In the latest installment of One Piece, episode 1097 titled “The Will of Ohara! The Inherited Research,” released on Sunday, March 17, 2024, Vegapunk takes center stage, hinting at pivotal revelations he holds for the Straw Hats and potentially the world at large.
As discussions about the Ancient Kingdom intensify, Vegapunk emerges as a character with key knowledge that may shed light on the secrets of the Void Century.
The preceding episode, through Shaka’s revelations, hinted at the destruction of Ohara due to the scholars’ discovery of the Ancient Kingdom’s existence, reminiscent of the advanced civilization depicted on Egghead Island.
Professor Clover, a dedicated scholar, sacrificed his life in pursuit of this knowledge, contributing to the uncovering of significant truths. Additionally, Stella, revealed to be Vegapunk, makes a significant debut in this episode, adding further intrigue to the unfolding narrative.
As Vegapunk’s involvement deepens and the quest for understanding the Ancient Kingdom gains momentum, viewers are poised for revelations that could reshape One Piece.
Episode 1097 sets the stage for an exploration of hidden histories and long-buried secrets, promising an exhilarating journey for both the characters and the audience alike.
Vegapunk and Dragon’s Encounter in One Piece Episode 1097
One Piece episode 1097 takes a poignant journey 22 years into the past, to the tragic aftermath of the buster call at Ohara in West Blue. Here, a young Vegapunk, with flowers in hand and his hair still brown, stands amidst the devastation. Witnessing the salvaged books, he feels a sense of victory for the people of Ohara.
However, his attention is drawn to Giants fishing out the submerged books, prompting him to intervene until he hears the voice of Dragon, then 33 years old and also bearing flowers. Both men, acquainted with Clover, pay their respects, lamenting the unjust portrayal of the scholar as a threat.
Dragon reveals that the Giants, far from being bandits, hail from Elbaph and recognize the value of the salvaged knowledge. Their captain vows to preserve Ohara’s legacy, prompting Dragon’s relief that the World Government didn’t eradicate the books.
He expresses disappointment in Vegapunk’s alignment with the government, urging him to join the Freedom Fighters instead.
Yet, Vegapunk defends his choice, citing practical reasons for funding. Dragon, though saddened by the destruction of Ohara and the violence against scholars, resolves to honor Clover’s memory and the Will of Ohara.
This resolve leads to the formation of the Revolutionary Army later that year, a significant event that reverberates throughout the world, uniting forces with Ivankov and Kuma in a bid for change.
Revelations and Connections
In the present timeline, Sanji and the rest of the Straw Hat crew are taken aback upon learning that Ivankov was among the founding members of the Revolutionary Army. This revelation surprises them all, highlighting the intricate connections within One Piece.
Shaka, the narrator of the story, underscores the importance of keeping the knowledge from the books of Ohara hidden from the World Government. He further reveals that Stella, also known as Vegapunk, had covertly visited Elbaph to study the texts, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding narrative.
When Robin inquires about the Giant with bandages resembling Saul, Shaka confirms her suspicions and reveals that the Giant is currently in hiding. With this revelation, the group’s understanding of past events deepens, raising new questions and possibilities.
Escorting the crew to the Control Room, Shaka presents a visual display of Luffy’s group’s activities, offering insights into their current endeavors.
As the story unfolds, the Straw Hat crew finds themselves embroiled in a web of secrets and revelations, each step bringing them closer to uncovering the truth behind the mysteries of the world.
Vegapunk’s Brain Revealed and CP0’s Arrival
In One Piece episode 1097, the focus shifts to Luffy, Jimbei, Chopper, and Bonney, who find themselves with Vegapunk amidst the scrap heap at the Fabriophase level.
Vegapunk reveals his unique abilities as a Brain-Brain Fruit user, revealing that his consumption of vast information has enlarged his brain significantly.
However, he explains that he has removed his brain and stored it in the island’s Punk Records section, with an apple on his head now serving as an antenna to capture his brain waves.
Vegapunk’s six distinct clones upload their experiences and knowledge to Punk Records daily, suggesting the possibility of creating a vast repository of human knowledge accessible to all.
When Jimbei raises concerns about the role of ideology in this scenario, Vegapunk brushes them off, asserting that scientific progress should not be hindered by such worries.
Bonney, however, expresses outrage at Vegapunk’s prioritization of science over humanity, particularly in his transformation of Kuma into a weapon of destruction.
Ignoring Vegapunk’s warnings, Bonney attempts to intimidate him with a discovered beam saber, which inadvertently attracts a swarm of bugs, causing her to faint. During her unconscious state, Vegapunk inquires about Momonosuke and realizes that the Devil Fruit he had discarded as a failure has been consumed by him.
Vegapunk deems it a failure due to Momonosuke’s pink dragon form, contrasting with Kaido’s blue dragon form.
As the conversation continues, Luffy inquires about a giant robot, learning that it was built over two centuries ago and had attacked Sacred Marijoa. The episode ends with the ominous arrival of CP0, led by Lucci, signaling a potential threat to Vegapunk’s safety.