[Rainbowman]

Originally Posted by marvelB

Okay, so in the current chapter thread I had mentioned that Oda held a sort of SBS corner for the American OP fans a few years back. Thus, I went digging around, and found the source info at this thread at AP. And so, with credit to AP member Ubiq, here's the SBS portion in question:

Spoiler:

Ashley Rochefort asked...

Why does Tashigi look like Zolo's old friend Kuina?

Sensei answered...

It's just a coincidence. There's no backstory like Tashigi turns out to be Kuina's sister or something...[Laughs] [1]

Vicky Hutchinson asked...

Zolo's my favorite character. I would like to have permission to be his #1 fan.

Sensei answered...

Well, Vicky, all the Zolo fans think like you do. So please do as you wish. I'd like you to think that you're the #1 Zolo fan. [2]

Normandy Peterson asked...

I'm thinking of going as SHANKS for Halloween. Any tips?

Sensei answered...

You need advice? Put on a scar. Draw a scar and make your hair red. That's about it. Don't cut off your arm though! [3]

Presley Porter asked...

My favorite villains are Arlong, Hachi, the Meowban Brothers, and Kuro. Who are yours?

Sensei answered...

Buggy, because he's easy to draw. [4]

Diane Bree asked...

How do you come up with Devil Fruits?

Sensei answered...

When I think up a Devil Fruit, I always try to come up with something that fulfills a human desire. In the end, I don't think it's worth drawing one unless it makes you want to eat it when you see one. [5]

Beniam Hollman asked...

Is it possible to find Gum-Gum Fruit on this planet?

Sensei answered...

Maybe you can find it by coincidence, like when searching for a treasure in a treasure box. Or might have to buy it from the black market fruit-and-vegetable shop. [6]

Abe Portugal asked...

Who does Nami like?

Sensei answered...

Hmm, in a romantic sense? I don't think there will be any romances among that crew. Nami probably sees all the good aspects/qualities of those guys, but One Piece isn't a romance. Maybe a lot of girl readers ask this kind of question. Boys are not interested all all. One Piece is basically a shonen manga, manga for boys, so romance isn't depicted. [7]

Lars Aarhus asked...

Is Panda Man a master of disguise?
Because my neighbor looks kind of like a panda with a fake mustache.

Sensei answered...

Yes, I think so. [8]

Devin Johnson asked...

I've been wondering about Panda Man. Is he following Luffy and his crew?

Sensei answered...

He just happens to be in the camera frame. He's actually... being chased by gangsters called the Tomato Gang. [9]

John Irons asked...

What is Luffy's mother like? Was she beautiful?
What happened to her? Did she die when Luffy was a baby?

Sensei answered...

I think she's alive. I'm still thinking hard about this. [Laughs] But if she does appear in the story, then she'll be a very tough-looking woman. And strict. There's no way that she's a beautiful mother. She's got this typical middle-aged woman's permed hair. Speaking about families, I did a backstory for Nico Robin and her family. That was actually the first time for me to draw a mother in a character's memory. Up until that point, I'd never drawn a blood relation. =Note from Ubiq- Insert Usopp reaction shot of your choice; I suggest one with tears. bitter tears of resentment.- Note ends.= There were cases when you call someone who's not blood-related your mother. In Chopper's case, he's called a son even though he's not blood-related. So I've put in a message there saying that you can still call someone who's not related by blood your family. [10]

Huh, looks like Oda DID specifically mention blood relations in his response (it's been a while since I last read those questions myself, so I wasn't entirely certain). It's still odd that he would forget about Usopp, though..... I mean, his mother's death was kind of the whole reason why he became a liar in the first place.....

Spoiler:

[1] And was it settled if Tashigi and Kuina are one in the same?

[2] I just hope said fan doesn't have a mental illness like Annie Wilkes.

[3] Just have your arm inside your shirt to make it look limbless, that's what I'd do.

[4] My favorite villains by far: Rob Lucci for fiercest feline and Blackbeard for his ambitions.

[5] My desires may be complicated compared to everyone else.

[6] I wonder if the same goes for all the other Devil Fruits?

[7] As usual. I'm a male that asks that question in terms of future generation characters (some of which I'd like to create).

[8] No comment.

[9] If only there was a meaning to his existence in the series.

[10] I bet Luffy's (biological) mother would have the face of a monchichi monkey and the body of a gorilla. Now if only someone were to ask about Nami's biological mother and determine whether or not she's still alive.