The second season of Netflix’s One Piece was very different from Season 1. It has moved from an introductory season for the Straw Hat crew to a more in-depth exploration of Eiichiro Oda’s work. Covering arcs from Loguetown through Drum Island, the season expands the scale of the world while staying grounded in character-driven storytelling.
Key moments like Zoro’s sword test, Laboon’s tragic wait, and Dr. Hiriluk’s final speech are preserved because they are foundational to the original narrative. At the same time, the live-action format allows room to explore quieter character moments – particularly for Sanji and Usopp. So with all that in mind, here is a reasonable ranking of the best moments in Netflix’s One Piece Season 2, based on the editorial perspective.
10. Smoker’s Introduction Scene
Smoker’s introduction in Loguetown was the first time we met a Marine who felt like a genuine threat. Smoker (played by Callum Kerr) in One Piece Season 2 embodied a style of justice that directly opposes Luffy’s desire for freedom.
Callum Kerr as Smoker. | Credit: Netflix
The production team used real smoke effects with CGI to make his powers feel grounded rather than overly stylized. Smoker’s presence also perfectly reframed the Straw Hats’ journey, making it clear that the Grand Line is not gonna be play nice.
9. Usopp’s Courage Moment Scene in Little Garden
In One Piece Season 2 Live Action, a very important moment for Usopp (played by Jacob Romero Gibson) happens in Little Garden, where he fights back while overcoming his fear to protect his crew against Mr. 5 and Miss Valentine.
Jacob Romero Gibson as Usopp. | Credit: Netflix
His quick thinking and willingness to take a beating proved his bravery, something that was very much appreciated. The scene was also often considered one of the best representations of his growth from a cowardly liar to a brave sniper.
8. Zoro Acquires Sandai Kitetsu and Yubashiri in Loguetown
Zoro’s sword testing scene in Loguetown was one of the iconic scenes from the series. The Sandai Kitetsu test, where Zoro throws the cursed blade into the air, which could cut off his arm, perfectly captures his relationship with fate and will.
Zoro during the sword test. | Credit: Netflix
Then the inclusion of Yubashiri makes a strong visual representation of Zoro’s growth as a swordsman, marking the next stage of his journey. Meanwhile, the lines in this scene, “it’s been too long since I looked in the eyes of a worthy swordsman. And as they say, ‘a sword chooses its owner.’ And I will pray for your continued good fortune” – was absolute goosebumps.
This was not just a weapon upgrade – it was a portrayal of Zoro’s willingness to walk a dangerous path in pursuit of his goal.
7. Sanji’s Backstory
One of the most notable changes from canon was Sanji’s expanded backstory. In Season 2, his motivation for cooking was partially tied to caring for his sick mother.
Taz Skylar as Sanji. | Credit: Netflix
While this change was not canon, it aligns with Sanji’s values. In the original story, his philosophy was shaped by starvation and Zeff’s mentorship. Season 2 builds on this by introducing a more personal emotional layer – while connecting food to memory and care.
6. Laboon’s Story
Yeah, you have seen emotional scenes before. But this one? It lands differently. Laboon’s story remains one of the earliest examples of One Piece mixing humor with emotion. A giant whale bumping into an island for years might sound funny, but when we learn the reason for its action, it becomes very tragic.
Laboon’s scene with Straw Hats. | Credit: Netflix
Season 2 keeps the main concept – Laboon is not acting out of aggression, but grief. Luffy’s response – promising to come back to see him again – the balance between sadness and hope is what makes the moment iconic.
5. Miss Sunday’s Intro Scene
Lera Abova as Miss All Sunday gave the feel that was needed in the character. Through her calm and cool attitude while killing Marines using Doce Fleur, she immediately stands apart from other Baroque Works agents.
Her depiction in Netflix’s One Piece Season 2 remains more or less faithful to her original portrayal in Eiichiro Oda’s manga.
4. Chopper’s Introduction and Backstory
Season 2 contains one of the most emotional scenes narratively – Chopper’s tragic backstory. The story of rejection by both human beings and his own kind remains mostly the same from the source material.
