As unlikely as it might sound, I'm beginning to wonder if Kaidou and Linlin were a part of the same pirate crew a long time ago? It's tempting to think Rogers, but that's waay too far-fetched.
I like the idea behind the empty throne - a seat that no-one should occupy.
Shanks is a mystery. In fact a lot of things happening are a mystery - like a setup that we won't know the resolution to.
As for that idiot Carlos - can't say I'm surprised by his behavior. What I am surprised by, is that someone (a celestial dragon) stood up to him. Speaking of which, the revolutionary army is up here too, aren't they?
-chronodekar