The arc concludes with one of the most poignant scenes in anime: the silent farewell. As the Straw Hats sail away, they raise their arms to show the "X" mark of friendship to Vivi. This moment solidified One Piece as a series that values emotional bonds as much as high-octane action.
The Straw Hats face off against Sir Crocodile , a Warlord of the Sea who leads Baroque Works and seeks to seize the ancient weapon Pluton.
Crocodile effortlessly impales Luffy with his hook and leaves him buried in quicksand. It is the first time the audience feels Luffy is completely outmatched.
This specific stretch features the Straw Hats' arrival in Alabasta and their climactic battle against Crocodile and Baroque Works.
