One Piece: Top 10 Memorable Moments from the Wano Saga

The recent anime episode marked the conclusion of the epic Wano Saga in One Piece, prompting a reflection on 10 of the series' most memorable moments over the years. The highly anticipated Wano Saga was first hinted at in the Punk Hazard arc in 2012 in the manga and 2013 in the anime, but it did not officially begin until several years later. The manga introduced the Wano Saga in 2018, while the anime followed suit in 2019.

The focus is primarily on the Straw Hats and their allies as they launch an invasion of Wano in order to oust the Yonko Kaido. Despite being dubbed the "strongest creature," defeating him seems nearly impossible. However, Luffy refuses to be daunted by his adversaries. As the story progresses, the truth behind the Kozuki Clan's downfall, the revelation of an ancient weapon, and the unraveling of other mysteries all come to light. Below are the top ten moments from the Wano Saga in One Piece.

10. Dawn rises in Wano (Episode 1078)

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9. Luffy and Roger have the same dream (Episode 1015)

The battle rages on throughout the night, and the new day heralds hope and a fresh start for the people of Wano. Momonosuke assumes his rightful position as the Shogun of Wano and vows to create a brighter future for the country. There is no doubt that someone like him will meet the people's expectations and lead the nation to even greater achievements than his predecessors.

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Luffy, as the future Pirate King, shares numerous similarities with Roger. However, the most surprising similarity between them is their shared dream, which has yet to be revealed in the series. While Roger's dream remained unfulfilled, Luffy is determined to turn it into reality. The characters realize the connection between their dreams when Ace shares the information with Yamato. This particular anime scene is beautifully animated and effectively draws a parallel between the dreams of Roger and Luffy, emphasizing their childlike aspirations.

8. The Straw Hats’ toast before the big fight (Episode 982)

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7. Shanks overwhelms an Admiral with Conqueror’s Haki (Episode 1082)

Undoubtedly, the Wano Saga stands out as the best arc in One Piece when it comes to animation. The moment when the Straw Hats raise their glasses in celebration after Jinbe officially becomes a crew member is one of the most visually stunning and nostalgic scenes in the entire series. This scene harks back to the time when the original five members made a solemn promise on a barrel before embarking on their journey to the Grand Line. Over two decades have passed since then, and the crew has now expanded to 10 members, each with their own individual life goals.

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Admirals are the Marines’ powerhouses, feared even by the most notorious pirates of the New World. However, this fear does not extend to Red-Hair Shanks, who is able to overpower Admiral Ryokugyu from several miles away using only his Conqueror’s Haki. Although Shanks does not physically enter Wano, he is able to easily communicate with the Admiral, discussing the New Era ushered in by the young pirates.

6. Oden’s sacrifice (Episode 984)

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Oden was a member of the Whitebeard Pirates before joining Roger’s crew. Despite being an heir of the Kozuki Clan, Oden was a free spirit and journeyed across the world and went to Laughtale, the last island. His legendary life came to an end when he sacrificed himself for his family and country. Oden could’ve easily saved himself, but he didn’t do that, knowing it would risk the lives of those he cared about. He was boiled alive for an hour and didn’t die until Kaido shot him in the head.

5. The Laughtale Island (Episode 968)

The plot of One Piece is enriched by its fascinating backstories, with Oden's being particularly iconic. However, nothing can compare to the moment when Roger's crew arrives at Laughtale and uncovers the secret of the world's history and Joy Boy. Although Laughtale is never shown, the island earns its name because the entire crew burst into laughter after learning the truth. Roger even expresses a wish to have been born in the same era as Joy Boy.

4. Sanji vs Queen (Episode 1061)

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Sanji had encountered numerous challenges before arriving in Wano. His triumph over Queen was made possible by his Germa 66 lineage, which he had never embraced. Despite his aversion to his powers, he demonstrates his allegiance to Luffy and the crew by using them against one of the formidable Beast Pirate members. The scene combines exceptional animation, a distinctive art style, and a color scheme that captures the intensity of the battle and Sanji's poignant flashback of Zeff and the Straw Hats.

3. Luffy walks past two Yonkos (Episode 1015)

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Episode 1015 marks a pivotal moment in One Piece’s Wano Country Saga. Not only does it feature the poignant scene of Luffy’s aspiration, but it also showcases the future Pirate King confidently passing by two formidable Yonkos without a hint of trepidation. Luffy’s unwavering devotion to his friends is evident as he is moved to see the severely injured Akazaya Nine, further fueling his determination to take down their adversaries. As the imposing figures of Kaido and Big Mom stand in defiance, Luffy and his companions prioritize the well-being of their comrades and press forward.

2. Zoro vs King (Episode 1062)

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1. Luffy’s Gear 5 transformation (Episode 1071)

The Wano Saga in One Piece truly showcases Zoro's prowess, whether it’s through his use of Conqueror’s Haki or his acquisition of Enma. However, it is his epic battle with King, Kaido’s first mate, that stands out as one of the most iconic moments in the entire One Piece series. Against all odds, Zoro achieves the impossible in a visually stunning action sequence, ultimately defeating the last member of the Lunarian race.

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Witnessing the unexpected transformation of the series protagonist is truly incomparable. The unveiling of Gear 5 captivated audiences across both the manga and the anime. The stunning animation, the impactful Drums of Liberation, and the exceptional vocals by Mayumi Tanaka elevated the scene to become one of the most iconic moments in anime history, not just limited to One Piece. Additionally, the anime provided a brief glimpse into Luffy’s journey from Gear 2 to Gear 5, showcasing the remarkable progress he has made over the years.

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Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I have been following One Piece since my childhood. The Wano Saga is undoubtedly one of the best arcs in the series, and it delivered many unforgettable moments.

One of my favorite moments is when the Straw Hats raise their glasses to celebrate Jinbe officially becoming a crew member. This scene is beautifully animated and nostalgic, and it highlights the strong bond between the crew members.

Another memorable moment is when Oden sacrifices himself for his family and country. This scene is incredibly powerful and emotional, and it shows the strength of Oden's character.

Overall, the Wano Saga is a thrilling and action-packed arc that kept me hooked from beginning to end. I can't wait to see what's next for the Straw Hats and their adventures.