Review of One Piece Episode 1122: Koby’s Training Yields Results Amidst Concerns on Pirate Island

Episode 1122 of One Piece, entitled The Last Lesson! Impact Inherited!, premiered in Japan on Sunday, October 13, 2024. In this episode, fans are treated to Koby’s significant physical and mental challenges as he works hard to uphold his Navy responsibilities. Yet, his triumph carries a poignant twist.

The previous episode focused on the intense clash between Garp and Kuzan at Pirate Island, along with several flashbacks that illuminated their past mentor-student bond. Additionally, the dangers posed by Pizzaro, who sought to assault Garp’s ship and block the Navy’s escape, were prominently featured.

Disclaimer: This article reveals spoilers.

Koby’s Moment as He Faces Pizzaro in One Piece Episode 1122

Key Highlights from the Episode

Garp in One Piece episode 1122 (Image via Toei)

The episode kicks off with a flashback showing Koby’s desperate attempt to rescue 800 Navy soldiers held captive by Blackbeard. Following a confrontation with Rayleigh that forced both factions to withdraw from Amazon Lily, Koby makes the ultimate sacrifice by offering himself to secure the soldiers’ release.

Next, the narrative takes us further back to a lesson at the former Navy HQ where Garp challenges his students with a moral dilemma involving a choice between saving an old man or a baby stranded on an island. After some hesitation, Koby expresses his desire to save both by sacrificing himself, which frustrates Garp. He advises his pupils to prioritize their mission and abandon the old man, who has less time remaining.

Returning to the present on Pirate Island, Pizzaro threatens Garp’s ship. Unsure of the best course of action, Koby listens as Garp formulates a strategic plan: he will create a diversion, Koby will attack Pizzaro’s arm, Grus will shield the ship from falling debris, and Helmeppo will ensure everything goes according to plan. Garp uses his Galaxy Divide technique to launch an attack, prompting Pizzaro to withdraw his arm slightly, thus giving Koby the opening he needs.

Young Koby in One Piece episode 1122 (Image via Toei)

In the present timeline, Koby unleashes the Haki-infused Honesty Impact punch, demolishing Pizzaro’s hand while Grus skillfully catches the falling rubble with a net. After this significant win, the crew moves to board Garp’s ship, but he instructs them to set sail without him.

The episode wraps up with a final flashback of Garp emphasizing that Koby and his teammates joined the Navy to secure a better future for others. He conveys that young lives possess immense potential and deserve protection, despite being cautioned against such speeches.

Concluding on a cliffhanger, the episode presents Kuzan coldly freezing Garp, who is already pierced by an ice spear.

Review of One Piece Episode 1122

Koby's Honesty Impact in One Piece episode 1122 (Image via Toei) — Koby’s Honesty Impact in One Piece episode 1122 (Image via Toei)

One Piece episode 1122 showcases an intriguing stylistic approach, although the initial moments may come across as fragmented due to the reliance on still frames. Nevertheless, the episode quickly claw back its momentum with vibrant and engaging battle scenes. The confrontations, especially those involving Garp or Koby against Pizzaro, are visually stunning and encapsulate the raw intensity and power of their attacks.

The animation plays a crucial role in portraying the psychological intricacies of the plot. A striking moment illustrates Koby’s hesitation, initially depicted in blue, which transforms to red when he resolves to follow Garp’s strategy.

This color progression not only showcases Koby’s internal conflict but also artistically links him to Helmeppo and Grus, represented in red as well. Despite the effective use of color to express emotional states, there are moments when it feels somewhat excessive.

Narratively, One Piece episode 1122 successfully intertwines past and present events, maintaining a coherent continuity with the preceding episode featuring Garp and his former pupil Kuzan. In this episode, viewers witness Garp and Koby supporting each other, before the shocking return of Kuzan, likely aiming to finish Garp off.

Recap of One Piece Episode 1121

The previous episode offered insight from Brannew to the young Navy recruits about the dents in the naval vessels, which were caused by Garp and Kuzan using the ships as makeshift punching bags to hone their strength without Haki or Devil Fruit abilities. Initially, Garp rejected Kuzan as his student, but they later formed a close bond.

Meanwhile, on Pirate Island, Garp easily defeated foes Sanjuan Wolf and Vasco Shot, but suffered injuries from Shiryu’s sword while attempting to rescue Koby. His subsequent struggle against Kuzan left both of them too exhausted to continue. Concurrently, Koby hoped to flee to safety, but Pizzaro’s colossal arm lunged towards the Navy ship carrying Hibari and others. As Koby panicked, Garp urged him to remain composed and trust in justice.

Final Reflections

Garp among the Blackbeard Pirates in One Piece episode 1122 (Image via Toei)

In One Piece episode 1122, audiences observe Koby emerge as a true hero, confronting his fears and feelings of helplessness against a formidable foe. His achievement also signifies Garp’s influence, as Garp has played a pivotal role in nurturing his potential. Nonetheless, the uncertainty surrounding Garp’s fate lingers.

Source