The Fish-Man Island arc in One Piece has long been a point of contention among fans. While significant for its world-building and plot foreshadowing, many found its pacing slow and the central conflict less compelling than other arcs. Now, in 2025, Toei Animation is addressing these criticisms with a remastered and re-edited version of the saga, promising a tighter, more engaging experience for both newcomers and longtime fans.
Why Revisit Fish-Man Island?
The original Fish-Man Island arc, adapting material from volumes 61 to 66 of Eiichiro Oda’s manga, spanned a lengthy 62 episodes. While it contained crucial plot points and character development, its pacing often felt drawn out. This new adaptation aims to condense the story into a more digestible format, addressing concerns about the arc’s overall quality.
Addressing Pacing Issues
One of the primary goals of the re-edited version is to improve the pacing. By trimming unnecessary scenes and streamlining the narrative, the remastered arc aims to maintain the core story elements while keeping viewers more engaged. Reports indicate the new version will consist of 21 episodes. This focus will give the series a more modern feel, as well as allow the animators to clean up the animation.
Enhancing Animation and Voice Acting
Alongside pacing improvements, the remastered version boasts updated animation and higher-quality voice acting. This visual and auditory upgrade seeks to enhance the overall viewing experience, bringing the Fish-Man Island arc in line with the more recent, visually stunning arcs of One Piece.
What to Expect in the Remastered Saga
While the core narrative of the Fish-Man Island saga remains intact, the remastered version is expected to emphasize key plot points and character moments.
The Straw Hats’ Reunion and Journey
The saga begins with the Straw Hat Pirates reuniting at Sabaody Archipelago after their two-year training period. This reunion showcases their new abilities and sets the stage for their descent to Fish-Man Island, a kingdom located deep beneath the sea.
Confronting Hordy Jones and the New Fish-Man Pirates
The central conflict of the arc revolves around Hordy Jones, a fish-man who harbors a deep-seated hatred for humans. Hordy seeks to overthrow the Ryugu Kingdom and establish a new order based on fish-man supremacy. The Straw Hats find themselves caught in the middle of this conflict, ultimately confronting Hordy and his New Fish-Man Pirates.
Unveiling Ancient History and Prophecies
Fish-Man Island is rich with historical significance and prophetic foreshadowing. The arc delves into the history of the fish-men and their relationship with humans, exploring themes of discrimination and prejudice. It also introduces the concept of Joy Boy, a mysterious figure from the past who plays a crucial role in the overarching One Piece narrative.
The Importance of Shirahoshi and Poseidon
One of the most significant revelations of the Fish-Man Island arc is the true identity of Princess Shirahoshi. She is revealed to be Poseidon, one of the Ancient Weapons, possessing the power to communicate with and control sea kings. This revelation has major implications for the future of One Piece, hinting at the immense power and responsibility that Shirahoshi holds.
Foreshadowing Future Events
The Fish-Man Island arc contains numerous prophecies and foreshadowing elements that hint at future events in the One Piece storyline. Madam Shyarly’s predictions, in particular, suggest that Luffy will one day destroy Fish-Man Island, a cataclysmic event that could reshape the world.
Key Characters and Their Roles
The Fish-Man Island arc features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own motivations and roles to play in the unfolding drama.
Monkey D. Luffy
As the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates, Luffy is determined to protect his friends and uphold his values. In the Fish-Man Island arc, he confronts Hordy Jones and his New Fish-Man Pirates, fighting to liberate the island and ensure the safety of its inhabitants.
Roronoa Zoro, Sanji, and the Straw Hat Crew
The remaining members of the Straw Hat Crew each play a crucial role in the Fish-Man Island arc, showcasing their individual strengths and teamwork. Zoro and Sanji, in particular, demonstrate their enhanced combat abilities, while Nami’s navigational skills prove essential in navigating the treacherous waters surrounding the island.
Hordy Jones
As the main antagonist of the arc, Hordy Jones embodies the hatred and prejudice that exists between fish-men and humans. His desire for power and his belief in fish-man supremacy drive him to commit acts of violence and oppression.
Princess Shirahoshi
As Poseidon, Shirahoshi is a key figure in the Fish-Man Island arc and the One Piece world. Her ability to control sea kings makes her a target for those seeking to exploit her power.
Jinbe
A former Shichibukai and a fish-man, Jinbe plays a significant role in the Fish-Man Island arc. He is a voice of reason and moderation, advocating for peaceful coexistence between fish-men and humans. Although he declines Luffy’s initial invitation to join the Straw Hat Pirates, he eventually becomes a valuable member of the crew.
Why Fish-Man Island Matters in the Grand Scheme of One Piece
Despite criticisms of its pacing, the Fish-Man Island arc is undeniably important to the overall One Piece narrative. It introduces key concepts, characters, and plot points that will likely play a significant role in the series’ endgame.
Exploration of Discrimination and Prejudice
The arc’s exploration of discrimination and prejudice between fish-men and humans is a powerful commentary on real-world social issues. It highlights the importance of understanding, empathy, and the fight against injustice.
Introduction of Ancient Weapons and World-Shaking Power
The revelation of Shirahoshi as Poseidon and the introduction of Ancient Weapons hint at the immense power that exists within the One Piece world. These weapons have the potential to reshape the world and will likely be a focal point in future conflicts.
Foreshadowing the Final War
The prophecies and foreshadowing elements within the Fish-Man Island arc suggest that a massive war is on the horizon. This war, potentially triggered by Luffy’s actions, could have devastating consequences for the world and its inhabitants.
The Lasting Impact of Fish-Man Island
Regardless of its initial reception, the Fish-Man Island arc has had a lasting impact on the One Piece fanbase. It has sparked discussions about its themes, characters, and its place in the overall narrative.
Fan Theories and Discussions
The arc’s mysteries and foreshadowing have fueled countless fan theories and discussions. Fans continue to speculate about the meaning of Joy Boy, the nature of the Ancient Weapons, and the potential fate of Fish-Man Island.
A Foundation for Future Arcs
The Fish-Man Island arc lays the groundwork for future arcs in One Piece. The concepts and characters introduced in this arc will likely play a significant role in the series’ endgame, making it essential viewing for any One Piece fan.
The Remastered Fish-Man Island Saga: A Second Chance
The remastered Fish-Man Island saga offers a second chance for fans to appreciate the arc’s merits in a more streamlined and visually appealing format. By addressing pacing issues, enhancing animation, and emphasizing key plot points, this new version has the potential to elevate the Fish-Man Island arc to its rightful place in the One Piece canon. This updated version of the Fish-Man Island arc will likely provide the set up needed for the arcs to come.
