One Piece’s impact on anime culture is undeniable. Despite its unusually long length, fans cannot seem to get enough of the series, and for good reason. With the reveal of Luffy’s 5th gear in previous months, Eiichiro Oda’s story claimed its spot amongst anime legends such as Dragon Ball, Bleach, and Pokémon. It is common to split One Piece into two distinct parts: Post and Pre-Time Skip. While both are pivotal to the series, they each possess their own unique qualities.

Wano Country, Egghead, and Dressrosa are only a few of the fantastical arcs that have come out of the Straw Hat’s Post-Time Skip adventures. However, many viewers can agree that there is something special about the Pre-Time Skip era of One Piece. While the Post-Time Skips arcs have stunning battle scenes and intriguing new characters, the Pre-Time Skip arcs are full of light-hearted humor and some of the series’ most beloved scenes.

The Baratie, Skypiea, and Enies Lobby arcs are just a few of the series’ most beloved storylines. While One Piece continues to surprise audiences with brand-new developments, the Pre-Time Skip era will forever remain a fan favorite. Years later, ten iconic moments in the series’ first half continue to captivate fans.

10

The Walk to Arlong Park

Episode 37: “Luffy Stands Up! End of a Broken Promise!”

Many fans know Arlong Park to be one of the best arcs in One Piece. Within the East Blue Saga, Arlong Park is the fifth arc in the series, spanning episodes 31-44 and chapters 69-95 in the manga. After stealing the Straw Hat’s ship and heading for her hometown in the Conomi Islands, Nami reveals she is a member of the Arlong Pirates.

After all of her savings are stolen unexpectedly, Nami stabs her arm in a rage, where she is tattooed with the Arlong Pirate’s symbol. She turns to Luffy, tears streaming down her face, asking him for help. Luffy gathers his crew, and together, they make their way to Arlong Park. The famous “Walk to Arlong Park” is perhaps the most recognizable moment in the One Piece franchise. It was also adapted into Netflix’s live-action series based on Eiichiro’s story.

9

The Straw Hats Enter the Grand Line

Episode 53: “The Legend Has Started! Head for the Grand Line!”

One Piece’s second saga is kicked off in the best way. As the Straw Hats leave Loguetown (the place of Gol D. Roger’s birth and execution), they approach the Reverse Mountain. Just before beginning the ascent into the Grand Line, each of the Straw Hats states their dream in a ceremony in which they place their foot on the top of a barrel.

Zoro dreams of becoming the world’s strongest swordsman, and Ussop to become a brave warrior of the sea. Nami wishes to draw a map of the world, and Sanji hopes to find the All-Blue. Finally, Luffy swears to become King of the Pirates. While the Straw Hat crew is in its earliest stages at this point, this heartfelt moment is nothing short of nostalgic, marking the beginning of the Straw Hat’s incredible journey into the Grand Line and beyond.

8

Vivi’s Plea to the Armies of Alabasta

Episode 126: “I Will Surpass You! Rain Falls on Alabasta!”

The fifth and final arc of the Alabasta saga concludes Vivi’s quest to save her land from the rule of Crocodile: a warlord and the leader of the Baroque Works agency. However, despite her greatest efforts to warn her Kingdom about Crocodile’s plans, a deadly battle ensues between the Royal Guard and the Rebel Army. But in a moment of desperation and exhaustion, Vivi finally finds her voice.

The concluding arc to the Alabasta saga has mixed reviews from One Piece fans. Some view it as one of the series’ worst arcs. However, despite fan’s differing opinions, Vivi’s defining moment of strength is one of the most iconic moments in the anime. Finally, the princess, who was thought to have been missing for two years, is heard. She calls out to her beloved people, asking them to stop the senseless fighting. At last, rain begins to fall, and Vivi’s voice cuts through the silence in a heartwarming moment.

7

Luffy Challenges the World Government at Enies Lobby

Episode 278: “Say You Want to Live! We Are Your Friends!”

Without a doubt, the Water 7 saga is one of the most beloved in the One Piece franchise. With the added mystery element in the Water 7 arc and the epic Buster Call battle in the Enies Lobby arc, countless moments in the saga stand out. However, none of those moments compare to Luffy’s rebellion against the World Government in an effort to save Nico Robin.

Robin, who has been captured by the World Government due to her background and historical knowledge, asks the Straw Hats to leave, convinced she is a burden and a threat to their safety. However, in true Luffy fashion, he asks Sniper-King (AKA Usopp) to shoot down the World Government’s symbolic flag, issuing himself as an official enemy. After realizing the true friends she has in the Straw Hat Crew, Robin admits her deepest desire, “I want to live.” This incomparable moment takes a great arc to even greater heights.

6

Zoro’s Sacrifice: “Nothing Happened”

Episode 377: “My Crewmate’s Pain is My Pain, Zoro Fights Prepared to Die”

Aside from the crew earning a new member, Brooke, the arc stands out as a spooky take on the usual One Piece adventures. The last thing the World Government wants is another Warlord brought down by Luffy and his crewmates. As a quick solution, they commission Kuma to eliminate them, which becomes a perfect opportunity for Zoro to display his unwavering commitment to protecting his captain.

