For years, One Piece fans proudly pointed to one standout episode as proof that the series could compete with the very best that anime has to offer. That episode — a perfect storm of emotional storytelling, top-tier animation, and iconic character moments — long sat at the top of fan rankings and review sites as the crown jewel of the franchise.
Now, that reign is officially over. A new episode from another massively popular anime has climbed past One Piece’s former champion in user scores and community rankings, sparking a wave of reactions across social media. Some fans are disappointed to see their favorite knocked off the throne, while others see it as a sign of how strong and competitive modern anime has become.
Ironically, this shake-up in rankings arrives at a time when One Piece’s manga may be in one of its greatest eras ever.
The God Valley Arc Has Taken Over the Fandom
Even as the anime loses its top-rated episode spot, the God Valley Incident in the manga has become one of the most captivating storylines in One Piece history — and many fans aren’t ready for it to end. Eiichiro Oda’s exploration of this long-mysterious event has brought together legendary figures like Rocks D. Xebec, Gol D. Roger, Monkey D. Garp, and even the enigmatic Imu, creating a flashback that feels less like a side story and more like a grand historical epic.
The arc dives deep into the brutal power struggles that shaped the modern world of One Piece, revealing long-hidden secrets about the Celestial Dragons and the early days of piracy. For many readers, it’s a long-awaited glimpse into the “true history” of the world — the kind of lore-rich payoff fans have been craving since the series began.
So while another anime might be enjoying the spotlight on ranking charts, One Piece is simultaneously reminding everyone why it became a giant in the first place.
Fans Don’t Want to Return to the Straw Hats Yet
What makes this moment even more unique is how the fandom currently feels about the story’s direction. Surprisingly, many readers say they don’t want to go back to the Straw Hat Pirates just yet.
Social media is full of fans admitting that the God Valley arc feels like the most thrilling part of One Piece in years, thanks to its darker tone, intense storytelling, and dense, lore-heavy revelations. While Luffy and his crew are unquestionably the emotional core of the series, this flashback offers something completely different: a front-row seat to the legends and turning points that shaped everything the Straw Hats are now fighting against.
One fan summed it up perfectly on X (formerly Twitter):
“If we return to the Straw Hats now, it’ll feel like waking up from a dream.”
That comment captures a rare moment where the past is more captivating than the present adventure — and it shows why many fans aren’t too bothered by a ratings chart changing elsewhere. For them, the true “peak One Piece” might be happening right now in the pages of the manga, not in any single anime episode.
A Testament to Oda’s Storytelling and Legacy
The enthusiasm surrounding the God Valley flashback underscores Eiichiro Oda’s enduring genius as a storyteller. After more than two decades, he still finds ways to shock readers by revealing new layers of history that connect pirates, marines, revolutionaries, and royals across generations.
The arc’s pacing, emotion, and massive scope have reminded many fans of One Piece’s so-called golden eras — arcs where mystery, world-building, and character drama all hit at once. Even as some readers worry that returning to the Straw Hats will slow the story’s momentum, others argue that this balance between past and present is exactly what makes One Piece feel timeless.
Yes, One Piece’s most beloved anime episode might have been overthrown on a scoreboard, but that doesn’t mean the series is fading. If anything, the God Valley saga has already cemented itself as one of the most powerful and defining chapters in the franchise’s history — proof that while rankings can change, Oda’s legacy is still being written in real time.
