Exploring One Piece’s Most Overlooked Arc: A Hidden Gem in the Series

In every arc of One Piece, the Straw Hat Pirates venture into distinct locations, all while pursuing the fabled treasure of Gol D. Roger. The franchise is celebrated for its unique combination of grandeur, humor, and intrigue, ensuring that each arc unfolds as a distinctive journey, contributing to a rich and dynamic universe. However, not every segment of the One Piece saga receives equal acclaim.

Many fans label the Long Ring Long Land Arc as “filler” material, suggesting it can be overlooked without impacting the overall enjoyment of the series. Nevertheless, it serves as a delightful interlude amidst the intense emotional arcs of Arabasta, Skypiea, and Enies Lobby.

While the anime adaptation stretched the storyline unnecessarily, the manga’s original rendition is concise and offers an enjoyable experience. Typically, the Straw Hats are depicted as liberators for oppressed nations from malevolent antagonists. Conversely, the Long Ring Long Land Arc deviates from this formula, focusing instead on amusing escapades and showcasing the crew’s camaraderie, all while laying the groundwork for themes explored in subsequent arcs.

The Long Ring Long Land Arc in One Piece: An Underrated Treasure

A Synopsis of the Arc

The Straw Hats in Long Ring Long Land (Image via Toei Animation)

After departing from Skypiea, the Straw Hat Pirates arrive at a peculiar island where they encounter the whimsical yet kind Tonjit, an elderly man who shares his life with a horse named Shelly. Their visit is interrupted by the Foxy Pirates, who challenge the Straw Hats to a Davy Back Fight.

This pirate game involves competing against other crews in a series of contests, with the objective of forcibly recruiting members from the opposing team. Although the competition follows strict rules, it is decidedly rigged, as the Foxy Pirates have a referee on their side, allowing them to employ numerous underhanded tactics.

Ultimately, the Straw Hats prevail in the contest. Shortly thereafter, they cross paths with Marine Admiral Kuzan, also known as “Aokiji,”who reveals himself to be a past acquaintance of Nico Robin. Using his Ice-Ice Fruit powers, Aokiji assists Tonjit and then turns his attention toward the Straw Hats.

Even formidable members like Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji find themselves at a loss against the Admiral’s Logia abilities. However, Aokiji spares them, acknowledging their actions in Arabasta and a certain debt he claims to owe to Luffy’s grandfather. After Aokiji departs, Luffy and Nico Robin are freed from their icy predicament, allowing the crew to continue their adventure.

The Value of the Long Ring Long Land Arc

The Davy Back Fight's referee (Image via Toei Animation) — The Davy Back Fight’s referee (Image via Toei Animation)

While the Long Ring Long Land Arc introduces few significant plot developments aside from Aokiji’s appearance, it notably lacks emotionally charged moments reminiscent of iconic scenes such as Nami’s plea for help or Luffy ringing Skypiea’s golden bell.

The outcomes of the Davy Back Fight may not have lasting repercussions for either party, which might render the arc seemingly insignificant. However, despite not carrying the same weight as arcs like Arabasta, Enies Lobby, and Wano, Long Ring Long Land is intricately woven into One Piece’s overall narrative.

Aokiji’s introduction establishes the Admirals as the Navy’s preeminent military force and hints at Nico Robin’s enigmatic connections to the World Government. It also paves the way for Luffy’s initial power enhancement. Following his humbling defeat at Aokiji’s hands, Luffy comprehends the need for an evolved approach if he is to succeed moving forward.

Kuzan “Aokiji” in Long Ring Long Land (Image via Toei Animation)

The previous villains from East Blue presented minimal challenges, and victories over Crocodile in Arabasta and Enel in Skypiea were fortunate outcomes of various factors. The ruthless defeat dealt by Aokiji forces Luffy to recognize that sheer determination and luck cannot overcome all hurdles, a realization that may cost him some crew members.

This knowledge prompts Luffy to train, aiming to surpass his current capabilities. His fear of losing crew members—a sentiment first highlighted during the Long Ring Long Land Arc—manifests in subsequent plot developments. Upon arriving in Water Seven, the crew faces significant fragmentation as Usopp and Robin, for their respective reasons, leave the group.

