When you think of the most emotional moments in One Piece, what do you think of? Whether it’s an immediate shock or a slow burn, every fan will admit they shed a tear at least once.
The list will have every sort of moment from tragic backstories to unexpected events. You might already expect the chosen 10 in this list but hopefully at least one or two will be a surprise.
I’ll base it off three separate criteria: emotional impact, storytelling and lasting impact. Basically, how much did it hit me when the moment initially happened, how well was it written and how I think about it today. Also, this list contains spoilers so you have been warned.
Breakdown of the 21 Most Emotional Moments In One Piece
21. Pudding Says Goodbye to Sanji
Emotional Impact – 9
Storytelling – 9
Lasting Impact – 8
Total Score – 26/30
Story Summary:
Whole Cake Island! Why you gotta do this to me! This arc produces multiple emotional moments in One Piece. That’s why it’s my favorite. We all knew Vinsmoke Sanji had 0 allies going into his arranged marriage, but Charlotte Pudding, his soon to be wife, seemed different. Yes, at first she was in on the planned assassination of Sanji, but Sanji being Sanji was able to captivate Pudding. Since her birth, Pudding had a third eye right in the middle of her forehead. Her family bullied her and called her hideous because of it. Sanji was the only one that accepted her true appearance. Eventually, Pudding fell in love with Sanji and grew empathetic. They both had a shared feeling of being the odd one out in the family. Because of this, this romance bloomed in the most unlikely spot.
Why It’s Here:
Then, it all came crashing down in the final moments of Whole Cake Island. Pudding admitted her feelings for Sanji, shared a kiss with him and erased his memories of that moment. It was a surprising and emotional moment because Pudding has to go back to her family and Sanji leaves with no memories of their goodbye. Oda left us fans in disbelief, wondering if Sanji and Pudding will ever meet again.
20. Luffy’s Breakdown at Marineford
Emotional Impact – 10
Storytelling – 6
Lasting Impact – 10
Total Score – 26/30
Story Summary:
During the Marineford War, Luffy’s breakdown left him paralyzed with grief after his brother, Portgas D. Ace, was killed by Admiral Sakazuki. This instantly shattered Luffy’s mind. Leaving himself vulnerable, it was Luffy who needed saving now. Luckily, his allies (Jinbe, Shanks, Buggy, Trafalgar Law, etc.) rescue and send him back to Amazon Lily to recover. Fortunately, with the help of Jinbe, Luffy returns to his senses.
Why It’s Here:
For so long (at least real world time), the audience waited and waited for Luffy to rescue his brother. We were expecting joy and partying in the upcoming chapters. Instead, we were met with sorrow and a funeral. What Luffy loses here isn’t just his brother, it’s also the belief in himself to be there for his friends and family. The scene with Jinbe is especially emotional when Luffy realizes Ace is truly gone. However, he’s reminded of what he does have. His nakama and crew, the Straw Hat Pirates.
I mean I just had to give the story telling a low grade. It was a complete let down of Whitebeard’s and Luffy’s struggle to save him. They go through all this just for him to get rage baited. I understand others won’t agree and that’s fine. To me, Luffy’s reaction to it is what will be remembered more.
19. Chouchou’s Last Stand
Emotional Impact – 9
Storytelling – 9
Lasting Impact – 9
Total Score – 27/30
Story Summary:
Who remembers this little guy? I do because he’s on the list dedicated to the most emotional moments in One Piece. For those that forgot, Chouchou was introduced very early in the show during Orange Town. He was known for waiting for his late owner’s return, just like the real life Hachiko. Upon Buggy the Clown’s arrival, he stood strong and bravely did his best to guard the pet shop. Unfortunately, the Buggy Pirates burned the shop to the ground after Richie, Buggy’s lion, was refused food from Chouchou.
Why It’s Here:
Even though he was this little dog, he did everything he could to save the shop, but he just couldn’t. It was a heartbreaking moment as Chouchou watched the last thing connecting him to his owner was reduced to ashes. At last, Luffy does step in to teach Buggy’s crew a lesson. It’s not widely talked about, but this was by far One Piece’s most emotional moments during the early parts of the show. Justice for Chouchou!
