One Piece fans think this is the story’s best moment, and they’re right

Over its 26 years as a manga and anime series, One Piece has captivated fans with an endless stream of compelling moments. Recently, fans from all around the world came together to vote on the top moments from the series thus far, and their choices may very well be spot on.

Since its debut in 1997, Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece manga has captured the hearts of numerous readers. The story centers around Luffy’s quest, as he encounters and befriends new individuals and assembles a crew. His ultimate ambition is to traverse the globe and claim the title of Pirate King.

Despite the sea being more treacherous than anyone could have imagined, the journey remains difficult, especially with the added challenges presented by the Marines. One Piece is renowned for its intricate worldbuilding, compelling backstories, complex power systems, and dynamic character interactions.

Over the years, One Piece has captivated audiences with a plethora of thrilling and emotional moments. A recent survey revealed that fans from around the world have voted for their favorite moments, and their choices are undoubtedly accurate.

Who Voted on the Best Moments in One Piece?

The official One Piece account on Twitter/X shared the report. The poll, which was conducted to celebrate One Piece Day, has currently only released half of the results. The deadline for voting is June 30, 2024.

THE TOP 10 BEST ONE PIECE SCENES as voted by fans worldwide! pic.twitter.com/atiZOSav2u

— Arthur – Library of Ohara (@newworldartur) June 21, 2024

Based on the list, the top One Piece moments include:

Going Merry farewell
Corazon says he loves Law
Nami asks for Luffy’s help
Ace tells Yamato about Luffy’s dreams
Robin says she wants to live
Straw Hats bid farewell to Vivi
Zoro’s sacrifice in Thriller Bark
Ace’s final words to Luffy
Sanji wants to go back to the Sunny
Luffy’s Gear 5 transformation

Although One Piece is known for its action and battles, what truly sets it apart is its intricate world-building. The moments highlighted in the list are not all fight scenes, but rather they showcase the themes of friendship, pursuing dreams, and fighting for freedom. While it may be unexpected that Gear 5 ranks last on the list, given its popularity, the list as a whole is actually quite impressive.

The first spot is dedicated to the iconic Going Merry farewell scene, which continues to evoke strong emotional reactions from fans. The crew’s deep attachment to the ship was such that the Klabautermann, a water spirit (or fairy), manifested itself in physical form. Despite the scene being forever etched in our memories, One Piece has made significant progress since then.

The fifth gear transformation in the story is a representation of the characters’ yearning for freedom, a prominent theme throughout the narrative. In addition, the powerful scene of Luffy and Roger sharing their dreams holds a special place in the story. Therefore, either of these two scenes would be worthy of being ranked at the top.

Moreover, Corazon openly declares his affection for Law, Luffy entrusts his iconic straw hat to Nami, Robin finally acknowledges her desire to survive, and all the other moments mentioned have consistently been beloved by fans. Therefore, while the exact placement and order may be subject to discussion, it is undeniable that this list is truly one of the finest we have encountered thus far.

Why Do Fans Still Love the Going Merry Farewell Scene After 18 Years?

One Piece Going Merry death — Crunchyroll

Despite his avoidance of excessive deaths in One Piece, Oda explores the theme of mortality throughout the story. The crew’s deep attachment to their ship leads it to develop a physical presence, providing assistance to them. This emotional connection between the crew and their ship allows fans to form a deeper bond with the vessel as it is portrayed with human-like emotions throughout the series.

In 2006, the event occurred and was beloved by fans for its nostalgic value and the selfless sacrifice of Merry. This sacrifice not only united the crew, but also strengthened their bond over the memories they shared together. Saying goodbye to the ship brought them closer, as it had previously been a source of tension that threatened to tear them apart. In the end, it was the very thing that brought them back together.

In literature, it is uncommon to witness a non-living object being cherished to the extent that it materializes into a physical form. One Piece celebrates all types of bonds, and the selflessness of the Going Merry is exemplified through its ultimate sacrifice for the crew.

Despite being an inanimate object, the ship is portrayed as a character in the story, showcasing its unwavering dedication to protect its nakama, Luffy and his comrades. The ship’s ultimate selfless sacrifice and the emotional connection viewers have with it, make it almost inevitable for One Piece fans to not shed a tear or two as they witness its heartbreaking final moments.

Despite the numerous incredible moments in One Piece, fans continue to hold this particular one in the highest regard. They can’t help but feel empathetic towards the character who simply longed to journey across the oceans with their companions.

To discover even more Straw Hats antics, be sure to explore our list of the most powerful Straw Hats. Additionally, take a look at the reasons behind the Roger Pirates’ inaction after discovering the truth, and don’t miss our article uncovering the true identity of Iron’s Giant.