Episode 2 of One Piece dives into Luffy's past, showcasing him honing his special powers at a bar. Makino, a familiar face, advises caution, noting that Devil Fruits give unique abilities that seawater can instantly nullify.
The episode also features Shanks, who once again turns down Luffy's plea to join his crew, emphasizing the permanence of his departure. Viewers also witness Shanks saving a young Luffy from a marine monster, at the cost of his own arm. They part ways after Shanks entrusts Luffy with his signature straw hat.
In current events, an eager Luffy and his crew finally crack open a safe, revealing not treasure but a map of the Grand Line. Nami, a skilled navigator, breaks down the geography of the sea and shares her skepticism about the existence of the One Piece treasure.
Their conversation is interrupted by a red flare that renders them unconscious. Upon waking up, they find themselves captured. While initially suspecting the Marines, they soon realize it’s pirates. Specifically, they're in the domain of Buggy the Clown, a well-known pirate with a unique physique.
Buggy aims to claim the Grand Line map and declares his intent to find the One Piece. Zoro steps up to challenge him, but before a clash ensues, Nami demonstrates Luffy's powers to divert attention. This plan backfires when she's captured again after discovering the town's devastation.
Luffy gets stretched and questioned by Buggy about the map’s location, while Zoro and Nami remain detained. Buggy’s interest shifts when he learns of Luffy’s connection to Shanks, whom he views as a traitor. However, Luffy manages to break free and decapitate Buggy, only to discover that Buggy's Devil Fruit powers allow him to reassemble himself.
Meanwhile, Koby, Luffy's former comrade, begins his training as a Marine. The Vice-Admiral takes an interest in him, though Koby’s association with Luffy raises suspicions. After disclosing his rescue by Luffy and disavowing any loyalty to him, Koby gains the Vice-Admiral’s trust.
Back in the circus-like environment, Luffy finds himself trapped in a seawater tank. Nevertheless, Zoro and Nami escape their confinements. Together with Luffy, they manage to subdue Buggy by trapping his disassembled body parts. Luffy returns the Grand Line map to Nami and liberates the captive townspeople, making it clear that he's a different breed of pirate. As they set sail, Nami privately communicates with an unidentified person, revealing she has the map.
Episode 2 deepens the One Piece world, elaborating on the different types of Devil Fruits and introducing the character of Buggy. It also gives us a glimpse into Koby’s conflicting feelings about becoming a Marine. Despite the episode's short duration, it captures the essence of the original series quite well.
However, the accelerated pace leaves little room to flesh out the relationship between Nami, Zoro, and Luffy. Flashbacks sprinkled throughout help to enrich the backstory but may not completely satisfy long-term fans of the manga and anime. Overall, the episode expands the lore but leaves some yearning for a deeper connection with the characters.
