The One Piece anime returned in April 2025 with a bang, continuing the thrilling Egghead Arc with episodes 1123, 1124, and 1125. These episodes ramp up the tension as the Straw Hats find themselves in a precarious situation on Egghead Island, surrounded by the World Government’s forces. Let’s dive into what unfolded in these action-packed installments.
Episode 1123: The World Shakes! The Straw Hats’ Hostage Situation
Title: “The World Shakes! The Straw Hats’ Hostage Situation”
Directed By: Satoshi Ito
Synopsis:
- Episode 1123 marked the anime’s return after a six-month hiatus, picking up where the story left off, focusing on the events unfolding on Egghead Island and their global repercussions.
- The episode starts by showcasing the world’s reaction to the news of Garp’s defeat at the hands of the Blackbeard Pirates and the false report of the Straw Hats taking Vegapunk hostage. Luffy’s friends and family back in Fusha Village are particularly affected.
- Simultaneously, devastating earthquakes and floods strike islands worldwide, revealed to be caused by Imu destroying the Lulusia Kingdom with the Mother Flame, raising the ocean level by one meter.
- Back on Egghead, the episode delves into York’s betrayal. Driven by her desire to become a Celestial Dragon, York orders the Seraphim to eliminate the other Vegapunk satellites and the Straw Hats.
- York contacts the Five Elders, negotiating her deal to become a Celestial Dragon in exchange for Punk Records and the Mother Flame. The Elders agree, as they cannot reproduce the Mother Flame and York controls the Seraphim and Pacifistas.
- The Straw Hats manage to subdue York, with Robin playing a key role in her capture. They plan to use her as a hostage to escape Egghead.
Highlights:
- The episode showcases the global impact of Imu’s actions, emphasizing the stakes of the conflict.
- York’s manipulative nature and her negotiations with the Five Elders add complexity to the narrative.
- The Straw Hats’ capture of York sets the stage for their escape plan.
Review:
- Critics praised the episode’s direction and animation quality, particularly the depiction of the world’s chaos.
- Some felt the episode was more of a setup, lacking major plot revelations or battles.
- The episode successfully blends recap with new developments, reigniting excitement for the Egghead Arc.
- Sanji’s characterization was criticized for not reflecting his restraint around Bonney in the manga.
Episode 1124: Complete Siege! Escape Egghead
Title: “Completely Surrounded! The Operation to Escape Egghead”
Directed By: Aimi Yamauchi
Synopsis:
- Episode 1124 continues the Straw Hats’ efforts to escape Egghead Island, now completely surrounded by the World Government’s forces.
- The Straw Hats are revealed to have defeated York, with Zoro defeating S-Hawk and S-Bear, and Nami subduing S-Shark after he was weakened by Sanji. Luffy gets S-Snake to depetrify her victims.
- The episode focuses on the Straw Hats devising an escape plan using the Vegaforce-01 and the Thousand Sunny. They learn that the Frontier Dome, the island’s laser defense system, cannot be deactivated without York’s secret passcode.
- Kizaru receives intel from Lucci about the situation on Egghead, and Saint Saturn orders him to infiltrate the island’s barrier using his Devil Fruit powers.
- Luffy makes contact with the Five Elders via Den Den Mushi, declaring his intention to become King of the Pirates and demanding they withdraw their ships if they value Vegapunk’s life.
Highlights:
- Luffy’s direct threat to the Five Elders marks a significant moment in the series.
- Kizaru’s infiltration of Egghead sets the stage for a major conflict.
- The Straw Hats’ teamwork and strategic planning are highlighted as they prepare their escape.
Review:
- Some critics felt the episode was less impressive than Episode 1123, serving mostly as setup for the upcoming conflict.
- The episode showcases the Straw Hat Pirates’ growth as they face an unprecedented conflict with the World Government.
Episode 1125: A Clash of Two Men’s Determination! Kizaru and Sentomaru
Title: “A Clash of Two Men’s Determination! Kizaru and Sentomaru”
Synopsis:
- Episode 1125 begins with Admiral Kizaru launching a preliminary attack on Egghead Island.
- The episode focuses on the battle between Kizaru and Sentomaru, highlighting their shared history through flashbacks. Kizaru and Vegapunk found Sentomaru as a child and took him in.
- Sentomaru attempts to stop Kizaru’s advance, but Kizaru quickly defeats him, showcasing the power of his Pika Pika no Mi (Light-Light Fruit).
- As Kizaru advances, Luffy intervenes, leading to a confrontation between Luffy and Kizaru. Luffy declares that he is “100 times stronger” than when they last met at Sabaody Archipelago.
- The Marines launch a full-scale attack on Egghead, led by Vice Admiral Doberman, targeting the Pacifista Mark III units.
Highlights:
- The battle between Kizaru and Sentomaru reveals their complex relationship and the tragic consequences of conflicting loyalties.
- Luffy’s confrontation with Kizaru showcases his growth in strength and confidence.
- The episode emphasizes the scale of the World Government’s assault on Egghead Island.
Review:
- Critics praised the episode’s animation, voice acting, and direction, calling it one of the most visually stunning episodes in recent One Piece history.
- The episode provides a satisfying callback to the Sabaody Archipelago arc, where Kizaru overwhelmed the Straw Hats.
- The episode highlights the Straw Hat Pirates’ growth and their ability to face even the strongest opponents.
Overall
Episodes 1123-1125 mark a strong return for the One Piece anime, setting the stage for a massive confrontation on Egghead Island. The Straw Hats face overwhelming odds as they navigate betrayals, powerful enemies, and the World Government’s ruthless pursuit of Vegapunk. These episodes are essential viewing for any One Piece fan, promising intense battles, emotional moments, and major developments in the overarching story. The Egghead Arc is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic and consequential arcs in the series, and these episodes are just the beginning.