18. The Minks’s Lie
Emotional Impact – 10
Storytelling – 9
Lasting Impact – 9
Total Score – 28/30
Story Summary:
Eiichiro Oda was cooking with the emotional moments between Dressrosa and Whole Cake Island. What happened on Zou was by far the most out of nowhere of these, and I am all for it. For five straight days and nights, Inurashi, Nekomamushi, and the Minks battled Jack the Drought, one of Kaido’s commanders. Somehow, Jack had information that the Minks on Zou were secretly hiding an enemy by the name of Raizo, one of the Nine Red Scabbards. The Minks denied this claim, and so the battle between the Minks and Jack ensued. Neither side was giving in until the fifth and final day. Jack, with the help of Ceasar the Clown’s gas, poisoned the Minks. Luckily, Jack left to help Doflamingo and left some Beast Pirates to survey the village.
Why It’s Here:
Later, Monkey D. Luffy, his crew, Momonosuke and Kin’emon came across Nekomamushi and Inurashi, and they reveal the truth. Raizo was alive and safe on Zou. The build up to this moment was so well done. I remember going, “No way. The entire tribe suffered just to save one man?” The music and everyone’s reactions just encapsulated this as one of the best emotional and memorable moments in One Piece.
17. Pedro’s Sacrifice at Whole Cake Island
Emotional Impact – 10
Storytelling – 9
Lasting Impact – 9
Total Score – 28/30
Story Summary:
I don’t even know where to begin with this entry. Pedro, the captain of the mink Guardians, met his end way too soon. When he was younger, Pedro was a pirate and ventured his way into Big Mom’s domain. Unfortunately for him, Big Mom caught him and used her Stay or Death technique from her Paramecia Devil Fruit, the Soul-Soul fruit. He lost 50 years of his lifespan but was about to meet the person who he believe will bring about the dawn of the new world, monkey D. Luffy. Since he feels Luffy is the destined man and knows his way around Whole Cake Island, Pedro joins the Sanji Retrieval Team’s quest to save Vinsmoke Sanji. During the climax of the crew’s escape, he reveals his trump card. Under his cloak, he wore a vest made out of dynamite to take Perospero and others with him.
Why It’s Here:
While Pedro doesn’t take down the villain, Perospero’s candy barrier broke which freed the Thousand Sunny. Because of this, the rest of the retrieval team were able to escape. Rewatching this moment solidified my feelings for this man. I just wish Pedro didn’t go out this way. Out of all the characters in One Piece, I wanted to see more of Pedro. At least he delivers one of the most emotional moments in One Piece. RIP Pedro.
16. Sanji Says Goodbye to Zeff
Emotional Impact – 10
Storytelling – 9
Lasting Impact – 9
Total Score – 28/30
Story Summary:
Sailing all the way back to the East Blue is Sanji’s goodbye to Zeff. For a while, Zeff has been annoyed with Sanji, hoping Sanji will finally man up and live his own life. After the intense fight with Don Krieg’s pirate crew, Sanji reluctantly decides it’s time to leave with Monkey D. Luffy and find the All Blue. As he is leaving, Sanji turns and kneels to pay his respects to Zeff with a face full of tears.
Why It’s Here:
To Sanji, Zeff took the role of a father figure. He taught him all there is to cooking and to being a man. Sanji felt like he owed Zeff his life, and he felt like he had to repay Zeff by staying on Baratie. On the other hand, Sanji wanted to leave and find the All Blue. After years and years together, all of Sanji’s repressed gratitude finally pours out of him. Everytime I watch this scene, whether it’s the anime or the new live action, I can’t help but tear up. It reminds me of my own dad and everything I’ve learned from him. This, one of the first emotional moments in One Piece, is Eiichiro Oda showing us what he can cook up.
15. Señor Pink’s Backstory
Emotional Impact – 10
Storytelling – 10
Lasting Impact – 8
Total Score – 28/30
Story Summary:
From one of the most beloved characters to arguably the most misunderstood is Señor Pink and his story with Russian, his late wife. The two would have a child named Gimlet. While Pink was off on what he called a business trip, Gimlet contracted a fatal disease, ending his life. This causes Russian to question everything about Pink. One day during a wild storm, Russian sneaks out and finds Señor Pink is a pirate working for Doflamingo. Feeling betrayed, she runs out into the storm. Unfortunately, a landslide hits and leaves her in a vegetative state. Following this, Señor Pink does what he can to bring back any spark of life from Russian. Unexpectedly, Señor Pink puts on his late child’s binky and bib which causes Russian to crack a slight smile. From then on, he wears it everyday to just see that smile until her death.
