The Straw Hats’ raid on Enies Lobby represents a monumental turning point for the series. Within the imposing government fortress, Luffy’s crew faces its greatest challenge yet - rescuing Robin from the shadowy might of Cipher Pol No. 9 (CP9) assassins.

Betrayals, shocking revelations about the Void Century, and intense battles push each pirate to their limits. Loyalty gets tested like never before. Luffy unlocks formidable new techniques while emotional goodbyes underscore the dramatic risks the crew takes.

Against all odds, the crew challenges the ruthless World Government itself to save their friend. The resulting war results in the crew putting their lives on the line against the tyranny of the world order. What’s on the line? Robin's life, the fate of an ancestral weapon, and the government’s ironclad reputation.

Enies Lobby ushers in a new era for the series defined by raised stakes, global infamy, and swelling danger. A saga culminating with the Straw Hats escaping by the skin of their teeth while dealing a symbolic blow against authoritarian overreach, setting the stage for seismic clashes still unfolding to this day.

Enies Lobby Arc | Summary & Recap

Storming Enies Lobby

Having reunited with their lost crewmates—Sanji, Sogeking (Usopp in disguise), the Franky Family pirates, and Galley-La shipwrights—the Straw Hats have amassed a small army to storm the government stronghold of Enies Lobby. Their sole purpose was rescuing Nico Robin and Franky before losing them forever behind the foreboding Gates of Justice. Objectives clear, they launched their assault on the island fortress, vastly outnumbered yet unwavering in their desperate cause.

Battling wave after wave of Marine soldiers and cunning Cipher Pol assassins, the Straw Hats fought their way across the island. While some battled the hulking giant guards Oimo and Kashii, Luffy charged on alone—smashing through enemies at a relentless pace. CP9 leader Spandam smugly awaited reports in the courthouse, only to hear casualties had exceeded the thousands already—nearly half at Luffy's hands alone. Additionally, Sogeking somehow swayed Oimo and Kashii to defect from their duties. As panic set in, Spandam realized the tides of battle were quickly turning against the World Government forces.

Gear Two | Luffy's New Power

Blazing through the compound, Luffy ascended to the courthouse roof for a rematch with CP9 agent, Blueno. Their first battle saw Luffy's defeat, unable to match his opponent's Soru techniques and steel-hard Tekkai defense. However, by unveiling his new Gear 2 mode, Luffy unlocked the ability to rapidly pump blood through his body—granting tremendous speed and strength while the transformation held.

Against Blueno's mightiest attacks, Luffy utilized super sonic speed to strike from every angle to overcome his hardened defenses. Gear 2 ultimately allows Luffy to dominate his fierce foe, knocking Blueno unconscious. It served a shocking notice—Captain of the Straw Hat Pirates Monkey D. Luffy had grown mightier than ever before.

Declaring War | Reunion and Revelation

With the Straw Hats reunited atop the wall, Nico Robin's tragic past on the island of Ohara was finally revealed. A life filled with betrayal after betrayal had left her terrified of trusting others, certain she would only end up hurt again. She screamed a declaration that death was preferable to losing her newfound friends.

The Straw Hats acknowledged Robin's deep pain and Spandam began laughing. The foolish leader mocked her as an obvious burden and pointed toward the 170 nations allied against her. Luffy calmly registered the scale of his enemy, then turned to the Sniper King (who he genuinely does not know is Usopp). He commanded Sogeking to burn the World Government's flag. His order served as an earth-shaking statement… The Straw Hat Pirates have declared war against the World Government!

This declaration served as a full confirmation that, no matter what, her crew would stand by her. This gave Robin the final proof she needed to make the powerful declaration of “I WANT TO LIVE”!

Having burnt Pluton’s blueprints before CP9’s very eyes, Franky made his gamble – he bet the fate of the entire world on the Straw Hats’ success. If they failed now, Robin and the Straw Hats would be lost and armageddon would follow. But should they win, Spandam would be left with nothing.

