Episode 41 – Explosion! Fish-Man Arlong's Fierce Assault from the SeaEpisode 42 intensifies the conflict as Arlong demonstrates why he is feared throughout the East Blue. His fish-man strength allows him to dominate both land and sea, making escape nearly impossible for ordinary humans. The villagers of Cocoyasi, long aware of Nami's sacrifice, struggle with guilt for having misunderstood and resented her.
Arlong's cruelty becomes even clearer when he manipulates the Marines, bribing them to look the other way while he maintains control over the islands. This corruption underscores one of One Piece's recurring themes: authority without justice is meaningless.
Meanwhile, Nami's emotional state deteriorates. Her lifelong gamble has failed, and the weight of her loneliness finally becomes unbearable. She lashes out, believing she must face everything alone. The Straw Hats, especially Luffy, sense her pain but refuse to abandon her, even when she pushes them away.
The episode balances action with tension, showing Arlong's overwhelming power while setting the stage for the Straw Hats' inevitable confrontation. It becomes clear that this battle will not just be physical—it will be personal.
Episode 42 – End of the Fish-Man Empire! Nami Is My Friend!Episode 43 is one of the most iconic episodes in early One Piece. Emotionally broken, Nami finally reaches her limit. After discovering that Arlong betrayed her deal by using the Marines to confiscate her savings, she collapses in despair. In a haunting scene, she repeatedly stabs the Arlong tattoo on her shoulder—a symbol of her enslavement—trying to erase her past pain.
Unable to bear it any longer, Nami turns to Luffy and asks him for help. This moment is pivotal. Luffy doesn't give a speech or ask questions—he simply places his treasured straw hat on her head, a gesture that symbolizes trust, protection, and shared burden.
Declaring loudly that Nami is his friend, Luffy marches toward Arlong Park with Zoro, Sanji, and Usopp following behind him. This walk is legendary, representing unity and resolve. The Straw Hats are no longer just adventurers—they are comrades ready to risk everything for one another.
The episode ends with Luffy confronting Arlong directly, setting the stage for the climactic battle. The emotional payoff here is immense, solidifying Nami's place in the crew and in the hearts of viewers.
Episode 43 – Furious Charge! Fish-Man Arlong's Final BattleEpisode 44 launches the long-awaited fight between the Straw Hats and the Arlong Pirates. Each crew member faces an opponent that challenges them both physically and ideologically. Zoro, still injured from previous battles, pushes himself beyond his limits, proving his unwavering dedication to Luffy.
Sanji fights with intelligence and resilience, while Usopp uses strategy and courage rather than brute strength, reinforcing that heroism comes in many forms. These battles showcase the diversity of strengths within the Straw Hat crew.
Luffy's fight against Arlong is raw and relentless. Arlong mocks human weakness and claims superiority as a fish-man, but Luffy rejects this worldview entirely. To him, freedom and friendship matter far more than race or power. The fight is brutal, with Luffy enduring immense punishment, yet refusing to back down.
This episode emphasizes that Luffy's strength does not come solely from his Devil Fruit powers, but from his absolute refusal to submit to tyranny.
Episode 44 – Bounty! Straw Hat Luffy Becomes Known to the WorldEpisode 45 concludes the arc with victory and reflection. Luffy finally defeats Arlong, destroying Arlong Park in the process—a symbolic act that shatters Nami's chains and ends the fish-man's reign of terror. The villagers are freed, and Nami is at last able to mourn Bell-mère properly.
In the aftermath, the Marines arrive to restore order, though their earlier corruption leaves a bitter aftertaste. Still, Cocoyasi Village celebrates its newfound freedom, and Nami officially joins the Straw Hat crew, no longer bound by obligation but by choice.
The episode ends with a major milestone: Luffy receives his first bounty. This moment signals his transition from a local troublemaker to a recognized pirate on the world stage. For the Straw Hats, it's both a warning and a promise—greater adventures and greater dangers lie ahead.