The Fish-Man Island arc in One Piece continues to unfold, and Episode 16 of the “Log” saga, titled “Shirahoshi’s Desperate Cry – Luffy Begins His Attack!,” marks a crucial turning point in the Straw Hats’ confrontation with Hordy Jones and his New Fishman Pirates. As the Straw Hats navigate the complexities of Fish-Man Island, the episode underscores themes of prejudice, power, and prophecy that resonate throughout the One Piece narrative.
The State of Fish-Man Island
Fish-Man Island, located deep beneath the sea, serves as a critical waypoint for pirates traversing the Grand Line. However, it is also a place steeped in historical conflict and social division. The island is home to fish-men and merfolk, who have long faced discrimination from humans. This history of prejudice has fueled resentment and division, creating a fertile ground for figures like Hordy Jones, who espouse a radical anti-human ideology.
A Powder Keg of Prejudice
The history of discrimination against fish-men by humans is a central theme. This prejudice dates back centuries and has resulted in deep-seated animosity. Figures like Fisher Tiger, a legendary fish-man adventurer, attempted to bridge the gap between humans and fish-men, but his tragic death only exacerbated the existing tensions. Hordy Jones, inheriting this legacy of resentment, seeks to overthrow the Ryugu Kingdom and establish a new order based on fish-man supremacy.
Episode 16: A Turning Point
Episode 16 encapsulates the escalating conflict on Fish-Man Island, highlighting Shirahoshi’s distress and Luffy’s decisive action.
Shirahoshi’s Plea
Shirahoshi, the mermaid princess, is a key figure in the unfolding drama. Unbeknownst to many, she is the ancient weapon Poseidon, capable of controlling sea kings. Her gentle nature contrasts sharply with the violence erupting around her, and her desperate cry reflects the island’s turmoil.
Luffy Enters the Fray
Luffy’s arrival signals a shift in the balance of power. After observing the escalating tensions and Hordy’s brutality, Luffy intervenes with a powerful attack, directly confronting the New Fishman Pirates. This action marks the beginning of the Straw Hats’ active involvement in the conflict to protect Fish-Man Island and its inhabitants.
The Shadow of Prophecy
The Fish-Man Island arc is laden with prophecies, most notably Madam Shyarly’s prediction that Luffy will destroy Fish-Man Island.
Madam Shyarly’s Ominous Vision
Madam Shyarly, a fortune teller, has a chilling vision of Luffy destroying Fish-Man Island. Her prophecies are known for their accuracy, creating a sense of foreboding. This prophecy adds complexity to Luffy’s role, suggesting that his actions, while intended to protect, may have unforeseen consequences. While seemingly contradictory to Luffy’s heroic nature, this prophecy suggests a future event where Luffy’s actions, perhaps unintentionally, lead to the island’s destruction. Some theories suggest this destruction could involve uniting all the seas or moving the fish-men to a safer location.
The New Fishman Pirates: A Force to be Reckoned With?
Hordy Jones and his New Fishman Pirates represent a significant threat, fueled by their fanatical beliefs and reliance on Energy Steroids.
Hordy Jones: Embodiment of Hatred
Hordy Jones is the primary antagonist of the Fish-Man Island arc. His hatred towards humans is deeply ingrained, driving his ambition to dominate Fish-Man Island and wage war against the human world. Hordy’s strength is amplified by Energy Steroids, drugs that enhance physical abilities but at the cost of the user’s lifespan and sanity. Despite his power, many perceive Hordy as a weaker villain compared to previous antagonists in the One Piece series, particularly given the Straw Hats’ enhanced strength post-time skip.
The Power of Energy Steroids
Energy Steroids play a crucial role in the New Fishman Pirates’ strength. These drugs provide a temporary boost in power, allowing Hordy and his crew to overwhelm their opponents. However, the long-term effects are detrimental, leading to physical deterioration and mental instability.
Straw Hats’ Post-Timeskip Prowess
The Fish-Man Island arc serves as a showcase for the Straw Hats’ enhanced abilities after their two-year training.
