The Straw Hat pirates finally leave Dressrosa in episode 746 of the One Piece anime. This marks the culmination of a long and arduous arc, signaling the start of their next adventure and the fallout from the events that transpired on the island kingdom.
A Long Journey Ends: Episode 746 and Beyond
Dressrosa, ruled under the tyrannical guise of Donquixote Doflamingo, was a crucible for the Straw Hats and their allies. Episode 746, titled “Among the Stars – Seeking Out the Man Who Threatens the Four Emperors,” signifies not only their escape but also the shift in power dynamics within the One Piece world. The episode sees the official departure of the main Straw Hats (Luffy, Zoro, Usopp, Robin, Franky) and their allies as they set sail to Zou, leaving behind a liberated Dressrosa and a newly formed Grand Fleet under Luffy’s banner. It’s a pivotal moment highlighting the alliances forged and the enemies made.
Deep Dive: Exploring the Significance of Dressrosa’s End
Understanding the context surrounding the Straw Hats’ departure from Dressrosa is crucial to appreciate the impact it has on the overall narrative. This section delves into key events and characters involved, offering a comprehensive look at the arc’s significance. The Dressrosa arc, a sprawling saga, serves as a turning point, introducing vital characters, expanding upon existing storylines, and setting the stage for future confrontations.
Key Events Leading to Departure
The departure itself is not abrupt. It follows the intense battle against Doflamingo, the dismantling of his underground dealings, and the subsequent political upheaval on Dressrosa. The Straw Hats, along with Law, face overwhelming odds, requiring the assistance of numerous allies, including gladiators from the Corrida Colosseum and the Tontatta Kingdom. The establishment of Luffy’s Grand Fleet, formed through the gladiators who now pledge allegiance to him, is a direct consequence of these events, shaping the future of the series. Furthermore, the defeat of Doflamingo exposes his connections to the Celestial Dragons, revealing deeper layers of corruption and conspiracy within the World Government.
Impact on the World Stage
The Straw Hats’ actions on Dressrosa resonate far beyond the island’s borders. Doflamingo’s defeat throws the underworld into chaos, impacting the flow of weapons and resources. This destabilization attracts the attention of other powerful figures, including the Four Emperors (Yonko), particularly Kaido, who had a business relationship with Doflamingo. The creation of Luffy’s Grand Fleet also signifies a significant shift in power, establishing him as a major force to be reckoned with. The implications of these events will continue to unfold in subsequent arcs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Straw Hats’ Dressrosa Exit
To further clarify the details surrounding the Straw Hats’ departure from Dressrosa, here are 12 frequently asked questions, accompanied by thorough and informative answers:
1. What characters specifically left Dressrosa in episode 746?
The main crew members who sailed towards Zou were Luffy, Zoro, Usopp, Robin, and Franky. Sanji, Nami, Chopper, and Brook were already on Zou before the events of Dressrosa, separating from the rest of the crew to ensure the safety of Caesar Clown.
2. What happened to the rest of the Straw Hats during the Dressrosa arc?
As mentioned, Sanji, Nami, Chopper, and Brook were tasked with protecting Caesar Clown and heading to Zou. Their journey and experiences on Zou are detailed in the subsequent arc.
3. Why did the Straw Hats go to Dressrosa in the first place?
The initial reason was to destroy the Smile factory, disrupting Kaido’s artificial Devil Fruit production and weakening his forces. This objective was linked to Law’s plan to defeat Doflamingo, a former ally of Kaido.
4. What are the implications of the Straw Hats defeating Doflamingo?
Doflamingo’s defeat had significant repercussions, including: disrupting the underworld’s arms trade, angering Kaido, exposing the corruption within the World Government, and solidifying Luffy’s reputation as a formidable pirate.
5. What is the significance of the Grand Fleet being formed in Dressrosa?
The Grand Fleet represents Luffy’s growing influence and power. It provides him with a network of allies across the world, capable of supporting him in future battles and ventures. While Luffy doesn’t actively control them, they are fiercely loyal and ready to assist him when needed.
6. What is Zou, and why are the Straw Hats heading there after Dressrosa?
Zou is a giant elephant that walks the seas, carrying a mysterious island kingdom on its back. The Straw Hats are heading there to reunite with the rest of their crew and to seek information about the Road Poneglyphs, which are crucial for finding Raftel, the location of the One Piece.
7. What episode does the fight between Luffy and Doflamingo conclude?
The epic conclusion to Luffy’s battle against Doflamingo takes place in episode 733.
8. Who are the members of the Dressrosa alliance?
The alliance comprised of the Straw Hats, Trafalgar Law, the Heart Pirates, Kin’emon, Kanjuro, Momonosuke, the gladiators from the Corrida Colosseum (who later formed the Grand Fleet), and the Tontatta Kingdom.
9. Did anyone die during the Dressrosa arc?
While there were casualties among the citizens and fodder characters, no major, named characters permanently died during the Dressrosa arc. The potential death of certain characters was hinted at, but ultimately averted.
10. How long is the Dressrosa arc in total?
The Dressrosa arc is one of the longest in the One Piece anime, spanning from episode 629 to episode 746, totaling 118 episodes.
11. What are the Smile fruits that the Straw Hats wanted to destroy?
Smile fruits are artificial Devil Fruits created by Caesar Clown using a synthetic SAD chemical compound. They are imperfect and have a low success rate, often resulting in users gaining powers but also suffering from severe side effects, including permanent laughter.
12. What is the overall impact of the Dressrosa arc on the future of the series?
The Dressrosa arc is a pivotal turning point, escalating the stakes and introducing key players who will be integral to the endgame of One Piece. It sets the stage for the conflict with Kaido, the exploration of Wano Country, and the unraveling of the mysteries surrounding the World Government and the Void Century. The creation of the Grand Fleet ensures Luffy’s prominence on the world stage and his ability to challenge the established power structures.