One Piece: Gyojin Tou-hen [Season 1 Episode 21]

One Piece: Gyojin Tou-hen – Episode 21 Review – A Bittersweet Farewell to Fish-Man Island

The remastered version of One Piece: Gyojin Tou-hen has been a rollercoaster of nostalgia, updated visuals, and condensed storytelling. Episode 21, the finale of the Fish-Man Island Saga, wraps up the Straw Hats’ adventure with a mix of celebration, lore drops, and a glimpse into the future. But how does it hold up compared to the original? Let’s dive into the highs, lows, and fan reactions.

A Quick Recap

For those who missed it, Gyojin Tou-hen is a remastered and condensed version of the Fish-Man Island arc (originally episodes 517-574). Episode 21, titled “Goodbye, Fish-Man Island! To the New World, the Mightiest Sea in the World,” brings the saga to a close. The Straw Hats, fresh off their victory against Hody Jones, throw a grand banquet with the residents of Ryugu Kingdom. Meanwhile, the episode teases future conflicts—like Luffy’s inevitable clash with Big Mom—and drops lore bombs about Joy Boy and the Void Century.

The Good: What Fans Loved

1. The Remastered Visuals & Pacing
   Fans praised the updated animation and tighter pacing. One commenter noted, “OP Fishman Island Remastered >> OP Original.” The remaster cuts filler, making the arc feel snappier. The banquet scene, in particular, shines with vibrant colors and smoother action sequences.

2. The Emotional Payoff
   The episode revisits emotional beats, like Shirahoshi’s pinky promise with Luffy and the legacy of Joy Boy. A fan wrote, “We relearn about Joyboy’s apology to Fish-Man Island. Now that Luffy has awakened Joyboy’s powers, will he be the one to fulfill the promise?” These moments remind us why One Piece excels at blending action with heart.

3. The Ending Song
   The new ending theme got a lot of love. “I’m gonna miss the ED song,” one fan lamented. Music has always been a strong suit for One Piece, and this remaster is no exception.

4. Hype for What’s Next
   The episode sets up the New World arc, leaving fans buzzing. “WOOOOOO WHO’S HYPED FOR EGGHEAD PART 2,” screamed one excited viewer. The preview for the next adventure had everyone counting down the days.

The Not-So-Good: Criticisms & Missed Opportunities

1. Rushed Pacing
   The biggest complaint? The episode felt too fast. “They should have adapted all this with one more episode,” argued a fan. Key moments, like Luffy’s conversation with Big Mom, were cut short, leaving some emotional weight on the table.

2. Inconsistent Cuts
   While some filler cuts were welcome (like the castle escape), others felt jarring. “The Big Mom introduction was too rushed,” noted a viewer. The original arc’s tension was sometimes lost in the remaster’s haste.

3. Mixed Feelings on the Arc Itself
   Fish-Man Island has always been divisive. “Definitely one of my bottom 5 arcs in all of One Piece,” admitted one longtime fan. While the remaster improved the experience, it couldn’t completely shake the arc’s reputation as one of the weaker entries.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth Watching?

For longtime fans, Gyojin Tou-hen is a fun nostalgia trip with prettier visuals and fewer pacing issues. As one viewer put it, “It’s not meant for first-time watchers, it’s meant for celebrating 25 years of the original anime.”

But if you’re new to One Piece, stick with the original. The remaster’s cuts might leave you confused about the finer details of the story.

Rating: 7.5/10
A solid, if imperfect, celebration of One Piece’s legacy. Now, bring on Egghead!

Fan Reactions Roundup

• “Fantastic arc! Even if the faster pacing felt a bit jarring at times, it still hit most of the high notes.”
• “Mediocre, but not bad actually. Would not recommend to first-time watchers.”
• “All good things must come to an end, and this is one of them.”

What did you think of the episode? Let’s discuss in the comments!

Written by a fellow Straw Hat enthusiast. 🏴‍☠️