Demonstrating New Skills
Each member of the Straw Hats demonstrates their improved skills and new techniques. Luffy showcases his mastery of Haki, while Zoro, Sanji, and the others display their increased strength, speed, and combat prowess. This arc is designed to highlight the crew’s growth and readiness for the challenges of the New World. The ease with which the Straw Hats dispatch Hordy’s forces underscores their significant power increase, leading some to criticize the arc for its lack of tension.
Jinbe’s Role and Future Allegiance
Jinbe, a whale shark fish-man and former Warlord of the Sea, plays a pivotal role in the Fish-Man Island arc, bridging the gap between the Straw Hats and the fish-men.
A Complex Relationship
Jinbe has a long and complex history, including his past affiliation with the Sun Pirates and his friendship with Fisher Tiger. He deeply cares about Fish-Man Island and seeks to ensure its safety. Jinbe’s relationship with Luffy is one of mutual respect, and he recognizes Luffy’s potential to bring positive change to the world.
Turning Down Luffy
Although Jinbe acknowledges Luffy, he declines Luffy’s initial invitation to join the Straw Hats. He explains that he still has obligations to fulfill, particularly severing ties with Big Mom. This sets the stage for Jinbe’s eventual addition to the Straw Hats crew, solidifying his role as a valuable ally.
Significance of Fish-Man Island Arc
The Fish-Man Island arc is significant for several reasons, contributing to the overarching narrative of One Piece.
Themes of Prejudice and Discrimination
The arc delves into complex themes of prejudice, discrimination, and the struggle for equality. By exploring the history of conflict between humans and fish-men, One Piece addresses real-world issues of social injustice and the importance of understanding and empathy.
Introduction of Key Concepts
The Fish-Man Island arc introduces several key concepts and plot points that become increasingly important later in the series. The revelation of Shirahoshi as Poseidon, the mention of Joy Boy, and the presence of Poneglyphs all contribute to the larger mysteries of the One Piece world.
Setting the Stage for Future Events
The events on Fish-Man Island have lasting repercussions, influencing future storylines and character development. The prophecy of the island’s destruction, Jinbe’s eventual joining of the Straw Hats, and the ongoing tensions between humans and fish-men all contribute to the evolving narrative. Some fans theorize that Luffy’s future actions may lead to the unification of all seas by destroying Fish-Man Island, potentially fulfilling Joy Boy’s promise to the fish-men.
Reception and Criticism
The Fish-Man Island arc has received mixed reviews from fans and critics. Some appreciate its exploration of complex themes and its contributions to the overarching plot, while others criticize its pacing, villain, and lack of tension.
Pacing and Length
One common criticism is the arc’s pacing, with some feeling that it drags on unnecessarily. The anime adaptation, in particular, has been criticized for stretching out the storyline, leading to a slower and less engaging experience. Recently, a remastered version of the Fishman Island arc has been announced, which aims to address these pacing issues by condensing the 62 episodes to 21 episodes.
Villain’s Weakness
Another point of contention is the perceived weakness of Hordy Jones as a villain. Compared to previous antagonists, Hordy is seen as less compelling and less of a threat, especially given the Straw Hats’ enhanced strength.
Lack of Tension
The Straw Hats’ overwhelming power after the time skip diminishes the sense of danger, making the battles less exciting for some viewers. The ease with which they defeat Hordy’s forces undermines the tension and suspense that are hallmarks of One Piece.
A Necessary Chapter
Despite its criticisms, the Fish-Man Island arc remains a necessary chapter in the One Piece saga. It lays the groundwork for future storylines, introduces crucial characters and concepts, and explores important themes that resonate throughout the series. As the One Piece narrative progresses, the events on Fish-Man Island continue to have lasting significance, shaping the destinies of the Straw Hats and the world around them. The re-edition of the arc aims to improve upon its weaknesses, offering a more streamlined and engaging experience for viewers.
