No matter how much water there is in the Grand Line, it simply cannot quench our thirst. Roronoa Zoro’s body in One Piece live-action Season 2 Episode 6, “Nami Deerest,” is turning all kinds of heads in all sorts of places.

Portrayed by Japanese actor Mackenyu Arata, the actor’s powerful, athletic build this season was given its share of screentime in the most unlikely scene — in ice-frozen waters on the Going Merry. After the crew wrapped up the events on Little Garden, they’re now making their way to Alabasta to continue their main quest.

Everyone else on the ship was layered in fur while Zoro stood on the deck in all his muscular glory. Unfortunately for keen-eyed viewers, Usopp cuts our meal short. “Everyone else is wearing a shirt,” he remarks.

Annoyed, Zoro compiles and puts on a singlet. “If you insist,” he says.

The amount of screentime dedicated to Mackenyu’s physique is completely disproportional to the amount of time and effort the actor had put in to achieve such sculptured art — art that the masses want to eat up.

Naturally, such a transformation wasn’t just the result of standard gym sessions—it came from months of intense preparation guided by his trainer, Lloyd Naicker.

Naicker recently shared details about the demanding routine that helped Mackenyu achieve Zoro’s swordsman physique, revealing just how much work went on behind the scenes.

To get Zoro’s body, you’ll have to undergo a brutal training schedule

According to Naicker, Mackenyu trained seven days a week, with sessions lasting around three hours each.

His preparation followed a strict nutrition plan designed by the trainer’s team, with carefully controlled calories to build muscle while keeping body fat low.

In fact, Naicker said he sometimes had to force Mackenyu to take a weekly cheat meal, because the actor was so disciplined with his diet.

The dedication went even further during filming. Some training sessions happened immediately after overnight shoots, with the pair heading to the gym as late as 2am at MyGym Cape Town.

“He is easily one of the most dedicated clients I’ve ever worked with and put everything into getting ready for his role,” Naicker wrote.

It’s equally important to fuel your training

Naicker stresses that building a physique like Zoro’s requires more than just lifting weights. Nutrition plays a crucial role before, during, and after every workout.

Pre-workout meals prepare the body for intense physical effort, while nutrition during the session helps maintain energy levels. Afterward, post-workout meals are designed to support recovery and muscle repair.

He compares the body to a high-performance machine—without the right fuel, it simply won’t run properly. Alongside nutrition, recovery practices such as stretching, foam rolling, sauna sessions, and massage are also part of maintaining peak performance.

The method that delivered results, at least for Mackenyu

During Mackenyu’s preparation, Naicker experimented with multiple training techniques, including drop sets and supersets.

However, the method that produced the best results was rest-pause training, a high-intensity technique designed to push muscles beyond normal fatigue.

The training structure typically looked like this:

• Perform max reps (around 15–17)
• Rest for 20 seconds
• Perform another max effort set (usually 5–8 reps) with strict form
• Take a 2-minute recovery break

Another variation used during training:

• Perform 10 reps
• Rest 15–20 seconds
• Perform maximum reps again (usually 5–6)

Day 1 – Chest

For chest development, Naicker focused heavily on incline pressing angles to build the upper chest and create the kind of muscular definition that stands out on camera.

30° Incline Dumbbell Press

• Targets the mid-to-upper chest.

45° Incline Dumbbell Press

• Focuses on the upper chest.
• Helps create separation and thickness near the collarbone.

Flat Smith Press

• Works the entire chest.
• Allows a deeper range of motion for overall thickness.

15° Fly (not too wide)

• Helps build the inner chest.
• Constant tension must be maintained throughout the movement.

Before filming shirtless scenes, Mackenyu typically performed:

• 2–3 warm-up sets for each exercise
• 4 working sets per movement

Naicker emphasized that safety remained a top priority, especially since Mackenyu performs his own stunts in the show.

To further isolate the chest muscles, Naicker incorporated several accessory movements.

High Cable Flys (pressing downward)

• Targets the side and lower chest.
• Uses slow, controlled tension rather than explosive movement.

Weighted Dips

• Requires strict form.
• Avoid locking elbows at the top or resting at the bottom.
• Designed to maintain tension throughout the movement.

Calves Training

For calf development, Naicker relied heavily on the horizontal leg press, using multiple foot placements to target different parts of the muscle.

Inner Calf Focus (pressure on the big toe)

• 10 reps left
• 10 reps right
• 10-second rest
• Both feet: 10–12 reps

Outer Calf Focus (pressure on the little toes)

• Same structure as the inner calf routine
• Focuses on the outer calf muscles

Full Calf Activation

• Single leg: 10 reps each side
• Both feet: hold at the top for 5 seconds, then perform 10 reps

Naicker noted that slow, controlled isolation and constant tension are essential for calf development.

Core Work

Core training also played a role in maintaining stability and strength for fight choreography.

Bosu Sit-Ups

• Focus on proper ab activation
• Finger placement can be used to increase tension and improve muscle engagement

Alternating Sit-Ups

• Working both sides of the core

Leg raises with 2-4kg dumbbell between feet

• Tension is key: once you lose tension, the exercise loses its effectiveness

The demanding routine was only possible because of Mackenyu’s commitment to the role. The actor even praised Naicker publicly.

“Wakes up at 3am to train me from 4am every single morning. Couldn’t have done it without Lloyd. Super lucky to have you as my trainer,” Mackenyu replied on Instagram.

