Best One Piece Episode Endings (To Be Continued… Done Right)

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‘One Piece’ is a master of cliffhangers, consistently ending its story arcs with shocking reveals and pivotal moments. Whether it’s the early surprises in the East Blue or the massive events in Wano, the show expertly uses the “To Be Continued…” ending to keep viewers hooked. These endings, typically occurring around the twentieth episode of an arc, highlight major developments like new bounty prices, important decisions for the crew, characters gaining new abilities, and epic battles – all cut at the perfect time to leave you wanting more.

“Luffy Stands Up! End of a Broken Promise!” (Episode 37)

As a huge ‘One Piece’ fan, this episode really hit me hard. We find out how deeply Arlong had his hooks in Nami’s village – through a truly awful Marine officer named Nezumi, who steals all of Nami’s hard-earned money. It’s devastating to watch Nami, pushed to her absolute limit, even try to erase the tattoo symbolizing her suffering. But then, in a moment that gave me chills, she finally asks Luffy for help, and he responds by placing his straw hat on her head – a gesture of trust and support that means everything. The episode beautifully builds towards the confrontation with Arlong, showing the entire crew walking towards Arlong Park, united and ready to fight. It ends at such a powerful moment, freezing that image of them marching together – a truly iconic scene in the series.

“Bounty! Straw Hat Luffy Becomes Known To The World!” (Episode 45)

Okay, so this episode was a real turning point! We finally see Luffy’s first wanted poster – a whopping thirty million berries! It instantly makes him the most notorious pirate in the East Blue, and the episode does a great job showing the ripple effect of that news, with both friends and foes reacting. More importantly, it sets up the next big adventure: Loguetown, the place where Gol D. Roger was executed. Honestly, it felt like a true ‘arrival’ moment for Luffy, solidifying his place on the world stage just before the opening credits rolled. This really feels like where ‘One Piece’ truly begins.

“Luffy vs. Usopp! Collision of Two Men’s Pride!” (Episode 236)

In the Water 7 arc, Usopp and Luffy have a falling out over the Going Merry, leading to an all-night fight. Even though he’s hurt, Usopp puts up a surprisingly strong fight using clever strategies and the environment. Ultimately, Luffy wins, but the conflict results in a painful separation, leaving Usopp behind and creating major challenges for the crew as the story continues in ‘One Piece’.

“Luffy is in Sight! Gather at the Courthouse Plaza” (Episode 272)

With the attack on Enies Lobby reaching its peak, Luffy confronts Blueno on the rooftop. Meanwhile, the Straw Hat crew and their allies battle their way toward the Courthouse Plaza below. Luffy dramatically reveals his Gear Second ability on the roof, instantly changing the fight. The episode concludes with him transforming, setting the stage for the final showdown at the Tower of Justice in ‘One Piece’.

“All for the Sake of Protecting My Friends! Gear 2 in Motion!” (Episode 273)

During a fierce battle in ‘One Piece’, Luffy’s fight with Blueno intensifies as the Straw Hat crew storms the courthouse. Luffy’s Gear Second ability, which dramatically increases his speed, allows him to deliver powerful attacks like the Jet Pistol and Jet Bazooka, ultimately defeating Blueno. This victory clears the way for the crew to reach Robin, leaving them with a clear advantage as the scene cuts to black.

“Say You Want to Live! We Are Friends!!” (Episode 278)

Following Robin’s memories of Ohara, Spandam begins taking her towards the Gates of Justice while the Straw Hats look on helplessly. Luffy tells Sogeking to burn the World Government flag, making a bold declaration of war in order to save Robin. Moved by Luffy’s plea, Robin finally admits she wants to live. The episode concludes with this powerful statement, prompting the crew to race up the Tower of Justice in ‘One Piece’.

“Thank You Merry! The Sea of Separation in the Snow” (Episode 312)

After the intense battle at Enies Lobby, the Going Merry, the Straw Hats’ beloved ship, finally breaks down. The crew holds a traditional Viking funeral to honor her, with the ship seeming to express her gratitude for their adventures together. As snow falls, flames consume the Merry, and everyone reflects on all they experienced during their voyages with her. The scene ends with a burning outline of the ship, marking the end of an important era in the ‘One Piece’ story.

“The Fist Explodes! Destroy the Auction” (Episode 396)

At the Human Auction House on Sabaody, Saint Charlos shoots Hatchan when his true identity is revealed. Luffy, disregarding all warnings about the Celestial Dragons, immediately punches Charlos. This act breaks the established rules of the islands and draws unwanted, intense scrutiny. The scene ends there, moments before the fallout spreads throughout the world of ‘One Piece’.

“Eliminated Friends – The Final Day of the Straw Hat Crew” (Episode 405)

As the Marines and Pacifistas surround them on Sabaody, Bartholomew Kuma appears and begins separating the Straw Hat crew. With a single touch, he sends each member flying to a different, unknown location. Luffy can only watch in desperation as his friends disappear. The episode concludes with the crew completely removed from the battlefield, setting the stage for their separation and individual journeys after the events of Sabaody in ‘One Piece’.

