#separating them narratively makes sense in weakening them in a sense -- and that's a smart move for whatever big bad they're up against

[thychesters]

these are the fights i love, the ones where you watch all of the straw hats band together and they each have their own unique role in it. they all play to one another's strengths--harkening back to zoro's remark to chopper back in alabasta that each of them does what they can, and then says here you go, do what i can't to the next crew member. franky can't do this, but sanji can; sanji can't do that, but chopper can. and you watch these plans unfold with such minute communication too--there's no huddle in the middle of the battlefield, just watching some pairs break off and the rest of the crew being able to pick up their next moves with hardly missing a beat. it's not picking up one another's slack or playing a supporting role--it's just being part of a team, of a crew where they all rely on one another and willingly acknowledge that. it's not fighting one straw hat, it's fighting every single one of them, and they have every intention to win.

#i saw this now paused mid-fight as luffy just breaks out gear 3 #something more uplifting about seeing them ALL together though #separating them narratively makes sense in weakening them in a sense -- and that's a smart move for whatever big bad they're up against #because once they're all together someone's getting their ass kicked #not just by luffy. not just by zoro. not just by robin. not just by one of them but all of them #them being able to communicate is such ways too also greatly highlights how they aren't just members of the same pirate crew #but they're also friends #usopp might say 'come with me i have a plan' and franky will pivot to follow and go 'ohhhh yeah i got you' #or chopper might well 'now zoro! you're up! aim for his right arm!' #granted as an audience our view of SOME things may be limited #but very much so a lot of their plans are made up on the fly #from what i've gathered will they plan? somewhat. but in the middle of a fight the big bad isn't going to pause to let them reconvene #what's also great is often times their fighting style doesn't make any sense to the outsider #anywayyyyyy back to the straw hats vs oars fight! #kate watches op #thriller bark