Summary:
Krieg’s failed venture in the Grand Line is revealed. However, he is attacked by the notorious Great Line warrior Hawk-Eyes. Meanwhile, Nami drops out of the crew and takes the ship with her.
Zeff criticizes Krieg for his failed entry into the Grand Line. Krieg recognizes Zeff as a former pirate known for fighting with only his feet, but notes that he retired from piracy after losing one of his legs. Believing that he lacks only the knowledge needed to overcome the Great Line, Krieg demands Zeff’s old journal to help him return to the sea. He returns to his ship to give food to his crew and warns the staff to evacuate before he returns.
Gin apologizes on Krieg’s behalf, unaware of his plans to betray Baratie. He explains that an entire army of Krieg Pirates has been defeated by a single man, who they believe to be the world-renowned warrior known as Hawk-Eyes. Of the fifty ships with five thousand crew, only the flagship containing a hundred warriors survived the attack, thanks in part to a storm that carried it back to the East Blue.
Krieg gives food to his people where he explains his intention to scrap the flagship, seize Baratia and return to the Grand Line. He shoots a crew member just for protesting this decision. However, before they are able to launch their attack, the ship is split in half by a single cut, revealing that the Hawk-Eyes have followed the Krieg Pirates to Baratia. The ship sinks and its crew members fall into the sea. They also find Johnny and Yosaka floating in the sea, who reveal that Nami has escaped from the crew and taken the ship with her.
Episode Strengths: World-Building: The episode expands the One Piece global by means of introducing the dangers of the Grand Line and the legendary swordsman Dracule Mihawk. Zeff’s Backstory: The flashback presents depth to Zeff’s individual and establishes the Baratie’s welcoming surroundings. Introduction of Don Krieg: The episode introduces a capability antagonist, hinting at a destiny struggle for the Straw Hats. Cliffhanger Ending Builds Suspense: The episode concludes with a query mark over Krieg’s true intentions, leaving visitors keen to see the following development. Optional Weaknesses: Limited Action: This episode specializes in individual introductions and world-constructing, with minimum movement sequences. Limited Focus on Certain Straw Hats: While the episode introduces Krieg and Zeff’s past, there is minimum awareness on some Straw Hat crew participants on this specific episode. Overall: One Piece Episode 23 is a nicely-dependent episode that serves as a bridge among arcs. It expands the world of One Piece, introduces a capability antagonist, and highlights the center values of the Straw Hat Pirates. While the episode offers restrained action and focuses on specific characters, it correctly utilizes international-building, character development, and a cliffhanger ending to create a fascinating and suspenseful story that sets the level for stimulating destiny developments.