Though temporary, this dark period emphasizes the levity and playfulness found in the Long Ring Long Land Arc. In the intense arcs of Water Seven and Enies Lobby, the crew risks everything to recover a companion, contrasting sharply with the more whimsical stakes of the Davy Back Fight, where such actions are simply part of a game.

Tonjit as seen in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)

This arc’s lower stakes and comedic elements serve as a breather before the narrative escalates into more serious territory. While the Davy Back Fight segment may seem to drag due to the anime’s added filler content, it still delivers memorable moments, including Luffy’s surreal transformation into “Afro Luffy.” Inspired by Usopp, Luffy confidently dons a large afro wig, convinced that it will unleash some hidden potential, rendering him invincible. This humorous setup leads to an outrageous boxing match between him and Foxy.

Another commendable aspect is the unexpected partnership between Zoro and Sanji. The second- and third-in-command of the Straw Hat crew set aside their petty quarrels to unite for the benefit of their comrades. Because of the unique rules governing the Davy Back Fight, Zoro is unable to wield his swords, providing a rare opportunity to witness his prowess in combat sans his weapons.

Foxy and his men as seen in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)

An unexpectedly charming dynamic emerges between Chopper and Zoro when Chopper breaks down in tears over the prospect of joining the Foxy Pirates due to the Davy Back Fight’s outcome. Zoro urges him to stop complaining, insisting that no one respects someone who cries and that, as a pirate, he should toughen up. This exchange encourages Chopper to abandon his characteristic timidity, a refreshing change within One Piece.

Foxy’s Slow-Slow Fruit exhibits immense potential in the hands of a more capable user, yet he tends to over-rely on it, neglecting to hone his other skills. This serves as a reminder that while Devil Fruits can be powerful assets, they comprise only one facet of a proficient fighter’s skill set, exposing the inconsistencies in usage of such powers.

Connections Across Time

Tonjit explains Long Ring Long Land (Image via Shueisha)

Various elements explored later in the series make their initial appearances in the Long Ring Long Land Arc. The grandfather whom Aokiji refers to is ultimately revealed as “Marine Hero”Monkey D. Garp. Additionally, the Pirate Island of Hachinosu, hinted to be the origin of the Davy Back Fight, is introduced later as the base of operations for the Blackbeard Pirates.

The unique design of Long Ring Long Land—which consists of ten islands in a circular formation with shared land that emerges once a year—relates to a significant plot twist in One Piece. In reality, Long Ring Long Land is not an archipelago but a singular ring-shaped island. The high tide typically conceals the lower terrain, creating the optical illusion of separate islands.

Dr. Vegapunk reveals that the man-made calamity caused by the Ancient Weapons resulted in a 200-meter rise in sea levels during the Void Century. This drastic elevation has led to phenomena like the unique high tides seen in Long Ring Long Land. Following the World Government’s deployment of an Ancient Weapon to obliterate Lulusia, the implications of rising sea levels have become even more apparent.

Red Hair Pirates and Straw Hat Pirates as seen in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)

The Davy Back Fight could play a crucial role in the climax of One Piece’s final saga, paving the way for an eagerly anticipated showdown between the Straw Hat Pirates and the Red Hair Pirates. Given the bond shared between Luffy and Shanks, true animosity between their two crews seems improbable, making a friendly competition a fitting opportunity for their rivalry.

This Davy Back Fight allows each crew member to contribute, offering even the less robust members a chance to shine. A marksmanship contest could let Usopp prove his mettle against his father, Yasopp, despite not being technically stronger. Sanji and Lucky Roux could face off both in combat and culinary skills.

Combat-centric characters like Zoro and Benn Beckman might match wits in a friendly duel, just as Luffy would face Shanks. This encounter would enable the “Red-Haired”pirate to gauge Luffy’s growth, determining if he has matured enough to be valued as a worthy pirate capable of upholding their shared promise and returning the iconic straw hat.

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