One Piece: Episode 126

I’m stupefied by the awesome-ness of this climactic chapter. The episode opens to the Straw Hat crew’s realization of Pell’s fate. Unfortunately, Pell’s sacrifice barely makes an impact on the soldiers and rebels.

Meanwhile, a fierce fight comes to an end. After gruelling months of anticipation, the Luffy-Crocodile battle concludes. Utilizing his last ounce of strength, Luffy blasts away his opponent. Crocodile is finally defeated.

Seeing Crocodile’s unconscious body flying across the horizon, the crew understands the significance. Moments later, rain falls from the sky. The battle-weary fighters seemingly lose their will to face their enemies. The smoke clears and Vivi’s voice reaches her people.

Cliche as the storyline may sound, the journey towards the climactic moment is nothing short of amazing. Pirates traveling the desert, the introduction of a cool pyro-loving big brother, meeting perverted animals (and the kung-fu dugongs), the tournament-like face-off, and the convincing emotional investment for the characters’ plight. These are some of the highlights of this long yet exciting arc. (But of course, I’m still trying to erase the memory of the horrible filler eps, so I’m pretending they do not exist. :p)

BTW, it’s (Luffy’s VA) Tanaka Mayumi’s fiftieth birthday (Happy b-day!!). K-F certainly knows how to celebrate such an event.