One Piece Episode 1116 review: The Cross Guild prospers as Buggy declares his dream to become the King of the Pirates

One Piece Episode 1116, titled Let's Go Get It! Buggy's Big Declaration, was released in Japan on Sunday, August 11, 2024. As the title suggests, this episode showcases Buggy's intense desire to obtain the One Piece, marking the entry of another Emperor of the Sea into the race for the world's most elusive and sought-after treasure.

In the previous episode, it was revealed that Kuzan had joined Blackbeard's crew, though it remains unclear if this is a temporary alliance. Kuzan might have his own plans. But for the moment, he was seen battling Garp. Meanwhile, the Heart Pirates suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of the Blackbeard Pirates.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers.

One Piece Episode 1116 reveals the Cross Guild's impact in the world revealed

Brief episode highlights

T Bone as seen in the One Piece Episode 1116 (Image via Toei)

In One Piece Episode 1116, Vice Admiral T Bone is fatally stabbed while rescuing a child. The incident takes place in Pepe Kingdom, where the people have been starving to death but the killer’s family receives a bounty which improves their lives.

Upon hearing the news, Sengoku and Tsuru discuss the growing threat of the Cross Guild and its impact on the Navy’s morale, as soldiers now face the risk of being attacked by those they aim to protect.

Meanwhile, on Emptee Bluffs Island, the killer takes refuge on Emptee Bluffs Island and thanks Buggy for helping his family. Buggy invites him to join his crew, warning that the Navy would pursue him if he went elsewhere.

Next, in One Piece Episode 1116, Buggy is thrilled to hear that the Cross Guild ship is complete, but his excitement quickly turns to shock when he sees the ship's figurehead, which resembles him. Crocodile soon summons Buggy for a private meeting about the ship and tortures him behind closed doors.

The Cross Guild ship as seen in One Piece Episode 1116 (Image via Toei)

Crocodile then acknowledges the positive public reception of the Cross Guild. He emphasizes the need to establish a military nation that can stand up to the World Government, which requires an enormous amount of money and power.

Buggy, however, has even grander ambitions. He reminds Crocodile and Mihawk that Shanks is making significant moves and boldly declares his intention to become the Pirate King, believing that wealth and power will follow.

This declaration earns him further beatings from Crocodile and Mihawk, who are not interested in fighting the likes of Blackbeard, Luffy, and Shanks. Nevertheless, Buggy uses a Den Den Mushi to announce to his large crew that they will pursue the One Piece.

Sabo as seen in One Piece Episode 1116 (Image via Toei)

One Piece Episode 1116 then shifts to Kamabakka Queendom, where a ship is seen approaching. The arrival of Sabo brings joy to everyone, and they warmly welcome him back. Sabo is accompanied by some Lulusians who express their desire to join the Revolutionary Army.

Then, in a private meeting with Dragon and Ivankov, Sabo prepares to reveal crucial information about the events that transpired during the Reverie at the Holy Land Mary Geois, which could endanger the lives of those who know about it.

One Piece Episode 1116 review

Buggy as seen in the One Piece Episode 1116 (Image via Toei)

In One Piece Episode 1116, viewers gain a deeper understanding of Buggy, who is often seen as cowardly and pathetic. A flashback reveals that Buggy had dreams of visiting Laugh Tale, a place he and Shanks could not reach when they were young.

On the day of Roger's execution, Shanks had let him know that he was not planning to head to Laugh Tale anytime soon. Buggy, feeling betrayed, had refused to serve under him, and from that point on, saw Shanks as an enemy.

Buggy used to feel inferior to Shanks, but his love and respect for Roger, combined with his ambition, helped him to see himself as Shanks' equal. Buggy's willingness to be bold in order to achieve his goals is evident, and he demonstrates strong leadership qualities. Even when he was being crushed under Crocodile's boots, Buggy's message to his crew reignited their passion for adventure, which shows he has got the ability to inspire and lead.

One Piece Episode 1114 recap

Kuzan as seen in the One Piece anime (Image via Toei)

In the previous episode, it was revealed that Blackbeard's attempt to dominate Kuzan had failed, but they had ended up partying with the Blackbeard Pirates. Catarina Devon had asked Kuzan about the Man with the Burn Scar and the last Road Ponegliff, but Kuzan had claimed ignorance.

When Laffitte had suggested taking Kuzan's Devil Fruit, Kuzan had turned a few people into ice. Blackbeard had to apologize for his crewmates and invited Kuzan to join him.

In the present, Garp asked Kuzan to return to the Navy, but it was clear that would not happen. Kuzan froze Garp with his Devil Fruit, but Garp broke free and hurled Kuzan into the ground.

Meanwhile, on Winner Island, Blackbeard had sunk Law’s ship, and was approaching him to take the Op-Op Fruit. Bepo consumed one of Chopper's drugs, transformed into his Sulong form, and attacked the Blackbeard Pirates. Bepo then grabbed Law and escaped by swimming away.