Rather than waste any time, the Straw Hats plunged over a waterfall to land upon the careening Rocketman train. Crashing headlong into the Tower of Justice, they disembarked, racing after Spandam. He fled deeper into the stronghold dragging Robin towards her ultimate doom – the Gates of Justice. CP9 had been granted full authority to massacre the invading crew and the hunt was on.

Keys Scattered | Battles Joined

One of CP9’s members, Fukurou, accidentally revealed that one of the five keys they carried would unlock Robin’s seastone shackles. The agents scattered, leading the Strawhats to separate to fight their own enemy.

As Luffy tore blindly after Spandam and Lucci, Zoro crossed swords with Kaku, a swordsman with skills on par with Zoro’s. That is, until the latter revealed his giraffe Devil Fruit powers. The untested abilities backfired – instead of a hybrid form, Kaku fully transformed! The hilarious sight left the quarrelsome Jabra in stitches, forgetting the key at his feet.

Before Sogeking could capitalize and swipe it unopposed, his attempt left him handcuffed to Zoro! With no choice but to work together against their cackling foes, the hunt for the keys took top priority. All around the tower, the Straw Hats began clashing with ruthless CP9.

While Nami was choked by Kumadori’s smothering hair binds, Kalifa exploited Sanji’s steadfast chivalry, dispatching him with a mere kick. Franky’s own battle prowess rapidly dwindled as his precious cola fuel supply ran dry, forcing him into a purely physical struggle against the mighty Fukurou.

As each member faced certain doom before their overpowered enemies, Chopper tasked himself with locating another of the precious keys scattered around the stronghold, their only ticket to saving Robin.

Far ahead, Luffy glimpsed the foreboding Gates of Justice. Between him and Robin swirled vast raging whirlpools, waters he very nearly drowned attempting to cross alone. After using Gear 3 to blast through the final iron door in his way, he pursued Spandam and Robin with a vengeance. Lucci calmly remained behind; his duty – annihilate Luffy once and for all.

Before all the battles can officially begin, Spandam accidentally presses down on his golden Den-Den Mushi, leading to the Buster Call being activated. A Buster Call is a massive Naval attack led by 10 warships that has the power to devastate entire nations.

So, to keep track of all the simultaneous fights taking place between the Straw Hats and the CP-9, let’s divide it up:

• Clash in the Kitchen | Franky vs. Fukurou

Franky and Fukurou continue fighting in the kitchen, trying to overpower one another with punishing blows. Franky starts lagging without cola fuel until Chopper traps Kumadori in a freezer, then helps refill Franky’s cola supply. Reenergized, Franky blasts Fukurou out of the building. Their fight rages on before Franky defeats Fukurou with his Coup de Vent cannon and takes his key. SUUUUUPER!

• Rumble Ball Danger | Chopper vs. Kumadori

After Kumadori escapes the freezer and keeps attacking, Chopper desperately takes a second Rumble Ball for more power, leading to his transformations to become unstable. Despite using his powerful Horn Point, Chopper cannot defeat Kumadori. At death’s door, Chopper takes a third Rumble Ball, growing into a terrifying giant monster that crushes Kumadori before flinging him off the tower. Chopper, unable to change back, rages on.

• Thunder Lance Tempo | Nami vs. Kalifa

In the bath chamber, a paralyzed Nami watches as Kalifa calmly bathes. Slowly recovering, Nami attacks. Then, Kalifa reveals her soap creating Bubble-Bubble Fruit powers to weaken Nami. However, a rampaging Chopper crashes down Kalifa’s bath, letting Nami wash away the soap. Catching Kalifa unaware, Nami uses her Mirage and Thunder Lance Tempos to defeat her and secure a key.

• Diable Jambe | Sanji vs. Jabra

Jabra reveals his Tekkai Kenpo style, merging iron-hard Tekkai defense with rapid-fire blows, leaving Sanji unable to pierce his defense. Driven by thoughts of Robin, Sanji unveils his explosive new Diable Jambe technique, heating his leg into blazing crimson, shattering Jabra’s Tekkai to claim victory.

• Asura Awakens | Zoro vs. Kaku

Zoro and Kaku duel, with Kaku gaining an advantage using his giraffe Devil Fruit powers to land multiple Rankyaku air slice attacks. Angered by Zoro’s mocking, Kaku enters a stronger form - lengthening his limbs and wielding larger swords.

