

As the arc progresses, we get emotional moments (Luffy and Nami), Nami's backstory (Bellemere, Nojiko), and the first real look at the standard One Piece formula of 1v1 fights between the Straw Hats and the Arlong Pirates (Usopp vs Chuu, Sanji vs Kuroobi, Zoro vs Hatchi, Luffy vs Arlong). Then the Luffy and the guys follow her and now we have the whole crew together. Nami steals the Merry and runs off to Arlong Park. Then we meet Usopp at Syrup Village and the crew defeats Kuro and the Black Cat Pirates and obtain the Going Merry. Luffy and Zoro (and Nami, sorta) take on Buggy's crew for the first time. Then he meets Zoro tied up at the Marine base.

IIRC, he also meets Nami for the first time around this point. I believe it's also the first time the whole main crew is together for an entire arc.īefore Arlong Park, we have Luffy trapped in a barrel, who then meets Coby on Alvida's ship. Everything leading up to and including Arlong Park (East Blue Saga) is essentially an introduction of the main crew.

I believe Arlong Park really is when the story of One Piece begins to pick up.
