In Episode 4 of One Piece, Zoro finds himself in the depths of a well, miraculously unscathed by swords that should've killed him. Determined to escape, he fashions a makeshift grappling hook and begins his ascent. This moment triggers a flashback to Shimotsuki Village seven years earlier, where we learn about Zoro's formative training in swordsmanship. Though initially outmatched by Kuina, a talented female swordsman, Zoro vows to surpass her one day. Tragically, Kuina dies in an unexplained accident, fuelling Zoro's resolve to become the world's greatest swordsman in her memory. As the episode progresses, we witness Zoro successfully climbing out of the well.
Elsewhere on the island, Koby searches for pirates Luffy and Kuro. Unwittingly, Usopp guides them to Kaya's mansion, where a groggy Luffy lies after consuming mysterious goo. Kuro's henchmen, Sham and Buchi, discover Luffy first, with Kuro concluding that the mysterious concoction has killed Luffy. Nami, secretly eavesdropping from a kitchen cabinet, overhears their sinister plot.
Marines arrive at the mansion, but Kuro deceives them, describing Usopp as a mentally unstable individual and offering to hand over Luffy as a gesture of goodwill. Without evidence, Koby is forced to comply but remains suspicious, especially when a noise from the kitchen, made by Nami, alerts him.
Simultaneously, Usopp warns Kaya about Kuro's malicious intent, but she dismisses him. Undeterred, Usopp resolves to protect her regardless. Kuro soon reveals that they have been poisoning Kaya to seize her wealth, triggering a frantic escape led by Nami through hidden passageways.
Meanwhile, Luffy regains consciousness and urges Koby to protect Kaya. Just then, Zoro arrives, defeating Helmeppo who threatens them. Luffy and Zoro split up in the mansion, aiming to thwart Kuro's deadly schemes. Usopp plays a crucial role, distracting Kuro long enough for Luffy to seize the advantage. A climactic showdown ensues, where Luffy delivers the final blow, defeating Kuro and saving the day.
In gratitude, Kaya gifts Luffy and his crew a ship named the Going Merry, in honor of her loyal butler. Usopp joins the crew, praised for his bravery and skill. Koby, meanwhile, returns to his ship, lamenting his perceived failure. However, Garp reassures him, stating the operation flushed out the pirates as intended. As Luffy's crew sets sail, they encounter an incoming ship, piloted by a familiar face-Luffy's grandfather!
This episode impressively balances storytelling and action. While the backstory of Zoro adds depth to his character, the various skirmishes in the mansion keep the pace lively. Even with a long runtime, the narrative progresses at a satisfying speed, leaving viewers anticipating the next adventure. One lingering mystery is the ambiguity surrounding Kuina's death, which could suggest more revelations in future episodes.
