Yamato’s Cover Story Vol.18: “Chase the Sword Thief!!”
Last time it was a Robin homage — Yamato channeling Robin in Dressrosa as a tribute to Gulliver’s Travels. This time, Franky was due in the rotation, so “Chase the Sword Thief!!” is a homage to Franky chasing the thief who stole his pants.
There’s something about Loki’s attitude that feels a lot like early Franky — and Luffy flying into a rage when Shanks is insulted echoes the Usopp revenge arc. Overall this chapter has a very Water Seven feel to it.
Loki Has a Very Franky Vibe
Loki, so thrilled to finally set foot in Elbaf, keeps rambling to himself — then erupts when Luffy won’t listen.
Franky, out to avenge his family’s base and his men, picks a fight with Luffy — only to have the Galley-La Company carpenters butt in and steal his moment.
Being bound in chains is another thing they have in common.
Mentioning the Treasure Tree Adam
Loki revealed that the great tree forming the foundation of Warland Kingdom is the Treasure Tree Adam.
The only characters who had named that tree before were Franky and Usopp — and those two seem to have a strange connection to giants.
By the way, Franky once said the Treasure Tree Adam exists only “a few places in the world.” Does that mean there are others on giant islands — or perhaps atop the Red Line?
Commanding Wild Beasts
Wild beasts started appearing one after another, all claiming to be Loki’s friends.
Snow-country wild beasts call to mind the cyborg animals Franky once remodeled.
Insulting Luffy’s Important Person
Loki, unaware of Luffy’s bond with Shanks, called him a “coward pirate” and sent Luffy into a rage.
Franky himself didn’t do this — but it was the Franky Family insulting Usopp that sent Luffy into a rage.
Bonus
Chapter 1131 feels less like Loki being Franky-esque and more like the Water Seven–Enies Lobby self-homage is simply still running even after the Egghead arc ended.
Sauro, Ohara, Buster Call — all of it is still echoing through. So the scene of Hyrdlin returning with a moose slung over his shoulder is probably a homage to Oimo and Kashi fleeing with Sodom and Gomorrah.
And next week is the Sauro and Robin chapter — so it should be a volume 41 homage.