So far I liked all Orlumbus' cover story but this was like a filler cover story. Could've at least gotten him on the island.
This chapter felt like a double chapter to me, first the whole backstory on Whitebeard which was already awesome with Dr. Marco. Looks like Oda is tying in Weevil in that island story line. I wonder who will stay behind to protect the place. I'm not really sure why Marco would agree to come so easily for a cause that doesn't concern him very much when there is something at stake for him to protect. Maybe he sees Luffy as his last chance to topple Blackbeard in the long run.
Second part of the chapter was great. Finally the reveal of the island. It's just as Japanese as everyone expected and more. It's so strange that Oda keeps getting away with off paneling the half of the main cast for almost 2 years and everybody loves it. Great to see Franky, Usopp and Robin again. As expected of Robin she doesn't have trouble blending in a new role. But Franky and Usopp stick to what they know. Franky's senior with the nails in his mouth is a funny character, I hope we get more of him.
Finally Zoro is in an interesting spot. If it was the mission for all of them to blend in. I wonder how he got found out so quick with his swords. The seppuku scene was intense and Zoro looked badass in every panel. I was wondering what Oda was going to pull, didn't expect him to blow the cover in the same chapter it was introduced.
It was hinted that Kaidou has the same kind of intel Big Mom has. So any incidents will reach him immediately. So if the jig is up in chapter 2 of the Wano arc, I wonder how that will play out. I would've liked it if they could've showed us Wano in a calm state first. Let's hope this arc will be great for Zoro and his backstory and his character, I love the japanese and samurai/ronin stories so I'm pumped for Wano.
EDIT:
I wonder how this fits in the timeline, is this going on during the Reverie ? I know Wano is very secluded so if shit hits the fan info might not reach the outside world for much later. On the other hand Luffy and Big Mom aren't being very subtle about it and are screaming Kaidou as loud as they can, so it wouldn't probably matter anyway.
Also I think we finally have finally have the romanization of Kaidou's island and it looks like it's Wano afteral and not Wa. So the pun still exists but it's not as literal anymore.
