One Piece - 2 Years Later - SPOILERS WITHIN

Thoughts as reading the latest release of the manga, chapter 598, "2 Years Later". I've been both greatly anticipating this, finally having caught myself up, reading chapters online (will still of COURSE be buying the official releases once they're out - I just couldn't wait!), and with the manga now back after a month-long hiatus. Wondering what order the crew will reuinte in. Who will be the first to come back? ... And partially dreading it. The characters will all be 2 years older, and just wondering what sort of CHANGES all have gone through. Will I like the changes? Will I hate them? Half of me is eager to see, the other half is tense and worried, hoping that certain characters won't be ruined for me, with the changes. Oda's a good storyteller, and I'll trust things will be good, and I'll get used to the changes in time (One Piece DEFINITELY is a series you DO have to give some time to, to get used to the art style, get into the story, let it grow on you, etc)... Just... y'know. Gut reactions. Hoping some of the changes won't be too extreme.

Comments will be random. Sporadic. Probably gibberish as I'm making these while reading. As my opening above clearly indicates. ^.^;; Err... warnings for some cursing within. c_c; And lots and LOTS of disjointed rambling.

*takes in a deep breath* Here we go...

( cut for massive, MASSIVE spoilers, and endless ramblings )