Ahoy, Straw Hats! What to Know Before One Piece Season 2

This article covers the main events of Netflix’s live-action One Piece season 1 and lets readers know what to expect for season 2.

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It’s almost time to return to the high seas, Straw Hats. One Piece is poised to take Netflix by storm for season 2, which premieres on March 10. Season 2 brings more exciting characters from Eiichiro Oda’s incredible anime and manga series into the fold, expanding this fascinating world.

Straw Hats, if you need a refresher regarding One Piece season 1, here’s what you need to know before its eight-episode second season, subtitled Into the Grand Line, drops on the streamer.

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Our Colorful Cast of Characters

You’ve finally committed yourself to a life on the sea. Before you commence your duties aboard Going Merry, let’s dive into our ragtag crew of lovable Straw Hat Pirates (and their foes):

Monkey D. Luffy – Gomu Gomu no Pistol! Born on Dawn Island, our fearless protagonist is the founder and captain of the Straw Hat Pirates. He’s the son of Monkey D. Dragon and the grandson of Monkey D. Garp (plot twist). Ever since childhood, Luffy has dreamed of being a pirate. Not just any pirate, though: the King of the Pirates. He hopes to find the One Piece to accomplish this. Luffy is most inspired by Shanks, a pirate who took young Luffy under his wing and encouraged him to pursue piracy.

Personality-wise, Luffy is as reckless as they come. There’s a childlike quality to how he approaches things. He barrels headfirst into danger with unadulterated gusto and a smile on his face.

Nami – “Cat Burglar” Nami is our crew’s navigator and senior officer. She was born and raised in Coco Village alongside her adopted sister Nojiko and their mother, Belle-Mere. Unfortunately, Arlong, head of the Arlong Pirates, seized control of Nami’s village and killed her mom. Whip-smart and even-keeled, Nami has a knack for cartography and knows a thing or two about picking pockets. She also has ulterior motives … more on that later.

Roronoa Zoro – Zoro is Luffy’s right-hand man and first mate in the Straw Hats. He’s also a talented swordsman with a cool, calm, and collected demeanor, which makes him particularly formidable. This ex-bounty hunter was born and raised in Shimotsuki Village and is easily one of the most powerful of our heroes. Like Luffy, he has aspirations of his own, which include becoming the greatest swordsman in the world. But first, he must defeat the current titleholder of this honor: Dracule Mihawk.

Usopp – Usopp is the resident sniper of the Straw Hat Pirates. Hailing from Syrup Village, Usopp spent his childhood spreading lies about pirates in the hopes that his father, Yasopp, would return to take him out to sea. He’s the fourth person to join Luffy’s crew, which reinvigorates his zeal for life and his desire to become a “brave warrior” of the seas. He knows his way around a slingshot and utilizes his cleverness to attack his enemies. On the personality front, Usopp has a flair for the dramatic. He struggles with cowardice, but when his friends are in danger, Usopp rises to the challenge and pushes past his fears to save them.

Sanji – Every pirate crew needs a cook. That’s the role Sanji fulfills in the Straw Hats. During his childhood, Sanji worked aboard the ship Orbit as a cook (gotta start young, you know). While Luffy is all about unearthing the One Piece, Sanji hopes to discover the All Blue, a sea that unites all four oceans. Sanji is a sweetheart – kind, courteous, charming, and occasionally flirtatious. It’s when things don’t go his way that his temperament pivots on a dime.

New Characters for Season 2

One Piece will see the arrival of a new member of the Straw Hats: Tony Tony Chopper, the reindeer doctor extraordinaire. In addition to our intrepid Straw Hat Pirates, major antagonist Alvida, creepy baddie Buggy the Clown, Marine cadet Koby, and the legendary Pirate King Gold Roger are returning for season 2.

If villains are your thing, season 2 also adds Mr. 3, Miss Valentine, Mr. 5, and Mr. 9, four members of the sinister criminal syndicate Baroque Works, with Mr. 0 as its president. Then, we have Smoker, a Marine Vice Admiral; Captain Tashigi, a Marine officer serving under Smoker; Wapol, the King of Drum Island; and Dalton, the King of Sakura Island. In short, Luffy and his cohorts will have a ton of adversaries to contend with in season 2.

Season 2 will also see the arrival of Dr. Kureha, a 139-year-old doctor from Drum Island; Dr. Hiriluk, described as a “quack doctor” from Drum Island; Nefertiti Cobra, the King of Alabasta; and Miss Wednesday, a princess of Alabasta and former Baroque Works agent.

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The One Piece Is Pretty Important

So, what is the One Piece? It’s the titular treasure of the late Gold Roger, the Pirate King, who cements himself as the stuff of legends. In the season 1 premiere, Luffy’s grandfather, Vice Admiral Garp, puts Roger to death in a public execution in Loguetown (20 years before the events of the first episode). Before he dies, Roger encourages the execution attendees to search for his treasure. Two decades later, renowned pirates and newcomers alike have failed to locate the One Piece. It’s purportedly located somewhere on the Grand Line, an oceanic route wrapping around the Blue Planet.

That’s where Luffy comes in. He vows to be the first to find the One Piece to achieve fame and wealth beyond comprehension. He’ll replace Gold Roger as a swashbuckling icon.

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Why Is Luffy So Stretchy?

No, he’s not Mister Fantastic. Luffy is a stretchy fella because, as a child, he consumed the Gum-Gum Fruit, which is part of the Devil Fruit family. It granted him rubber-like abilities. The Gum-Gum Fruit was part of Shanks’ possessions. Shanks discovers Luffy ate the fruit after pulling on the boy’s arm and noticing that, well, it stretches. As a result, Luffy can stretch and contort his body. He can also deliver powerful attacks, like his trademark punch. Beyond his general stretchiness, Luffy possesses superspeed and agility. He’s basically unstoppable.

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Nami Betrays the Straw Hats

As it turns out, Nami is a member of the Arlong Pirates. Dun, dun, DUN! She surreptitiously delivers intel to Arlong regarding the map to the Grand Line. After Arlong conquered her village, Nami cut a deal with the malevolent pirate to buy back the village for 100 million berries. When she finally has the money to ensure Coco Village’s freedom, Arlong double-crosses Nami by striking another deal with Marine Nezumi. Nezumi seizes Nami’s money and arrests her.

While this is clearly a betrayal for the Straw Hats, they support Nami. They engage in a battle with the Arlong Pirates. The Straw Hats successfully defeat the enemy, free Nami, and get Coco Village out from under Arlong’s thumb. Nothing can stand the power of friendship.

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What’s Next for Luffy and His Crew?

Nezumi calls for the arrest of the Straw Hat Pirates and brings in Vice Admiral Garp. Luffy and his grandfather battle it out. However, Grampy Garp lets our protagonists go free. The end of the season 1 finale sees Alvida and Buggy chatting at a bar. In the anime series, they eventually become partners. With a bounty on Luffy’s head, it’s now the enemy of my enemy is my friend. They join forces to take down their mutual adversary. Meanwhile, the finale introduces Smoker as he burns his cigar on Luffy’s “Wanted” poster.

As the Straw Hats continue their voyage into the Grand Line to locate the One Piece, it’s anyone’s game who will come out on top (my money’s on the stretchy dude).

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What did you love most about One Piece season 1? What are you most excited to see in season 2? Join the conversation with other anime fans over at Sideshow Social Network or in side.show/geekgroup, and don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!