Summary:
Krieg formally begins his invasion of Baratie and the cooks are overpowered by one of Krieg’s officers, “Iron Wall” Pearl. Sanji defeats Pearl, but Zeff is now held by Gin.
Briefly speaking to his crew about his intentions, Krieg says that if he managed to get hold of Baratia, his inconspicuous appearance could be used for deception. Zeff’s diary could also provide useful strategies for overcoming the Grand Line, as well as information about the legendary One Piece treasure. This motivates his men to start the battle.
To prevent the interior of the restaurant from being damaged by the battle, Sanji orders an employee to raise the “fins”, two platforms on either side of the restaurant that could act as battlegrounds. Krieg Pirates enter Baratie’s port fin. While the chefs fight, pastry chef Patty and charcutier Carne control the Sabagashira I, a fish-shaped pedal, and attack Krieg. Krieg’s armor blocks Sabagashira’s artillery and he then throws the boat back at Baratie. The ship hits a fin.
The Cooks attack the Krieg Pirates but are defeated. Patty and Carne recall being recruited into Baratia, increasing their efforts and defeating many enemy forces, only to be shot down by one of Krieg’s officers, “Iron Wall” Pearl, a man covered in metal shields.
Pearl boasts of his record of winning all his battles without shedding a single drop of blood. However, just as he speaks, Krieg hits the mast that Luffy is holding on to. Luffy falls and hits Pearl from behind, causing Pearl to hit his head on one of his shields, causing his nose to bleed. His record tarnished, Pearl goes into a rage where she catches fire, spreading throughout the fin.
Despite this, Sanji manages to hit Pearl several times with his fighting skills, using only his feet. Pearl is knocked back and he is crushed by the falling mast, knocking him down. Despite initially winning, Gin catches Zeff off guard and holds him at gunpoint.
Pearl is introduced.
Pearl is said to have been raised in the jungle, which is only stated in the manga.
Weaknesses (Optional) Limited Focus on Other Straw Hats: While the episode makes a speciality of Sanji’s fight, there may be minimum involvement from other Straw Hat group contributors on this particular episode. Overall: One Piece Episode 25 is a nicely-established episode that successfully sets the level for the Baratie arc. It introduces a major villainous force, showcases Sanji’s combat abilities, and adds emotional depth to his character. While the episode offers restricted awareness on different Straw Hats, it makes use of motion sequences, character introduction, and a cliffhanger finishing to create an interesting and suspenseful story that leaves visitors keen to see the subsequent episode.