While the main storyline at this point in the anime is deep within the intense Impel Down arc, Episode 426 shifts gears to follow the Straw Hat Pirates as they stumble upon a peculiar island.
: The island is inhabited by fans of the Straw Hats who have modeled their lives after the crew’s earlier adventures. One Piece (Dub) Episode 426
Opinion on Episode 426 is often split depending on a viewer's priorities: While the main storyline at this point in
: It provides essential context for the Strong World movie, which was written by creator Eiichiro Oda. : The island is a "Little East Blue,"
: The island is a "Little East Blue," featuring meticulous replicas of famous locations from the Straw Hats' home sea, such as Windmill Village and the Baratie.
For those watching the , this episode features the standard main cast: Monkey D. Luffy : Colleen Clinkenbeard Roronoa Zoro : Christopher Sabat Nami : Luci Christian Usopp : Sonny Strait Sanji : Eric Vale Nico Robin : Stephanie Young Franky : Patrick Seitz Brook : Ian Sinclair Tony Tony Chopper : Brina Palencia Is it Worth Watching?
The episode opens with a dramatic historical flashback revealing that 20 years ago, a legendary pirate named became the first person to ever escape from the high-security prison Impel Down by cutting off his own legs. In the present day, Shiki is moving forward with a mysterious plan and contacts the Amigo Pirates , led by Largo, offering them a place in his fleet if they can capture a specific "special" creature. The Setting: Little East Blue