Episode 11 of One Piece Log: Fish-Man Island Saga, titled “Jinbe’s Confession – A Shocking History of the Fish-Men,” aired on January 12, 2025, and continues the trend of this remastered arc by delivering significant emotional depth and high-stakes action. This episode, a part of the condensed 21-episode retelling of the Fish-Man Island arc, showcases the improved animation and pacing that have become the hallmark of this remake. However, some fans have noted that the pacing feels rushed, and certain important moments have been glossed over.
Shirahoshi’s Heartbreak and Longing
The episode opens with a poignant exploration of Princess Shirahoshi’s past. The audience is given a deeper look into the reasons for her isolation. We learn that Vander Decken’s relentless attacks have forced her to remain locked away, preventing her from even attending her own mother’s funeral. The scene where Shirahoshi finally gets to visit her mother’s grave is truly moving. The visual of young Shirahoshi confined behind closed doors emphasizes the extent of her suffering and isolation, highlighting the impact Luffy has made on her life in a short period, despite his somewhat gruff interactions with her. This sequence serves as a powerful reminder of the emotional core of the series.
Jinbe’s Confession and Nami’s Response
Another major emotional sequence in this episode revolves around Jinbe’s confession to Nami. Jinbe reveals that his actions were the reason Arlong was able to terrorize the East Blue and capture Nami, which ultimately led to her losing her family, her childhood, and any semblance of peace. The direction in these scenes is particularly well-done, effectively communicating the depth of the pain and violence that resulted from Jinbe’s decisions. The episode masterfully illustrates the chain of events that drastically altered Nami’s life.
However, the scene isn’t entirely about Jinbe’s guilt. Nami’s response is crucial; she points out the suffering of the Fish-Men under the World Government. This exchange emphasizes a major theme of the arc, which is the deep-seated prejudice and tension between humans and Fish-Men, offering a more nuanced perspective on the conflict.
Zoro vs Hody Jones: An Underwater Showdown
The episode also delivers a thrilling action sequence featuring Zoro battling Hody Jones. Hody, fueled by Energy Steroids, attempts to raid Ryugu Palace, creating a flooded environment. Zoro steps in, demonstrating his overwhelming strength despite the considerable disadvantage of fighting underwater, where Fish-Men are exponentially stronger. The animators deliver a visual spectacle as Zoro easily dodges and blocks Hody’s attacks before defeating him with a single, decisive blow. This showcases the incredible results of Zoro’s training with Dracule Mihawk. It’s a display of power that highlights how far the Straw Hats have come since the time skip.
Pacing and Animation: A Mixed Bag
While the animation of the fight scenes and emotional moments is commendable, some fans have expressed concerns about the pacing of the episode. The condensed format of the One Piece Log series, designed to address the original series’ pacing issues, seems to have swung too far in the opposite direction. Some viewers feel that the episode attempts to rush through important plot points, resulting in jarring cuts and a lack of breathing room for the story to unfold naturally. For example, a humorous moment involving a joke about Luffy misinterpreting Franky’s brother has been cut short, which has been a letdown for some fans.
Despite the pacing issues, the episode manages to pack a lot of information and emotion into its runtime. The animation quality is notably improved compared to the original series, and the fight sequences are visually impressive. The episode title “Jinbe’s Confession – A Shocking History of the Fish-Men,” accurately represents the content, covering major emotional beats and important plot developments.
Overall Impression: A Solid but Flawed Episode
Overall, One Piece Log: Fish-Man Island Saga Episode 11 is a powerful installment in the series, offering a mix of emotional depth and high-octane action. The exploration of Shirahoshi’s suffering, coupled with Jinbe’s impactful confession and Nami’s thoughtful response, adds significant weight to the narrative. The action is also a highlight, with Zoro’s battle against Hody being particularly well-executed. However, the pacing issues and jarring cuts mar the overall experience for some viewers. While the attempt to consolidate the story is appreciated, this episode has led many to believe that the original series, despite its slow pace at times, allowed certain moments to breathe, adding necessary tension and impact.
The episode, while not perfect, is still a worthwhile watch for One Piece fans and continues to demonstrate that this remastered version is a serious attempt to improve the viewing experience. It effectively highlights the major themes of the arc and provides a reminder of the growth and struggles of the Straw Hat Pirates. The final moments of the episode set the stage for the next installment, which promises to delve into Otohime and Fisher Tiger’s backstory, which many fans are looking forward to.
One Piece Log: Fish-Man Island Saga is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.