“Looking for the Answer! Fire Fist Ace Dies on the Battlefield!” (Episode 483)

Being there at Marineford was… devastating. I watched as Akainu’s attack hit Ace, right as he was protecting Luffy. Everything just… stopped. Ace managed to thank everyone before he passed away, right there in Luffy’s arms. It was heartbreaking. After that, Whitebeard and the pirates fought back with everything they had, but the Marines were focused on taking out Luffy next. That moment, that loss… it completely changed everything about ‘One Piece’ from then on. It felt like the world shifted.

“I Want to See Them! Luffy’s Mournful Cry!” (Episode 505)

After the devastating events at Marineford and Ace’s death, Luffy is emotionally broken, and Jinbe helps him regain his composure. The episode contrasts Luffy’s grief with hopeful memories from his hometown and messages of support. Luffy finally understands he still has his crew and declares his determination to reunite with them. This powerful moment sets the stage for the next phase of the story, as the crew prepares to follow Rayleigh’s plan.

“Luffy’s Training Commences – 2 Years From Now at the Promised Place” (Episode 516)

Rayleigh brings Luffy to Rusukaina to teach him about the different types of Haki and how to train. Luffy arranges a plan to reunite with his crew in two years at Sabaody, leaving the message “3D2Y.” Jinbe heads to Fish-Man Island, and Hancock helps Luffy begin his training. This sets up the timeskip, which moves the story of ‘One Piece’ into the New World.

“Gear 4! The Phenomenal Boundman!” (Episode 726)

As Doflamingo’s Birdcage imprisons Dressrosa, Luffy unleashes his powerful Gear Fourth form. He dramatically inflates his body, covers it with Haki, and begins launching spring-like attacks, such as the Kong Gun. Doflamingo is sent flying across the city, showcasing the incredible speed and strength of Gear Fourth. The episode concludes with Luffy’s relentless attack still in progress, significantly shifting the momentum of the story in ‘One Piece’.

“A Heartbreaking Duel! Luffy vs. Sanji – Part 2” (Episode 808)

Due to intense pressure from Big Mom and her forces, Sanji attacks Luffy, hoping to make him leave and protect him from danger. Luffy, refusing to fight back, falls from exhaustion and promises to stay put until Sanji comes back. He then instructs the rest of the crew to continue without him, remaining where he collapsed. This moment, marked by Sanji’s attack, ultimately sets the stage for their eventual reunion in the story of ‘One Piece’.

“A Fist of Divine Speed – Another Gear 4 Application Activated!” (Episode 870)

After a fierce battle showcasing incredible mastery of Observation Haki, Luffy and Katakuri exhaust themselves with a final exchange of attacks in the Mirror World. Katakuri acknowledges Luffy’s determination, and the weakened Luffy struggles forward as the crew’s urgent escape from Whole Cake Island begins in ‘One Piece’.

“Destructive! One Shot, One Kill – Thunder Bagua!” (Episode 915)

Outside Bakura Town in Wano, Luffy attacks Kaido with a series of powerful Gear Fourth attacks. However, Kaido easily deflects them, transforms back into his human form, and quickly overpowers Luffy with a lightning-fast attack. This single blow knocks Luffy unconscious, leading to his capture and imprisonment in Udon. The episode ends with Luffy’s defeat, clearly demonstrating the immense power difference between him and Wano’s strongest fighters in ‘One Piece’.

“Big News! An Incident That Will Affect the Seven Warlords!” (Episode 957)

Recent events in the ‘One Piece’ story are causing widespread reactions, with news spreading quickly through newspapers. We see how characters are responding to Sabo’s circumstances, the decision to disband the Warlords, and the actions of the CP0 organization. A conversation between Koby and Drake highlights the growing threat of the alliance between Kaido and Big Mom. As the battle in Wano reaches its peak, the story suggests a major shift in the world’s power balance is about to happen.

“A Legendary Battle! Garp and Roger!” (Episode 958)

Recent marine briefings have covered the story of the Rocks Pirates and the events at God Valley. Sengoku explained that Garp and Roger once fought side-by-side, and how that shared history is relevant to the current generation of powerful pirates known as Emperors. The episode also showed the bounties for these Emperors and clarified the Marines’ position regarding the situation in Wano. Essentially, this installment of ‘One Piece’ connects events from the past to what’s happening now.

“Straw Hat Luffy! The Man Who Will Become the Pirate King!” (Episode 1015)

Chapter 1000 blends flashbacks of the Straw Hat crew’s past with the current battle on Onigashima’s rooftop. Luffy pushes through attacks from the Emperors to join Kin’emon and the Scabbards, then confronts Kaido and Big Mom alongside the rest of the Worst Generation. The chapter concludes with this intense battle, signaling the start of a new arc in ‘One Piece’.

“Luffy’s Peak – Attained! Fifth Gear” (Episode 1071)

Following a devastating defeat and a brush with death, Luffy’s Devil Fruit powers finally awaken, unleashing his Gear Fifth form. This transformation grants him incredible, cartoon-like elasticity and control over his own body, along with a unique heartbeat rhythm. As the battle with Kaido resumes, a powerful, liberating energy fills the air, completely changing the dynamics of the fight. The episode culminates in Luffy’s rebirth, fundamentally altering the way combat is portrayed in ‘One Piece’.

Another ‘One Piece’ episode ended with a perfect cliffhanger? Let us know which one you think it was in the comments!

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2025-11-11 22:50