Netflix’s live-action adaptation of One Piece Season 1 has taken audiences on a thrilling journey through the East Blue, introducing us to the iconic characters and rich lore of Eiichiro Oda’s beloved manga and anime series. As the first season comes to a close, viewers are left with a myriad of questions, surprises, and tantalizing hints about what lies ahead in the world of One Piece.
In this article, we delve deep into the ending of Season 1, dissecting pivotal moments, character introductions, and the mysteries that have left fans eagerly anticipating Season 2. We will also try to answer some questions that the fins might have after watching One Piece Season 1: Who is the mystery man at the end of One Piece Season 1? What is the next destination of the Straw Hat Pirates?
The series is one of the most successful and appreciated live-action sequences of an anime. It included all the crucial details in the manga and delivered a story of its own. One Piece Season 1 covered up to the Arlong Park arc in the manga.
Who is the mystery man at the end of One Piece Season 1?

The Season 1 finale leaves viewers with a mystery involving a new character. In the closing moments, a mysterious figure is shown using a lit cigar to burn a hole through Luffy’s wanted poster. This mysterious character is none other than Captain Smoker. His appearance raises questions about his intentions and his connection to Luffy.
The Season 1 finale hints at what’s to come in Season 2 with the introduction of Captain Smoker, a formidable Marine officer. Captain Smoker’s presence suggests that the series will venture into Loguetown, a significant location in the world of One Piece where Gol D. Roger was executed.
Loguetown serves as the final stop for pirates before they enter the treacherous Grand Line. Smoker, as the Marine captain stationed in Loguetown, plays a pivotal role in thwarting the ambitions of many would-be pirates.
Captain Smoker possesses a powerful Devil Fruit ability that allows his body to transform into pure smoke, rendering Luffy’s attacks ineffective. Despite his role as a Marine, Smoker is not corrupt like some of his counterparts. He hunts down pirates relentlessly but adheres to a strict code of justice.
What is Luffy’s new Bounty?
One of the central plot points of the Season 1 ending is Luffy receiving a bounty on his head. This is a significant development in the world of One Piece, as it marks Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates as a major threat to peace and order according to the World Government.
Luffy’s bounty surpasses that of any other pirate in the East Blue, thanks to his victory over Arlong, the notorious fish-man pirate. After defeating Arlong Pirates Luffy received a bounty of 30,000,000 Berries. Everyone connected to Luffy rejoiced after seeing Luffy’s bounty and celebrated the emergence of a new pirate.
The World Government’s bounty system is a way to measure the danger posed by pirates, and Luffy’s escalating bounty reflects his growing fame.
Importantly, Luffy is the only Straw Hat pirate to receive a bounty in Season 1, as the World Government has yet to consider the others as significant threats. However, as the crew’s adventures continue and their reputations grow, likely, each member will likely eventually earn their own bounties.
Why did Garp let Luffy go at the end of Season 1?
A touching moment in the Season 1 ending occurs when Vice-Admiral Garp, Luffy’s grandfather, tests Luffy’s determination by holding him by the neck. Garp’s laughter, an unexpected reaction, is a reflection of Luffy’s unwavering resolve to become the Pirate King.
This reaction is deeply tied to the legacy of Gol D. Roger, the previous Pirate King. Garp and Roger shared a unique bond, despite being on opposite sides of the law.
They were friends who respected each other, and this connection becomes evident when Garp sees Luffy’s determination mirroring that of Roger. The Season 1 ending thus hints at the profound influence that Roger’s legacy continues to exert on the world of One Piece.
What is the next destination of the Straw Hat Pirates?


As the Straw Hat Pirates set sail at the conclusion of Season 1, their next destination becomes a topic of discussion. Nami’s confusion about her map, which seems to depict a river flowing up a mountain, foreshadows the famous Reverse Mountain.
This natural wonder is a crucial landmark as it marks the transition from the East Blue to the Grand Line, one of the most perilous and mysterious stretches of the sea.
The Straw Hat Pirates are on the cusp of embarking on the next phase of their adventure, and Reverse Mountain represents the gateway to the Grand Line’s challenges and mysteries.
What happened to Arlong at the end of Season 1?
One lingering question from the Season 1 ending revolves around the fate of Arlong, the ruthless fish-man pirate defeated by Luffy. While the live-action adaptation doesn’t explicitly address Arlong’s destiny, the original manga and Screen Rant confirm that he survived Luffy’s assault.
However, there’s vagueness about whether Arlong perished beneath the wreckage of his water park headquarters in the live-action version.
It’s important to note that Arlong has not made a physical return to the manga since his defeat, and his storyline appears to be concluded in both versions.
What does Nami’s new tattoo mean?
Nami’s character arc in Season 1 is marked by her liberation from Arlong’s control. A symbolic representation of her newfound freedom is the change in her tattoo.
Initially marked with Arlong’s symbol as a sign of subjugation, Nami’s tattoo is altered after Arlong’s defeat. The new design features a pinwheel combined with an orange, paying tribute to Nami’s home village.
In the original manga, the pinwheel was a childhood gift from Genzo, the village chief, and the orange was a speciality of Nami’s adopted mother, Bell-mère. This tattoo signifies Nami’s reconnection with her roots and her journey toward reclaiming her identity.
What is the connection between Shanks and Mihawk?


The Season 1 ending offers a surprising scene featuring Dracule Mihawk and Red-Haired Shanks, two renowned pirates.
Although Mihawk is a Warlord of the Sea affiliated with the World Government, he is seen sharing a friendly moment with Shanks and his crew.
Their fellowship hints at a deeper relationship, suggesting that Shanks and Mihawk share a history beyond mere rivalry. While their exact connection remains shrouded in mystery, it adds an intriguing layer to both characters.
Does Buggy and Alvida form an alliance?
The Season 1 ending closes with a scene that hints at future storylines. Buggy the Clown, who temporarily allied with the Straw Hat Pirates, expresses his frustration upon seeing Luffy’s new wanted poster. He finds an unexpected companion in Alvida, a former pirate captain who was punched into the ocean by Luffy in the series’ opening episode.
This scene strongly suggests an alliance between Buggy and Alvida in Season 2. Their partnership could have significant implications for future episodes, particularly as they become embroiled in the activities of Baroque Works, a shadowy organization that will serve as the main antagonists in Season 2.
Conclusion
Netflix’s One Piece Season 1 ending leaves viewers with numerous questions, tantalizing mysteries, and hints of exciting adventures to come. As the Straw Hat Pirates set their course for the Grand Line, fans can look forward to new challenges, alliances, and confrontations that will shape the future of this live-action adaptation.
Season 1 serves as a thrilling introduction to the world of One Piece, and with its careful adherence to the source material, it promises an exciting and faithful continuation of Luffy and his crew’s epic journey.
As fans eagerly await the arrival of Season 2, the legacy of Gol D. Roger, the ambitions of Captain Smoker and the fates of beloved characters like Nami and Roronoa Zoro will continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
The world of One Piece is vast and brimming with adventures, and the live-action adaptation is poised to bring those adventures to life like never before.