Day 2 – Back

Naicker explained that they would usually start with stretching to open and elongate the lats while increasing blood flow.

They also loosened the upper shoulders and traps to improve mobility and reduce shoulder dominance during the workout. This is followed by band work to warm up the shoulder capsules and rear deltoids.

He emphasized that the rear deltoids play a major role in stretching and stabilization and must be properly warmed up and kept mobile.

According to Naicker, “If you skip this step, you can develop fiber knots near the tendons of the lats and rear deltoids.” He stressed that mobility before lat training is essential.

Lat Pulldown (Plate Loaded)

“Sounds simple, but form is everything,” Naicker said. He advised that at full extension, lats should stay slightly contracted and never just hang from the bar.

He cautioned that many people ego train by exploding down and using their biceps, which results in zero real work on the lats.

Maintain tension at the top, then pull down in a slow, controlled movement. At the bottom, one should squeeze the lower lats until a complete contraction is felt, then release slowly.

He emphasized smooth movement—“no jerking and no pausing during the set.” He also noted, “Never squeeze the handles. Your grip should act like hooks, otherwise your forearms will fail before your lats.”

Seated Row (Plate Loaded – Closed Hammer Grip)

The seat should be positioned so that the handles line up with mid-lats at the bottom of the movement.

As the handles come up, the exercise targets more of the upper lats. He added that hand placement should be slightly below midway, holding the handles without squeezing.

He recommended applying the same principles as the lat pulldown: keep tension on the muscle throughout, drive elbows as far back as possible at full contraction, and release slowly under control.

Reverse Straight Handle Grip Seated Row (Same Machine)

The same principle applies, but arms should not be fully extended to avoid biceps taking over the movement.

He noted that this exercise helps thicken the lower lats and build the “Christmas tree” look.

Bent Over Barbell Row

Naicker advised using a weight belt for stability and safety by bracing the midsection to focus on loading the lats properly.

Keep your gaze slightly up to avoid rounding forward and unnecessary pressure on the lower back.

The grip should not be wider than shoulder width to prevent biceps and rear delts from dominating.

He advised never hang on the bar—keep tension in the lats at the bottom, pull the bar toward the belly button, squeeze the lats, and release slowly under control.

Single Dumbbell Row

Look forward to keep the body and back level and prevent excessive arching. When pulling, the elbow should stay close to the body and away from the shoulders to avoid overworking the rotator cuff and creating shoulder issues.

The weight should be lowered slowly while keeping the lat contracted the entire time, and the muscle should never fully relax during the set.

Close-Grip V Handle Lat Pulldown

His preference is to perform this with knees on the floor behind the seat. Naicker noted that this variation builds great thickness in the mid to upper lats.

Apply the same principles as other movements: controlled motion, constant tension, and strong contractions.

Low Row

Because the gym they trained at didn’t have a low row machine, they created a setup using the bottom pulley of the tricep push-down cable machine.

An angled step was used to sit on, with two dumbbells on either side for foot placement, and a V-handle attachment was added.

The same principle of control applies—constant tension on the lats, never letting the weight rest on the arms at full extension, and keeping the movement controlled and focused on the muscle.

When pulling the handle in to full contraction, bring it slightly above your belly button. This ensures the tension stays on the middle and upper lats while placing zero pressure on the lower back.

Naicker said this exercise works great as a finisher to pump and burn out the lats, adding excellent thickness to the mid and upper back.

Forearms

Wrist Curls

Sit on a bench with your arms positioned between your knees. Start with 10 finger curls, then go straight into 12 full wrist curl reps without resting.

After that, perform behind-the-back wrist curls until burnout — usually around 8–12 reps.

Reverse Wrist Curls

Be careful with this exercise because no one wants tennis elbow. Perform standing reverse wrist curls. When you reach midway, rotate your wrist fully to the top position.

As you lower the weight, rotate the wrist slowly all the way down.

Without resting, sit down and perform short-range reverse wrist curls to finish the set.

“Do you come to the gym to exercise… or to train? Training means giving everything the moment you walk through those doors. And that’s exactly what Mackenyu did,” Naicker wrote.

Could Zoro’s body get even bigger for One Piece live-action Season 3?

Despite the impressive transformation already seen on screen, Naicker hinted that the training process isn’t finished yet.

With more preparation planned for future seasons of the One Piece, fans may see an even more formidable version of Zoro when the story continues.

And if Mackenyu’s dedication so far is any indication, the swordsman’s next appearance could be even more intense.

First published March 14, 2026 at 11:55am.

With the Baroque Works organization moving its final pieces into place, the stage is perfectly set for the next saga.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the major events of the One Piece live-action Season 2 ending and explain what is next for the Straw Hat Pirates as they prepare for the heat of Alabasta.

What happened in the One Piece live-action Season 2 ending?

Netflix’s One Piece: Into the Grand Line episode 8 summary

The One Piece live-action Season 2 ending episode, titled “Deer and Loathing in Drum Kingdom,” delivers a conclusion to the Drum Island Arc.

The episode centers on the return of the exiled King Wapol, who attempts to reclaim his throne using the powers of the Munch Munch Fruit.

This newfound power, gifted to him by the mysterious Mr. 0, allows Wapol to transform humans into monsters to terrorize the village.

