The popular manga and anime series One Piece includes a two-year time-skip, but what events transpire during this period and where does it occur? With over two decades of publication, One Piece continues to attract immense popularity, especially after the successful introduction of a live-action series on Netflix, which has brought the series to a whole new audience.
The time-skip in One Piece is a crucial element of the plot, marking a significant change in the series' mood. After a two-year hiatus, the Straw Hat crew emerged stronger and more resolute than before. Here's when the time-skip occurs and what transpires during it.
When does the One Piece time-skip take place?
The time-skip in One Piece occurs in episode 517 of the anime, or Chapters 597 and 598 of the manga. It takes place after the Straw Hats were separated at Saboady Archipelago, and Monkey D. Luffy moved to save his brother Ace from execution.
Why was there a time-skip in One Piece?
Over the span of two years (or the duration of one story arc), the Straw Hat crew commits to enhancing their skills as pirates. However, you can rest assured that the beloved characters and their relationships remain unchanged.
Pre timeskip one piece anime got a specific charm that I can't describe or find in any other anime pic.twitter.com/kwx5zbqDYf
— Jason Klum (@PokemanZ0N6) October 26, 2021
Following the tragic end of Monkey D. Luffy's older brother Portgas D. Ace in episode 482 (chapter 573), the time skip was induced. During this period, the Straw Hats were separated and embarked on individual training for the New World. Although the essence of the characters remained unchanged, the time skip had a significant impact on the storyline. Luffy's futile attempts to save his brother led to his self-imposed exile to Impel Down and the Paramount War of Marineford, culminating in Ace's tragic death at the hands of Admiral Akainu.
The experience made Luffy realize that his crew were still not strong enough. As a result, he sent the Straw Hats a coded message through the newspaper stating that they would reunite in Saboady in two years.
What happened in the One Piece time-skip?
Let’s take a look at how members of Luffy’s crew level up during the time-skip.
1. Monkey D. Luffy
Straw Hat Pirates pic.twitter.com/yewn7ZKjys
— Monkey D. Luffy (@LowkeyLuffy) June 29, 2017
Following the advice of legendary pirate Silvers Rayleigh, former first mate of Gold Roger, a heartbroken Luffy agrees to take a two-year break from his crew to undergo training. Together, they head to Rusukaina, an island located in the treacherous Calm Belt that even the fierce Kuja tribe considers hazardous. With its 48 ever-changing weekly seasons and over 500 deadly beasts, Rusukaina poses a grave threat to any visitor. It is here that Luffy dedicates himself to honing his abilities, mastering Haki, strengthening his physical prowess, and perfecting his combat skills under the tutelage of Rayleigh.
After his time on the island ended, Luffy had mastered all three types of Haki and was able to create Gear Four: Boundman and Fear Four: Snakeman.
2. Roronoa Zoro
zoro in glasses pic.twitter.com/olouV0SmuT
— Daily Zoro (@daily_zoro) December 18, 2023
Next up is another beloved member of Luffy’s crew and a fan-favorite in One Piece – Roronoa Zoro, known as the Pirate Hunter and a skilled swordsman.
Roronoa Zoro journeyed to Kuraigana Island, the home of Dracule Mihawk and inhabited by fierce mandrills known as Humandrills. His ultimate ambition is to conquer them all and ultimately become the world’s most formidable swordsman.
However, he is nowhere near close to accomplishing his goal. Therefore, during the time skip he honed his sword skills and learned how to use Armament and Observation Haki.
3. Nami
pic.twitter.com/L71I7520vT
— nami daily (@namidailyyy) December 17, 2023
Nami's time skip was spent on an artificial sky island known as Weatheria, where she devoted herself to enhancing her navigational skills. It was during this period that she upgraded her Clima-Tact into the powerful Sorcery Clima-Tact that is still in use today.
4. Usopp
bffs pic.twitter.com/BivkuziElf
— daily usopp (@dailyusopp) September 8, 2022
During the time-skip, Usopp experienced significant growth and development in his skills and abilities.
Prior to this period, he was stranded on the Boin Archipelago, a group of islands that are actually carnivorous plants in disguise.
Usopp encountered a researcher named Heracles, who instructed him in the use of a unique type of seed known as Pop Greens. When fired from Usopp’s slingshot, these seeds transform into various types of plants, enabling him to engage in combat using plant-based materials such as vines, gas, and carnivorous plants. This represents a significant departure from his previous fighting style prior to the time-skip.
5. Nico Robin
Always in my mind pic.twitter.com/kHxL5idcCS
— Nico Robin Content (@RobinFlours) December 11, 2023
Unlike the rest of the Straw Hat Pirates, Nico Robin didn’t spend the time skip in the same place she was sent to.
After being sent to Tequila Wolf and forced into slavery by the government, Nico Robin was liberated by the Revolutionaries and joined them for the rest of the time skip. Her Flower-Flower Fruit abilities greatly improved, allowing her to summon giant limbs and create clones of herself. She also mastered Fish-Man Karate, which has been a valuable asset in the New World.
Chopper dedicated his time to studying and mastering his Devil Fruit abilities, eventually gaining control of his giant monster transformation. Sanji also improved his Haki and expanded his cooking skills to support his comrades. You can watch the One Piece time skip on Crunchyroll, along with all the other episodes.
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Editor's P/S
As a hard fan of One Piece, I was initially skeptical about the time-skip when it was first introduced. I was worried that it would disrupt the flow of the story and that the characters would lose their charm. However, my fears were quickly dispelled as I delved into the post-time-skip One Piece. The time-skip not only added depth to the characters but also elevated the overall narrative.
The two-year time-skip in One Piece was a brilliant move by Eiichiro Oda. It allowed the characters to grow and develop without rushing their progression. The training arcs for each Straw Hat crew member were well-executed and showcased their determination and resilience. Luffy's journey with Rayleigh was particularly impactful, as it not only strengthened him physically but also emotionally. The time-skip also added a sense of urgency to the story, as the Straw Hats were now racing against time to reunite and face the challenges that awaited them in the New World.
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One PieceManga - Anime One Piece is an incredible adventure-filled series that has captivated its fans for over two decades. It follows the journey of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, as they search for the ultimate treasure, the One Piece, in order to become the King of the Pirates. With its compelling storyline, diverse and lovable characters, epic battles, and themes of friendship and determination, One Piece has created a vast and immersive world that keeps fans eagerly anticipating each new chapter or episode. It is a timeless masterpiece that continues to redefine the boundaries of the shonen genre, making it a must-watch or read for any anime or manga enthusiast. |
