Achievement unlocked. You are officially a part of the cried over a boat family.

One of my favorite lines in this saga is when Aokiji tells Robin "Ohara has not fallen yet"

It is important to note the lesson, that victims of propaganda are not immune to propaganda directed towards others. Ice Berg was the victim but was also a propagator for another propaganda directed towards Robin, thus teaching us that no one is immune to propaganda.

Aerospace Engineer from germany spending his evening listening to an english professor from the states talk about One Piece. The internet is truly beautiful.

You cried over a boat! Congratulations!! You are now a real One Piece fan!

I love how everyone promotes Merry from ship to character on this arc

The opening monologue brought tears to my eyes, it’s truly heartening to see that others can recognize this beautiful story for the masterpiece that it is

Don't know if you have not noticed. But when Lufy and Zoro said they did not hear Usopps words, it was a play on what Zorro said. That "if the first words we hear from him are not an apology, we will set sail without him". This way they could stay true to their words and give Usopp a few more chances.

Shank’s meeting with Whitebeard is one of my favorite scenes. He shows how imposing Whitebeard is in such a short time as well as building up Shanks, Blackbeard and Ace.

An important lesson from Enies Lobby and Water Seven is the idea that nothing is inherently good or evil just because it exists. Franky's boats, knowledge of the Ancient Weapons, and Robin herself - their existence is not a crime. It's what's done with a weapon, with knowledge, and with your life that matters, but no one can be judged guilty for simply existing as they were made. Any authority that says otherwise is dangerous.

I'd say if you're curious about the live action, it will no longer have spoilers now that you've reached post-Enies Lobby.

Crying over a boat is One Piece coming-of age. Welcome to the crew Prof!

I want to give a shoutout to Kokoro, the middle-aged depressed woman with a drinking problem who steps up to the plate when given a chance to defy the tragedy that hurt her so badly, and becomes one of the most heroic figures in the story. I think her character writing and accomplishments go really unsung since they're not at the direct center of things, but she's such a great part of this wonderful saga and I feel like she's worth highlighting!

The best part of Oda's writing is how he can go from making us laugh, to making us cry so fast. Enies lobby is so amazing in the fact that the stakes are so high, yet there are some of the best comedic pieces in there to alleviate the reader/watcher from the sadness.

Now that you've finally met Garp, I can tell you the story behind his dog mask! Back in the day, before One Piece began serialization, it had a couple of pilot chapters: Romance Dawn v.1 and Romance Dawn v.2. In the latter of these pilot versions, Luffy receives his hat not from Shanks but from his grandpa, who even then had the same design as Garp. Once One Piece began serialization, Oda used the dog mask to hide Garp's appearance and bamboozle readers who might've recognized him as Luffy's grandpa all the way back when he first appeared in Coby's cover story. The bamboozling goes even deeper, since the whole reason Oda used Luffy's grandpa in Romance Dawn v.2 in the first place was so people wouldn't be thinking of Shanks, who appeared in v.1 and would go on to appear in the actual first chapter. These are the kinds of games he plays with the reader. Well anyway. There's also a little translation thing from when Ace and Blackbeard are talking that should be mentioned, since the official Viz translation got something wrong there that's going to be plot relevant eventually. In the Viz version Ace tells Blackbeard something to the effect that "you've been around a long time", but what he literally said and what both fan translations and some other languages (I originally read this in Finnish) used was closer to "you've lived twice the life of a normal man", which of course makes no sense since Blackbeard isn't all that old. What does it mean then? Speculate while you still can! It will make sense... eventually.

I think the way Franky and Robin's stories intertwine is just excellent. Franky's declaration that "existing isn't a crime!" is just as much about his own ships as it is about Robin's life.

For me, Usopp's arc was the defining feature of this saga. From his insecurities coming to a boiling point when the crew decided to get a new ship and his following leaving the crew to him having to take on a secret identity to even bear being around the crew to Sanji giving the speech to him about how everyone has different things they're capable of and we can only do our best within those boundaries all the way up to him finally throwing down the mask and being able to talk to Luffy face-to-face to give him the last bit of encouragement he needs to defeat Lucci. Usopp is my favorite Straw Hat, and this is the saga that cemented that.

I love the creativity where there's just a giant hole in the ocean and the government building above. Just adds to the greater mystery.

What I love about One Piece is that the panels that I have burned into my mind, the ones I remember fondly with a mix of amazement and excitement, are beautiful character moments, not fights. The "I want to live" panel, the defiance of the Strawhats against the World Government, and many more to come.

