OnePiece : Alabasta Saga - Reverse Mountain Arc (Episodes 62–63)

Reverse Mountain Arc (Episodes 62–63)

  62. "The First Line of Defense? The Giant Whale Laboon Appears"

  63. "A Man's Promise! Luffy and the Whale Vow to Meet Again"

 

The Reverse Mountain Arc is the first arc of the Alabasta Saga in the One Piece anime and manga series. It follows the Straw Hat Pirates' journey into the Grand Line, the perilous and mysterious sea that separates the four blues. After leaving the East Blue and crossing into the Grand Line, this arc introduces key elements of the Grand Line’s geography and foreshadows significant events and characters that will play important roles later in the story.

 

Plot Summary:

After their adventures in the East Blue, the Straw Hat Pirates—Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, and Sanji—set sail toward the Grand Line, a legendary sea where pirates seek fame, fortune, and the ultimate treasure: the One Piece. To enter the Grand Line, they must first pass through Reverse Mountain, an enormous mountain at the confluence of all four blues (East Blue, West Blue, North Blue, and South Blue). Here, the seas flow upward, carrying ships to the entrance of the Grand Line.

The Straw Hats’ Entry into Reverse Mountain:

The crew arrives at Reverse Mountain, where the ocean currents flow upward and over the mountain, guiding ships into the Grand Line. However, navigating the dangerous currents and the sharp incline proves to be more difficult than expected. Nami, the Straw Hats' skilled navigator, works hard to steer the ship safely through the tumultuous waters.

Despite the danger, Luffy remains as enthusiastic as ever about entering the Grand Line, eager to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Pirate King, Gol D. Roger.

 

As the ship, the Going Merry, is pulled into the powerful current of Reverse Mountain, the crew struggles to maintain control. The Going Merry ascends the mountain on the rushing current, and the crew experiences the thrill of their first major challenge on their way to the Grand Line.

 

Meeting Laboon, the Giant Whale:

After successfully crossing the peak of Reverse Mountain, the crew is met with an unexpected obstacle: a massive whale named Laboon blocking the exit to the Grand Line. The whale is enormous, dwarfing the Straw Hats' ship. Luffy, ever impulsive, tries to engage with Laboon but ends up punching the whale in the forehead after it tries to swallow the Going Merry. However, Laboon’s reaction is not hostile; instead, it becomes clear that the whale is not dangerous but is rather suffering from deep emotional pain.

 

Laboon, it is revealed, has been waiting for over 50 years for a group of pirates that once promised to return to him. This pirate crew, known as the Rumbar Pirates, befriended Laboon during their journey into the Grand Line. However, they left him behind at Reverse Mountain, promising to return after they completed their journey through the Grand Line. Decades have passed, and Laboon still waits faithfully for their return, despite knowing deep down that they may never come back.

 

Crocus, the Lighthouse Keeper:

 

While dealing with Laboon, the Straw Hats meet Crocus, an eccentric old man who serves as the lighthouse keeper at Reverse Mountain’s exit. Crocus reveals that he has been taking care of Laboon all these years, keeping the whale company and watching over him as he waits for the return of the Rumbar Pirates. Crocus is also a former ship’s doctor for Gol D. Roger, making him an important connection to the legacy of the Pirate King.

Through Crocus, the Straw Hats learn about the treacherous nature of the Grand Line. He explains the bizarre and unpredictable weather, the magnetic fields of the islands, and the special navigational tool called a Log Pose that is required to chart a course through the Grand Line. The Log Pose locks onto the magnetic field of each island and guides the crew to the next one, making it a vital tool for any pirate seeking to survive the Grand Line’s chaotic seas.

 

Crocus also shares Laboon’s tragic backstory with the crew. Laboon has been trying to break through the Red Line, a massive wall of land separating the Grand Line from the rest of the world, in the hopes of reuniting with the Rumbar Pirates. However, his constant headbutting has caused him significant injury, and Crocus has been doing his best to heal the whale’s wounds.

