One Piece Episode 1140, titled “An Admired Hero – The Warrior of Liberation Who Saves Bonney” (also referred to as “Pacifista Rebellion! The Authority That Surpasses the Elders”), premiered on August 17, 2025, on Crunchyroll, with Netflix following on August 23, 2025, bringing the highly anticipated return of Monkey D. Luffy’s Gear 5 in a pivotal moment for the Egghead Island Arc. The episode delivered significant plot developments, including Luffy’s heroic intervention to save Jewelry Bonney, the unfolding Buster Call, and the surprising arrival of the Giant Warrior Pirates. While lauded for its narrative impact and many animation sequences, some fans expressed disappointment regarding the notable use of CGI, particularly for explosions, which they felt detracted from the series’ established art style.
Luffy’s Triumphant Return and Gear 5’s Impact
Episode 1140 marked a critical turning point in the escalating conflict on Egghead Island. After being sidelined in previous episodes, Luffy made a dramatic re-entry into the fray, fully unleashing his Gear 5th. This powerful transformation was central to his heroic act of saving Bonney, who was in grave danger amidst the World Government’s assault.
The episode vividly portrayed the chaos of the Buster Call, with numerous Marine ships opening fire on Egghead Island. Amidst this destruction, Saint Jaygarcia Saturn had ordered Admiral Kizaru to eliminate Dr. Vegapunk, while Bartholomew Kuma valiantly protected Bonney from Pacifista attacks. The return of Gear 5 was expected to be an iconic moment, particularly as it presented the first instance for both Bonney and Kuma to witness the “Warrior of Liberation,” Nika, whom they had long admired. The sequence where Luffy unleashes Gear 5 was highlighted for its dynamic direction, featuring severe squash-and-stretch animation and prolonged reaction shots from the astonished Marines, emphasizing the form’s unpredictable and cartoonish logic.
Pacifista Rebellion and the Giants’ Arrival
A significant plot twist in Episode 1140 saw the Pacifista, originally under World Government control, turn on the Marines following Bonney’s orders. This shift in allegiance was intertwined with Dr. Vegapunk’s impassioned disclosure regarding the Pacifista hierarchy, giving this act of betrayal a profound emotional weight that reportedly enhanced the manga’s original depiction. The episode also offered glimpses of the unexpected arrival of Dorry and Brogy, the captains of the Giant Warrior Pirates, whose presence was hinted at in the preview and treated as a mythological event within the episode. Their appearance, alongside the awakening of the Iron Giant, further elevated the stakes and complexity of the Egghead Arc.
Fan Reception and CGI Controversy
Despite the high-stakes action and crucial plot developments, Episode 1140 garnered mixed reactions from the One Piece fanbase. Many praised the episode for its faithful adaptation of manga chapter 1106 and its overall stunning animation, particularly in character moments and the depiction of Gear 5. However, a point of contention arose from the prominent use of CGI for explosions and certain ship sequences during the Buster Call.
Viewers expressed that these CGI elements, described as “hyper-realistic,” felt out of place and clashed with the anime’s traditional art style. Some argued that while other anime successfully integrate CGI, in Episode 1140, it detracted from the visual consistency and the emotional impact of key scenes, especially for moments like Bonney recognizing Luffy as Nika. This led to discussions among fans regarding Toei Animation’s experimental approach to animation in this pivotal arc.
Where to Watch One Piece Episode 1140
For fans looking to catch up on the latest developments in the Egghead Arc, One Piece Episode 1140 is available for streaming.
- Crunchyroll: New episodes typically become available on Sundays, with Episode 1140 released on August 17, 2025.
- Netflix: Episodes are generally released one week after their Crunchyroll debut, with Episode 1140 arriving on August 23, 2025.
Both platforms offer the episode with Japanese audio and various subtitle options. Other streaming services like Hulu, YouTube TV, and Adult Swim also offer One Piece content, though the availability of the absolute latest episodes may vary.
