One Pace Warship Island [Season 1 Episode 54]

One Pace Warship Island Arc: A Filler Worth Watching?

When it comes to One Piece, filler arcs are often met with mixed reactions. Some fans skip them entirely, while others appreciate the extra content—especially when it’s as unique as the Warship Island Arc (Episode 54 of One Pace’s recut version). As a fan project, One Pace aims to streamline the anime by removing filler and tightening the pacing to match Eiichiro Oda’s manga. But does this arc, despite being non-canon, hold up on its own? Let’s dive into what makes Warship Island stand out—or fall flat—according to fans.

The Arc’s Premise: Dragons, Mystery, and a Girl Named Apis

The Warship Island Arc introduces Apis, a young girl fleeing the Marines with a secret tied to the Sennenryu—a race of dragons that live for a thousand years. The island itself is shaped like a battleship, serving as a resting place for these mythical creatures. It’s a classic One Piece setup: a mysterious girl, a hidden past, and the Straw Hats caught in the middle.

Fans on MyAnimeList and Reddit have pointed out that while the arc doesn’t advance the main plot, it’s one of the better early fillers. The lore of the Sennenryu adds a fantasy element rarely explored in One Piece, and Apis’s connection to them gives the story emotional weight. One Reddit user noted, “It’s a self-contained adventure that feels like it could’ve been a side story in the manga. The dragons are cool, and the island’s design is creative.”

Pacing: Does One Pace Improve It?

Since One Pace cuts filler content, some fans wondered if this arc was worth keeping. Surprisingly, many argue that Warship Island benefits from the recut. The original anime version (Episodes 54–61) drags at times, but One Pace trims the fat, making it a tighter experience.

A Reddit discussion highlighted: “One Pace’s version of this arc is way better. The original has too much padding, but the recut keeps the fun parts—like Luffy’s antics and the dragon lore—without the fluff.” Others, however, miss the slower moments, arguing that filler can be fun when it’s well-executed. “I get why One Pace exists, but sometimes the extra scenes add charm,” one fan countered.

Fan Reactions: Love It or Skip It?

The debate over filler arcs is nothing new in the One Piece community. Some fans, especially those binge-watching, prefer skipping non-canon material to stay on track with the main story. Others, like a MyAnimeList user, defend Warship Island: “If you’re going to watch any filler, this is one of the better ones. It’s short, has a unique setting, and doesn’t feel like a waste of time.”

On the flip side, critics argue that the arc’s villain (the corrupt Marine officer) is forgettable, and the stakes feel low compared to canon arcs. “It’s not bad, but it’s not essential either,” one commenter shrugged.

Interestingly, some fans who watched One Pace first later revisited the original version out of curiosity. “I didn’t even realize this was filler until I checked the manga,” admitted one viewer. “But after seeing both, I prefer One Pace’s take—it’s just more efficient.”

Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?

If you’re a completionist or enjoy One Piece’s world-building, Warship Island is worth a look. The arc’s fantasy elements and Apis’s story make it a standout among early fillers. One Pace’s version is the way to go if you want a streamlined experience, but purists might appreciate the original’s slower charm.

As one fan perfectly summed it up: “It’s not East Blue or Alabasta-level great, but it’s a fun detour. And hey, any excuse to spend more time with the Straw Hats is a win.”

So, whether you’re Team One Pace or Team Filler, Warship Island offers a bite-sized adventure that—love it or hate it—adds a little extra flavor to One Piece’s vast world.