Absolutely. Also - this doesn't fit for all the arcs, but sometimes I get a feeling that if it hadn't been for the impressive actions of local people, the Strawhats wouldn't have been as motivated to fight.
Sure, but that's largely just a way of establishing the stakes. They'll also fight because someone asked them nicely (Thriller Bark), because the bad guy hurt one of their own (Water 7, for both Robin and Usopp), or for whatever other reason. 'You are stronger when you fight for someone else/a good cause' is such an old trope that it never struck me as notable. (Not that I don't enjoy a good dose of Straw Hat Righteous Fury as much as the next fan, but there are various ways to go about inspiring it.)
When you get to Sabody Archipelago, there's not much need to bond with the locals when it's clear that the people like Hachi and Ceimei who are in the most danger wouldn't even dare live on the Archipelago. You're very right, though, that it would have been hopeless to let the Straw Hats get any more involved with the downtrodden masses of the area when they ultimately fail to make any real difference. Beyond that though, I think the other deciding factor is that it all happens so fast - their big defeat happens at around the same point where your regular arc would be only just getting up to speed. We've seen so many villains insist the Straw Hats have waded way out of their depth shortly before getting stomped into the dirt that it's a real shock when it suddenly turns out to be true.
and not much is made better by their visit
Well, you know. Luffy did get to punch that one guy in the face. As little difference as that might make in the big picture, it was awfully satisfying to watch. *g*
:DD Seldom has truer words being spoken. *adopts this*
In retrospect he hasn't done it nearly so often since the Arlong Park era - since then he's been getting a lot better at processing complex information without having to shut down all other motor functions or suffer the mental equivalent of the blue screen of death. But as much as I've enjoyed his development, that particular look will always hold a special place in my heart.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2012-06-21 04:09 am (UTC)Sure, but that's largely just a way of establishing the stakes. They'll also fight because someone asked them nicely (Thriller Bark), because the bad guy hurt one of their own (Water 7, for both Robin and Usopp), or for whatever other reason. 'You are stronger when you fight for someone else/a good cause' is such an old trope that it never struck me as notable. (Not that I don't enjoy a good dose of Straw Hat Righteous Fury as much as the next fan, but there are various ways to go about inspiring it.)
When you get to Sabody Archipelago, there's not much need to bond with the locals when it's clear that the people like Hachi and Ceimei who are in the most danger wouldn't even dare live on the Archipelago. You're very right, though, that it would have been hopeless to let the Straw Hats get any more involved with the downtrodden masses of the area when they ultimately fail to make any real difference. Beyond that though, I think the other deciding factor is that it all happens so fast - their big defeat happens at around the same point where your regular arc would be only just getting up to speed. We've seen so many villains insist the Straw Hats have waded way out of their depth shortly before getting stomped into the dirt that it's a real shock when it suddenly turns out to be true.
and not much is made better by their visit
Well, you know. Luffy did get to punch that one guy in the face. As little difference as that might make in the big picture, it was awfully satisfying to watch. *g*
:DD Seldom has truer words being spoken. *adopts this*
In retrospect he hasn't done it nearly so often since the Arlong Park era - since then he's been getting a lot better at processing complex information without having to shut down all other motor functions or suffer the mental equivalent of the blue screen of death. But as much as I've enjoyed his development, that particular look will always hold a special place in my heart.