Why It’s Here:
I don’t even know where to begin. An absolute curveball of an emotional moment just hit out of nowhere. You think such a comical character wouldn’t have such a background. But when it comes to One Piece, comedy disguies even the most emotional moments. After Russian’s passing, Pink chooses to look ridiculous because it is his way of showing regret and accepting his ridicule as punishment. The death of his family is something he has to live with for the rest of his life. It truly depicts how some people’s lives are completely altered by such significant events.
14. Bon Clay’s Sacrifice at Impel Down
Emotional Impact – 10
Storytelling – 9
Lasting Impact – 10
Total Score – 29/30
Story Summary:
I’ve mentioned it time and time again. Eiichiro Oda LOVES writing villains with redemption arcs. Bon Clay, aka Mr. 2 of Baroque Works, is one of the best characters in One Piece. Not only is his character design amazing, but his resolve to help Monkey D. Luffy and his friends are second to none. He saved Luffy not once, but twice. The first was right after saying goodbye to Vivi and Karoo, and the other was during Impel Down. To me, his sacrifice in Impel Down was much more significant. The Marines had Luffy, Buggy, Jinbe, Crocodile, etc., completely surrounded, and closed the Gates of Justice on them.
Why It’s Here:
Luckily for them, Bon Clay snuck into Impel Down’s control room, disguised himself as Hannyabal, and opened the Gates of Justice. This allowed Luffy and company to make their way to Marineford and join the great war. It was a shock, to say the least. Bon Clay did it again knowing the outcome for him would be the same as his sacrifice in Alabasta. That’s what makes it more significant to me. The fact he did once and chose to take the same fate. Bon Clay’s sacrifice will go down as one of the most MVP plays and emotional One Piece moments ever.
13. Kuma Destroys the Straw Hats
Emotional Impact – 10
Storytelling – 10
Lasting Impact – 9
Total Score – 29/30
Story Summary:
There aren’t many points in One Piece where the strength disparity is insanely obvious. Kuma destroying the Straw Hats was one of those moments. It also created one of the most emotional moments in One Piece, at least for Monkey D. Luffy. During the climax of Sabaody Archipelago, Admiral Kizaru, Kuma, and other marines are dispatched to the island to take care of a little pirate problem. They took care of practically everyone, zero sweat. Finally, Kuma met the Straw Hats. This is where the story finally tests the captain. Yes, he had lost to villains in the past, but what happened here was unexpected. So, Kuma took them out one by one, leaving Luffy to witness his crew disappear right before him.
Why It’s Here:
Luffy’s reaction to it is what hit me and other fans alike. He felt weak and hopeless. The frustration inside him worked its way out and Luffy slammed his fists into the ground, accepting his fate. In the end, Kuma sent Luffy off as well.The emotion that came from him and his crew is really what made me tear up. Of course this wasn’t the end of their journey together, that much one could guess. However, the writing and emotions that were shown from them were very much real. It’s one of the most pivotal and emotional moments in all of One Piece.
12. Chopper and Dr. Hiriluk
Emotional Impact – 10
Storytelling – 10
Lasting Impact – 9
Total Score – 29/30
Story Summary:
Up next is the story of a quack doctor and an ostracized reindeer. After saving Tony Tony Chopper from ruthless humans, Dr. Hiriluk becomes the young reindeer’s adoptive father. Together, they form a very deep bond. Overtime, Chopper tries to learn from Hiriluk, but once Hiriluk became sick, the doctor pushed Chopper out of his life. In an attempt to save him, Chopper gave him the Amiudake Mushroom. What Chopper didn’t know was that the mushroom was actually poisonous. Dr. Hiriluk took the mushroom anyway because he knew his time was up anyway.
