OnePiece : East Blue Saga - Baratie Arc (Episodes 19–30)

Baratie Arc (Episodes 19–30)

19. "The Three-Sword Style's Past! Zoro and Kuina's Vow!"

20. "Famous Cook! Sanji of the Floating Restaurant"

21. "Unwelcome Customer! Sanji's Food and Gin's Debt!"

22. "The Strongest Pirate Fleet! Commodore Don Krieg!"

23. "Protect Baratie! The Great Pirate, Red Foot Zeff!"

24. "Hawk-Eye Mihawk! The Great Swordsman Zoro Falls at Sea!"

25. "The Deadly Foot Technique Bursts Forth! Sanji vs. The Invincible Pearl!"

26. "Zeff and Sanji's Dream! The Illusory All Blue!"

27. "A Zeff's Pride! Luffy vs. Krieg!"

28. "I Won't Die! Fierce Battle, Luffy vs. Krieg!"

29. "Conclusion of the Deadly Battle! A Spear of Blind Determination!"

30. "Departure! The Sea Chef and Luffy Travel Together!"

 

 

 It follows the Straw Hat Pirates as they arrive at a floating sea restaurant called Baratie in search of food, and it is here that they meet Sanji, the restaurant’s cook who becomes a key member of the crew. This arc also introduces Don Krieg, a powerful pirate, and briefly features the feared warlord Dracule Mihawk, which foreshadows greater threats in the Grand Line.

 

Plot Summary:

After leaving Syrup Village and adding Usopp to their crew, Luffy, Zoro, Nami, and Usopp continue their journey through the East Blue, but they are in need of a proper cook. They come across the Baratie, a floating restaurant owned by the rough but kind Zeff, a former pirate known as "Red-Leg Zeff." The restaurant is famous for serving both pirates and marines, and its unique location makes it a hotspot for all kinds of characters.

 

Upon entering Baratie, the crew meets Sanji, the restaurant's sous chef. Sanji is an exceptional cook with a deep sense of respect for food, refusing to let anyone waste it. His commitment to feeding the hungry, no matter who they are, stems from his tragic past when he was stranded at sea with Zeff for months without food. Zeff sacrificed his leg to save Sanji and ensure his survival, which built a lifelong bond between the two.

 

Conflict Begins: Don Krieg’s Arrival

The peace at Baratie is soon disturbed when a pirate known as Gin, who serves under the notorious Don Krieg, arrives at the restaurant. Gin is starving, and despite his reputation as a ruthless pirate, Sanji gives him food. This act of kindness leads to Gin bringing his captain, Don Krieg, to the Baratie.

 

Don Krieg is the captain of the Krieg Pirates and one of the most feared pirates in the East Blue due to his immense fleet and arsenal of weapons. However, Krieg’s fleet was decimated after they entered the Grand Line, where they encountered a far more powerful pirate, Dracule Mihawk, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea (Shichibukai), who destroyed Krieg’s ships effortlessly.

 

Despite being nearly defeated in the Grand Line, Don Krieg retains his ambition and cruelty. He demands food for his crew and plans to take over the Baratie to rebuild his fleet and return to the Grand Line. The crew at Baratie and the Straw Hat Pirates are caught in the conflict as Krieg tries to seize the restaurant by force.

 

Luffy’s Fight to Become Pirate King:

Luffy, who dreams of becoming the Pirate King, sees Don Krieg as an obstacle in his path. Although Krieg is heavily armed with weapons like explosive spears, poison gas bombs, and bulletproof armor, Luffy’s resolve is unshakable. Luffy fights not only to protect the Baratie but also to prove his strength and determination as a future Pirate King.

 

In this arc, Luffy displays his leadership qualities and his ability to rally others behind his cause. His resolve inspires Sanji, who begins to see the value of Luffy’s dream. Luffy's sheer determination, along with his unorthodox fighting style, proves that he can stand up to even the most formidable enemies.

 

Zoro vs. Dracule Mihawk:

One of the most pivotal moments in the arc is the appearance of Dracule Mihawk, who is regarded as the world’s greatest swordsman. Roronoa Zoro, Luffy’s first crewmate, has long held the dream of becoming the greatest swordsman in the world, and when Mihawk arrives at Baratie in pursuit of the Krieg Pirates, Zoro challenges him to a duel.

 

The fight between Zoro and Mihawk is a defining moment in the story. Mihawk easily defeats Zoro, but not out of malice—he respects Zoro’s ambition and sees potential in him. Zoro’s willingness to face death rather than give up on his dream impresses Mihawk, who spares him and tells him to come back when he is stronger.

 

Zoro’s defeat is a major turning point for his character. He vows to never lose again until he fulfills his promise to Luffy and becomes the world’s greatest swordsman. This moment solidifies Zoro’s dedication to Luffy and their shared journey toward their dreams.

