The dawn rises over Wano as One Piece episode 1078 begins, signaling the new dawn for the country. Despite the limited events of the episode, it did bring a nice sense of closure for Otama, showing her backstory and how far she’s come since her parents died. So, without getting too far into it too fast, here’s Gamescooper’s review of One Piece Episode 1078!
Warning that this article contains spoilers for episode 1078 and all that has come before. The entire series is available to stream on Crunchyroll, and new episodes drop Saturday nights at 10 pm EST.
What happens in One Piece episode 1078?
Most of 1078, and likely a few episodes to come, are going to explore the fallout of Wano. This episode focuses mostly on Otama, showing her background as an orphan in Wano after her parents die, The poor child has been through hell and back since then, mourning her parents and not having any time to rest while trying to survive. The flashbacks are brutal, and massive credit goes to the voice actress for Otama for giving it a real weight. When she has a breakdown as Nami holds her, it is definitely an emotional moment for the actress herself from the sounds of it.
This also marks the big reveal to every one of the newly aged-up Kozuki Momonosuke. He’s an imposing figure, much like his father was twenty years ago. Still he stands tall as the new Shogun of Wano. The flashbacks to those who died serving in the raid were incredible. Kin’emon crying at the sight of Momo was a fantastic moment to bring the arc to a close.
Otama’s Tragedy
It’s not enough to say that Otama has been through enough tragedy to cover ten lifetimes. She contributes so much to the Raid on Onigashima, with her Devil Fruit powers allowing the Straw Hat alliance to flip the numbers when needed most. It’s a wild tactic, but damn if it doesn’t work and inevitably contributes to the win they pull off. That’s all thanks to the resolve she gains from her hardship, and it drives her to bring down the oppressors of Wano.
The flashbacks to Otama weaving and trying to sell the woven hats are amazing, and bring the full extent of her sadness. When Tengu eventually shows up to request a hat, despite his odd appearance, he’s like an angel to the young orphan. He takes her in, and this is just the beginning of the incredible determination when she fights in the raid.
Wano Rejoices
As the sun rises and the vassals of Kozuki Oden line up in the Flower Capitol, a shining beacon of hope stands tall in the middle. When the smoke finally clears, Momo’s new form is seen for the first time. After he asked Shinobu to use her Ripe-Ripe Fruit to age him up so he could be a larger dragon, Momo is now twenty-eight years old, as he would be if not sent forward in time. He looks remarkably similar to his father, except his hair is down in shaggy waves around his shoulders. Momo, despite his new appearance, still has a lot of growing up to do as the shogun of Wano.
He’ll have plenty to do in the next few episodes, assuming things go by the manga schedule. Though filler at this point wouldn’t be too unwelcome. It could at least use a break so the pacing can get better for the episodes. As it stands, this episode is good for a slow cooldown from the massive battle. The previous has the same kind of wrapup but from Otama’s eyes. It all just seems drawn out for the sake of filling time.
Recovery
Poor Chopper is going as hard as he can with setting up everyone for medical assistance. It’s not easy though, as everyone has been beaten to hell and back. Especially Luffy and Zoro who are now completely unconscious. Kid is somehow totally fine, but Law is having some injuries tended by his crew in the background. Not really a surprise that Luffy and Zoro are in the worst shape though. Thier battles were incredibly physically draining, and they always go hard in fights. Sanji is probably only awake and moving now thanks to his Germa enhancements.
Expect the next episode to focus on the plans to rebuild Wano, as well as reunions between the samurai and the people of Wano. The episode disclosing new bounties is set to air in time for the series’ twenty-fourth anniversary on October 20th, which is a great treat for fans. The One Piece world is winding down the Wano arc in Episode 1078, and the Grand Line has changed a lot while they’ve been away.
