Sanji is just there for the foreplay until Zoro and Luffy get to the sea train. He could get Franky and Ussop's help though.

Oda keeps us glued to his artwork by keep on introducing these poweful enemies of Luffy one after the other. CP9 have unbelieveable powers and Lucchi is the man to beat.

Personally I am looking forward to one of Franky's fights. I love is jap VA.

Yes, the One piece humour is the best.

"Ussop you come home too."

The next episode is a regular release but they are also releasing a TV Special, end of the year special. They showed its preview at the end of ep 253. Unfortunately I have deleted the episodes ( only keeping K-F & Gerusama ) so I cant check it.