As Kaku prepares his ultimate Rankyaku attack to split the tower, Zoro shockingly counters with his mysterious Nine Sword/Six Arm/Three Head technique he called Asura: Ichibugin, countering the Rankyaku blast and defeating Kaku, who gives up his key.

Back on the bridge, Robin has acknowledged her new fear of death and tries to escape in any way she can, even biting the bridge to gain some time. Robin’s will to live has outgrown all the dread and fear she’s had in her life up until now.

Buster Call and Lucci | The Marines’ Greatest Assets

Luffy struggles to hurt Rob Lucci, who rapidly attacks him with Shigan. Franky attempts to help Luffy by using his Coup de Vent move on Lucci, but it fails against Lucci’s powerful Tekkai technique. Luffy then activates Gear 2, moving fast enough to finally knock Lucci away. Franky is amazed by Luffy’s new strength and tells him to defeat Lucci while he goes after Spandam and Robin.

On the bridge, Spandam drags Robin by a rope, bragging that no one can reach her due to the landmines he laid. He gloats about his father Spandine leading the Buster Call on Ohara, angering Robin. Franky sets off the mines and is blown into the water as Spandam laughs. Suddenly, Spandam is shot by Sogeking, sniping an incredible distance from the Tower of Justice. He also takes out the Marines, allowing Robin to escape her cuffs with the Number 5 key Franky tries. Spandam is shocked that CP9 was defeated.

The reunion is interrupted by the arrival of the Buster Call. The crew has one chance to escape via the escort ship. In the tunnels, Luffy and Lucci’s intense fight floods the passageway, nearly drowning Zoro’s group until Kokoro, the conductor of the Sea Train, appears in mermaid form to save them.

Luffy hits Lucci with Gomu Gomu no Gigant Pistol in Gear Third, swelling his arm for more power to launch Lucci out to sea. Marines ask Vice Admiral Doberman about capturing Robin. He relates Lucci’s dark past - at age 13, Lucci infiltrated pirates that took 500 hostages, killed them, then defeated the pirates. The Vice Admiral decides to let Lucci handle recapturing Robin.

A recovering Lucci removes his shirt, revealing a scar like the World Government symbol on his back. He returns to the battle, with Luffy attacking the Marine ship he landed on. Unaffected by their gunfire, Luffy resumes fighting Lucci using Gear Third Gomu Gomu no Gigant Axe, but Lucci dodges, revealing his Leopard Devil Fruit powers.

Seeing them, Vice Admiral Onigumo orders the fleet to target their ship, willing to sacrifice its 1000 Marine crewmen. Luffy escapes while the ship is bombarded but Lucci, of course, survives.

On land, Franky punches Spandam and flings his elephant sword, Funkfreed, back at him. Robin and Franky steal Spandam’s escape ship. Kokoro arrives with the Straw Hats. They wait for Luffy to finish his fight. The crew hear the Buster Call ships pronounce the deaths of the Galley-La shipwrights Paulie, Peeply Lulu, and Tilestone.

Luffy reengages Lucci using Gear Second. Lucci taunts that Luffy can’t topple Enies Lobby, but Luffy is determined to win. The ships realize Luffy and Lucci are battling in the tower and destroy half the bridge to trap them while aiming at Robin’s group.

From the bridge, Sogeking, Franky, Zoro, and Sanji spot Luffy battling Lucci in the tower and shout encouragement. As they cheer him on, the crew clashes with stunned Marines who can't believe Enies Lobby fell to one pirate group.

Amidst the rubble, Lucci insists evil cannot win, but Luffy defiantly refuses to surrender. Lucci then deals massive damage to Luffy with his ultimate Rokuogan technique. Though severely injured, Luffy remains defiant. Meanwhile, Sanji goes missing, Chopper is immobilized, and Zoro’s Yubashiri sword is broken by Shu who rusts it away.

Watching Lucci batter Luffy, Usopp sheds his Sogeking persona and desperately shouts encouragement using his real voice for the first time. Begging his friend not to resign himself to defeat, Usopp’s stirring words revive Luffy’s will to fight.

