Netflix recently released a new anime called Monsters: 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation, supervised by its creator himself, Eiichiro Oda.

Excitement peaked as the acclaimed manga artist confirmed a surprising connection between Monsters and his more famous work, One Piece.

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Monsters: 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation takes viewers on a journey with the protagonist Ryuma, a skilled swordsman, as he encounters a young waitress whose hometown was attacked by a dragon.

Though it appeared to be a standalone series, fans quickly speculated about its potential ties to the One Piece universe, given Oda’s involvement and Netflix’s commitment to the franchise.

Eiichiro Oda reveals connection between Netflix’s Monsters and One Piece

Ryuma as introduced by Eiichiro Oda in Monsters
Screenshot by Ron Muyot/ONE Esports

The revelation came in the form of an SBS, or Shitsumon o Boshū Suru (meaning “I’m Taking Questions”) segment in Volume 47 of the One Piece manga. SBS is a section where Oda answers fans’ questions and provides additional information about the series.

All One Piece arcs: From Romance Dawn to Egghead

A fan inquired about the connection between Ryuma, the swordsman introduced during the Thriller Bark arc, and the Ryuma from Oda’s Monsters manga.

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To fans’ delight, Oda confirmed that both Ryumas were indeed the same character, establishing his earlier work as a canonical part of the One Piece universe.

While Monsters showcases Ryuma’s adventures during his prime, One Piece fans have long been acquainted with the legendary swordsman.

Ryuma hails from Wano’s esteemed Shimotsuki clan and earned the moniker “Sword God” for his unparalleled skills.

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In recent arcs, One Piece even unveiled Ryuma’s distant relation to the Straw Hat crew’s swordsman, Roronoa Zoro, adding another layer of depth to his character.

Monsters, therefore, serves as a valuable piece in the puzzle of Ryuma’s life, offering fans a glimpse into the past of this iconic figure.

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