In his last moments, he tried to give Chopper the belief that it worked. Hiriluk knew his time was short anyway because he seeked out Wapol, the king of Drum, to save the twenty doctors. It was all a lie to capture and execute Hiriluk. The quack doctor already saw through the facade but went because what if in the slight chance he was needed. In the end, Wapol catches Hiriluk and his story ends.
Why It’s Here:
The story of the two is quite remarkable and creates one of the saddest and emotional moments in One Piece. Hiriluk’s inspiration gives Chopper the conviction to live and become a doctor to save others. The bond they created was just so incredibly wholesome. All the two wanted was to create a cure that could save anyone. What really stood out was Hiriluk’s speech before his inevitable death. Dr. Hiriluk realizes his spirit, hopes and dreams will pass to Chopper. He knows without a doubt that Chopper will find a cure to everything and save everyone. A man dies when he is forgotten, and Dr. Hiriluk will not be a man that dies. Rather, he will be a legend to be remembered.
11. Robin’s Backstory
Emotional Impact – 10
Storytelling – 9
Lasting Impact – 10
Total Score – 29/30
Story Summary:
Just missing the Top 10 is Nico Robin’s backstory in Ohara. Similarly to Trafalgar Law, Robin loses her entire island by genocide. Because of the World Government, she loses her mom and her new friend Saul. At the very (and I mean VERY) least, Kuzan let Robin live. For the next several years, the world government forces Robin to her to hide for the rest of her life. They also create the fake story that Robin is a monster.
With that plaguing her mind, Robin lives with the thought that she should not exist. She goes from town to town only to eventually be exploited and turned into the world government. She quickly learns to be cunning and take advantage of others because she knows she can’t rely on friends. Up to the events of Enies Lobby, she naturally swears off any connection to people. Luckily, Luffy and company manage to finally break that curse. Finally, the weight of this curse is lifted off her shoulders.
Why It’s Here:
Imagine being an 8 year old child and everyone sees you as a devil child. It makes sense that Robin was a villain now. For the longest time, she had no one. Her life after 8 years simply became living to survive, clinging on to a hope that might never be fulfilled. That’s why it was so heart shattering when she finally told everyone she wants to live. Her hope had finally come true. Man, there is so much more to unpack here. From being skeptical of the government to never giving up, Oda has taught us many lessons with the story of Nico Robin. For now, I’ll just leave it at that.
The ONLY reason I knocked off a point was the reveal of Saul still being alive. Oda has a terrible habit of bringing back characters that should be dead. If he didn’t do it so often then MAYBE I would have given it a perfect score. I just can’t excuse it. To me, it just feels forced and slightly ruins an otherwise classic moment.
10. Dressrosa Regains Their Memories
Emotional Impact – 10
Storytelling – 10
Lasting Impact – 10
Total Score – 30/30
Story Summary:
Everyone’s favorite One Piece Villain, Donquixote Doflamingo, is credited with causing some of the most heinous and emotional moments in One Piece. With this power and his secret knowledge of the Celestial Dragons, he took over Dressrosa. How did he manage to take Dressrosa? He used his String-String Devil fruit to manipulate the movement of Dressrosa’s king, Riku Doldo III. Treating Riku as a puppet, Doflamingo made him destroy his own town and kill his own citizens. Doflamingo then tricked everyone by “saving” them from Riku.
Along with the usage of propaganda, Doflamingo had a powerful ally who used the Hobby-Hobby devil fruit. Her name? Sugar. Sugar could turn people into toys and command them, but everyone would then forget that person ever existed. She caused possibly thousands of people to be forgotten and used them as slaves. She caused Rebecca and Scarlet to forget Kyros, the major characters introduced from the Dressrosa Kingdom. When Scarlet passed away, Kyros, her husband now a toy, wept for her. In her dying breath, she never again remembered Kyros.
Why It’s Here:
All the toys’ families forgot about them too. Wives getting new husbands because to them they never even had a husband. Kids were forgotten. Friends were lost. After 10 years, Usopp was able to undo Sugar’s technique which reversed the nation’s memory loss. Everyone was remembered and Rebecca was able to reunite with Kyros. It was a bittersweet reunion. 10 years gone. Loved ones gone. Even their entire Kingdom is gone. Despite Kyros returning, the time they lost is what hurts the most. Scarlet was long gone and Rebecca’s childhood had passed. Everyone regained their memories but not everything they lost was regained.
