the Wano Arc has seen the series reach a new peak with some of the best scenes in the last two decades of its run-time. From heart-wrenching deaths to shocking betrayals and some of the best action sequences in the series so far, the Wano Arc as seen in the anime has it all with the perfect balance of content that enriches the story far beyond the source material.
Focusing on the Straw Hats' confrontation with the fearsome Yonko, Kaido of the Beasts, the Wano Arc actually feels sometimes feels like a standalone story that can be enjoyed even by those who have not followed the entirety of One Piece. The struggle of the samurai to free their land from tyranny and avenge the death of their master is a classic tale of drama and revenge that draws heavily from the classics of the genre. Also thanks to great character development and some unexpected plot twists, Wano has entered the running for one of the best arcs in One Piece and these amazing scenes prove why.
20 The Curtain Rises on Wano
Coupled with Komurasaki's energetic Shamisen, the opening act of Wano is very different from any other arc in One Piece thus far, and it sets up the comparison between this story arc and a classic Kabuki theatre play. Nonetheless, the opening act racks up the excitement with a brief glance into each of the Straw Hats undercover as well as a few glimpses of the unassuming yet stunning landscape of the Flower Capital. As always, however, chaos follows wherever the Straw Hats go as Zoro is framed as the slasher terrorizing the Capital and ends up fighting the magistrate and his subordinates.
19 Kanjuro's Shocking Betrayal
Kanjuro's betrayal and the subsequent revelation about his Kurozumi lineage were especially saddening after the flashback to Oden's death and his bond with the Akazaya samurai. Needless to say, neither fans nor the Akazaya expected Kanjuro to be the traitor considering their familial bond and the deep loyalty of the Akazaya to Oden. However, what makes this scene excellent apart from the shock factor is just how menacing and evil Kanjuro appears as he reveals his true colors. Accompanied by the tears of the Akazaya as they reminisce the good times they once shared with him, the scene takes on a bittersweet note.
18 Luffy Gets Captured: Straw Hats React
Luffy's inability to follow any form of a plan has been a long-running gag in One Piece. In fact, the Straw Hat crew have even learned to plan around their impulsive captain, taking it as a given that Luffy will do as he pleases, and have even used his unpredictability to their advantage at times like at Whole Cake Island. While Luffy's capture after attempting to fight Kaido at Kuri is nothing new or amusing, the Straw Hats' reactions to the news is certainly one of the most hilarious and meme-worthy moments of the early part of Wano.
17 Sanji Reveals His Flashy Germa Powers
Sanji's long-anticipated Germa powers finally grab the limelight in Wano when Page One attacks the Flower Capital in Episode #925. Sanji's transformation into Stealth Black, or Soba Mask, as he prefers to call himself is straight out of a superhero comic, complete with a flashy transformation sequence and epic reveal. In classic One Piece fashion, Sanji hilariously cannot help but wonder at the perverted possibilities of his new power, particularly his ability to turn invisible which he dreams of using to sneak into the women's bath.
16 The New Shogun of Wano
Momonosuke goes through quite an arc of his own during Onigashima. Not only does he abandon his childhood to save Wano and the Flower Capital by aging himself using Shinobu's Devil Fruit but he also continually strengthens his resolve to stand strong as Wano's symbol of hope. Though he may still have the mind of a child, Momonosuke has certainly come a long way by facing his own fears and helplessness to become the man his mother, Toki believed he could be. His journey over the course of Wano reaches its culminating point in this excellent scene where an adult-looking Momonosuke announces Kaido and Orochi's defeat and confidently proclaims himself the rightful shogun of Wano. Momonosuke's reveal signals the end of Wano's long years of suffering and the beginning of a new era.
15 Luffy Saves Otama
Fans instantly fell in love with the adorable Otama, who is possibly one of the cutest characters in the series which made seeing her mistreated by Holdem and Kaido's subordinates difficult to watch. Luffy and Otama's newfound bond really shines through when he punches Holdem without a second thought, enraged at the thought of Otama being hurt so cruelly. That said, aside from the satisfaction of seeing Luffy punch Holdem what truly makes this scene touching is the resemblance Otama sees between Ace and Luffy when the latter uses Red Hawk, which would later be revisited on Onigashima as well.
14 An Unlikely Friendship Blossoms
Just when fans thought Wano couldn't possibly have more tears in store the story reveals the beautifully tragic and poignant story of Yamato and Ace and their unlikely friendship. From the confrontation about following one's heart to the stories shared over a bottle of sake and a campfire, the two's friendship ends on a bittersweet note when Ace's vivre card goes up in flames leaving Yamato feeling helpless once again and reminding fans yet again of Ace's agonizing demise at Marineford.
13 The Raid on Onigashima Begins
The raid on Onigashima begins on an electrifying note with a cry from Kinemon and the samurai fervently drawing their swords as they brace themselves to take their long-awaited vengeance. Backlit by the beautiful red glow of Onigashima one can't help but get excited about the raid and the eventual face-off between the Alliance and Kaido. Peppered with some amazing frames and electrifying music, this scene perfectly builds up the anticipation surrounding the attack on Onigashima.
12 Luffy and Roger's Shared Dream
Yamato's flashback to meeting Ace reveals a key piece of information that makes the scene arguably one of the most important scenes of the series thematically. Upon hearing Luffy's real dream from Ace, Yamato reveals to viewers that Luffy's dream is one he shared with Gold Roger (and it's not becoming the Pirate King). While this scene is a simple interaction in the manga, the anime truly turns it into something magical with a beautifully animated sequence that stresses the parallels between Roger and Luffy and the intrigue surrounding this hilariously childish dream.
11 Oden Wouldn't Be Oden...
It would be an understatement to say that Oden is one of the most iconic and beloved characters to have come out of the Wano Arc. His charisma and quirkiness quickly captured the hearts of many fans who were left heartbroken by his eventual death. Nevertheless, Oden goes down a legendary man and his death is easily among the best scenes in the Wano Arc. His sheer fearlessness and resolve even in the face of a slow, excruciating death, and the fact that he meets his end with a smile and with his most recognizable lines are what make this scene truly iconic and deserving of a spot on this list.
