OnePiece : East Blue Saga - Warship Island Arc (Episodes 54–61, Filler Arc)

Warship Island Arc (Episodes 54–61, Filler Arc)

  54. "Precursor to a New Adventure! Apis, a Mysterious Girl!"

  55. "Miraculous Creature! Apis' Secret and the Legendary Island!"

  56. "Erik's Raid! Great Escape from Warship Island!"

  57. "A Solitary Island in the Distant Sea! The Legendary Lost Island!"

  58. "Showdown in the Ruins! Tense Zoro vs. Erik!"

  59. "Luffy, Completely Surrounded! Admiral Nelson's Secret Plan!"

  60. "Those Who Soar in the Open Skies! Revival of the 1,000-Year Legend!"

  61. "An Angry Showdown! Cross the Red Line!“

 

The Warship Island Arc is a filler arc in the One Piece anime, set between the Loguetown Arc and the Reverse Mountain Arc of the East Blue Saga. It is not part of the original manga but was created to give the manga time to progress before the anime caught up. The arc introduces a young girl named Apis and centers around the mystery of an ancient dragon, offering the Straw Hat Pirates a new adventure before they head to the Grand Line.

 

Plot Summary:

The story begins with the Straw Hat Pirates sailing through the seas after their escape from Loguetown. They encounter a young girl named Apis, who is adrift in the ocean on a makeshift raft. After rescuing her, the crew learns that she had escaped from the Marines. Apis comes from Warship Island, a small, isolated island that is under the control of the Marines. The crew decides to help her return to her home, setting the stage for the events of the arc.

 

The Sennenryu and the Dragon's Secret:

Once on Warship Island, Apis reveals the reason she was being pursued: she has befriended a creature known as the Sennenryu, an ancient dragon that is thought to have gone extinct long ago. The dragon is named Ryuujin, and despite being a massive and powerful creature, it is very old and weakened by time. Apis possesses a rare ability called the Whisper-Whisper Fruit, which allows her to communicate with animals. Through this power, she learns that Ryuujin is searching for his homeland, a mystical place known as the Lost Island, where he hopes to return and live out the rest of his days.

The Straw Hats are moved by Apis and Ryuujin’s story and agree to help them in their quest to find Lost Island. However, their journey is complicated by the Marines, who are led by Commodore Nelson Royale and Lieutenant Commander Erik, a cunning and ruthless officer who is also after the Sennenryu for his own gain. Nelson wants to capture the dragon for its potential military value, while Erik is after the dragon’s bones, which are believed to grant eternal life.

 

The Marines' Pursuit:

As the Straw Hats and Apis begin their search for Lost Island, the Marines aggressively pursue them. Erik, who possesses the Sickle-Sickle Fruit, giving him the ability to generate sharp, crescent-shaped blades of wind, is a formidable adversary. He repeatedly tries to capture or kill the Sennenryu, leading to several intense confrontations between the Marines and the Straw Hat crew.

 

Despite the dangers, Luffy and his crew remain determined to protect Apis and the dragon. Their journey takes them across dangerous waters, and they must outsmart the Marines while uncovering the truth about Lost Island. Throughout the arc, Luffy’s strong sense of justice and willingness to help those in need is emphasized, as he risks his life to defend both Apis and the Sennenryu.

 

The Search for Lost Island:

The key to finding Lost Island lies in an ancient legend about the Sennenryu, which Apis had heard from her village elders. With Nami’s navigation skills and Apis’ connection to the dragon, the Straw Hats gradually piece together the clues that lead them toward Lost Island. However, Lost Island is not marked on any map, and its location remains a mystery even to the world at large.

 

As they get closer to their goal, the Straw Hats learn more about the history of the Sennenryu and the Lost Island. It is revealed that Lost Island was once a flourishing paradise for dragons, but over the centuries, it became a myth as the Sennenryu were hunted to near extinction. Ryuujin’s desire to return home is portrayed as a deeply emotional quest, symbolizing the last of his kind seeking peace before his inevitable death.