9. Brook’s Backstory
Emotional Impact – 10
Storytelling – 10
Lasting Impact – 10
Total Score – 30/30
Story Summary:
Even though it looks like the story in Elbaf is setting up another flashback with Brook and Gunko, let us remind ourselves of the first one. While traveling with the Rumbar Pirates, Brook travels the seas and meets an unlikely friend. A whale named Laboon. Laboon, now separated from his whale pod, journeyed with the Rumbar Pirates. Soon after, the pirates left him with Crocus as the Grand Line was far too treacherous for a baby whale. They promised to see Laboon again. However, during their travels, Brook and his crew are left poisoned after being raided by other pirates. Slowly but surely, each member, donning their instrument and singing Binks Sake, falls to their death one by one. Thus, leaving only Brook to carry out the famous Binks Sake song. He too perishes.
Why It’s Here:
Knowing your final moments is a very daunting idea. Not only does Brook lose his crew, he revives a year later surrounded by their skeletons for decades. Brook practically spends a whole lifetime constantly reminded of his losses. On top of that, he believes his promise to Laboon is shattered. Unknowingly, this leaves Laboon anxious and frantic. Laboon endangers his own life by trying to break the Red Line, hoping one day he will see Brook and the Rumbar Pirates. Adding salt to the wound, Brook even becomes exploited by Gecko Moria until the Straw Hats finally rescue him. Yes, he’s a goofy character, but it hides his true sorrow.
8. Straw Hats Say Goodbye to Vivi
Emotional Impact – 10
Storytelling – 10
Lasting Impact – 10
Total Score – 30/30
Story Summary:
Parting with something or someone is one of the hardest things to do in life. I remember just how hard it was to say bye to a friend or cousin, even though we would see each other again in the future. That’s why I just had to place the Straw Hats’ farewell to Princess Nefetari Vivi and Karoo after the events in Alabasta. Even though in the show their time was short, we, the audience, spent a significant amount of time with Vivi and Karoo (close to two years).
Why It’s Here:
So, when it was finally time for the Straw Hats to leave, it felt all too bittersweet. Because the Marines were watching, the Straw Hats couldn’t let them know there was an alliance between them and Vivi. So, they turned their backs on her. Finally, they all raised their arms up showing the black “X” which was a symbol of their friendship. Vivi and Karoo understood and, with tears in their eyes, raised their arms with the same symbol. I know I definitely teared up at this moment and to this day it is one of my favorite emotional moments in One Piece.
7. Trafalgar Law and Donquixote Rosinante
Emotional Impact – 10
Storytelling – 10
Lasting Impact – 10
Total Score – 30/30
Story Summary:
Now down to the top 3 saddest moments in One Piece is the story of Trafalgar D. Water Law and Donquixote Rosinante. After losing his whole family and being infected by a deadly disease, Law turns to the infamous Donquixote Pirates with no hope left. There, Law meets Rosinante who spends months searching for a cure. Together they spend time and grow a very tight and brotherly connection. Finally, they find the Op-Op Fruit, the answer to their problem, only for Rosinante to be murdered by his own real brother, Donquixote Doflamingo.
Why It’s Here:
The whole backstory is tragedy after tragedy. It’s a story about loss and hopelessness that a child should never endure. Every bad thing is thrown at Law. Just like Dolfamingo, Law could have very easily turned down a dark path. Luckily, Rosinante breaks that curse offering a new light to the young child. On top of that, Rosinante’s mission had nothing to do with Law, yet he sacrifices all his efforts to save him. Truly a selfless act that places Rosinante as one of the most beloved characters in One Piece, and offers us a very emotional moment.
6. Kuma’s Sacrifice for Bonney
Emotional Impact – 10
Storytelling – 10
Lasting Impact – 10
Total Score – 30/30
Story Summary:
To me, Kuma’s sacrifice for Bonney would have to be the saddest moment in One Piece. However, when it comes to emotions, there are some that I squeeze just above it. At a young age, Bonney was diagnosed with the incurable Sapphire Scale Disease. By age 10, doctors said that Bonney would die. Even though Kuma’s parents and wife, Ginny, all died to the hands of the world nobles, Kuma had no choice but to turn to them in his time of need. Sacrificing his mind and body, Kuma becomes a weapon of war in exchange for a cure to save Bonney.