As the Straw Hats divide to defend the island, the conflict peaks at Drum Castle where Nami is recovering. Vivi and Usopp use a specialized mountain-traversing gadget to reach the castle and warn the crew, leading to a confrontation where Vivi stands her ground against the tyrant king.

Inside the castle walls, the battle becomes a true team effort. Sanji and Chopper form an unlikely duo to protect Nami from Wapol’s henchmen, with Chopper debuting his transformation powers to shield the group.

The climax of the battle sees Luffy and Sanji coordinate a massive finishing move called the Gum Gum Air Assault which physically launches Wapol out of the castle and ends his reign of terror.

In the aftermath of the king’s defeat, the monsters revert to their human forms, and the kingdom is finally liberated from Wapol’s grasp.

The emotional heart of the episode comes after the battle, when Luffy officially invites Chopper to join the crew. Recognizing the reindeer’s medical skill and heart, the Straw Hats convince a hesitant Chopper to pursue his dream of seeing the world and curing all diseases.

As the crew prepares to depart, Dr. Kureha and Dalton trigger Dr. Hiriluk’s final masterpiece — a chemical explosion that turns the falling snow into vibrant pink cherry blossoms. As petals fall all over Drum Island, the Straw Hats sail away to their next adventure.

The episode concludes with major revelations that shift the stakes for the entire series:

• The shadowy leader of Baroque Works is finally unmasked as Sir Crocodile, a formidable Warlord of the Sea
• His partner, Miss All Sunday, is revealed to be a unique individual sought by the World Government named Nico Robin.

As Crocodile initiates Operation Utopia to destabilize the Alabasta Kingdom, the Marines are not far behind — Captain Smoker and Tashigi successfully intercept a transponder snail conversation between Sanji and Mr. 0.

One Piece live-action Season 2 ending explained

The One Piece live-action Season 2 ending sets the stage for a massive war in the next season. By defeating Wapol, the Straw Hats officially save the kingdom and recruit their new doctor, Chopper.

The miracle cherry blossoms at the end symbolize the healing of the island and give Chopper the courage to leave his past behind and join Luffy’s crew.

The biggest takeaway from the One Piece live-action Season 2 ending is the reveal of Sir Crocodile as Mr. 0. As a Warlord of the Sea, Crocodile is a much more dangerous enemy than anyone Luffy has fought before.

His plan, “Operation Utopia,” is designed to take over the Alabasta Kingdom from the inside. We also meet his partner, Miss All Sunday (Nico Robin), whose high bounty and mysterious connection to the world’s history suggest she becomes a major player in the future.

The episode sets up a high-stakes race to Alabasta. The Straw Hats are now focused on helping Princess Vivi save her home, but they aren’t alone. Captain Smoker and the Marines have figured out their plan and are following them.

Spoiler warning: The next section contains information from the One Piece anime and One Piece manga that the live-action has yet to reveal.

What happens in One Piece live-action Season 3?

One Piece live-action Season 3 is set to dive headfirst into the Alabasta Arc, which is likely to be the primary focus of the entire season. After the freezing mountains of Drum Island, the Straw Hats arrive in Alabasta, a desert kingdom on the brink of a massive civil war.

The crew’s main goal is to help Princess Vivi reach her capital, Alubarna, to stop the rebel army and the royal guards from clashing in a conflict secretly orchestrated by the criminal organization Baroque Works.

This journey introduces desert locations like the port city of Nanohana and the oasis of Yuba, pushing the crew to their physical limits under the scorching sun.

Luffy’s older brother, Portgas D. Ace, is confirmed to make his debut in One Piece live-action Season 3, bringing his powerful fire-based abilities to the screen.

On the villainous side, the Straw Hats finally go toe-to-toe with the top-ranked agents of Baroque Works. This includes the blade-bodied Mr. 1 and the flamboyant assassin Bon Clay, whose ability to mimic anyone’s appearance surely causes chaos for the crew.

These encounters will lead to a series of one-on-one battles that test how much each Straw Hat has grown since they left the East Blue.

The season culminates in the ultimate showdown against the Warlord Sir Crocodile. Unlike previous enemies, Crocodile possesses the Logia-type Sand-Sand Fruit, making him nearly invincible in a desert environment.

His plan to seize an Ancient Weapon and take over Alabasta represents a threat to the entire world, not just the kingdom.

When does One Piece live-action Season 3 release?

There is no confirmed release date for One Piece live-action Season 3 as of writing.

Production for the season officially began in early 2025, shortly after filming for Season 2 wrapped in South Africa. Based on the timeline of previous seasons, fans can likely expect One Piece live-action Season 3 to be released in late 2026 or early 2027.

Who was the mysterious figure in the green cloak who dared to stand his ground against a Marine Captain?

In this article, we’ll dive into the clash at Loguetown to finally reveal the truth and answer the burning question, “Who saved Luffy from Smoker?”

What happened in episode 1 of Netflix’s One Piece: Into the Grand Line?

The second season of Netflix’s One Piece kicks off exactly where the East Blue Saga left off, bringing the Straw Hat crew to Loguetown.

This legendary city is known as the “City of the Beginning and the End.” Loguetown is the final stop before the Grand Line, and the central location of the premiere episode, “The Beginning and the End.”

While the crew is busy stocking up on supplies, the atmosphere is heavy as the town commemorates the anniversary of Gold Roger’s execution.

Luffy heads straight to the execution platform to stand where the Pirate King’s journey ended, but his moment of reflection is cut short. The past quickly catches up to him as Alvida and Buggy the Clown return for revenge, joining the Marines in a pursuit across the city.

