26 Years Later, This One Piece Character Is Still Loved Among Fans Worldwide

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The Elbaf Arc, which has been running in the One Piece manga for some time, began in the anime this April. After a three-month break, the anime returned, giving the studio extra time to work on what’s considered the most thrilling story arc yet. Because the story is now in the second part of the Final Saga, the anime is switching to a seasonal release schedule instead of weekly episodes, with 26 episodes airing each year. The pacing of the show will remain consistent. Also, One Piece is running a second worldwide popularity poll, and the first results are already out.

The WT100 project, a global fan vote for favorite One Piece characters, ends in June with Luffy currently leading. Originally launched as a special campaign in 2021, it’s brought fans together from around the world after five years. According to reliable source @pewpiece on X, the top 15 characters from the poll will receive new animated intro segments in the upcoming Elbaph Arc, planned for 2027. Fans can still vote for their favorites on the official website and see the current midterm rankings.

One Piece is famous worldwide for its compelling story, intriguing mysteries, memorable characters, and thrilling adventures. But beneath the surface, it’s a surprisingly complex and often heartbreaking tale. The story takes place in a troubled world where morality isn’t simple. While pirates are considered criminals, they’re not always villains – many just dream of freedom and finding a legendary treasure. However, the Marines, often seen as protectors of justice, are far from perfect, frequently using violence and even extreme measures to enforce their beliefs. Throughout the series, many tragedies have occurred, often at the hands of the World Government.

Ace Will Always Be One of The Most Tragic One Piece Characters Ever

I remember learning about Ace, Luffy’s older brother. He was a really important figure in the Whitebeard Pirates, one of the most famous crews out there. Growing up, he and Luffy were close, along with their friend Sabo, in Foosha Village. Ace actually set off on his pirate journey a couple of years before Luffy did. I first saw him properly during the Drum Island arc – he was searching for Luffy at the time. They eventually reunited during the Alabasta saga, and it was great to see their bond. He was such a fun, unique character, it’s no surprise he quickly became a fan favorite. After that, he didn’t show up too often, but I recall seeing him pursuing Blackbeard at one point.

Captured and facing execution, Ace was devastated to see the Whitebeard Pirates and his brother fighting a desperate battle against the World Government to save him. Sadly, despite their efforts, Ace sacrificed himself to shield Luffy from an attack by Akainu. In his final moments, he gratefully thanked Luffy, finding peace in knowing he had been loved. Throughout his life, as the son of Gol D. Roger, Ace had struggled with a single question: whether he was worthy of existence.

Ace lived with the weight of his family name and often felt like an outcast. Despite this, he deeply appreciated the kindness and love he received from people like Dadan, Luffy, Sabo, Whitebeard, and his crew. As he faced his final moments, Ace understood that all he ever wanted was to be accepted and to know he wasn’t a burden. He finally found the acceptance he longed for, and with a grateful heart and a smile, he peacefully passed away, free of regrets.

Ace’s Death Is One of The Most Pivotal Moments in One Piece

Eiichiro Oda originally created the character Ace with the intention of eventually killing him off. He believed a significant tragedy was needed to motivate Luffy and propel the story forward into the time skip. However, Ace became incredibly popular with fans during the Alabasta Saga, and Oda’s editor suggested he reconsider killing him. Ultimately, Oda stuck to his plan, and Ace’s death served as the catalyst for Luffy’s growth and increased strength. The loss hit Luffy particularly hard; he felt he’d failed to save his brother, only to learn Ace had actually sacrificed himself to protect him. Having believed his other brother, Sabo, was gone for years, Ace was Luffy’s last remaining sibling, and he’d put everything on the line to help him, but the heartbreaking event couldn’t be prevented.

After a series of defeats, he finally understood his limitations. He failed to safeguard his crew from Kizaru at Sabaody Archipelago and was unable to save Ace, which deeply affected him and made him question if he was strong enough to continue. Fortunately, he received crucial support from Jinbe, Rayleigh, and others. Jinbe reminded him of his responsibility to his remaining crew, while Rayleigh spent two years rigorously training him in Haki, significantly increasing his power and preparing him for the dangers of the New World.

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2026-05-08 05:40