Spurred by Usopp’s heartfelt rallying cry, Luffy rises and shields his crewmate from the imposing Lucci. Finding strength in his all-consuming loyalty to those he swore to protect, Luffy unleashes everything in his Jet Gatling barrage.

The fierce blows ultimately smash Lucci through stone walls, defeating the leopard-man as Luffy stands victorious over his monumental adversary.

Tearful Goodbye | The Miraculous Merry's Final Voyage

As the battered Straw Hats clawed their way from the ruins of Enies Lobby, the sweet taste of victory already faded against the bitter tang of despair. Their captain Luffy, the conquering hero who defeated the terrible assassin Rob Lucci, now lay broken and unmoving amidst the debris. His crew cried out in anguish, their voices barely piercing the fog shrouding his weary mind.

The Marines swarmed around the helpless pirates, the clock ticking down to annihilation. Then came the faintest whisper, so achingly familiar, beckoning them towards the sea. There, cresting atop the swelling waves, floated an impossible sight - their ship, their home, the Going Merry returned like a phoenix from the ashes. Its timely arrival kindled hope and united its loving crew one last time.

Like a steadfast friend, Merry sheltered them within its fractured hull and piloted them to safety beyond the Gates of Justice. This courageous ship, which had weathered countless storms and battles at their side, now navigated turbulent waters fueled by love alone. Merry's crew choked back tears as they traced each crack and hole marring the once smooth planks, testaments to their many shared adventures. They lovingly caressed Merry's figurehead, the lamb's innocent eyes filled with determination.

In escaping Enies Lobby against all odds, the Merry performed one last miracle for its crew. This feat of loyalty and love overtaxed its broken body past all endurance. The crew’s joy soon crashed down as Merry's frame gave way with an agonized groan. Its hull split beyond repair, and no carpenter's skill was now sufficient to restore the damage. Merry's final voyage was at an end.

The crew gathered, hearts overflowing with grief as they bore their crippled comrade to Scrap Island. There they labored through the night, fashioning a blazing funeral pyre amidst the junk and debris. A Viking's tribute, with Merry, the gallant ship-warrior, embarking on its final adventure into the great unknown. As hungry flames consumed the timber, the crew heard Merry's voice one last time. It thanked them for their years together and swore to have no regrets, save that it could not continue to carry their dreams.

Through rivers of tears, the Straw Hats watched their beloved Merry pass into legend. Its enduring spirit and noble sacrifice are forever engraved upon their souls. The pirate ship that sailed through storms, above the clouds, and into mortal danger time after time for their sake. A beloved Nakama who sheltered them, kept them from harm and asked nothing in return except their friendship. Merry guided them towards unity and bonded them even closer through loss.

As the smoke trailed into the crimson sky, the crew's wracking sobs soon transformed into joyful songs. Their hearts would remain forever tied to Merry's spirit as they sailed forth toward new horizons.

Enies Lobby | In-Depth Analysis

An Everlasting Impact

The Enies Lobby arc marks a period of monumental growth for the Straw Hats and shapes major future storylines. Each crew member unveils new techniques that launch them to new tiers of power. Luffy’s Gears 2 and 3, Zoro’s Nine Sword Style, Sanji’s Diable Jambe, and the rest showcase their exponential progression. These upgraded abilities cement them as legitimate threats to the world’s strongest forces.

The arc also reveals critical story elements such as Robin’s tragic past, the World Government’s ruthless corruption, Ohara, and the Void Century. This paints the global authority as the predominant antagonistic force. Learning the Government destroyed Robin’s homeland for researching forbidden history makes their malevolence unambiguous and terrifying.

Furthermore, the Straw Hats’ audacious Enies Lobby raid prompts global notoriety for our favorite pirates, with new bounties labeling them high-level outlaws. Their declaration of war signals a massive reputation shift as the crew transitions from intriguing rookies to influential players on the world stage. However, this comes at a cost. They must now confront the consequences of antagonizing the world’s supreme power directly.