Luffy vs. Smoker in One Piece live-action Season 2: Why did Smoker want to capture Luffy?

After narrowly escaping Buggy the Clown and Alvida, Bartolomeo helps the Straw Hats flee the festival area as the Marines swoop in last-minute to tie up loose ends.

In the chaos, Luffy and Sanji are separated from the crew, and Captain Smoker quickly intercepts them.

When Sanji attacks, his kicks go through Smoker completely like a ghost. The captain then reveals the power of the Smoke-Smoke Fruit: as a “Smoke Human,” this Logia-type Devil Fruit allows him to create, control, and transform his body into smoke at will.

Smoker expresses pride in his untainted record — before Luffy’s arrival, no pirate has ever escaped his grasp in Loguetown.

Beyond his 30,000,000 Berry bounty, he sees Luffy as a unique threat due to his uncanny resemblance to Gold Roger — one who laughs in the face of death. Because of this similarity, Smoker is determined to stop Luffy from ever reaching the Grand Line.

Spoiler warning: The next section contains information from the One Piece anime and One Piece manga that the live-action has yet to reveal.

Who saved Luffy from Smoker in Loguetown in One Piece live action Season 2?

As Smoker pins Luffy to the ground, a mysterious figure in a green cloak intervenes. The man grabs Smoker’s weapon, stopping the Marine captain in his tracks.

The man who saved Luffy is none other than Monkey D. Dragon. He is known in the franchise as the leader of the Revolutionary Army and the World’s Most Wanted Man.

After the tense standoff, both Dragon and Smoker vanish into thin air, allowing Luffy the chance to escape.

Dragon in One Piece live-action: Who plays this mysterious figure?

Unknown to live-action-only viewers, Dragon in One Piece live-action is actually the father of Monkey D. Luffy.

This major revelation occurs much later in the anime and manga. As the son of Monkey D. Garp, Dragon has chosen a vastly different path from his naval officer father, becoming famous for his powerful opposition against the World Government.

Dragon was once a Marine cadet. He eventually abandoned the organization after witnessing the horrific events of the God Valley Incident years ago.

This experience disillusioned him with the World Government, leading him to realize that the system could not be changed from within. He turned his back on the Marines and the World Government, eventually forming the Revolutionary Army to fight for freedom, equality, and the eradication of global corruption.

While the exact nature of his power has not been fully confirmed, it is heavily implied that Dragon possesses the ability to manipulate the weather, including wind and storms.

During his intervention at Loguetown in the One Piece anime, he appeared to summon a powerful storm and lightning to aid Luffy’s escape.

Rigo Sanchez plays Dragon in One Piece live-action. He is an American actor with a background in television, known for playing intense and gritty characters.

Before joining the One Piece cast, he appeared in Outer Banks as Lightner, a mercenary belonging to the Lupine Corsairs. He is also well-known for his role in Station 19 as the firefighter Rigo Vasquez and in Animal Kingdom, where he played Manny, the leader of Smurf’s original crew of career criminals.

The best One Piece arcs showcase the Straw Hat Pirates’ friendship, grand adventures, and fight for freedom across the Grand Line. With over 34 arcs spanning 11 sagas and a thousand episodes, which storylines truly stand above the rest in Eiichiro Oda’s masterpiece?

Some arcs made us cry. Others redefined what an anime series could achieve in terms of scale and stakes. And a select few managed to do both while changing how we see the world of One Piece.

This list looks into the five best One Piece arcs the series has ever produced. We’ll revisit some of the best moments in the series, from saying goodbye to a ship that became family to watching our crew declare war on the entire World Government.

These are the storylines that made us fall in love with the One Piece anime and keep us believing in the dream of finding the One Piece.

Spoiler warning: Major spoilers are up head if you have yet to watch the One Piece anime.

The 5 best One Piece arcs of all time, from Alabasta to Wano Country arcs

Alabasta Arc

Alabasta is where One Piece stopped being just another shonen adventure anime and became something we’d treasure forever. This is the arc that made us realize we weren’t just watching Luffy punch bad guys, but we were witnessing a crew willing to risk everything for a friend caught in an impossible situation.

This whole arc centers around the desert kingdom of Alabasta, which is being manipulated into a highly destructive civil war by the secret criminal organization known as Baroque Works.

Guided by Princess Nefertari Vivi, the crew races against time to unmask the mastermind, Sir Crocodile, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. A respected hero of the country, he uses his status to reinforce distrust in the royal family and instigate a huge battle between the Royal Army and the Rebel Army. This arc gives an amazing villain in Crocodile, who forces Luffy to experience his very first real defeat and struggle for survival.

The arc’s conclusion is what cements it as one of the best One Piece arcs ever produced. When Vivi chooses to stay behind to rebuild her kingdom, the Straw Hats cannot openly acknowledge her as part of the crew because of the World Government’s watchful eyes. Instead, they raise their arms in silent farewell, revealing the “X” marks beneath their bandages.

It’s a moment that perfectly defines what nakama (comrade in English) means in One Piece, and it’s precisely why this arc has such incredible rewatchability. Every time we return to Alabasta, this scene hits just as hard as it did the first time.

Water 7 Arc

The Water 7 Arc represents one of the most emotionally challenging storylines in the One Piece anime.