Why It’s Here:
Not only is this story one of the most emotional moments in One Piece, it is arguably the saddest moment in all anime. Kuma has been surrounded by death his entire life. This time, he fights with all he can to at least save his daughter. He does this but at what cost? As a father, he knew he had no choice. Saving his daughter would be the final thing he does even if it means losing himself. Hopefully, Kuma is able to be saved as he surely deserves it.
5. Luffy Climbs Drum Mountain
Emotional Impact – 10
Storytelling – 10
Lasting Impact – 10
Total Score – 30/30
Story Summary:
After the events of Little Garden, Nami contracted the Five-Day Disease. This disease is as literal as it can get. Within five days, you are dead. Luckily for the Straw Hats, they were able to land at Drum Island, a place notorious for having the best doctors. Unluckily for them, however, was that all the doctors were basically bought out by King Wapol’s evil schemes. Soon after, the crew hears of a lone doctor that lives on top of Drum Mountain. So with Nami strapped on Luffy’s back, they and Sanji scale Drum Mountain which is 5000 meters tall (16404 feet). All bloodied up and exhausted, they finally reach the top.
Why It’s Here:
When I first reached this part of the story, it was the best emotional moment in One Piece. Luffy had to carry Nami and Sanji after he lost consciousness for several hours. Man, the intensity and urgency of the writing was making me nervous. Looking back at this moment, he climbed about FIFTEEN WHOLE EIFFEL TOWERS. This man is nuts. His loyalty and commitment is what solidified this moment. It portrayed just how far he would go for his crew. Literally, he would climb mountains. As far as emotional moments go, this is a personal favorite of mine.
4. Going Merry’s Funeral
Emotional Impact – 10
Storytelling – 10
Lasting Impact – 10
Total Score – 30/30
Story Summary:
Ah the Going Merry. Who knew the crew’s main ship would ever go out, and then produce such an emotional scene? Throughout the early days of One Piece, the Going Merry was the Straw Hat Crew’s home. As the crew sailed, the ship picked up a lot of damage. Even with Ussop’s efforts, the Going Merry’s end of lifespan was nearing closer and closer without many of us even realizing. Eventually, the ship had one last hurrah and saved the Straw Hats during the Buster Call in Enies Lobby. After that, the Going Merry would say goodbye to the crew. Every Straw Hat shared one last moment with her, ending a chapter of a fun, carefree adventure.
Why It’s Here:
What is there to say here? The ability for Oda to have us care so deeply about a pirate ship is absolutely insane. Seeing each of the crew’s reactions only made the emotion so much stronger. It made many of them understand this. That going forward, the quest to the One Piece will be a journey of many hardships. For now it’s their ship, but who knows what will happen next. Rest in peace, the Going Merry.
3. Nami Asks Luffy for Help
Emotional Impact – 10
Storytelling – 10
Lasting Impact – 10
Total Score – 30/30
Story Summary:
Of course this emotional moment is going to appear on this list. This scene is the one I have replayed the most. Before the Straw Hats were the Straw Hats, Nami didn’t believe in Monkey D. Luffy. She didn’t believe in the new friends: Roronoa Zoro, Usopp and Vinsmoke Sanji. She could only rely on herself in the early days of the series. When she was a kid, she made a deal with Arlong. Bring him 100 million berries and her village will be freed. So, she collected the money and left the Straw Hats.
However, Arlong betrayed their agreement, and told the rat marine, Captain Nezumi, where Nami hid her money. To Nami, this shattered her completely and felt hopeless. Luckily, Luffy was there and all she had to do was say the word. Finally, Nami looked at Luffy and asked for help. Luffy replied with the iconic, “OF COURSE I WILL!” Placing his straw hat on Nami, Luffy, Zoro, Usopp, and Sanji raid the Arlong Park and take them down.