Finally, this is THE arc that always solidifies a true One Piece fans love for the story. When you see what kind of incredibly deep story Oda is able to craft below the surface of this seemingly silly pirate story. Congratulations for making it here, and good luck on your journey through the rest of the grand line 🙏

Oh man the going merry’s funeral is everyone’s first time crying over a boat and anyone who did isn’t afraid to admit it 😂 love how you eloquently explain your emotions/reactions to the series, keep it up my nakama ✊

Robin's English VA yelling out, "I want to live!" lives rent free in my head more so than most other OP moments.

I love that you mentioned Zoro's insistence on Usopp's apology! A big part of this saga is Luffy learning to be a better captain after the falling out in early Water 7, and Zoro stepping up in his role as vice-captain is such a key part of why he's able to do that. Looking forward to your analysis of Thriller Bark, especially the character of Moriah and the dangers of the New World!

I personally love how Luffy’s heritage is just drop so casually. Most other series would’ve spent time built up the suspense, the mystery, and make a big deal about it when it was reveal. But here, it’s like “Oh, Luffy’s grandpa is a marine hero? Well the fist of love is the more pressing matter here” and “Oh by the way, your father is the world most wanted man, but you shouldn’t know that so forget it.” It’s simultaneously hilarious but also a nice way of showing that Luffy is special because of who he is, not his heritage and it’s not “in your face” about it either. It’s also in line with the theme of freedom to pursue your own path and loving others in spite of different believes. All three generation of the Monkey family has their own ideals and believes and even if Garp isn’t exactly happy of the paths his children took, he still love them all and while he does try to make Luffy a marine, he still respect his path as a pirate and only take action out of obligation and nothing else. Something that will be a very big deal for him in a later arc but I won’t spoil it for you.

2:14 Woah woah woah woah woah… are you serious? You just blew my mind!

You've hit the true point of no return, Philip! Give the anime, both Sub and Dub a look for this one, Both actresses killed it. Absolutely nailed the delivery.

The intro almost made me cry. Lovely!

Robin’s I want to live scream was the first thing in all of media to make me cry from pure joy. I was beyond happy to see this person struggle with the will to be alive while feeling like she’s worth nothing only to finally realize that she doesn’t want to die, she wants to live and be free and happy. It hit so close to home for me and I never thought reading could make me feel like that ever

I love these videos. The closest I can ever get to experiencing the joy of One Piece for the first time again is watching somebody else experience the joy of One Piece for the first time

The weirdest loop ever, me getting into Malazan because of your videos and then seeing you getting into One Piece, which I've been following since 2003-ish.

What a great intro, beautifully put! These first 60 seconds gave me goosebumps ^^

It’s a small moment in the grand scheme of things, but I’ve always loved how despite Zoro putting his foot down with Usopp having to apologize and Luffy agreeing with him, both of them pretend not to hear him until he he finally does. It lets them stick to their “if the first words out of his mouth aren’t an apology” while also showing how desperate they are to actually have him back.

Holy shit, Franky becoming a Dismantler because of his trauma made a lot of sense, I don't know how I never realized that ! - btw the reason why people didn't want to you to check out the live action was, because they decided to reveal something way earlier and Oda originally revealed "x" during this saga. You could watch it now if you wanted. Also it's prob a good time to do so anyways because the next saga is quite large.

PROFESSOR NAKAMA LETS GOOO

I happened to start one piece at the same time as you, and also happen to be going through the story at the same pace as you, so it's been awesome always having someone with whom to, in a way, discuss what I've just watched. Thanks!

It's so good to have a writing perspective on one piece. The theories sometimes get so over the top that it's easy to forget the power of Oda's writing. Keep doing what you're doing.

Balancing humor and drama is a huge challenge, that this arc accomplishes throughout without breaking a sweat

When it comes to Luffy's intelligence, he's an idiot, but after time, his emotional intelligence has grown to be as powerful if not MORE SO than his battle intelligence; that's why he's one of my favorite protagonists. Speaking of which, you might have already mentioned this, but we almost never hear Luffy's thoughts, which makes him more of an enigma and is very unique amongst manga protagonists

Without spoiling, theres a character later in the series who’s philosophy intrigues the entire community, especially their opinions on justice. I can’t wait to see your breakdown of his ideals! Keep up the great work!

Robin yelling to her mother, all she wanted was to hold her hand and walk down the street, hits me so hard. It reminds me one of the most important thing for others, especially kids, is just to be there with them

I really can't wait for this man to get to the Reverie, I want a 15 hour video on it.

