One Piece is back! After an extended hiatus, the beloved anime made its return with a thrilling double premiere, featuring episodes #1123 and #1124. Fans eagerly awaited this moment for six months, and the return has proven worth the anticipation.
During the hiatus, intricate narratives unfolded, including the shocking betrayal of Vegapunk by York. Key characters like Kid and Law faced tremendous setbacks against formidable foes like Shanks and Blackbeard. Meanwhile, Sabo’s recounting of the Levely events finally introduced the series’ ominous antagonist, Imu. As the Egghead arc resumes, One Piece promises to deliver one of its most intense story developments yet.
What Time One Piece Episode 1125 Releases
Release Schedule for Episode 1125
As with its previous episodes, new episodes of One Piece will continue to air weekly on Crunchyroll and Netflix. The series has officially moved to a Sunday evening slot in Japan. Therefore, viewers can catch Episode #1125 on:
- Sunday, April 13
- 8:45 AM Pacific Standard Time (PST)
- 11:45 AM Eastern Standard Time (EST)
- 4:45 PM British Summer Time (BST)
New episodes will appear on Netflix approximately one week later, adhering to this Sunday schedule.
Recap of One Piece Episode 1123
Details on Production and Direction
In episode #1123, titled “The World Shakes! The Straw Hats’ Hostage Situation,” viewers witnessed global reactions to Garp’s defeat by the Blackbeard Pirates. The repercussions echo in Fusha Village, where Luffy’s friends and family are visibly shaken by the news. Devastating natural disasters, including earthquakes and floods, sweep across several islands, revealing that these catastrophes were triggered by Imu’s obliteration of Lulusia using the Mother Flare, which raised ocean levels significantly.
Amidst these calamities, the Marines prepared for an offensive at Egghead. York negotiated with the Five Elders, trading data on Punk Records and the Mother Flame for potential Celestial Dragon status. However, complications arose as the Straw Hats outmaneuvered York, planning to use her as leverage to escape the rapidly deteriorating situation.
Recap of One Piece Episode 1124
Details on Production and Direction
Episode #1124, titled “Completely Surrounded! The Operation to Escape Egghead,” unfolds immediately after the events of episode #1123. The Straw Hats successfully subdue York, revealing crucial character victories: Robin overcomes York just in time, Zoro triumphs against S-Hawk and S-Bear, and Nami defeats S-Shark with Sanji’s help. Notably, Luffy gets S-Snake to revert her petrified victims, benefiting from her affection inherited from Hancock.
Despite this victory, Egghead remains besieged by a formidable Marine fleet, with York’s Frontier Dome sealing exits. Vegapunk and Atlas diligently work to bypass this seal. Once successfully achieved, they plan to utilize Vegaforce-01 for a strategic breakout, with the next destination set for Elbaph, marking a pivotal shift in the Grand Line narrative.
As Luffy, Franky, Bonney, and Lilith gear up for their departure, Kizaru receives orders from Saint Saturn to prioritize capturing Vegapunk, utilizing his Glint-Glint Fruit for swift infiltration. This leads to a major conflict as Sentomaru chooses loyalty to Vegapunk. Tension builds as Luffy senses an overwhelming power entering Egghead.
Sanji’s Poor Treatment in One Piece
Critique of Sanji’s Depiction
While the recent episodes have received praise, one notable concern has emerged regarding the portrayal of Sanji. His exclusion from a significant ensemble shot in episode #1123 and the creative choice to depict him as weaker compared to Zoro—who convincingly bests two Seraphim while Sanji required Nami’s assistance—spark frustration among fans. This pattern of downplaying Sanji’s contribution while elevating Zoro’s status is particularly disappointing.
Moreover, the handling of Sanji’s interactions with Bonney has been problematic. The manga ensures that Sanji’s demeanor around Bonney reflects respect, considering her prior revelation as a child. However, the anime diverges from this essential characterization, depicting him in typical “girl-crazy”fashion, complete with exaggerated expressions. This misalignment with the source material diminishes both characters’ depth and adds unnecessary superficiality to Sanji’s role.
One Piece Returns Stronger Than Ever
Evaluating One Piece’s Return
The return of One Piece has set high expectations, and it has delivered across the board. The storytelling is as compelling as ever, complemented by outstanding animation that captures the original manga’s spirit while adding a vibrant touch. Enthusiasts can safely consider One Piece as one of the top anime currently available, validating that the break was a strategic decision for the series’ enrichment.
A significant factor behind this revival’s success is the leadership of Wataru Matsumi, the new series director, who has seamlessly taken over from the esteemed Tatsuya Nagamine. Matsumi’s expertise, especially showcased in the impactful sequence of Shanks overpowering the Kid Pirates, shines in episodes #1123 and #1124, highlighting his capability to maintain high standards. As anticipation builds for 2025, One Piece reclaims its place as a must-watch anime.
Mark your calendars to catch episode #1125 when it premieres on Sunday, April 13.