The Egghead Arc of One Piece continues to deliver high-octane action and emotional turmoil in Episode 1126, titled “Looming Despair! Admiral Kizaru’s Depressing Mission.” Released on April 20, 2025, this episode delves deeper into the World Government’s assault on Egghead Island, showcasing intense battles and the internal conflict of Admiral Kizaru. As the Straw Hat Pirates face formidable opponents, long-guarded secrets may surface, potentially reshaping the One Piece world.
Episode 1126 Synopsis
Episode 1126 picks up the ongoing conflict on Egghead Island, with the Marines intensifying their attack. The episode reveals Kizaru’s inner turmoil as he carries out his mission, which involves eliminating Dr. Vegapunk. The episode also features Bartholomew Kuma’s actions in the Holy Land of Mariejois.
Release Details and Where to Watch
- Release Date: April 20, 2025
- Streaming Platforms: Crunchyroll (simulcast), Netflix (one week later)
- Title: Looming Despair! Admiral Kizaru’s Depressing Mission
Key Events and Highlights
Kizaru’s Internal Conflict
Admiral Kizaru grapples with his mission to assassinate Dr. Vegapunk, someone he has known for a long time. Despite his orders, Kizaru displays reluctance and internal tension, adding depth to his character. The episode highlights Kizaru’s struggle through shadowed facial expressions and recalling Vegapunk’s words.
Luffy vs. Kizaru
The anticipated battle between Luffy and Kizaru intensifies. Luffy, now utilizing Gear 4 Snakeman, confronts Kizaru with a barrage of punches. Despite Kizaru acknowledging Luffy’s strength, he questions why Luffy, as a pirate, would protect Vegapunk. The clash demonstrates Luffy’s improved Haki control and Devil Fruit mastery, pushing Kizaru to acknowledge Luffy’s strength. The battle’s choreography is expected to showcase Luffy’s cartoonish power against Kizaru’s precise light-speed attacks.
Bartholomew Kuma’s Rampage
A significant cutaway reveals Bartholomew Kuma’s destructive path through Mariejois. This scene, though brief, marks Kuma’s return to the central narrative, facing off against Fleet Admiral Akainu. Kuma’s motivations remain unclear, but his actions indicate a pursuit of justice or revenge against the World Government.
Zoro vs. Lucci
Another notable fight brewing on Egghead is Zoro versus Lucci. After Lucci nearly fatally wounds Vegapunk, Zoro engages him in battle, seeking to protect Vegapunk and the Straw Hats’ interests. This fight underscores the stakes on Egghead, as both fighters recognize that winning is the only option.
World Government’s Objectives
Kizaru outlines the Navy’s primary objectives:
- Saving York from harm.
- Securing Punk Records.
- Finding the machine that creates Mother’s Flame.
- Exterminating Vegapunk.
These goals highlight the World Government’s desperation to control the scientific advancements and eliminate potential threats.
Episode Analysis
Character Development
Episode 1126 shines a light on Kizaru’s complex character, portraying him as more than just a Marine Admiral following orders. His internal conflict adds a layer of moral ambiguity. The battle against Sentomaru further emphasizes this, as Kizaru is visibly distraught over fighting someone he essentially raised.
Animation and Production
While some viewers found the animation quality inconsistent, particularly in the Kuma flashback, the animation in key areas, such as the Luffy vs. Kizaru fight, was highly praised. The episode successfully builds anticipation for future episodes, especially regarding the Gear 5 sequences.
Pacing and Adaptation
Some viewers have criticized the pacing, noting that the episode seems to stretch content to avoid starting the Gear 5 vs. Kizaru fight. There are complaints about strictly adapting one chapter per episode, affecting the overall flow.
What to Expect in Episode 1127
Episode 1127, titled “Luffy vs Kizaru! A Fierce Battle of Shifting Forms,” is slated for release on April 27, 2025. Fans can anticipate:
- The continuation of Luffy’s Gear 5 transformation against Kizaru
- More exploration of Kizaru’s human side through flashbacks.
- Zoro continuing his clash with Lucci.
- The rest of the Straw Hats focusing on protecting Vegapunk satellites and finding a way to escape.
The Bigger Picture
The Egghead Arc marks the beginning of the end for the One Piece story, making every episode crucial. Eiichiro Oda himself has stated that the manga series will continue until at least 2027, with the anime potentially extending to 2030.
Fan Theories and Discussions
The episode’s ending has sparked various fan theories, including speculation about the whereabouts of the missing Straw Hat crew members and the identity of the mysterious man waiting in Elbaf. Some speculate about the possibility of a hallucination caused by the Giants’ Absinthe.
Conclusion
“One Piece Episode 1126” delivers a mix of action, character development, and suspense, setting the stage for even more intense conflicts and revelations in the Egghead Arc. While pacing issues and animation inconsistencies have been noted, the episode overall provides a compelling continuation of the One Piece saga, keeping fans eagerly awaiting the next installment.