Chopper’s backstory from One Piece Season 2. | Credit: Netflix
The live-action adaptation faced the additional challenge of making a CGI character feel emotionally authentic. The outcome, however, did not disappoint as it retains its emotional impact of Chopper’s backstory and provides one of the most emotional additions to the crew so far in the series.
3. Dr. Hiriluk’s Final Speech Scene
Dr. Hiriluk’s final speech is one of those moments that just sticks with you. It does not try to be overly dramatic, but somehow, it hits harder because of that. His idea that people only truly die when they are forgotten is not complicated, but it lands. Especially in a story like One Piece, where legacy actually matters.
Hiriluk and Chopper from One Piece Season 2. | Credit: Netflix
The live-action version does not try to reinvent this scene, and honestly, that was the right call. Some things do not need changing. It was not just a goodbye – it was the kind of line that quietly follows the story even after Drum Island is over.
2. Zoro vs Baroque Works (Whisky Peak)
Zoro vs Baroque Works at Whisky Peak is where the show really flexes its action. You can feel the difference immediately – it was faster, sharper, and just way more confident. Mackenyu performed many of his own stunts. The extra touch of Mihawk appearing in Zoro’s imagination during that fight actually added a more interesting layer to it.
Mackenyu as Zoro from One Piece Season 2. | Credit: Netflix
The Mihawk part should not have worked. But weirdly enough, it does. The intent behind the scene also remains faithful to the actual theme – Zoro overwhelming an entire group alone. This moment reinforces his status as the crew’s powerful member.
1. Drum Island Emotional Climax
The Drum Island finale is where everything comes together – and yeah, it hits hard. You have got Hiriluk’s dream, Chopper finally finding a place to belong, and the crew fully coming together in a way that feels earned.
Chopper from One Piece Season 2. | Credit: Netflix
And by the time it was over, Chopper did not just join the crew – you understand why it matters. Here is a quick overview of all the moments we have discussed above, along with the episode number in which they appear.
MomentsEpisode NumberEpisode TitleEpisode’s IMDb Rating (As of March 25, 2026)Drum Island Emotional Climax8Deer and Loathing in Drum Kingdom9.0 / 10Zoro vs Baroque Works (Whisky Peak)3Whisky Business8.8 / 10Dr. Hiriluk’s Final Speech Scene7Reindeer Shames9.5 / 10Chopper’s Introduction and Backstory7Reindeer Shames9.5 / 10Miss Sunday’s Intro Scene1The Beginning and the End8.3 / 10Laboon’s Heartbreaking Story2Good Whale Hunting 8.5 / 10Sanji’s Backstory6Nami Deerest8.5 / 10Zoro Acquires Sandai Kitetsu and Yubashiri in Loguetown1The Beginning and the End8.3 / 10Usopp’s Courage Moment Scene in Little Garden5Wax On, Wax Off8.6 / 10Smoker’s Introduction Scene1The Beginning and the End8.3 / 10
Season 2 works because it knows when to hold back and when to expand on things – and for the most part, it gets that balance right. It does not try to reinvent One Piece, and that is probably why it works. Instead, it just builds on what is already there, adds a few new layers, and lets the characters carry the story like they are supposed to.
What arcs are covered in Netflix’s One Piece Season 2?
Season 2 goes through Loguetown, Reverse Mountain, Whisky Peak, Little Garden, and Drum Island – basically setting up the early Grand Line journey.
Who are the major new characters introduced in Season 2?
You get characters like Smoker, Nico Robin (Miss Sunday), Chopper, and Dr. Hiriluk – and each of them plays a pretty important role moving forward.
Which fight stands out the most in One Piece Season 2?
Zoro’s solo battle against Baroque Works agents in Whisky Peak is one of the standout fights of the season.
So, which moment was your personal favourite from Season 2 of Netflix’s One Piece live-action? Share with us in the comments section below.
One Piece Season 2 is currently available to watch on Netflix.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