Why It’s Here:
I mean what is there to say about this beautiful moment that hasnt been said already. It sends chills all over my body when Nami finally asks for help. Then, and I know it’s only in the anime, the iconic “Overtaken” melody plays and the 4 heroes do their iconic walk to Arlong Park. Not many emotional moments can take over this spot in One Piece. I mean, this is what got me and many others hooked for more One Piece.
2. Ussop’s Breakdown at Water 7
Emotional Impact – 10
Storytelling – 10
Lasting Impact – 10
Total Score – 30/30
Story Summary:
Slingshotting his way to number 2 is Ussop and his breakdown in Water 7. During the travels of the Straw Hats, the Going Merry took a lot of damage. Luckily, the crew managed to find their way to Water 7, a place known for ship builders. With their newly founded wealth from Skypeia, Usopp, Nami, and Luffy make their way to meet the Galley-La Company. This is when Kaku, one of the shipwrights at the time, went and performed a health check on the Going Merry. Soon after, he came with bad news. He told the trio that they would need to replace their ship if they wished to continue their journey.
While the crew initially decided against that, all but Usopp relunctantly agreed to find a new ship. The decision left Usopp in disbelief, so he leave the crew and challenges Luffy to a duel. The winner of the fight keeps the Going Merry. Ultimately, Luffy wins no doubt but still gives the ship to Usopp, ending their friendship.
Why It’s Here:
Ever since his introduction, Ussop has felt inferior to his fellow crew mates. It all came crashing down after the Straw Hat Crew were told to replace their beloved ship, the Going Merry. To Ussop, the Going Merry was everything to him. Not only was it his connection to Kaya, but it was his way of contributing to the Straw Hats. He’s not a chef, a navigator, a doctor, a leader, or a fighter. Without the Going Merry, Ussop felt that he would be replaced next.
So, he challenges Luffy to keep the Going Merry. Everyone knew this fight was a lost cause, but that’s what made it more painful. Ussop gives it his all and still falls short. It’s too real. Choosing to hold on or to let go is not an easy choice for Ussop or Luffy. The inner turmoil of the Straw Hats will remain as one of the most emotional moments in One Piece.
1. Sanji VS Luffy
Emotional Impact – 10
Storytelling – 10
Lasting Impact – 10
Total Score – 30/30
Story Summary:
Man where do I even begin with this one. The Whole Cake Island arc had me in tears several times. After Dressrosa, Monkey D. Luffy learned about the soon to be forced marriage between Vinsmoke Sanji and Charlotte Pudding. In typical Luffy fashion, he set off to go and save his friend. After battling through Charlotte Cracker, Luffy, with a grand smile, finally finds Sanji, who gave him no emotion in return. Sanji felt he had to leave the Straw Hats to save his adoptive father, Zeff of Baratie. He was completely convinced there was nothing anyone could do about it. Upon seeing Luffy, he had no choice but to ignore his captain’s plea. Deep down, he wanted to go with Luffy, but his past finally caught him. Instead, Sanji needed to convince his family, the Vinsmokes, that his connection to Luffy was severed. What came next was truly devastating.
Due to Luffy’s stubbornness to leave, Sanji gave him a complete beat down. Kick after kick, Luffy endured each one. Finally, Sanji was able to knock him out, leaving him bloodied and bruised on the field. Quickly after, Luffy stands up and states he cannot become the King of the Pirates without Sanji. With tears streaming down his face, Sanji holds in his emotions as best as he can while his brothers laugh at and mock Luffy.
Why It’s Here:
Just thinking about this scene gives me chills. I can still feel the emotions from it even now as if it was my first time watching it. Everything about it from the clash, to the beat down, and finally from the captain and chef unknowingly sharing tears about the event. There’s a lot to unpack here but I’ll leave it at this. Hands down, Sanji vs Luffy is my pick for the most emotional moments in all of One Piece.
In Conclusion
Thanks for reading everyone! I hope you all enjoyed the 21 Most Emotional Moments in One Piece. I know some takes can be controversial, but it would be lame to have the same opinions as everyone else. Anyway, please feel free to leave a comment on your thoughts to this list. Whether it’s something you like or don’t I would be happy to reply.
Also, check out some other articles on One Piece if that’s your thing. Have a great day and stay sexy my friends.