Reaching Fish-Man Island
The Fish-Man Island Arc marks the official beginning of the Straw Hat Pirates' journey into the New World. After two years of intensive training, the crew reunited at Sabaody Archipelago, stronger and more determined than ever. Their first destination was the fabled Fish-Man Island, located 10,000 meters below sea level. The descent through the deep sea was a perilous journey, filled with massive sea monsters and the constant threat of the crushing ocean pressure. However, for Monkey D. Luffy and his crew, this was the necessary gateway to the second half of the Grand Line. Upon arrival, the crew was greeted by the breathtaking beauty of the Ryugu Kingdom, an underwater paradise encased in a massive bubble, where sunlight reaches the ocean floor through the roots of the Sunlight Tree Eve.
Hody Jones's Racism
The peace of the underwater kingdom was quickly revealed to be fragile. The central antagonist of the Fish-Man Island Arc is Hody Jones, a terrifying Great White Shark fish-man who led the New Fish-Man Pirates. Unlike Arlong, who sought to protect his own kind while exploiting humans, Hody Jones was fueled by a pure, inherited hatred. His racism was not born from personal suffering but was a product of the environment—a "ghost" of the past. Hody and his crew utilized Energy Steroids to artificially enhance their strength, planning to overthrow King Neptune and execute any fish-man who dared to coexist with humans. Hody’s extremist ideology served as a dark reflection of the historical tensions between the surface world and the inhabitants of the sea.
Noah and Shirahoshi
At the heart of the conflict was Princess Shirahoshi, the Giant Smelt-Whale Mermaid. Initially introduced as a "crybaby" hiding in the Shell Tower to escape the persistent attacks of Vander Decken IX, Shirahoshi soon became a pivotal figure in the arc. Luffy’s promise to Shirahoshi—to take her to the surface to see a real forest—became a driving force for the crew. The stakes escalated when Hody Jones and Vander Decken conspired to drop the "Noah," a colossal ancient ship the size of half the island, onto Fish-Man Island. The Noah is a relic of the Void Century, intended for a specific purpose that the royal family had protected for generations. Protecting Shirahoshi and stopping the Noah from crushing the island became the ultimate test for the Straw Hats.
Luffy vs Hody
The battle at Gyoncorde Plaza showcased the results of the Straw Hats' two-year timeskip training. Luffy famously thinned out Hody’s 100,000-man army by knocking out 50,000 of them instantly with Conqueror's Haki. The fight between Luffy and Hody Jones took place both on land and underwater. Despite Hody’s advantage in the sea and his reliance on Energy Steroids, he was no match for Luffy’s new techniques. Luffy utilized Gear 2 and Gear 3 infused with Armament Haki, culminating in the "Red Hawk"—a flaming punch that paid tribute to his late brother, Ace. Luffy’s victory wasn't just a display of power; it was a symbol of protection for a race that had long been persecuted by the surface world.
Ancient Weapon Poseidon
One of the most significant revelations in the Fish-Man Island Arc was the true nature of the Ancient Weapon Poseidon. It was revealed that Princess Shirahoshi herself is Poseidon. Unlike Pluton or Uranus, which are believed to be inanimate objects, Poseidon is a living power—the ability to communicate with and command the Sea Kings. This overwhelming power has the potential to sink the world or save it. Shirahoshi’s awakening of this power allowed the Sea Kings to stop the falling Noah, fulfilling an ancient prophecy and confirming that the Mermaid Princess is one of the three weapons capable of shifting the balance of the world.
Joy Boy Connection
The Fish-Man Island Arc provided crucial lore regarding the Void Century through the Poneglyph found in the Sea Forest. This Poneglyph contained an apology from a figure known as Joy Boy to the Mermaid Princess of that era. Joy Boy had made a promise to the inhabitants of Fish-Man Island involving the ship Noah, but he was unable to fulfill it. This connection suggests that Luffy, as the carrier of Joy Boy’s will, is destined to finish what was started 800 years ago. The arc concluded with Fish-Man Island being placed under Luffy’s protection, marking his first territorial claim as he challenged the Yonko Big Mom, setting the stage for the massive conflicts to follow in the New World.
FAQ
Why is Fish-Man Island important in One Piece?
Fish-Man Island serves as the only path for pirates to reach the New World and is a central hub for lore regarding the Void Century and the Ancient Weapons.
What is the secret of the Noah?
The Noah is a massive ship built 800 years ago, intended to be moved by the Sea Kings under the command of Poseidon for a purpose that remains a mystery.
Is Shirahoshi really an Ancient Weapon?
Yes, Shirahoshi is the current manifestation of Poseidon, giving her the power to control the Sea Kings, which is considered one of the most dangerous abilities in the world.