The Straw Hat Pirates arrive in the city of Water 7 with a hope to repair their damaged ship, Going Merry. They are devastated to learn that Merry is beyond salvation, a realization that fractures the crew.

This leads to a duel between Luffy and Usopp over the fate of the ship. The duel itself is brutal to watch, not because of the physical damage but because it exposes just how fragile their bond is under enough pressure.

In this arc, we also find out about the hidden intelligence agency of the World Government, CP9, which is in operation in the city. Their mission is to obtain the blueprints of an ancient weapon, leading them to kidnap Nico Robin.

Water 7 is one of the best One Piece arcs because it doesn’t opt for an easy way out, forcing favorite characters to impossible choices and proving that bonds, even those of the Straw Hats, aren’t unbreakable. This arc shows our heroes at their lowest, most fractured point, making their eventual reunion in Enies Lobby all the more powerful.

Enies Lobby Arc

The Enies Lobby Arc is the direct conclusion to the crisis that started in the Water 7 Arc. After Nico Robin’s self-sacrifice and kidnapping by CP9, the Straw Hat Pirates undertake an all-out attack on Enies Lobby to rescue her.

The arc takes place on one of the World Government’s three major strongholds, Enies Lobby, a judicial island that symbolizes their absolute authority. The Enies Lobby Arc delivers on every emotional thread Water 7 established.

The Straw Hats fight through thousands of troops in a nonstop series of battles, and for the first time, every single crew member gets their moment to shine with one-on-one fights against CP9’s elite agents.

The emotional beats are what truly cement this as one of the best One Piece arcs. Robin’s “I want to live!” confession is the kind of moment that defines why we watch this series. Hearing her finally ask for help, after spending an entire arc believing she didn’t deserve to be saved, and seeing Luffy smile and promise to make it happen… it’s all crushing and beautiful in equal measure.

Marineford Arc

Marineford is the arc that changed everything in the One Piece anime.

It features an all-out battle between the Whitebeard Pirates, who are considered the world’s strongest pirate crew, against the full military might of the Marines Headquarters and the Seven Warlords of the Seas.

The Whitebeard Pirates have the objective of saving their Second Division Commander, Portgas D. Ace, who will be executed publicly at Marineford. Monkey D. Luffy also infiltrates the battlefield after breaking out of Impel Down, determined to save his older brother, Ace.

The scale alone makes Marineford stand out among the best One Piece arcs. Every major power appears on one battlefield, including the Marines’ full military force, the Seven Warlords, legendary pirates, and figures we’d only heard about in whispers.

What makes Marineford devastating, even during rewatches, is how it completely shatters us. Ace’s death stands as one of the most tragic moments in the One Piece anime. Even after everything, after the impossible rescue seemed within reach, he dies in Luffy’s arms.

Then Whitebeard falls, standing tall even in death, and the old era dies with him. These losses break Luffy, forcing him to face the reality that determination alone isn’t enough to protect the people he loves.

Marineford juggles dozens of major characters in an impossibly complex battle while never losing sight of its emotional core. It’s the arc that ends One Piece’s first half and reminds us that in this world, not everyone gets saved, no matter how hard the heroes fight.

Wano Country Arc

Wano Country is the arc we’d been building toward for years, and it delivers on that promise in spectacular fashion. The Straw Hat Pirates finally fulfill their alliance with the Samurai of Wano, the Mink Tribe, and Trafalgar Law’s Heart Pirates to liberate an isolated nation suffering under the tyrannical rule of Shogun Kurozumi Orochi and Kaido, one of the Four Emperors of the Sea.

The crew spends quite a while undercover, gathering allies, and building up their forces for the final confrontation. The climax of the arc takes place on an island fortress called Onigashima, in which the alliance goes in an all-out war against the combined forces of the Beasts Pirates and Big Mom Pirates. This is the “Yonko Saga” clash we’d been promised, bringing together characters from arcs past like Law and Kin’emon.

Wano showcases some of the most visually stunning animation the series has produced. The battles are massive in scope and breathtaking in execution, but what really makes this one of the best One Piece arcs is the moment Luffy awakens Gear Fifth.

Watching him finally unlock his ultimate power and fight Kaido as an equal, with that absurd, joyful fighting style that perfectly captures Luffy’s spirit, feels like witnessing the culmination of everything the series has been working toward. This is the arc where Luffy stops chasing the Yonko and becomes one himself, proving he belongs among the world’s strongest pirates.

These five arcs represent the very best of what the One Piece anime has to offer, reinforcing why Eiichiro Oda’s franchise remains highly popular even after two decades.

They’re the arcs we return to again and again, the ones we recommend to new fans without hesitation, and the reason we’ll keep sailing with the Straw Hats until they finally reach Laugh Tale.

First published December 31, 2025 at 3:52pm.

Where to read One Piece manga shouldn’t be a mystery, even if the Grand Line is.

With over 1,000 chapters and 100 volumes, manga artist Eiichiro Oda has created a world that is much more than just a pirate story. One Piece is a tale defined by heart, adventure, and friendships.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best websites and apps where you can read and access all chapters of the manga to know more about the story of the Straw Hat Pirates and their grand search for a legendary treasure.

What is the One Piece manga?

One Piece is a manga written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda. It was first published in Japan in Weekly Shonen Jump in July 1997.

The story centers on Monkey D. Luffy, a young man whose body gained rubber-like properties after eating a Devil Fruit. His sole ambition is to become the King of the Pirates by finding the ultimate treasure, the One Piece, with his crew, the Straw Hat Pirates.