 

Luffy’s Promise to Laboon:

Moved by Laboon’s unwavering loyalty and tragic story, Luffy decides to help the whale. In a surprising and heartfelt moment, Luffy paints a giant Straw Hat emblem on Laboon’s head and makes a promise to him. He tells Laboon that instead of waiting for the Rumbar Pirates, he should wait for the Straw Hat Pirates. Luffy vows to return to Laboon after he completes his journey around the Grand Line, promising to see him again one day.

 

This promise lifts Laboon’s spirits and gives him new hope. Laboon stops his attempts to break through the Red Line and agrees to wait for Luffy and his crew’s return. This moment underscores one of the central themes of One Piece: the importance of promises, loyalty, and friendship. Luffy’s bond with Laboon becomes a key emotional thread that will later connect to important characters and events in the story, particularly in the Thriller Bark Arc.

 

Setting Off into the Grand Line:

With a new understanding of the Grand Line’s dangers and the promise made to Laboon, the Straw Hats are finally ready to begin their journey into this mysterious sea. Crocus gives Nami a Log Pose, and with this essential navigational tool, the crew sets off into the Grand Line. Their next destination is Whiskey Peak, the first island on their Grand Line adventure.

 

As they sail away, the crew reflects on the challenges that await them, but they are filled with excitement and determination. The Reverse Mountain Arc ends with the Straw Hats entering the Grand Line, fully aware of the dangers ahead but eager to continue their pursuit of their dreams.

 

Key Themes:

1. Friendship and Promises:

One of the central themes of the Reverse Mountain Arc is the power of friendship and the importance of keeping promises. Laboon’s decades-long wait for the return of the Rumbar Pirates highlights the deep bonds formed through friendship, while Luffy’s promise to Laboon serves as a testament to his commitment to his own crew and those he cares about.

 

2. Perseverance:

Laboon’s unwavering perseverance in waiting for the Rumbar Pirates, despite the slim chance of their return, mirrors the determination that is characteristic of many One Piece characters. Similarly, the Straw Hats' struggle to enter the Grand Line through Reverse Mountain showcases their perseverance in the face of challenges, a theme that recurs throughout the series.

 

3. Legacy and Adventure:

The introduction of Crocus, a former crewmember of Gol D. Roger, ties into the larger theme of legacy in One Piece. The presence of characters connected to the Pirate King continues to remind the audience of the legendary figure Luffy is unknowingly following. This arc also signals the start of the Straw Hats’ true adventure, as they leave the relatively safe East Blue and enter the Grand Line, a place of legendary danger and opportunity.

 

4. The Unpredictability of the Grand Line:

The Grand Line is presented as an unpredictable and dangerous place, with its unique weather patterns and magnetic fields. This theme is emphasized through Crocus’ explanation of the Log Pose and the need to rely on it to navigate the islands. This unpredictability mirrors the chaotic and adventurous spirit of the Grand Line, which becomes a central element of the story as the Straw Hats explore new islands.

 

Connection to the Overall Story:

The Reverse Mountain Arc serves as a gateway to the Grand Line, introducing many elements that will become crucial in the series’ future arcs. The arc foreshadows the significance of Gol D. Roger’s legacy through Crocus and hints at future developments connected to the Rumbar Pirates and Laboon’s story, which will be revisited in the Thriller Bark Arc with the introduction of Brook, the musician of the Rumbar Pirates and future Straw Hat. Additionally, this arc reinforces Luffy’s role as a leader who values friendship and promises, traits that will be central to his journey throughout the Grand Line. The promise made to Laboon is not just a touching moment, but a narrative thread that ties into the larger themes of loyalty and adventure that define One Piece.

 

Conclusion:

The Reverse Mountain Arc marks the beginning of the Straw Hat Pirates' journey into the Grand Line, an unpredictable and dangerous sea filled with mystery, adventure, and danger. It introduces key concepts such as the Log Pose, the magnetic fields of the islands, and the Grand Line’s chaotic nature. Through the emotional story of Laboon and Luffy’s promise to return, the arc emphasizes themes of friendship, loyalty, and perseverance. As the crew leaves Reverse Mountain behind, they are ready to face the challenges ahead, with the Grand Line now wide open before them.