Spoiler Alert !!!This article contains spoilers from One Piece Episode 1164.
Following the emotionally-charged reunion of Robin and Saul, my initial assumption was that One Piece Episode 1164 would slow things down a bit. What I did not expect was just how much this episode would quietly accomplish without relying on major action sequences. Rather than focusing on combat, this episode focuses on world-building and character development, making me extremely excited to see what’s next for the Elbaf arc.
From the Owl Library and Loki’s intriguing conversation to the chilling arrival of the Holy Knights, this episode proves that One Piece can make setup feel just as compelling as a full-blown battle.
From Giant Schools to Giant Books, Elbaf Is a Joy to Explore
The best thing I enjoyed about this episode is seeing the true nature of Elbaf beyond the giant warriors we have heard about for years. Learning how the giants have become more peace-loving under the late King Harald was intriguing and added another dimension to the island’s story.
What I also liked about this episode is how it presented the library scene between Robin and Saul. Although it was emotional to see Robin realize that the books from Ohara have survived in the library, what was amazing was the way it incorporated this scene into the rest of the island’s history.
Of course, I cannot overlook Ripley. Thanks to her appearance and interaction with the Straw Hat Pirates, she immediately became one of the highlights of the episode. However, if there was one particular scene that caught my eye, then it was definitely Loki’s talk with Mosa.
Although not much actually happens here, as it is mostly a conversation. However, that is exactly why it works so well. The scene gives us a very different side of Loki than what we have heard so far. For someone who is always depicted as a villain and a murderer, he comes across as surprisingly thoughtful and even seems rather lonely at times.
Moreover, I must admit that Toei did a great job at creating an excellent atmosphere in this particular scene. The scene’s performance, soundtrack, and rhythm made me listen to each line of dialogue while looking for clues.
The Holy Knights Just Raised the Stakes of Episode 1164
As much as I enjoyed the episode’s emotional and mysterious moments, the final minutes completely changed the mood.
Loki from One Piece. | Credit: Toei Animation
The black lightning strike, the summoning circle, and the sudden appearance of Gunko and Shamrock created one of the most chilling cliffhangers we have had in recent weeks. Even though manga readers already knew who these figures were, seeing the scene animated added an entirely different level of tension.
Along with that, the earlier promo release from Toei showing the arrival of Holy Knights in Elbaf raised the excitement for the upcoming episodes, especially after this suspenseful ending.
One Piece Episode 1164 Final Verdict
Overall, One Piece Episode 1164 was a fantastic setup episode. It may not have delivered massive fights or shocking reveals every few minutes, but it succeeded at something arguably more important – making me care deeply about what happens next.
Shamrock and Gunko from One Piece. | Credit: Toei Animation
What impressed me most about Episode 1164 of One Piece is that it never felt rushed. It took its time exploring Elbaf, developing new characters, and planting seeds for future storylines. Yet by the time the credits rolled, I felt like every scene had served a purpose. And with the Holy Knights finally entering the picture, the calm before the storm is officially over.
The One Piece anime is currently available to watch on Crunchyroll.
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