Their journey begins in the first chapter, “Romance Dawn: The Dawn of the Adventure” where a young Luffy eats the Devil Fruit and receives his straw hat from the pirate Red-Haired Shanks as a promise for the future.

The manga series holds the Guinness World Record for “The most copies published for the same comic book series by a single author,” with over half a billion copies in circulation worldwide.

Due to its immense popularity, the One Piece manga has inspired multiple successful adaptations. Most notable is the long-running animated TV series by Toei Animation, which began in 1999.

Other adaptations include numerous animated feature films, video games, and the live-action series released by Netflix in 2023.

Where to read One Piece manga

For readers in North America and several other regions, the Shonen Jump app is the best platform for accessing the One Piece manga. The app allows fans to unlock all chapters of One Piece for unlimited reading by subscribing for a low monthly fee, which is at US$3.99 as of writing.

It is also important to note that both the Shonen Jump app and the VIZ Media website offer the first three and the three most recent chapters completely for free.

The official international reading platform from the original Japanese publisher, Shueisha, is MANGA Plus, available globally via its website and dedicated app.

It releases the newest One Piece chapters simultaneously with Japan, making them available for free every week. You can also read the first three and the last four chapters for free at any time.

If you want unlimited access to the entire back catalog, the MANGA Plus MAX subscription is available for as low as US$1.99 per month.

First published December 2, 2025 at 10am.

In celebration of the One Piece manga reaching the staggering milestone of 600 million copies sold, Eiichiro Oda and his team released a video that has sent the community into a frenzy.

It’s a move that blurs the line between fiction and reality, launching a real-world Great Pirate Era.

What is the One Piece? Eiichiro Oda reveals the secret in this deep-sea video

The milestone video shows the manga artist himself writing the true nature of the One Piece treasure on a single piece of paper.

After years of theories on what is the One Piece, the answer was finally put to ink.

Instead of a simple social media post, Oda chose a more cinematic tribute to his life’s work. He placed the handwritten secret inside a specialized, high-pressure-resistant capsule and dropped the One Piece treasure into the ocean, where it descended to a depth of exactly 651 meters.

The video documents this journey into the abyss, showing the treasure settling in a remote, undisclosed location on the seafloor.

The project was a massive technical undertaking conducted in collaboration with Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) and the Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP).

While the project has sparked a global One Piece treasure hunt among fans, the video’s official description provides important information regarding retrieval.

According to the disclaimer, the project was filmed under the strict supervision of researchers from JAMSTEC and SIP to ensure that all instrument deployment and filming were conducted with “due consideration for environmental protection.”

Most notably, the description states that the project was “conducted with the intent of recovering all items placed on the seafloor.”

And so, the status of the capsule remains unconfirmed as of writing. It is unclear whether the One Piece treasure box is still resting on the seafloor or if it was retrieved immediately following the production for security and environmental preservation.

Fans analyze video footage to locate the real-world One Piece treasure

The community has already begun a massive collaborative effort to geolocate the treasure, with one particularly detailed theory gaining traction on the r/OnePieceSpoilers subreddit.

A post by the Reddit user XilLive suggests that the One Piece treasure is likely located in Suruga Bay, Shizuoka, Japan.

This theory points out several clues from the footage, such as the fact that the sun sets to the southwest with no visible land on the horizon, which aligns perfectly with the geography of the bay when looking toward the open ocean.

Additionally, Suruga Bay is a primary testing ground for JAMSTEC and is located conveniently close to Tokyo, making it a logistically sound choice for a high-profile filming operation involving Eiichiro Oda’s team.

Other fans have looked toward the Sargasso Sea, inspired by the phrase “Onwards to flagless waters” seen at the end of the video.

In the world of One Piece, the titular treasure is the ultimate prize left behind by the legendary Pirate King, Gol D. Roger.

For decades, the series has followed Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat crew as they explore the Grand Line to find it.

While the exact nature of the treasure remains the series’s greatest mystery, Eiichiro Oda has clarified in interviews that it is a physical reward rather than a conceptual one like “the journey itself.”

Watch One Piece’s The 600 Million Milestone video below:

The scale of this franchise is truly historic, spanning nearly 30 years since the manga first debuted in Weekly Shonen Jump in July 1997.

The anime adaptation followed shortly after in 1999, surpassing 1,100 episodes and transitioning into a seasonal format in 2026 to ensure the highest possible animation quality for its final arcs.

With over 114 volumes published, the series has become a pirate epic that remains at the top of global charts.

One Piece is a global powerhouse that has shattered multiple records. It holds the Guinness World Record for the “most copies published for the same comic book series by a single author,” and has surpassed 600 million copies in circulation worldwide.

The franchise’s dominance has only expanded with the massive success of the Netflix live-action adaptation, which broke streaming records in over 90 countries. Season 1 aired on August 31, 2023 and Season 2 continues on March 10, 2026. It is also confirmed that Season 3 is already in the works.

The Elbaph Arc launches the next thrilling chapter of One Piece, promising giants, epic battles, and long-awaited reunions for the Straw Hat Crew.

Toei Animation and Crunchyroll confirmed that the worldwide simulcast will return this spring, continuing the global phenomenon that has captivated fans for decades.

Fans can also look forward to the final English dub batch of the Egghead Arc, bringing the complete story to Crunchyroll in English for the first time.