Additionally, the Going Merry’s funeral concludes the ship’s storied tenure for the crew it loved. Its Viking sendoff punctuates the end of an era, symbolically bridging the Straw Hats from their formative first adventures toward uncharted new horizons. With Merry gone, the crew must stand tall without its comforting shelter as future challenges promise to dwarf even their most exciting adventures.

Enies Lobby’s far-reaching impact recalibrates the playing field. The Straw Hats’ heightened infamy, upgraded strengths, and global targets propel them directly into the crosshairs of a now-hostile world seeking to suppress their meteoric rise. This sets the stage for the movement against the world order to escalate into an all-out war at some point.

Emotional Tsunami

Up to this point, the Enies Lobby Arc is possibly the best in the series. This is not only in terms of the impact it has on the story, but also in how it propels the overall character development of the Straw Hats as a crew.

This is also one of the first real times we get to see part of the bigger picture in the One Piece Universe. The role that the World Government takes in the series from this point on is more important than ever before. The challenges have gotten bigger and more serious than before, resulting in a declaration of war against the World Government.

That could be the most important part of this arc if One Piece was just your regular, everyday shonen series. But, if you’ve gotten this far into the series, you should know by now that Oda sensei can always take things one step further. Even though the action and fights are some of the most epic and tough ones so far, it is the emotional aspect that makes this arc shine.

Shadow of Ohara

In this arc, we get a lengthy flashback experience of Robin’s past, and we get to know all about her youth on the island of Ohara. There she was a lonely child and the only people she would get close to were the adult archeologists. She was so smart she even graduated as an archeologist at a very young age.

Her mom had to leave her years before and she had to take care of herself. Learning and studying were her refuge from fear and loneliness. This would get all the more dramatic when she made friends with Jaguar D. Saul, a giant who was stranded on the shore of the island. Just when things seemed to have gotten a bit brighter, the Marines appeared to attack the island.

The World Government had found out that the archeologists on the island were researching all the information about the Void Century, a period of 100 years that had been intentionally erased from history. Furthermore, the scholars of Ohara also learned to read the Poneglyphs. The Poneglyphs were the key to decoding that mysterious time. The punishment of researching this forbidden period? Death.

The World Government launched the Buster Call on Ohara right as Robin’s mom had come home. The entire island burned, its inhabitants and research erased from history. Admiral Aokiji was also present on the island and gave Robin her only chance to escape. Even though she would end up being hunted by the World Government, as they regarded the scholars of Ohara as Demons that were trying to destroy the world, Robin was the lone survivor of the Ohara Buster Call.

This emotional backstory was a shot to the heart for fans. They weren’t expecting Robin to have such a troubled past, especially given how she came to join the crew. This whole event explained the reasons for her distrust, her criminal behaviors, and the acceptance of her death. All of this backstory culminates in an exclamation of wanting to live after an entire life hoping to die.

The Captain’s Tears

So far in the series, we’ve seen Luffy’s deep love and respect for his crew. Rescuing Nami from Arlong, saving Alabasta for Vivi, among myriad other events shows that Luffy is willing to risk it all for one of his own. This arc takes it a step further. Led by Luffy, the entire Straw Hat Crew got in line and declared war on the World Government to save Robin. This was one of the best examples of the themes of friendship and freedom from tyranny in the series.

The emotional moments would not stop there, not even with the liberation of Robin, as we also got to see the entire crew saved by the quietest and often overlooked member of the crew, the Going Merry.

We’ve been seeing hints of the sentient nature of the Straw Hats’ ship. How it was more than just their vessel, but also a friend and a loyal crew member. As damaged as it was, Merry managed to get all the way to Enies Lobby just in time to catch them and take them back to safety at Water 7.

As the crew fell, they all could feel the Going Merry talking to them, their beloved friend had come to their rescue. Sadly what the shipwrights said before about this amazing ship was right and this ended up being the last voyage of the Going Merry. The entire crew gave a tearful and heartfelt goodbye to the ship that had taken them over the seas and up to the skies

The goodbye to the Going Merry is still one of the hardest and most emotional moments in the series. Hearing the Merry regretting not being able to take them further in their journey still brings tears to my eyes even while writing these words. This will forever be one of the best moments in the entire series.

