After a six-month hiatus, the “One Piece” anime finally returned with Episodes 1123 and 1124 released on April 5 and 6. While fans praised the overall animation and new opening theme, many couldn’t help but voice their disappointment, particularly over the treatment of Sanji.
A Long-Awaited Return Met With Mixed Emotions
The hiatus, which began in October 2024 during the series’ 25th anniversary, marked the longest break in “One Piece” anime history. The pause allowed the anime to avoid catching up to the manga while giving animators time to improve quality for the highly anticipated Egghead Arc.
During the break, a remastered version of the Fish-Man Island Arc was aired. Expectations were sky-high when the main story resumed, and Episode 1123 largely lived up to the hype, with the exception of two controversial Sanji scenes.
Sanji Sidelined and Altered
Fans were quick to notice that Sanji had been entirely removed from a pivotal scene originally featured in manga Chapter 1086. In that moment, the Straw Hat Pirates and their allies capture York, a scene that was well-received in the manga but felt oddly incomplete in the anime due to Sanji’s absence.
More controversially, the anime added a scene in which Sanji appears with heart-shaped eyes while looking at Bonney. This instantly ignited backlash among fans, especially considering Bonney’s true age is just 12, despite her appearance as an adult due to her Toshi Toshi no Mi devil fruit powers.
Fan Reactions: “Outdated and Inappropriate”
While Sanji’s flirtatious antics have long been a part of his character, many fans argue the joke has become outdated and tone-deaf, particularly when directed at a child, even unintentionally.
Importantly, the manga never depicted such behavior from Sanji toward Bonney, and creator Eiichiro Oda was careful to avoid any interactions that could be interpreted as inappropriate. Fans felt the anime scene diverged significantly from the original tone and intentions of the source material.
Still, some viewers defended the animation team, claiming the scene was true to Sanji’s exaggerated personality, and noting that his over-the-top reactions are part of the show’s comedic tradition.
Beyond the Controversy
Despite the controversy, the rest of Episode 1123 has received widespread acclaim. The new opening theme song, which focuses on Bonney and Kuma, was described as emotional and visually breathtaking, giving a haunting glimpse into one of the most tragic storylines in the series.
Toei Animation, which has worked on “One Piece” for over 25 years, continues to receive both praise and criticism as the anime evolves. The latest controversy highlights the delicate balance between honoring the original manga and creative liberties in adaptation.
While the anime’s return was largely celebrated for its high production value and emotional depth, the depiction of Sanji in Episode 1123 has sparked heated debate. For some fans, the six-month wait was marred by questionable choices that clash with the series’ tone. Whether Toei will address the backlash or stay the course remains to be seen, but the controversy is a reminder of the fine line between comedy and sensitivity in long-running franchises.