One Piece is really bringing the heat in episode 1088, with reveals of events outside Wano while the Straw Hats were busy. There’s even a little expansion from the manga, showing the arrival of Silvers Rayleigh to Amazon Lily. Time to dive into it though, because a lot of people likely have big questions about Sabo’s current status and Luffy’s dream reveal.
This article contains spoilers for the One Piece anime. Catch up on Crunchyroll or read the manga on Viz before continuing!
What Happens in Episode 1088?
The episode opens where we left off, with Boa Hancock being held at Blackbeard’s mercy. Koby stands by helpless to stop him, trying to come up with a plan that won’t get himself and Hancock killed. Things look nasty, and Blackbeard is savoring the moment while trying to solve his own problem as well- bringing his crew back from petrification. Thankfully there’s a damn strong combatant that hits the island just in time- Silvers Rayleigh. He and Shakky arrive in time to broker a peace with Blackbeard. Koby volunteers to be taken as a hostage by the Emperor, saving Hancock.
Meanwhile, the Straw Hats and Revolutionaries each react to the news of Sabo at Marijoa. The World Government says that Sabo murdered Arabasta’s King Nefertari Cobra. They’re all taken aback, but everyone has the feeling that Sabo wouldn’t do that. Luffy most of all defends him, as well as Koala to the other Revolutionaries. The episode ends with Sabo calling into the Revolutionaries at the Newkama Kingdom, meanwhile, Luffy tells the Straw Hat Pirates about his dream.
Blackbeard’s Attack Continues
Everything looks really, really bad when the episode begins, and Blackbeard is threatening to snap Hancock’s neck. Koby knows that he’s woefully outmatched, with no hope of defeating the Emperor on his own. Even more, he knows that the petrified soldiers and citizens all around him will be collateral damage Blackbeard doesn’t care about. Everyone around them could die, including himself and Hancock. Worse, Hancock is the only one who can undo the petrification, and she’s not going to do that without Blackbeard letting her go.
Rayleigh Arrives
Things are suddenly reversed when a massive burst of Haki erupts from the edge of the town. Silvers Rayleigh has arrived, and he causes everyone to stop in their places. Even Blackbeard knows that Rayleigh is more of a match than he’s ready for, and the gargantuan burst of Haki proves it. Then the fact that he could end up against the triple threat of Koby, Hancock, and Rayleigh makes Blackbeard drop the Empress. Now that everyone is back at an even standing thanks to Rayleigh, it’s time to broker a temporary peace.
The Blackbeard Pirates will leave Amazon Lily, with Koby as their voluntary prisoner to ensure they escape safely. In return, Hancock will set everyone free, allowing the other Navy and Pirates to leave. Koby knows that he’ll be fine with the Blackbeard Pirates, more so than the Pirate Empress would at least. Rayleigh also knows that Garp would go to hell and back to rescue one of his subordinates, which he learns from the years of being chased by Roger’s crew.
Koby’s Fate
Now that Koby is in captivity with the Blackbeard Pirates on Fullalead, there’s one hell of a problem. The issue won’t be resolved until a little further into the Egghead Island arc, but rest assured it becomes one hell of a breakout. Not to mention that Charlotte Pudding is also a prisoner of the Blackbeard Pirates. She could end up a powerful ally of the Straw Hats once more. Koby’s fate is left mostly uncertain by the end of the episode. Tere’s no way they don’t include a character that’s been there since the series beginning.
The absolute willingness that Koby shows to give himself up is another indicator of his character though. He’s entirely selfless, willing to give up his life even to protect a former Pirate Warlord. Even as a captain, Koby is a force of good on the same level as even the greatest Admirals. He knows the true importance of human life for everyone. Quite the opposite of some other Marines that have been seen in the series.
Cobra’s Murderer
This one hurt when reading it in the manga, and it hurts even still now. Nefertari Cobra was one of the first real allies of the Straw Hats with the Arabasta Kingdom forever in their debt. Now, he’s supposedly murdered by Luffy’s own brother, Sabo the Flame Emperor in a daring raid on Marijoa. Luffy knows that it wouldn’t be him though, especially knowing that the Revolutionaries aren’t worried about rulers like Cobra but those above them. He’s right too, and there’s a major series of events that will be explained later in the story.
Koala is the other one who’s most broken up about it, with the other Revolutionaries trying to comfort her. She’s known Sabo since they were children, and knows that this isn’t who he is. At this point, she’s probably more worried about Sabo’s safety than if he actually did it though. She’s much more firm in her belief that Sabo isn’t some murderer. Meanwhile, the Generals like Morley and Karasu are looking to the bright side as well. All fully understanding that the raid on Mary Geoise was dangerous and Sabo knows what he’s doing.
Luffy’s Dream
While the other Straw Hats have all proclaimed what their dream is when joining, Luffy’s was never revealed. Seems a little ridiculous this far into the story, but like Luffy mentions, it’s something that got a laugh from Shanks, Sabo, and Ace. Judging by the other Straw Hats’ reactions, it’s something only Luffy would be able to come up with. The ridiculous range, from Sanji telling Chopper to check his head to Usopp’s absolute terror, is gold.
Also what’s going to happen to Caribou in that barrel? It’s a little surprising he’s still there and Zoro hasn’t dumped him in the sea yet. Speaking of Zoro, the constant teasing that he can pull on Sanji, even after the other Straw Hats are insulting him, is hilarious. It’s great to see the Straw Hats all interacting again. Unfortunately, the brief flashback brought a reminder of what Chopper looks like without a hat. It’s terrifying.
Dragon Speaks!
The Revolutionary leader says more words here than he’s said throughout the entire freaking series at this point. There’s no way this man is allowed to talk again for another thousand episodes after this, guaranteed. Still, his faith in Sabo is unshakeable. He also shows he’s not going to just dismiss the actions if it’s actually true. Dragon is a fair leader and intends for all to be equal. Which means everyone is held accountable for what they do.
They’re about to find out too, as a call to the Kamabakka Kingdom is coming in on the Transponder Snail. It’s Sabo, and he has some major updates about what happened in Marijoa. The Marines are tapping into the call too, and they’re going to hear some things that might just shake their faith in the Navy. Koala is definitely relieved to hear from him though, and the next episode is going to be an interesting one. The entire story of his raid on Maijoa won’t come immediately, but when it does it’s going to be insanely cool to see.
One Piece only has a couple more episodes of post-Wano to wrap up before Egghead Island gets into full swing. Despite the announcement of the new One Piece anime, there’s no intention of discontinuing the current running series. It’s a damn good thing too, because the best is yet to come with Egghead Island having one of the most intense arcs yet!