After the all-consuming power of his Ursus Shock, Luffy is knocked out. Instead of letting Kuma attack his unconscious captain, Zoro offers to sacrifice himself. Kuma agrees, finding his loyalty honorable. As a result, Zoro is punished with all the pain that Luffy acquired during his time on Thriller Bark. Later, Sanji finds Zoro in a state of shock, exhaustion, and pure determination. However, when asked what the matter was, Zoro only answered, “Nothing happened.” Zoro fans can agree that this moment was one of his best, if not his most iconic moments.

5

Luffy & Usopp’s Duel

Episode 236: “Luffy vs. Usopp! Collision of Two Men’s Pride!”

The Water 7 Saga is still one of One Piece’s best despite being one of its earliest. In addition to Robin’s heartbreaking backstory explored during Enies Lobby, the Straw Hat Crew experiences its first major internal conflict. While Usopp has tried his best to repair the Going-Merry during their travels, the journey has taken its toll on their beloved ship. However, when Luffy agrees with the shipwrights who advise them to replace it, Usopp is dumbfounded.

After a heated argument, Usopp decides to step away from the crew, challenging Luffy to a duel, where the winner decides the fate of the Going-Merry. Until this point in One Piece, Luffy has not aggressively asserted his role as captain of the Straw Hats. However, his second-in-command, Zoro, pushes him to do so, arguing that Usopp must seek forgiveness if he ever wishes to rejoin the crew. While the duel’s outcome is unsurprising considering Luffy’s unbeatable strength, the memories recalled between Usopp and Luffy add a heartbreaking weight to the crew’s first internal struggle.

4

The Going-Merry’s Goodbye

Episode 312: “Thank You Merry! The Sea of Separation in the Snow”

Following Usopp and Luffy’s duel, the fate of the Going-Merry is decided. Iceberg hears a voice coming from the Straw Hats’ ship as the Aqua Laguna approaches ominously. Asking to sail one last time, he spends the night patching up the Going-Merry as much as possible before it is swept away into the crashing waves. The beloved ship makes one last rescue mission, thanking her crew for taking such great care of her.

The Going-Merry serves her crew one final time. Iceberg notes the magnificence of the ship but warns Luffy about her condition. Luffy makes a tough call and decides to give the Going-Merry a proper send-off. The captain takes a torch and lights the ship ablaze. As the crew watches from afar, they reminisce, recalling their fondest memories aboard their former home. While the Thousand-Sunny has served the Straw Hats well, fans will remember the Going-Merry’s send-off as one of the anime’s most emotional moments.

3

Luffy Punches a Celestial Dragon

Episode 396: “The Fist Explodes! Destroy the Auction”

The Straw Hat’s time on the Sabaody Archipelago is arguably one of the most impactful of the series. Aside from the apparent tragedy of the crew’s annihilation from the island, Luffy manages to challenge another powerful government figurehead: the Celestial Dragons. In an attempt to save their friend Camie, who has been kidnapped and sold by the Hound Pets, the Straw Hats storm the Human Auctioning House.

The Celestial Dragons, descendants of the First Twenty who established the World Government, are incredibly feared by all except Luffy. The often-harebrained captain had once pitted himself against the World Government in the Water 7 Saga. Now, once again, as he punches Saint Charlos, Luffy proves his undying love and loyalty for his friends. However, Luffy’s good deeds rarely go unpunished, as a Pacifista is soon called to the scene, triggering an all-out battle.

2

Annihilation of Straw Hat Crew at Sabaody

Episode 405: “Disappearing Crew – The Final Day of the Straw Hat Crew”

Perhaps the biggest shock of the One Piece story was Kuma’s annihilation of the Straw Hat Crew at the Sabaody Archipelago. After a long battle, the crew’s energy and strength are entirely depleted, having dealt with a single Kuma clone. Suddenly, as they discuss their options, another Kuma clone drops from the sky. Realizing the severity of the situation, Luffy demands his crew to retreat.

Zoro is the first member of the Straw Hat’s to vanish. After asking him where his dream trip location would be, Kuma waves his paw and hits Zoro. The swordsman vanishes into thin air. One by one, the rest of the group is sent into the unknown. For the first time, the Straw Hats are completely and utterly defeated. It would be two years before the friends would reunite, making this moment one of the most appalling of the series.

1

Whitebeard’s Last Words

Episode 485: “Ending the Matter! Whitebeard vs. The Blackbeard Pirates!”

Like many other anime, such as Attack on Titan, One Piece is no stranger to shocking, unexpected character deaths. However, while Ace’s death, which only occurred two episodes before, was heartbreaking, Whitebeard’s defeat had the most impact on the anime’s world. Not only was Whitebeard known as the “Strongest Man in the World” following Gol D. Roger’s execution, but several islands were under his protection, including, Fishman Island.

In an effort to avenge his adopted son, Ace, Whitebeard, and his crew attack the Blackbeard pirates. However, they are soon overtaken. In his final moments, Whitebeard recalls his conversations with Roger, stating that the one who eventually finds the treasure will have the middle initial, “D.” Whitebeard succumbs to his wounds, letting out a final proclamation, which turned into the most iconic line in One Piece history:

“One Piece… the One Piece is real!” – Whitebeard

There are many great moments in Pre-Time Skip One Piece, conveying all kinds of feelings, from epic drive to adventure to heart-wrenching sadness, but Whitebeard’s last moments will always remain engrained in fans’ minds and hearts.