One Piece [Episodes 85-88]

Alright, let’s dive into One Piece Episodes 85-88! First off, for those who might be new, One Piece is this legendary anime that’s been around since 1999, following Monkey D. Luffy and his crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, as they sail the Grand Line searching for the ultimate treasure, the One Piece. These episodes are part of the Alabasta Arc, which is super iconic—think epic battles, political intrigue, and some major character development.

Starting with Episode 85, titled “The Sand Crocodile’s Plot! The Unveiling of Vivi’s Secret,” we get a lot of setup. The crew is in Alabasta, a desert kingdom, and they’re trying to stop the evil Crocodile from overthrowing the royal family. Vivi, the princess, reveals her true identity to the crew, and we learn more about Crocodile’s dastardly plan to create a civil war using dance powder (a substance that manipulates weather). Fans on forums were hyped about Vivi’s courage here—she’s not just a damsel; she’s taking charge. One comment I saw said, “Vivi’s speech to the crew gave me chills. She’s so determined, even when things look impossible.”

Episode 86, “A Hero Rises! The Legendary Desert Pirate, Mr. Prince,” introduces a fun twist. Luffy, in his usual chaotic fashion, pretends to be “Mr. Prince” to infiltrate Crocodile’s base, the Rain Dinners Casino. The humor here is top-notch—Luffy’s terrible disguise had fans laughing out loud. Someone joked, “Luffy thinks a fake mustache and a fancy suit make him unrecognizable? Classic Luffy move.” But it’s not all jokes; this episode also shows how clever the crew can be when they work together. Zoro and Sanji have some great moments, too, as they distract the guards.

Then Episode 87, “The Kingdom in Turmoil! Dance Powder and the Rebellion,” ramps up the tension. The rebellion, led by Koza, is getting closer to the capital, and Crocodile’s agents are stirring up trouble everywhere. The animation here is stunning—Toei Animation really nailed the desert landscapes and the chaos of the impending war. Fans praised the emotional beats, especially when Koza realizes he’s been manipulated. One user wrote, “Koza’s pain when he finds out the truth about the dance powder is so raw. You can’t help but feel for him.”

Finally, Episode 88, “The Duel in the Royal Tomb! Luffy vs. Crocodile, Round 2,” is where the action goes wild. Luffy faces off against Crocodile again, and this time, he’s more prepared. The fight scenes are intense—Crocodile’s Logia-type Devil Fruit (Sand-Sand Fruit) makes him almost invincible, but Luffy uses water to counteract his powers. Fans were on the edge of their seats, with one comment saying, “That moment when Luffy douses Crocodile with water and lands a punch? Chef’s kiss. I rewatched that scene three times!”

What’s cool about these episodes is how they balance humor, action, and heart. The Straw Hats aren’t just fighting for treasure—they’re fighting for justice and to protect their friends. Vivi’s arc here is a fan favorite because it shows that strength isn’t just about physical power; it’s about standing up for what’s right.

Some fans did mention that the pacing can be a bit slow at times, but that’s typical for One Piece. The series takes its time to build up characters and plotlines, which makes the payoff even better. As one user put it, “Yeah, it’s slow, but when the big moments hit, they hit HARD. You can’t rush perfection.”

Another thing to note is the worldbuilding. Oda, the creator, is a genius at creating rich, detailed worlds, and Alabasta is no exception. The desert setting, the political dynamics, and the unique characters (like the Baroque Works agents) all add depth to the story. Fans love how every arc feels like a new adventure, and Alabasta is definitely one of the most memorable.

In terms of character development, these episodes show Luffy growing as a leader. He’s still impulsive, but he’s learning to trust his crew and think strategically. Zoro and Sanji also get to shine—Zoro’s loyalty and Sanji’s quick thinking are crucial to the crew’s success. And let’s not forget Nami, who uses her navigation skills to help the crew navigate the desert.

Overall, Episodes 85-88 are a great example of why One Piece has such a dedicated fanbase. They’re packed with action, humor, and emotional moments that keep you hooked. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just starting out, these episodes are a must-watch. As one fan summed it up, “Alabasta Arc is where One Piece really starts to feel like an epic. These episodes set the stage for one of the best arcs in the series.”

So, if you haven’t seen them yet, grab some snacks, sit back, and enjoy the ride. And if you have, rewatch them—you’ll notice new details every time! 🚢⚔️