One Piece episode 1114 reveals a grave Garp misunderstanding in the fandom, and it has to do with Ace's death

Modified Aug 08, 2024 00:20 GMT

One Piece episode 1114 reveals a grave Garp misunderstanding in the fandom, and it has to do with Ace's death (Image via Toei Animation)

In One Piece episode 1114, which has caused a lot of controversy among fans, Vice Admiral Monkey D. Garp is at the center of it all. Garp, a marine legend and one of the strongest in the Marines, is being accused of favoritism for saving Koby over his late adopted grandson Portgas D. Ace.

But this is a misunderstanding of Garp’s complex relationships and emotional struggles. Garp’s love for Ace was evident throughout his life, through deep family bonds and personal sacrifices. He went through a lot of pain after Ace’s death as shown in the aftermath of Ace's death. This article will clarify the misconceptions about Garp’s actions, his connection to Ace, and the situation in episode 1114.

One Piece: Monkey D Garp's relationship with Koby

Koby as shown in the anime series (Image via Toei Animation)

After episode 1114, there has been a big misunderstanding in the fandom about Vice Admiral Monkey D. Garp’s feelings towards Koby and Ace. Some fans are saying Garp is biased, that he saved Koby but not Ace, who was executed by Admiral Sakazuki. This is both wrong and unfair, as it ignores the depth of Garp’s relationship with Ace and the pain he feels over Ace’s death.

Garp is invested in Koby. He sees Koby as a promising Marine with unyielding determination and a high ceiling, as was shown when he came to the Beehive and proclaimed it in front of the pirates. Garp rescuing Koby from the Blackbeard Pirates despite protocol shows how much he is invested in Koby’s future. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t love Ace.

One Piece: Monkey D. Garp's bond with Portgas D, Ace

Garp visits Ace in Impel Down (Image via Toei Animation)

Garp’s relationship with Ace is complex and profound. He adopted Ace at the behest of Gol D. Roger, who, despite being an infamous pirate, trusted Garp as a friend and asked him to care for his son. Initially skeptical, Garp ultimately honored Roger’s dying wish, reflecting his respect for Roger and his commitment to his family. Even though Garp found the idea of adopting Ace unusual, he agreed because Roger’s trust in him was significant.

One Piece: Garp's emotional trauma over Ace’s death

Expand Tweet

The notion that Garp did not care for Ace is contradicted by his actions during the Marineford War. Garp’s pain and sorrow were palpable as he witnessed Ace’s execution. Despite his tough exterior, Garp’s grief was evident; he cried for his grandson and lamented that Ace’s life as a pirate led him to such a tragic end.

Garp’s willingness to avenge Ace’s death by targeting Akainu further demonstrates his profound emotional conflict, though he was restrained from doing so by Sengoku.

Monkey D. Garp (Image via Toei Animation)

Garp had high expectations for both Ace and Luffy, wishing for them to become strong Marines. His disappointment in Ace’s choice to embrace piracy was a source of personal anguish, especially as it contrasted with his hopes for Ace and the reality of their circumstances. Ace, for his part, rejected the idea of becoming a Marine, influenced by their fathers' rebellious bloodlines.

In essence, Garp’s actions towards Koby should not be misconstrued as a lack of affection for Ace. Both relationships are distinct, but Garp’s care and grief for Ace were profound and deeply felt.

Final thoughts

Portgas D. Ace (Image via Toei Animation)

The criticism aimed at Garp in episode 1114 overlooks the deep emotional turmoil he experienced over Ace’s death. Garp’s actions toward Koby do not diminish his love for Ace; rather, they reflect his complex character and the burdens he bears as both a Marine and a grandfather.