One Piece Episode 966: Roger's Wish! A New Journey!

Kozuki Oden's early days with the Whitebeard Pirates are a blur of adventure and growth. He carves his place among them, his wild energy embraced by Edward Newgate and the crew who become his family. Years pass, marked by grand voyages and the birth of his children, Momonosuke and Hiyori, turning the Moby Dick into a true home for Oden and Kozuki Toki. This recap establishes his deep roots and the sacrifices to come.

On a tropical island, young Buggy spots the approaching Moby Dick through his binoculars, screaming in terror. The Roger Pirates prepare for a confrontation, but Gol D. Roger stands on his ship, a wide grin on his face. He senses Whitebeard's presence, energized by the prospect of meeting his rival. The air thickens with Roger's subtle Haki, birds scattering as the tension becomes palpable.

The first to leap from the Moby Dick is Kozuki Oden, drawing his dual katanas with a battle cry. He charges toward the Roger Pirates, a force of nature driven by the joy of combat. Lower-ranking pirates are easily dispatched, sent flying by his whirlwind movements and Oden Two Sword Style. Oden grins, searching for a real challenge, his prowess on full display.

Silvers Rayleigh and Scopper Gaban step forward to intercept Oden, recognizing his threat, but Gol D. Roger laughs and leaps over them. He lands directly before Oden, his hand on his sword, Ace. Roger then unleashes a sudden, powerful horizontal slash, 'Kamusari', sending Oden flying through thick trees. Oden's eyes widen with shock at the Pirate King's immense power.

Kozuki Oden, recovering from Roger's attack, prepares to re-engage, but Edward Newgate intervenes, leaping over Oden. Whitebeard brings his massive polearm, Murakumogiri, down toward Roger, who meets the strike with his sword. Their weapons, coated in Haki, create a visually stunning explosion of black lightning. Their blades do not touch; the sheer force of their Haki pushes them apart, causing a giant golden sphere of energy to erupt, shaking the island.

With the captains' epic clash, both crews erupt into a full-scale battle across the island. The screen splits, showing various match-ups: Oden attempts to re-engage, Shanks and Buggy fight with grit, and Marco skirmishes with Rayleigh. The battle rages for three days and three nights, transforming the island's landscape. Even under stormy skies, the commanders and captains show no signs of slowing, until finally, a stalemate is reached.

On the fourth day, the fighting abruptly ceases, replaced by an atmosphere of camaraderie. The two crews sit together, sharing barrels of booze and mountains of food. Pirates who were enemies moments before now laugh and trade stories. Roger and Whitebeard sit as old friends, drinking sake, a scene Oden observes with amazement. Rayleigh remarks on the strangeness of their perpetual truce.

Young Shanks and Buggy observe Marshall D. Teach, who sits alone, looking ominous. Buggy whispers that Teach never sleeps, calling him a monster. Shanks is skeptical, but Buggy insists on its truth. Marco watches his crewmate subtly from the background. This quiet moment provides a stark contrast to the boisterous feast, hinting at a darker future.

Roger reveals a rubbing of a Poneglyph, its script immediately recognized by Oden as the language of the Kozuki family. Roger is ecstatic, explaining his journey to Lodestar Island and the realization that a final, hidden island exists beyond it. He describes the significance of the four Road Poneglyphs, which reveal the location of this unseen place. The World Government forbids their reading, but this only fuels Roger's grand curiosity, and he knows Oden's ability is the missing piece.

Gol D. Roger then becomes gravely serious, revealing he has only one year left to live due to a terminal illness. He wants to use his remaining time to complete his voyage to the final island. To the shock of all present, Roger bows his head to Whitebeard, begging him to "lend" Oden for that year. Roger's desperation and sincerity show the depth of his commitment to his lifelong dream.

Edward Newgate reacts with absolute fury to Roger's request, his Haki flaring and shaking the ground. He shouts that he would never allow a family member to be taken by another crew. Roger remains bowed, unmoved by Whitebeard's intimidating presence. Oden is caught between his deep loyalty to Whitebeard and his burgeoning desire for the world's secrets.

To Whitebeard's shock, Oden speaks up, stating his desire to go with Roger. He explains that his heart is "throbbing" with excitement at the thought of discovering the world's secrets. Whitebeard looks heartbroken, but his Haki subsides, a sigh escaping him. Kozuki Toki stands by Oden, offering silent support. Roger looks up, hope renewed in his eyes.

Edward Newgate begrudgingly agrees to the arrangement, but he refuses any treasure or supplies Roger offers in exchange. He issues a stern warning: if Oden ever goes hungry, he will hunt Roger down and kill him. The Whitebeard Pirates are visibly upset, some crying, as they prepare to say goodbye to Oden and his family. Oden bows to Whitebeard, expressing his profound gratitude.

Oden and his family begin moving their belongings from the Moby Dick to the Oro Jackson. Marco, Izou, and Vista see them off, their faces a mix of emotions. Oden promises to see them again in Wano. Whitebeard remains on his throne, turning away to conceal his sadness, his grip tight on his sake cup. The bond between Oden and his former crew remains, even as they physically separate.

The Oro Jackson sails into the open ocean, with Oden standing on deck, curious about his new surroundings. Roger officially welcomes him, and the rest of the crew introduce themselves. Young Shanks and Buggy are particularly interested in the samurai and his family. Oden senses a different kind of energy on this ship: one of focused ambition and deep mystery.

Even before true sailing begins, Gol D. Roger and Silvers Rayleigh amuse themselves by playing with Momonosuke and Hiyori, showing a softer side to the pirates. A commotion in the storage reveals Inuarashi and Nekomamushi, who have stowed away to remain with Oden. Later, Oden prepares a massive pot of his namesake dish for the crew, who initially watch with skepticism. Once they taste it, the Roger Pirates are delighted, turning the meal into a joyous bonding experience. The journey continues with a wild party, Oden's dance and song echoing across the sea, cementing his place in the crew.