the vast and enthralling world of One Piece, Wano has consistently remained an enigma. A land known for its staunch isolationism, the end of the Wano arc brings forth a pressing question that’s got fans buzzing: Should the young shogun, Kozuki Momonosuke, open Wano’s borders?
The Weight of Kaido’s Downfall
With the staggering defeat of Kaido and Big Mom, two titanic figures in the pirate world, the narrative trajectory of One Piece reached a significant milestone. The weight of their combined bounty – a whopping nine billion berries – emphasizes just how monumental this victory was.
Luffy’s evolution, manifesting in his fifth-gear form, played a pivotal role in toppling these adversaries. In the ensuing power vacuum, Kozuki Momonosuke, supported by the Akazaya samurai, assumed the shogunate of Wano. His ascension comes with heavy expectations, especially given his father, Kozuki Oden’s wish: to open Wano to the world.
Wano’s Isolationist Stance
Renowned for its mighty samurai and distinctive practices, Wano’s reputation precedes it. It’s not merely another country; Wano’s uniqueness stems from its long-standing policy of isolationism. This policy, deeply embedded in its culture, entails zero contact with the outside world. Those daring to defy it, whether leaving or entering, often meet a tragic fate.
This self-imposed exile has kept Wano’s populace oblivious to the world’s happenings. But why such an extreme stance?
Even if one piece gets lower quality animation in egghead best believe we ain’t gone EVER let y’all forget what Toei did in wano pic.twitter.com/JdoRi2il4Y
— Geo (@Geo_AW) October 17, 2023
The Secrets of Wano’s History
Kozuki Oden, a storied figure with affiliations to both the Whitebeard and Gold Roger pirates, harbored a vision of an interconnected Wano. His adventures led him to uncover Wano’s historical openness, once hailed as the ‘Country of Gold’, and its subsequent sealing to conceal the dangerous ancient weapon, Pluton.
Oden’s firm belief was that Wano’s reintegration was imminent and necessary, especially in anticipation of Joy Boy’s return. Despite his tragic end at Kaido’s hands before fulfilling this vision, Oden’s dream lived on.
Momonosuke’s Difficult Decision
Given this backdrop, Momonosuke’s hesitance to immediately open Wano’s borders can be perplexing. Yet, it’s a decision borne out of pragmatism. The aftermath of Kaido’s oppressive reign has left Wano impoverished, its environment polluted, and its warriors vastly diminished. The country is ill-prepared for external interaction, let alone potential threats.
Furthermore, the responsibilities thrust upon young Momonosuke are immense. Though bearing an adult’s physique, his youthful psyche grapples with the complexities of governance and mastering his devil fruit powers.
The Path Forward for Wano
Speculation might arise: Will Momonosuke permanently shelve Oden’s dream? However, such fears seem unfounded. Momonosuke’s commitment to his father’s legacy remains unshaken. He seeks a stabilized, rejuvenated Wano before taking the bold step of global reintegration. It’s not a rejection of Oden’s vision but a strategic postponement.
In conclusion, Momonosuke’s choice, though contentious, underscores a leader’s responsibility to ensure the well-being of his people. With time, as Wano heals and rebuilds, the world might finally witness the opening of this enigmatic land’s borders. Only then can Oden’s dream truly be realized.
