One Piece Arc Ranking: From Syrup to Sabaody

Published on May 29, 2026 | Translated from Spanish

We analyze the arcs of One Piece to understand how the series maintains its quality through continuous storytelling. Arcs like Syrup Village introduce Usopp and the Going Merry, but are less memorable within the whole. In contrast, the Return to Sabaody marks a key turning point in the story.

One Piece manga panels transitioning from Syrup Village to Sabaody, a torn page edge showing Usopp holding a slingshot beside the Going Merry, while the opposite side displays the Sabaody Archipelago bubbles floating around a dismantled ship, mechanical gears and ink splatters connecting both scenes, cinematic technical illustration, dramatic contrast between warm village tones and cold metallic blue, action of narrative progression, photorealistic render with manga texture overlay

Return to Sabaody: the narrative engine of the New World 🚀

This arc begins the second part of the journey and shows Luffy's growth after the crew's separation. The plot introduces characters like Akainu and Caribou, and combines humor with plot development. Its main function is to lay the technical and emotional foundations for the voyage to the New World, balancing action and strategic preparation without falling into unnecessary filler.

Syrup Village: when the ship is more charismatic than the villain ⛵

In Syrup Village, Usopp lies, the Going Merry appears, and Kuro plans his coup with the patience of a retiree. The arc works, but the memory it leaves is more that of an old man with claws and a talking ship. Come on, if the ranking were based on impact, Merry takes the prize without breaking a sweat.