Elbaph Arc release date

The simulcast of Elbaph Arc begins on April 5, 2026, Toei Animation and Crunchyroll announced.

Egghead Arc English Dub release date

In addition, the final English dub batch of the Egghead Arc (Episodes 1144–1155) will arrive starting March 24, 2026.

Where to watch

The arcs will be streaming on Crunchyroll in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Southeast Asia (including Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, and the Philippines), and Latin America.

What to expect in One Piece’s Elbaph Arc

After a daring escape from the futuristic island Egghead, the Straw Hat Crew sets course for a legendary destination. Alongside the mighty Giant Warrior Pirates, they finally reach Elbaph, the long-awaited Land of Giants.

Fans can look forward to thrilling new encounters with Giants, emotional reunions, and a story that promises adventure unlike anything seen before.

Before the Elbaph Arc, the Straw Hats faced incredible challenges on Egghead Island, culminating in high-stakes battles and key character developments. The Egghead Arc has been one of the most visually striking and story-rich arcs in recent years.

About One Piece

The One Piece anime first premiered in October 1999, adapting Eiichiro Oda’s legendary manga, which originally debuted in Weekly Shōnen Jump on July 22, 1997.

Since then, One Piece has become one of the longest-running and most beloved anime series worldwide, captivating fans with its blend of adventure, humor, and heart.

The manga itself has broken numerous records, including being the best-selling manga series of all time, with over 500 million copies in circulation globally.

Eiichiro Oda’s storytelling has introduced generations to the world of the Straw Hat Pirates, balancing epic battles, emotional arcs, and memorable characters.

With his signature pink feathered coat, menacing grin, and a laugh that echoes with pure chaos, Doflamingo is regarded as one of Eiichiro Oda’s most brilliant creations. Long before he became the terrifying antagonist of Dressrosa, his character was a mystery lurking in the background.

To help you understand the story of the Grand Line’s Joker, we’ll take a look at Donquixote Doflamingo’s background and his first appearance in the One Piece anime and manga.

Spoiler warning: Major spoilers are ahead if you have yet to watch the One Piece anime or read the One Piece manga.

Who is Donquixote Doflamingo in One Piece?

Donquixote Doflamingo, known as the “Heavenly Demon,” is a former member of the Seven Warlords of the Sea and the former King of Dressrosa.

Born into one of the 20 founding royal lineages of the World Government, Doflamingo’s life changed forever when his father, Donquixote Homing, renounced his title as a World Noble.

This choice forced the family into a life of poverty and brutal persecution by civilians who hated the Celestial Dragons. The trauma of this fall from grace culminated when a ten-year-old Doflamingo murdered his father in a desperate, failed attempt to regain his noble status in Mary Geoise.

Rejected by his own kind, Doflamingo embraced a life of piracy alongside his loyal mentors, who helped him form the Donquixote Pirates. Over the years, he built a massive criminal empire under the alias “Joker,” ruling the kingdom of Dressrosa and becoming the most powerful broker in the Underworld.

In battle, Doflamingo wields the Ito Ito no Mi (String-String Fruit), a Paramecia-type power that allows him to generate and manipulate razor-sharp, nearly invisible strings.

He uses these to control others like puppets through his “Parasite” technique. He also stitches his own internal organs to heal wounds and even “flies” by attaching strings to clouds.

These terrifying powers eventually brought him into direct conflict with Monkey D. Luffy. While Doflamingo initially dismissed the Straw Hats as mere nuisances, they became his primary threat during the Dressrosa Arc after dismantling his SMILE fruit production and challenging his decade-long rule.

When does Doflamingo appear in One Piece?

So, exactly when does Doflamingo appear in One Piece?

In the anime series, Doflamingo makes his first appearance in One Piece episode 151 titled “The 100,000,000 Man! The World’s Highest Authority and the Pirate Blackbeard.”

In the manga, he first appears in volume 25, chapter 233 titled “The World’s Greatest Power.”

Doflamingo’s introduction occurs during the Jaya Arc, which acts as a bridge between the Alabasta and Sky Island sagas. While the main focus of the arc follows the Straw Hat Pirates as they search for a way to reach Sky Island, the narrative temporarily shifts to the Holy Land of Mary Geoise.

It is during this side-story that the audience is introduced to the terrifying power and influence of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, which included Doflamingo at the time.

In his One Piece anime episode debut, Doflamingo arrives to attend a summit of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. The meeting was convened by Fleet Admiral Sengoku to discuss finding a replacement for Sir Crocodile, who had been defeated by Luffy and stripped of his title.

Doflamingo makes a grand entrance, immediately distinguishing himself from Bartholomew Kuma, the only other Warlord to attend.

Before the meeting officially starts, Doflamingo looks bored as he perches atop a table, using his fingers to manipulate two high-ranking Marine officers, Vice Admiral Mozambia and Vice Admiral Stainless.

He forces them to physically assault one another against their will, treating the seasoned soldiers like literal puppets for his own amusement.

When Doflamingo’s bounty was revealed to be 340,000,000 Berries during the summit, it was the highest bounty the audience had seen to date. Since Luffy had only just reached 100,000,000 Berries during that time, Doflamingo was positioned as an endgame-level threat in the One Piece universe.

The scene in the One Piece anime also featured the debut of the Five Elders and the Blackbeard Pirate Laffitte.