I love these mini arcs that fill in the world while still progressing the story. Loguetown, Jaya, Post Ennies, and many more to come are one of my favourite aspects of One Piece.

Can't wait for the discussions with Mike and Merphy

Love how it's an action and not words that finally get Robin to drop her facade, great writing right there.

Ennies Lobby is my favorite arc, not because of the fights (even though I enjoyed their individual fights), it's because of the emotional moments. Robin's "I want to live" is so impactful especially when times are, but her "Take me to the sea with you" showed me that she had a home, because for some reasons "the sea" has become "the home of the pirates" to me. So now, for the first time in forever, she finally has a home. And I'm so glad that she has a home now

23:45 Franky being GOATED?! 🐐🐐🐐

Did you listen to the sogeking theme song from the anime?

never clicked this fast

Water 7/Enies Lobby is my favorite stretch of the entire manga, I feel like it’s the first saga that really solidifies One Piece as a work of art

Water 7 and Enies Lobby combined are my single favorite story in fiction. It's one of the only stories to ever make me emotional on a consistent basis. It does so much groundwork to relate you to these characters before letting you feel their emotions - not just with Robin but with Usopp as well. Oda tells us that we all have a place in this world, and that you can experience sadness or tragedy without despair.

YES!! Oda has a talent to make you cry AND laugh at the same time, and I LOVE him for it!!

So happy you finally reached this point! Water 7/Enies Lobby is one of those points in this story that really opens up the world and gives us a better idea of what the story of One Piece is leading towards beyond a fun treasure hunt. It's a part of the story i've come to think about a lot more overtime. This saga is really a coming of age for the crew so I just want to mention just an additional layer of symbolism that the Going Merry represents from a story perspective. Oda doesn't really hide it either. Up until now crew and the story was just sailing around merrily hunting for their treasure, literally going merry. With the changing of the ship at this time we can see that our crew has a little more instore for them than just their own goals and we start to get a glimpse of their true purpose in the wider narrative. Nothing more fitting than the Sun to quell the great darkness of the World Government and whatever bad pirates are out there! Hope you find even greater joy reading the rest of this story!

Thats my first time realizing Garp says "HE SAID he saw you off at Loguetown" as if they spoke

"I want to live" and Merry's Funeral hit hard in the Manga but those moments were even better in the Anime. thanks for the video!

Maybe the greatest arc in One Piece and perhaps all of Manga.

I almost cried the moment I thought about Luffy ordering Usopp to destroy the WG’s flag in relation to his moment protecting Hiriluk’s flag on Drum Island. Oda is so genuinely great at using these character beats consistently to make moments like this feel like they matter so much more

I WANT TO LIVE!!!!!! ❤

I've been enjoying your talks for a while now, and I gotta say, you're really lining up with everything I've thought about the series, but also bringing in great insights from another perspective, like the naming from hindu mythology. Keep it going man, I'm glad you enjoy the series, and I'm sure everyone will help you continue on your journey!

Glad you got through Enies Lobby :D It's a really amazing arc. I like to believe it's a major turning point in the story as well since, that declaration of war against the government was such a huge moment. I liked the whole theme of gods vs demons and monsters in this arc especially due to how Robin is declared the Demon Child and how Chopper is a giant monster but also with Zoro and Sanji's devil themed techniques. The arc is littered with tiny other stories about how the bonds go deep with these characters from Sodom and Gomorrah's valiant charge to Oimo and Kaashi finding out the truth about Dory and Broggy. Though these beats pull a lot of weight on you as a reader Oda still manages to keep things fun and light with so many other ridiculous moments. My favorite being, Kaku... having the most fitting yet most hilariously creative devil fruit in the story... O_o His power being the catalyst of Hana Arashi existing. Also Nami's new proficiency with her climatact leading to her first time being a competent strategist and fighter in her own right and her own style. I also can't ignore the mastery of how Oda navigates through all these fights going on simultaneously with some fights affecting another. Whew... this ending in the most emotional moments so far and new revelations just... whew. I remember reading this in high school and folks are still dissecting and analyzing every little part of this amazing story. Welcome to the "I cried over a boat" club! Sail on!

NEW PHILIP CHASE DROP! Thank you for brightening up my day 🎉🌠

finally, how ive waited

In the anime, the fate of Going Merry is truly the pinnacle of emotional damage in modern media. I get teary eyed just thinking about it.