Enies Lobby | Review

Animation and Visuals | 10/10

With a wide range of visuals, this arc leaves a mark on the spectator. From the vast establishing shots portraying the impenetrable Enies Lobby to the interesting design of Ohara this arc showcases beautiful art that hits directly into the soul. The Enies Lobby arc also shows a masterful control of choreography and action scenes.

Luffy’s explosive new techniques radiate raw power through brilliantly animated impacts. Vibrant colors contrast the darker emotional undertones. The visual threat represented in the flames that consumed the entire island of Ohara during the Buster Call perfectly represents the threat of the World Government.

Iconic scenes like Merry’s funeral silhouette, the sad goodbye, and the tearful farewell to our beloved friend are images that every One Piece fan carries with them in their heart. Enies Lobby represents the pinnacle of One Piece animation up to this point; visual storytelling harmonizing with writing in perfect synchrony.

Character Development | 10/10

One of the strongest points of this arc was the character development. In many different ways and each of them unique, the character development presented in the Enies Lobby arc is top-notch. Up to this point, it’s hard to pinpoint just one arc that presents such a level of development in so many characters at the same time.

Luffy’s Gears, Zoro’s Asura technique, and Sanji’s Diable Jambe all foreshadow the crew’s New World domination. Meanwhile, Robin’s traumatic past elicits profound empathy for her character; her life-affirming resolution is especially cathartic. Usopp shows amazing growth here under the facade of Sogeking. Nami shows a newfound courage in combat. Heck, even Franky grew here as a person (cyborg?).

The Going Merry gave us one last smile (before making us all cry) in one of the most incredible and unique displays of growth we’ve ever seen. Going from an emotionless ship to a beloved friend was made all the more amazing, especially after connecting the many clues lying around through the series.

Sound and Music | 10/10

Just like in the last arc, the music and sound design are pivotal in accompanying the action and placing emphasis on the emotional moments. Robin’s backstory and the funeral for the Going Merry were impactful on their own, but the music pushed it to the next level.

In the Enies Lobby arc, we get quite possibly the strongest use of music and sound so far in the series. The scene where we say goodbye to the Going Merry we get a beautiful montage showing the many happy memories we shared with the most amazing ship in the world.

Reception and Impact | 10/10

This is an easy 10/10, as this is still one of the most fan favorite arcs in the entire series. Enies Lobby remains widely considered One Piece’s crown jewel of the pre-timeskip saga. The stakes, scope, pacing, and emotional appeal left an entire generation of fans reeling. As the anime's then highest viewed arc, its runaway popularity influenced bigger budgets for later franchise installments.

The raid on Enies Lobby also graduated the Straw Hats from pesky rookies to notorious threats, forcing a harsher confrontation with the World Government seeking to stamp out their chaotic rise. This accelerated rise in infamy makes for an interesting change of pace in the series and quite literally opens the door for bigger challenges to come.

Overall Score | 10/10

For me, Enies Lobby represents one of the most foundational pieces of the One Piece universe. Not only is it one of the most incredible arcs before the time skip, but also one of the best arcs overall.

It is emotionally stunning and filled with incredible fight scenes. We see each Straw Hat shine in their own style, and I mean EVERY Straw Hat, even the Going Merry’s final act of loyalty. Saying goodbye is never an easy thing to do and this is one of the toughest goodbyes we’ve witnessed in anime. Being able to witness the sheer terror the World Government is capable of imposing, and how they’re able to erase entire islands without any hesitation or remorse made the moment Luffy declared war all the more satisfying.

One thing I didn’t even pause to talk much about here was that this arc also finds an amazing way to balance all the action and fights with top-notch emotional scenes, but also it is filled with the iconic One Piece humor. This is the epitome of what One Piece represents. This is why, to this day, it is regarded as one of the best arcs in the series and a top pick for fan-favorite arcs.

Truly, Enies Lobby amazes through its masterful fusion of spectacle and heart! For my money, it remains One Piece’s crown jewel and among fiction’s greatest triumphs. I even cried again as I was rewatching this arc.