Mackenyu battled through a massive field of 366 One Piece Card Game (OPCG) players at Hacchi Expo 2025 from December 27 to 28, 2025. After two days of intense strategic play, he finished in a remarkable 8th place.

The event, held at the Pacifico Yokohama North in Kanagawa, showcased some of the most skilled players in the community, making his Top 10 finish a significant achievement.

Following the tournament, Mackenyu gave fans a glimpse into his winning strategy on social media. He piloted a deck centered around the character Imu, featuring cards from OP13: Carrying On His Will set that includes some of the most elusive and valuable cards available in the game.

Perhaps most impressive was the actor’s personal gear. Mackenyu competed on a custom playmat featuring a hand-drawn illustration of his character, Zoro, sketched and autographed by the One Piece mangaka himself, Eiichiro Oda.

Zoro actor Mackenyu Arata is a legend in the One Piece Card Game community

Mackenyu’s success at Hacchi Expo 2025 is far from a stroke of beginner’s luck. The actor was a dedicated One Piece Card Game enthusiast long before he ever stepped into Zoro’s boots for the Netflix adaptation.

During a press interview at MegaCon 2024 in Orlando, Florida, co-star Jacob Romero (who plays Usopp) described Mackenyu as “obsessed” with the game. He is known to frequent Eiichiro Oda’s home to train and play matches against the mangaka himself.

Even with a demanding Hollywood filming schedule, he remains close to the competitive scene. Beyond local tournaments, he previously appeared as a special guest at the OPCG Championship 2024 World Final, the most prestigious event in the card game’s global circuit.

As the son of the legendary martial arts actor Sonny Chiba, Mackenyu spent his early years in Los Angeles before moving to Japan to pursue acting full-time. His background in Kyokushin Karate made him a natural fit for physically demanding roles, but it was his breakout performance as Arata Wataya in the Chihayafuru trilogy that earned him the Newcomer of the Year award at the 40th Japan Academy Film Prize in 2017.

Since then, he has become the “King of Adaptations,” starring in major titles like Rurouni Kenshin: The Final, Fullmetal Alchemist, and Knights of the Zodiac.

His portrayal of Roronoa Zoro in Netflix’s One Piece live-action series in 2023 catapulted him to global superstardom, earning praise for his physical dedication and authentic stunt work.

The One Piece live-action series is a high-seas adventure based on the 1997 manga series by Eiichiro Oda, which also inspired a long-running anime with over 1,000 episodes. The story follows Monkey D. Luffy, a young pirate with the ability to stretch like rubber after eating a mystical “Devil Fruit.”

His goal is to assemble a loyal crew called the Straw Hat Pirates to find the “One Piece,” a fabled treasure hidden by the late Pirate King that will grant him the same title.

At the time of writing, the live-action only has one season available to stream, comprising eight episodes that cover the East Blue Saga. The series has already been renewed for a second season, releasing on March 10, 2026 while a third season is in production.

Depp received an unforgettable surprise on his final-day appearance as a special guest at the comic convention that took place at the Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Center in Chiba, Japan, from December 5 to December 7, 2025.

The special gift was a blue noren curtain, a traditional Japanese fabric divider often hung in doorways of shops, restaurants, and homes. This particular noren featured a custom illustration drawn by Eiichiro himself. It shows Johnny’s character, Jack Sparrow, reimagined in the manga artist’s signature One Piece art style.

Johnny Depp receives personalized pirate art from One Piece creator, Eiichiro Oda

The gift was not presented directly by Eiichiro, but instead, by the Japanese voice actor Hiroaki Hirata, who shares a special connection with Johnny Depp.

Hiroaki is best known as the voice of Sanji in the One Piece anime. He is also the Japanese dub voice of Johnny Depp’s characters, including Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean series and the titular protagonist, Charlie Mortdecai, in the film Mortdecai.

Hiroaki Hirata and Johnny Depp shared the stage for the presentation, with the voice actor offering the noren curtain as an early Christmas gift.

Showing his appreciation, the actor initially said he “just wanted to cover myself in it.” He then playfully stepped behind the noren and popped out like a mischievous pirate.

Watch Johnny Depp at Tokyo Comic Con 2025 below:

For fans, this moment was the ultimate dream crossover between two legendary pirate worlds. Johnny Depp’s most famous character is the flamboyant Captain Jack Sparrow, the protagonist of Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean. He shares a few traits with One Piece’s Monkey D. Luffy, including having sharp intelligence that enemies often overlook.

Johnny Depp is an American actor, producer, and musician known for his versatility and dramatic roles. While his signature character is Captain Jack Sparrow, his extensive filmography includes long-standing collaborations with director Tim Burton.

Iconic roles aside from Jack Sparrow include Edward Scissorhands in the film of the same name, Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Donnie Brasco, and The Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland.

What is One Piece about

The Japanese manga series, One Piece, was written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda. It tells the story of Monkey D. Luffy and his crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, as they sail the Grand Line in pursuit of the ultimate treasure, the “One Piece,” aiming to crown Luffy as the next King of the Pirates.

One Piece debuted in Weekly Shonen Jump in July 1997. As of August 2022, it holds the Guinness World Record for “The most copies published for the same comic book series by a single author,” with over 516 million copies in circulation globally, making it the best-selling manga series in history.

Its widespread success has resulted in numerous adaptations, including a long-running anime series, several animated movies, various video games, a trading card game, and a successful live-action show on Netflix.