Let's goo, new video about one piece, even better, it's about one of my favorite arc in history ❤

The merry scene was the moment I realized this story is something special. Oda managed that I really felt for an inanimate object the way I would feel for someone close to me. And Merry is still my favorite "character" of the series.

CONGRATULATIONS!!! You have finally reached the point where One Piece goes from really good to ABSOLUTELY AMAZING and it doesn’t stop! Just know that after next arc the story is gonna be getting a little bit more serious, you will still have your goofy moments but the next arcs will have even more emotional value to them. Also the story will only get better from here so be prepared. I hope you enjoy it!

What a perfect intro. And you finally got to my favorite moment in the entire story! I saw the anime and Robin's four words hit me deeper than any fight, joke or other impactful moment. Maybe because it hits a bit close to home but i'll leave it at that. Glad you enjoyed that moment! One thing i noticed when the Straw Hats were standing in a line in front of Robin was how it mirrored the ending of Alabasta. Robin wasn't part of the crew back then, but they all stood in a row with their backs turned to say goodbye to Vivi. Here they stand towards Robin and want to bring her back to the crew. And then Luffy asking Sogeking (who definitely isn't Usopp) to burn down the World Government flag, practically declaring war on the entire world FOR ROBIN is such a beautiful moment. Yep you hit the nail on the head with Franky, he is an underrated but still great crewmate. One moment i liked in the arc was how Kaku reacted to his devil fruit. When eating a zoan fruit, most would assume they'd get a traditionally cool animal. So whenever Kaku says "I love giraffes" to convince himself, i can't help but chuckle. If you want to cry more, you can watch the Merry's funeral in the anime. The music fits perfectly and i honestly was not ready to cry a second time in the same arc. You also explained Franky's arc perfectly. While his arc is sometimes overshadowed by Robin's sacrifice, it is still written very well. Garp was the main reason for why people recommended you wait to watch the live action. Not saying what role he plays in the Netflix live action, but he does show up. Now that you know who he is, you can safely watch the live action. And i recommend you do! Most live action adaptations of anime/manga is usually done very poorly, but that can't be said for One Piece. Everyone can see that the writers and actors love the story, and Oda gave his approval on the actors and story beats. Robin might have done bad things in her past, but she did an unforgivable thing to Franky 😂 Get your trick or treat bag ready. New power-ups, new ship, new crewmates, things are only going to get crazier from here on out! Amazing video like always, see you in the next one.

I was at work when i read merry's funeral. I had the biggest dumbest smile on my face as i was holding back tears. I had already know i was going to read the entire series by the end of Alabasta, but Enies Loby and the absolute emotion control ot had over me the entire time really solidified that it would just keep getting better and was already the best thing ive ever read.

I’ve been waiting for this video!! Such an amazing analysis as always, thanks!! Such a beautiful moment between Robin and Luffy, where Luffy never imposes freedom, i.e. he understands that freedom and dreams must come from within and that is why he will not save Robin until she wants it, until she chooses to live. Man, this arch hit so hard in the feels!

What a beautifully worded introduction, Philip. Love it!

One thing I love about the end of this arc that I missed at first is how Zoro and Luffy pretended not to hear Usopp until he apologized. Zoro made it clear that they would only let him back on the ship if the first words out of his mouth were an apology. Obviously, they weren’t, so Luffy and Zoro pretended not to be able to hear him until his apology, making it “the first thing he said.” Been loving your reviews and can’t wait to see the coming arcs!!

So excited to watch the video and see what you think about Enies Lobby and all that happens in it! Some deeply moving stuff! Always a joy to be alongside the journey with you!

I heard once that Robin's va fried her voice for several hours to get that raw, raspy cry of desperation...the deepest instinct that everyone has, that she was told she should be denied...finally getting that release to people she knows she can ride or die with. Props to her for following through and delivering that line that, for most? Defined the entire Arc.

All of us in the community are so glad to see another come and join us in the fun and in the tears. One piece becomes a story you are genuinely grateful to have started. I'm really excited to see you experience what comes next because it only gets bigger and better from here. Its been really fun :) I remember so clearly times I couldnt help but cry only to burst out laughing with the tears still wet on my face. It's moments like those that make you love the show

Its so enjoyable listening to your thoughts on One Piece. The Background as an English Professor is perfect for articulating the many details in one piece that can be overlooked. Thank you for the effort to describe these Arcs!!!

didn't know I needed the opinion of an English professor on OP, now I know I do 😂❤

To this day the water 7 saga as a whole including from the start of long ring long land to the end of post Enies lobby is my favorite section of One Piece, of course future arcs are also great but this saga holds a special place in my heart. From Foxy to Aokiji to Franky and Galley La to everything with Robin and usopp to the fights in Enies lobby to the Merry and finishing with Ace and Blackbeard it’s just so amazing from start to finish.

