The super-hit Japanese action-adventure manga and anime series One Piece is still going strong as ever in the third quarter of 2023. The enthusiasm of the devoted fandom is at an all-time high, with the story starting to follow the exciting events of the Wano Country story arc. Based on the storylines depicted in the 90th to 105th volumes of the manga, One Piece season 20 hits all the right chords with the viewers.
Anime lovers have eagerly waited for the release of this season after it was delayed for various reasons for over a year. And now, finally, we can continue watching the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat Pirates, taking them on new perilous journeys in the Wano Country arc. The wait for season 20 to complete airing all of its episodes reached a feverish high after the Netflix live-action One Piece series brought even more new fans to the original manga and anime series that had a cult following since 1997. Yes, this epic fiasco of a pirate adventure series has been with us for that long. Are you feeling old yet? Well, it doesn't really matter. Luffy and the Straw Hats have been with us every step of the way, keeping us young at heart!
A “BRIEF” HISTORY
Perhaps most millennials and geriatric millennials already know how the lanky, rubbery, and wannabe New King of the Pirates, Luffy, turned into one of the Four Emperors of the notorious pirate world.
This is a tale for the ages. It all began with a wee-bitty lad who mistakenly ate the GomuGomu no Mi Devil Fruit and became human rubber. After the execution of the old Pirate King, Gold Roger, adventurers across the world turned to piracy to take his place by finding his notoriously missing treasure, the One Piece. And Luffy was no different. Filled with the passion to become a pirate captain and find One Piece, all he needed was a constant supply of food (preferably meat), a ship, a crew, and a map to tell him the way. His only problems were that he couldn’t swim, read maps, steer a ship, or cook. With unwavering determination, he fulfils his ambitions and recruits a devoted group of friends/crew, each with their own unique dreams and abilities. Roronoa Zoro (and his three katanas), Nami, Usopp, Sanji, Nico Robin, Franky, Brook, Chopper, Jinbe, and many others join their Captain Luffy, and together they set sail to embark on numerous adventures to find One Piece.
Under the Jolly Roger, featuring Luffy’s beloved straw hat, the notorious Straw Hat Pirates face various challenges and powerful foes and navigate the Grand Line, a treacherous and mysterious sea. This goes on for a total of NINETEEN SEASONS. And we are still religiously turning in each new season.
There is something special about Monkey D. Luffy and his crew of Straw Hat Pirates that just keeps reeling us in year after year, one story arc at a time.
WHY “AYE” LOOK FORWARD TO ONE PIECE SEASON 20
One Piece Season 20 anime is highly anticipated by manga fans, especially because of the intricate storytelling, character developments, and breathtaking battles we are to witness in the upcoming episodes.
Season 20 spans the Wano Country story arc in the “One Piece” anime. Like the preceding seasons, it is a complex and multi-faceted narrative with numerous subplots and events. However, there are quite a few major plot points and key developments that occur during this arc that have the fans quite excited!
ARRIVAL IN WANO:
The Straw Hat Pirates, along with several allies, arrive in the isolated and closed-off Wano Country. Their goal is to overthrow the oppressive rule of the Shogun Kurozumi Orochi and the pirate emperor Kaido, who have enslaved the nation.
REUNION WITH ALLIES:
Luffy reunites with his long-lost friend, Trafalgar D. Water Law, the captain of the Heart Pirates. They ally to take down Kaido and Orochi. The alliance also includes other powerful allies, such as the Heart Pirates and the Kozuki Clan loyalists.
EXPLORATION OF WANO:
The Straw Hat Pirates and their allies explore different regions of Wano, uncovering their unique culture, traditions, and history. They disguise themselves to blend in with the locals and gather information to help in their fight against the pirate emperor Kaido.
THE RAID ON ONIGASHIMA:
The objective of the alliance is to launch a raid on Onigashima, Kaido's fortress island, during the annual Fire Festival. This festival is a time when the Beast Pirates are distracted and inebriated, making it an ideal opportunity for an attack.
BACKSTORIES AND CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT:
The arc delves into the backstories and character development of various characters. We will witness Roronoa Zoro's connection to the legendary swordsman Shimotsuki Ushimaru (our personal favorite, and we had all bets on a father-son situation, but...can't have it all, can we?) and the Kozuki Clan's history.
ALL-OUT BATTLES:
Several intense battles take place during the raid on Onigashima. The members of the Straw Hat Pirates and their allies face off against powerful foes from the Beast Pirates. Look forward to intense showdowns against the Flying Six, the Tobiroppo, and the Calamities.
REVELATIONS AND MYSTERIES:
The arc reveals crucial information about the Poneglyphs, the Void Century, and the importance of Wano in the larger world of “One Piece.” It also introduces the concept of “Joy Boy” and the role Wano plays in the ancient history of the world.
EMOTIONAL MOMENTS:
The Wano arc is filled with emotional moments, including the tragic history of Oden Kozuki, the loyalty of the Kozuki Clan retainers, and the sacrifices made by various characters.
THE CLIMACTIC BATTLE:
The arc builds up to a climactic battle between Luffy and Kaido, one of the Four Emperors of the Sea. This battle is a pivotal moment in the storyline and has far-reaching consequences.
ALLIANCE'S TRIUMPH:
While not all aspects of the conflict are resolved by the end of the Wano arc, significant victories are achieved, and the alliance successfully weakens Kaido's hold on Wano. The arc sets the stage for further developments in the series, including the looming confrontation with the world government.
Overall, the Wano Country story arc is a sprawling narrative that combines action, intrigue, and emotional depth while advancing the overarching plot of “One Piece” and shedding light on the mysteries of the world.
Overall, season 20 featuring the Wano Country story arc is a sprawling narrative that combines action, intrigue, and emotional depth while advancing the overarching plot of “One Piece” and shedding light on the mysteries of the world. We have always had our expectations exceeded with each new season of One Piece, and this one is no different.
Want to get into the One Piece spirit? Check out our One Piece katana.