 

Sanji’s Backstory and Decision to Join the Crew:

The Baratie Arc also delves deeply into Sanji’s backstory. Sanji, as a young apprentice cook, was stranded on a rock in the middle of the sea with Zeff, his mentor. With very little food, the two survived for weeks on end, with Sanji believing that Zeff had kept most of the food for himself. However, it is later revealed that Zeff gave all the food to Sanji and survived by eating his own leg, which he lost in the process of saving Sanji. This traumatic experience shaped Sanji’s deep respect for food and his desire to find the All Blue, a mythical sea where all the world’s fish are said to gather—a cook’s paradise.

 

Sanji initially refuses to leave Baratie because of his loyalty to Zeff, who raised him and taught him everything he knows about cooking and life. However, Luffy sees Sanji’s potential and insists that he join the crew, appealing to his dream of finding the All Blue. After the intense battle with Don Krieg, and seeing Luffy’s determination to chase his own dreams, Sanji finally decides to join the Straw Hat Pirates, leaving Baratie with a heavy heart but a newfound resolve to pursue his dream.

 

The Defeat of Don Krieg:

The final battle between Luffy and Don Krieg is intense and showcases the difference between Krieg’s brute force and Luffy’s sheer willpower. Despite Krieg’s numerous weapons and overwhelming strength, Luffy’s resolve to protect his friends and his refusal to back down give him the edge. In the end, Luffy defeats Don Krieg by shattering his armor and breaking his spirit, demonstrating that strength alone is not enough to achieve victory—it takes heart and conviction.

 

Key Themes and Connections to the Whole Story:

1. The Value of Dreams:

The Baratie Arc further emphasizes the importance of dreams, one of the core themes of One Piece. Sanji’s dream of finding the All Blue aligns with the dreams of the other Straw Hat crew members, showing that everyone in the crew has a personal goal that drives them. This shared value of pursuing one’s dreams no matter the odds strengthens the bond between the crew members.

 

Connection to the Whole Story:

Sanji’s dream continues to play a crucial role in his character development throughout the series. Like Luffy’s quest to become Pirate King and Zoro’s ambition to be the greatest swordsman, Sanji’s pursuit of the All Blue represents the individual motivations that drive the crew to push forward despite the many challenges they face.

 

2. The Introduction of Sanji:

Sanji’s addition to the crew marks the completion of the Straw Hat Pirates’ core team in the East Blue Saga. As the crew’s cook, Sanji provides essential support not only by preparing meals but also as a capable fighter who specializes in martial arts, particularly his powerful kicks.

 

Connection to the Whole Story:

Sanji plays a crucial role in many of the Straw Hats’ future adventures. His skills as a fighter and cook are indispensable, and his loyalty to Luffy and the crew is tested in various arcs, especially during the Whole Cake Island Arc, where his backstory and family ties are further explored.

 

3. Zoro’s Resolve to Never Lose Again:

Zoro’s defeat at the hands of Mihawk is a major turning point for him. Though he loses the battle, Zoro’s pride remains intact because he refuses to give up on his dream. His vow to never lose again and to one day defeat Mihawk sets the stage for his ongoing journey to become the world’s greatest swordsman.

 

Connection to the Whole Story:

Zoro’s duel with Mihawk foreshadows future encounters with increasingly powerful swordsmen. It also deepens Zoro’s loyalty to Luffy, as he becomes even more determined to help his captain achieve his dream of becoming Pirate King.

 

4. The Threat of the Grand Line:

The Baratie Arc introduces the Straw Hats to the harsh reality of the Grand Line through Don Krieg’s devastating defeat at the hands of Dracule Mihawk. Despite being one of the strongest pirates in the East Blue, Krieg’s fleet was utterly destroyed in the Grand Line, demonstrating that the threats beyond the East Blue are far greater than what Luffy and his crew have faced so far.

 

Connection to the Whole Story:

This sets the stage for the Straw Hats’ journey into the Grand Line, where they will encounter increasingly dangerous foes. The introduction of Mihawk also foreshadows the significance of the Seven Warlords of the Sea (Shichibukai), a powerful group of pirates who will play important roles in future arcs.

 

Conclusion:

The Baratie Arc is a pivotal moment in the East Blue Saga, as it introduces Sanji, the Straw Hat Pirates’ cook, and deepens the themes of dreams, loyalty, and courage. The arc also expands the scope of the world of One Piece by introducing Dracule Mihawk and showcasing the immense challenges that await in the Grand Line. Through intense battles and emotional backstories, the Baratie Arc sets the stage for the Straw Hat Pirates’ continued journey toward their dreams, while also strengthening the bonds between the crew members.