If you have been a loyal fan journeying through Eiichiro Oda’s pirate world for one or two decades, episode 1163 of the One Piece anime, aired on the night of May 24, surely brought you to tears.
After more than 20 years in real time (equivalent to 22 years in the anime timeline), Nico Robin finally experienced a historic reunion with the greatest benefactor of her life: former Marine Vice Admiral Jaguar D. Saul.
This miraculous and deeply moving reunion instantly ignited social media forums from Japan to Taiwan. Beyond that, Toei Animation dropped a nostalgic bombshell by inviting back the legendary singer from 26 years ago to weave the soundtrack of this heartfelt reunion.
The prophecy at Ohara finally fulfilled
Let’s rewind to the “Ohara Incident”, the most desperate and painful memory in Nico Robin’s life. Amid the devastating flames consuming her homeland, her mother and all the historians, along with former Vice Admiral Saul, sacrificed themselves to shield Robin before being frozen by Aokiji’s power.
At that life-or-death moment, seeing young Robin sobbing uncontrollably, Saul smiled and left one of the most touching lines in manga history:
“The sea is vast, and one day, you will surely find friends who will protect you!”
That promise became the only beacon guiding Robin through years of drifting and fleeing from the World Government’s pursuit. From her heart-wrenching cry of “I want to live!” at Enies Lobby, she found her true comrades.
Today’s reunion feels more sacred than ever because Robin is no longer alone. She returns to the arms of her giant uncle Saul, accompanied by the Straw Hat crew ready to challenge the world to protect her.
Toei Animation’s nostalgic gift from the original singer after 26 years
To match one of the most precious moments in the Elbaph arc, Toei Animation took an unexpected step. They invited legendary singer Maki Otsuki, who performed the first two ending themes of the series, “Memories” and “RUN! RUN! RUN!” back in 1999, to return.
Maki Otsuki personally wrote and performed a special song titled “Sekai wa Hitorijanakatta” (The World Was Not Alone) exclusively for this episode. As her nostalgic and emotional voice filled the air, the screen replayed fast-forwarded scenes from Robin’s painful past fleeing danger to joyful moments laughing alongside Luffy, Zoro, and Nami.
The title “The World Was Not Alone” serves as a perfect conclusion, encapsulating the happy second half of the Straw Hat archaeologist’s life.
Right after the episode ended, the commemorative music video and digital single released on YouTube garnered millions of views and countless comments: “I was choked up with tears from the very first notes of the original singer.”
When tears blend with laughter: One Piece’s timeless charm
Eiichiro Oda always knows how to skillfully balance readers’ emotions. Just after the heart-wrenching moment of Robin and Saul’s tearful embrace, the mood suddenly shifts to humor.
Upon learning Saul is still alive, the Straw Hat crew breaks into a collective cry with their trademark comical, exaggerated expressions. This sudden change made fans wipe their tears and burst out laughing: “I was sobbing but looking at the crew’s funny faces made me laugh uncontrollably,” “One Piece remains the same, blending romance with tears and laughter.”
Episode 1163 is more than just a chapter, it’s a round-trip ticket taking millions of fans back to their childhood, closing a wound that lasted over two decades. This is undoubtedly a classic episode that longtime fans will treasure and watch again and again.