 

The Final Showdown:

As the Straw Hats approach Lost Island, they are confronted once again by Commodore Nelson’s forces and Erik, who are determined to capture Ryuujin at any cost. The climax of the arc involves a fierce battle between the Straw Hats and the Marines. Luffy and his crew must fight to protect both Apis and the Sennenryu, and during the battle, Erik's true intentions are revealed.

 

In the final moments of the arc, Luffy and his crew manage to defeat Erik and fend off the Marines, allowing Ryuujin to reach Lost Island. As the Sennenryu finally arrives at his ancestral home, he is at peace, and the island’s beauty is revealed to be real, not just a myth. Ryuujin passes away peacefully, having fulfilled his final wish, and the island is left to rest as a hidden sanctuary.

 

The Aftermath:

After the battle, the Marines retreat, and Apis is reunited with her people. Grateful for the Straw Hats' help, Apis bids them farewell, and the crew prepares to leave Warship Island. The arc concludes with the Straw Hats setting sail once again, this time toward the Grand Line, having gained a new ally in Apis and having shared in another adventure that highlights the value of friendship and loyalty.

 

Key Themes:

1. Friendship and Loyalty:

The Warship Island Arc emphasizes the themes of friendship and loyalty, as Luffy and the Straw Hats put their lives on the line to help Apis and Ryuujin. Despite the dangers posed by the Marines, they never abandon their mission, showcasing the bonds of trust that unite the crew and their allies. Luffy’s sense of justice and determination to protect the innocent are central to the story, reinforcing his role as a leader who always stands up for what’s right.

 

2. The Power of Kindness:

Apis' connection with Ryuujin through her Whisper-Whisper Fruit powers highlights the importance of kindness and empathy in the world of One Piece. Her ability to communicate with animals allows her to understand their pain and desires, and her willingness to help Ryuujin return home demonstrates the power of compassion. The Straw Hats, too, are moved by Apis' sincerity, and their decision to help her further reflects the importance of helping others, even when it’s difficult.

 

3. Environmental and Historical Preservation:

The arc touches on themes related to the preservation of history and the environment, symbolized by the Sennenryu, a species that is nearly extinct due to human greed. Ryuujin’s quest to return to Lost Island reflects a desire to preserve the memory of his kind and the land they once called home. The destruction of the Sennenryu and the legend of Lost Island serve as a commentary on the dangers of exploitation and the loss of historical and natural treasures.

 

Connection to the Overall Story:

While the Warship Island Arc is filler and not part of the original manga, it does offer some narrative significance within the One Piece anime. It reinforces core themes like friendship, loyalty, and the crew’s willingness to help others, which are central to their journey across the seas. Additionally, the arc introduces new adversaries in the form of the Marines, further developing the idea that Luffy and his crew will continue to face opposition from the government as they pursue their dream of reaching the Grand Line.

 

The inclusion of Commodore Nelson and Lieutenant Commander Erik adds to the growing tension between pirates and the World Government, a conflict that will become more pronounced as the Straw Hats enter the Grand Line. The Marine presence in the arc hints at the larger, more powerful forces that the Straw Hats will face in the future, especially as Luffy’s notoriety grows.

 

Though the Warship Island Arc may not have a lasting impact on the grand narrative of One Piece, it serves as a standalone adventure that reflects the Straw Hat Pirates' core values. Their encounter with Apis and the Sennenryu allows them to showcase their strength, compassion, and resolve, qualities that will continue to define them as they journey into more dangerous waters.

 

Conclusion:

The Warship Island Arc may be a filler arc, but it effectively reinforces some of the core values that define the Straw Hat Pirates — friendship, loyalty, and compassion. It offers a standalone adventure where the crew protects Apis and the ancient dragon Ryuujin, highlighting their readiness to help those in need, even when faced with dangerous adversaries like the Marines. While the events of the arc don’t impact the larger One Piece story, they serve as a reflective moment before the crew embarks on the Grand Line, demonstrating their growth and determination. This arc marks a final adventure in the East Blue, preparing the crew for the greater challenges and powerful enemies that await in the Grand Line.