The expansive timeline of One Piece mirrors the series’ length, filled with an array of pivotal events that have transformed this vibrant universe. While some occurrences have brought hope, many others have left a mark of sadness on the characters and inhabitants of this world.
From the poignant loss of beloved figures to entire nations being decimated in moments, One Piece is steeped in surprisingly dark undertones, overshadowed by its signature colorful and whimsical style. The timeline is marked by numerous somber historical events, with the following days standing out as especially grim.
Warning! Spoilers Ahead!
8 The Egghead Incident
The World Lost Its Most Important Scientist (And Discovered A Horrible Truth)
- First Appearance: Chapter 1089 (Manga), Episode 1123 (Anime)
In the recent Egghead Arc, the Straw Hat Pirates directly engaged in the Egghead Incident, an event of remarkable significance that dramatically altered the world. The World Government, alarmed by Doctor Vegapunk’s research on the elusive Void Century, ordered a Buster Call on Egghead to suppress him, even personally visiting the island.
In the ensuing chaotic battle against the Straw Hat Pirates and their allies, the Five Elders transformed into colossal entities, ultimately leading to Vegapunk’s demise. However, the genius doctor had anticipated his end and recorded a message that aired worldwide upon his death. This chilling broadcast revealed not only his murder but also the alarming fact that the world was gradually sinking underwater, with the World Government remaining passive. This harrowing event exposed the dark realities of their world to everyone.
7 Gol D. Roger’s Execution
The Beginning Of A New Age Of Piracy
- First Appearance: Chapter 1 (Manga), Episode 1 (Anime)
The execution of the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, serves as the catalyst for the series, igniting the pursuit of the fabled One Piece treasure and heralding a new era of piracy. Yet, the stark reality of Roger’s cold-blooded execution by the World Government paints a grim picture that resonated deeply with his admirers.
The anguish exhibited by characters like Buggy, Shanks, and Rayleigh during his execution reveals the emotional toll of this event. Were it not for Roger’s daring proclamations that upended traditional views, his passing would have cast an even darker shadow over history.
6 The Most Recent Levely
A King Was Murdered, A Princess Disappeared, And A Revolutionary Warrior Was Blamed For Everything
- First Appearance: Chapter 903 (Manga), Episode 878 (Anime)
Every four years, the monarchs affiliated with the World Government convene at Mary Geoise for the Levely, a pivotal event fraught with tension and potential upheaval. The latest instance, occurring just before the Straw Hats’ arrival in Wano, was particularly dramatic and fraught with melancholy.
Amidst the chaos, Bartholomew Kuma’s enslavement compelled his Revolutionary allies into action, while Saint Charlos attempted to enslave Princess Shirahoshi, leading to the tragic execution of Saint Mjosgard after he attempted to intervene. The most heartbreaking twist occurred when King Cobra was brutally murdered by Imu after questioning the government’s actions, and Sabo was wrongfully implicated as the culprit. The disheartened kingdom of Arabasta faced not only the loss of their ruler but also the mysterious disappearance of Princess Vivi, who was misled to be kidnapped, while she was actually hiding for her safety.
5 Kouzuki Oden’s Execution
The Sudden And Tragic Downfall Of A Peaceful Country
- First Appearance: Chapter 972 (Manga), Episode 974 (Anime)
During Kouzuki Oden’s tenure with the Whitebeard and Roger Pirates, his home country, Wano, fell under the oppressive rule of Kurozumi Orochi, assisted by Kaido and the Beasts Pirates. Upon his return and realizing the dire state of his homeland, Oden mounted a desperate resistance, ultimately leading to his public execution.
In a poignant moment during his execution, he negotiated the preservation of his retainers’ lives at the cost of his own. For hours, he endured the excruciating pain of boiling, resolutely defying his captors until Orochi decided to end his suffering with a gunshot. Oden’s tragic demise marked the onset of Orochi’s tyrannical rule, corrupting what was once a flourishing land into a bleak wasteland of oppression, labor camps, and suffering.
4 The Summit War Of Marineford
A Violent Military Conflict That Had A Huge Impact On The World
- First Appearance: Chapter 552 (Manga), Episode 461 (Anime)
The Summit War of Marineford represents one of the most critical episodes in the storyline of One Piece, witnessed through the eyes of the protagonist, Luffy. This tumultuous war unfolded as the Marines confronted Whitebeard Pirates in a desperate bid to rescue Portgas D. Ace from execution.
The aftermath left no victors; Ace was brutally killed by Admiral Akainu, Whitebeard met his demise after sustaining severe injuries, and a global revelation about the existence of the One Piece shook the foundations of society. This dark chapter serves as a compelling reflection of the series’ anti-war narrative and its critique of violence.
3 The Sudden Erasure Of Lulusia Kingdom
The Most Shockingly Depressing World-Changing Event In The Series
- First Appearance: Chapter 1060 (Manga), Episode 1089 (Anime)
The Lulusia Kingdom faced an unprecedented act of cruelty from the World Government. After the Revolutionary Army inspired its people to rebel against their monarch, Imu chose a drastic approach—testing a new Ancient Weapon to obliterate Lulusia.
Within moments, Lulusia was annihilated, wiping its very existence from the annals of history, showcasing the alarming depth of the World Government’s ruthlessness and oppression.
2 Flevance’s Downfall
The World Government Sentenced A Country To Death Just To Make More Money
- First Appearance: Chapter 762 (Manga), Episode 701 (Anime)
The haunting background of Trafalgar D. Water Law’s homeland, Flevance, reveals dark truths that many remain oblivious to. Centuries ago, the discovery of Amber Lead brought prosperity, yet the World Government turned a blind eye to its lethal repercussions, prioritizing profit over lives.
As the Amber Lead disease ravaged its population, the royal family fled, abandoning their subjects to death while neighboring territories enforced brutal measures to prevent escape. Resulting in horrific atrocities and tragic losses, this dark chapter represents the chilling lengths to which greed can lead.
1 The Ohara Incident
An Entire Country Was Destroyed Just Because Some People Were Asking Questions About The World
- First Appearance: Chapter 393 (Manga), Episode 276 (Anime)
Prior to the unsettling events of Flevance and Lulusia, the world witnessed the tragic Ohara Incident, set two decades prior. Ohara’s scholars, led by their quest to uncover the mysteries surrounding the Poneglyphs and Void Century, attracted the ire of the World Government.
In a calculated move to silence dissent, a Buster Call was unleashed upon the serene island, obliterating it in mere hours and resulting in unimaginable loss. This catastrophic event, known as the Annihilation of Ohara, devastated the region, with only Nico Robin and Jaguar D. Saul emerging as survivors. The haunting memory of this massacre serves as a critical reminder of the lengths the World Government will go to maintain control over knowledge and truth.