Eiichiro Oda’s “no-killing” rule has received much flak, but this controversial choice might have a greater purpose in the grand scheme of One Piece.

SUMMARY

One of the significant weaknesses of One Piece is that Eiichiro Oda rarely kills off the characters.
There are many instances when Oda has portrayed an apparent death of a character, but later brought them back to the series’ premise.
However, while it risks diminishing the emotional stake, it also serves some other purposes.

Eiichiro Oda has consistently delivered awe-inspiring storytelling through One Piece over the course of more than 25 years. While his ability to captivate audiences remains unparalleled in the world of manga, his work still receives a fair share of criticism. One of the most debated weaknesses of One Piece lies in his tendency to throw the fans off balance by killing off characters, only to bring them back later.

Saul and Robin | Credit: Toei Animation

Although this attribute of One Piece has both its pros and cons, sometimes the cons outweigh the pros due to the decrease in the emotional weight of the plot as well as the deterioration of the characters’ arcs. So how does this narrative decision exactly affect One Piece and is there a good reason behind this approach of Oda? Let’s find out!

The patterns of “deaths” in One Piece

Over the years, One Piece has seen several characters “die” only to later reappear alive and well. Despite the high-stakes battles, brutal enemies, and dangerous environments the Straw Hat Pirates encounter, genuine deaths in the series are surprisingly rare. There are many instances in One Piece where a character seems to be on the verge of death or portrayed as dead, later returning to the series. While this approach has allowed for more hopeful storytelling, it has also led to moments that feel emotionally deflated upon a character’s unexpected return.

A prominent example of this is Jaguar D. Saul’s reunion with Robin. His death during the Ohara Incident was a crucial moment in Nico Robin’s backstory, shaping her trust issues and her eventual journey with the Straw Hat Pirates. When Saul was revealed to be alive and living in Elbaf, fans were split. While his survival offers hope and sets the stage for potential plot developments in One Piece, it also risks diminishing the emotional impact of his sacrifice.

Pell’s sacrifice | Credit: Toei Animation

Not only Saul, there are countless examples of this approach in One Piece. Another example of this trend was Pell, who sacrificed himself to save his country, Alabasta, by carrying a bomb away from the city. His apparent death brought tears to fans and characters alike, making him a heroic figure. However, Pell’s survival, revealed shortly after, left many fans questioning the narrative stakes of such a dramatic moment.

Pound’s “death” is also one of the shining examples of this pattern. His supposed demise at the hands of Big Mom’s forces in the Whole Cake Island arc was heart-wrenching, particularly as he reconciled with his daughters. Yet, Pound’s eventual reappearance undermined the emotional closure of his earlier scenes.

Is Eiichiro Oda’s bringing the characters back a narrative justification?

While it’s easy to criticize Eiichiro Oda for his approach in One Piece, there are some compelling reasons behind this narrative choice. Oda’s storytelling often revolves around themes of hope, resilience, and the interconnectedness of his characters’ journeys. These themes align with his decision to allow certain characters a second chance, emphasizing the importance of their ongoing contributions to the story.

Additionally, Saul’s return most likely has less to do with his connection with Robin and more about holding a deeper narrative significance in One Piece. His connection to Aokiji adds a layer to his character. Saul’s presence in the upcoming arcs of One Piece could serve as a crucial plot point, potentially influencing Aokiji’s actions.

Moreover, Oda once revealed that he doesn’t like the idea of dramatically killing off a character for mere shock value. Although there were some characters in One Piece who ended up really being dead, such as Ace or Whitebeard; he usually refrains himself from going down to this path unless it’s absolutely unnecessary. In a way, his philosophy is inspired by Hayao Miyazaki‘s approach as he prefers to focus more on the growth and resilience of his characters.

In the end, Oda’s decision to resurrect characters like Saul, Pell, or Pound reflects both the strengths and weaknesses of his storytelling. However, as One Piece approaches its final saga, it remains to be seen how these choices will play into the broader story. Only time will tell whether this approach serves a greater purpose or it’s Oda’s penchant for subverting expectations.