I'm all caught up! Loved all your takes so far. Ready for the Thriller Bark video. :) "You will cry over a ship." is something I've seen a lot of people say to try to convince their friends to read One Piece haha. May want to avoid discussions until you're entirely caught up. One Piece fans are notoriously bad at not spoiling things for people. Would hate to see you spoiled on big moments.

These videos are simply amazing. Someone eloquently and beautifully sharing their thoughts about your favourite (One) Piece, is simply awesomd

"I'm looking forward to some Shanks here"... I am so glad you feel this way.

i think "existing is not a crime" is a big kinda "mission statement" of one piece as a whole. this arc is the one that states it explicitly (and i love that franky is the one to do it- fits perfectly!), but i think im general its a good tagline for the whole story, especially for future arcs. and i think that is just so wonderful, its definitely a motto that i try to live by in my own life as well. no one is wrong for simply being how they were born, for simply living your life authentically.

the stretch from Water-7 to Marineford is the pinnacle of storytelling. Not just in Manga, but fiction as a whole. This was Oda at his best. The later arcs have been great ( especially the most recent one), but this stretch for me was something beyond words

There's a theory that the One Piece is actually under Ennies Lobby so when Merry said she wanted to take the crew a little further it actually accomplished her dream of bringing the crew to their final destination. In case you wanted to cry more lol.

i just finished enies lobby and started thriller bark and I'm so happy about this analysis 😭you hit all of the beats perfectly and your commentary on robins backstory and this misappropriation of justice were perfect. thank you so much for making this video!

Fantastic review as always. I am begging that now you have finished to listen to sniperking's theme song. It is such a musical treat to this silly persona that Ussop has taken.

The death of Going Merry is still one of my top 3 of most emotional moments in One Piece. Its the next Nakama I really want to see your first impression on. They have my fave Back Story.

Happy Wednesday sir! Glad you’ve reached such a beloved One Piece Arc/considered as one of the best One Piece arcs ever. I hope you have a wonderful day, thank you for continuing to entertain us all and glad you’re loving it ❤

So I showed my boyfriend one of these videos and now he’s HOOKED as well!! We both love the way you break down the themes and what not in the show, and not just your voice but the way you speak is incredible!! Just wanted to let ya know, definitely keep making these! (I’m sure you will, lol, but still!!) it is so nice to hear a professional analysis of my favorite show ever!! 💗🥰🫶🏻 Love your channel!

You are officially in the meat and potatoes of this story professor glad you are enjoying it and can’t wait for the next review

I would recommend watching the "i want to live" moment in the dub version of the anime. Hands down the greatest delivery of a line in the entirety of one piece in my opinion.

Been waiting for this one! Thank you for the content, Professor!

I am an anime watcher (I watch the dub) and the scene where Robin says "I want to live" was and still is one of my favourite moments in one piece. I remember rewatching it multiple times on my first viewing and when I found your videos talking about one piece I was so excited to see your thoughts on that scene! You didn't disappoint, I enjoyed this video A LOT :)

Yay I was waiting for this video! I think Water 7 and Enies Lobby are my favorite arcs. I actually love every One Piece arc so its hard to pick a favorite... But there's something really special about how the straw hats come together to save Robin. And all the themes in these arcs that are laying the foundation of whats to come. Thank you again for your thoughts and analysis!! I truly enjoy hearing them. And yes, One Piece will make you laugh, cry, and say "holy shit". Sometimes all in the same moment!!

Robin is still my favorite Straw Hat to this day. My Top 3 is: 1) Robin 2) Usopp 3) Luffy

Always excited to see your one piece uploads, you really understand and appreciate this series

The one I’ve been waiting for! Maybe my favorite arc. But you’re in for some great content coming up. Won’t say anymore for the sake of spoilers, but you’re in for a wild ride.

Starting off the day with an Enies Lobby video? You really know how to make your audience happy.

Been following your One Piece videos from the beginning and I love them! Keep it up!

2:24 I think there's a little bit of confusion here. Ussop is from Syrup Village which is in the East Blue, while Sniper King is from Sniper Island that actually exists in your heart. They're not the same person, they are just friends with very similar noses.

My favorite thumbnail so far

You got me hooked with the first four words of this video. Happy to accompany you on the great journey that is this series. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.