Wano's Epic Conclusion Surpasses Alabasta - One Piece's Most Heartbreaking Moment Balances with Unforgettable Ending

Warning: spoilers for One Piece episode #1078

Summary

The conclusion of the Wano arc in One Piece evoked even stronger emotions compared to Vivi's farewell in Alabasta. This pivotal moment witnessed the downfall of two Pirate Emperors and the long-awaited liberation of the oppressed people from their harsh living conditions.

The inhabitants of Wano faced far more immense sufferings than those of Alabasta. They endured the harrowing experiences of slavery, starvation, and the detrimental effects of faulty Devil Fruits, which stripped them of their emotions.

The Alabasta arc set the foundation for the powerful emotional impact of the Wano arc, showcasing an intriguing antagonist, a poignant sacrifice by a comrade, and Vivi's heartfelt decision to stay and participate in her nation's reconstruction.

In terms of emotional intensity, the Wano arc's conclusion in the One Piece anime surpassed even Vivi's farewell in Alabasta. Pirate Emperors Big Mom and Kaido were defeated, liberating the people of Wano from their oppressive circumstances that had endured for countless years. While Luffy and his comrades had previously saved kingdoms, the overwhelming emotions experienced after Wano's redemption eclipsed even the tearful parting with Alabasta's Princess.

The People of Wano Endured More Hardship Than Alabasta's

One Piece's story has had numerous emotionally intense arcs, captivating fans every step of the way. Among the most heartrending moments, one that deeply resonates with many is when Vivi decided to remain in Alabasta after defeating Crocodile. Vivi, a significant crew member in the earlier anime arcs, faced immense drama with the pursuit of the Marines and the just-resolved Civil War, culminating in a profoundly touching conclusion to the Alabasta arc. However, in comparison to the overwhelming emotions that followed Kaido's defeat in the recent anime arc, author Eiichiro Oda has elevated the intensity to a whole new level.

Several plot threads that had been building up for years finally came together in episode #1078 of One Piece. Characters such as Momonosuke and Kin'emon were introduced back in the Punk Hazard arc, which aired in 2013. Since then, Luffy and his crew had made powerful enemies in the form of Big Mom and Kaido, two of the world's most notorious pirates. As the Straw Hat Crew approached Kaido's base of operations in Wano, they were met with a stark contrast to the once beautiful land of the samurai. Wano had been stripped and poisoned over the course of 20 years, leaving its citizens to endure a fate that was deeply unsettling even for One Piece.

Kurozumi Orochi, one of the most disliked characters in One Piece, had worked to turn Wano into a factory for weapons under Kaido's control. The citizens had been turned into slaves, with starvation running rampant. Orochi went even further to worsen the plight of the hungry people by feeding them Kaido's defective artificial Devil Fruits, which caused permanent brain damage. The result was that these people could only express joy, even in the face of their family members being brutally murdered before their eyes. The citizens of Alabasta had not endured such horrifying atrocities for two decades.

Alabasta's Ending Walked So Wano's Could Run

After an arduous journey, episode #1078 of the anime beautifully concludes the citizens of Wano's nightmarish ordeal with a triumph and a well-deserved announcement. Momonosuke, the long-presumed deceased rightful Shogun of Wano, makes a poignant appearance before his people, unveiling the news of Kaido and Orochi's defeat. This heartfelt speech guarantees that, after two decades of enduring suffering, the citizens of Wano can once again revel in the freedom to eat, drink, and live as they please, all under the loving rule of their country's leader.

The Alabasta arc's conclusion has garnered a dedicated following for several compelling reasons. Luffy and his crew found themselves embroiled in a complex web with Vivi, leading them on a collision course with the infamous criminal organization known as Baroque Works and their cunning leader, Crocodile, who held the prestigious title of Warlord of the Sea. This nefarious antagonist skillfully manipulated the nation's inhabitants through engineered droughts and fueled tensions, which ultimately sparked a fierce Civil War. All of this was part of Crocodile's relentless pursuit to seize one of the ancient weapons of One Piece, which, as it turned out, was surprisingly located in Wano instead. Due to Crocodile's captivating presence as a formidable foe, witnessing Luffy's triumphant defeat of him was an immensely gratifying experience. However, the conclusion of this arc is held in high regard not only for its climactic battle but for various other reasons as well.

After successfully saving Alabasta, the Marines rewarded the Straw Hats with higher bounties, forcing them to flee the country to avoid capture. Fortunately, the crew managed to reach their ship, which was safeguarded by the shape-shifting Baroque Works agent, Bon Clay. Despite previously working for Crocodile, Bon Clay chose to assist Luffy's crew due to their strong bond and friendship. In a selfless act, he sacrificed his own freedom to divert the attention of the Marines from the crew. While this gesture moved the viewers, it was just a prelude to Vivi's heartfelt moment.

Princess Vivi was presented with a difficult choice - to continue journeying with the Straw Hats or to devote herself to rebuilding the country she had fought so hard to save. Ultimately, she made the decision to stay behind. In a poignant speech, she expressed her deep gratitude and hope that her friends would still consider her part of their crew, despite her choice. With the Marines drawing near, the Straw Hats couldn't risk revealing their connection to Alabasta's princess. Instead, they each displayed the X symbols on their arms, signifying their unwavering friendship towards Vivi. Luffy's words echoed through the audience, "No matter what happens, this mark on our left arm represents our bond!"

One Piece Viewers Were More Invested in Wano's Conclusion

Vivi was undoubtedly a more likable character than Momonosuke, which greatly contributed to the emotional climax of Alabasta's conclusion. However, Momo's journey towards becoming the Shogun of Wano was far more traumatic for both him and his people. Upon discovering the betrayals, Oden's tragic life, and the tales of Kin'emon and the Nine Red Scabbards, the longing to witness Orochi's demise and liberate Wano reached unprecedented heights, surpassing the emotional intensity of Alabasta.

Being the longest arc, Wano dedicated ample time to portraying the vicious hardships and brutality endured by its inhabitants. Therefore, when Momonosuke revealed himself as the new Shogun, destined to lead the nation towards a brighter future, both his people and viewers of One Piece were moved to tears. While the endings of both arcs were exceptional and heart-wrenching, Oda has undoubtedly honed his writing skills throughout the 24-year publication of One Piece, effectively accentuating the misery of Wano's plight. As a result, the eventual happy ending carried a significantly greater impact. Only time will tell if One Piece can surpass the impact of Wano's conclusion in its final saga.

Watch the latest episodes of the One Piece anime on Crunchyroll and Funimation.

Source: Crunchyroll Collection (1,2,3) /YouTube