One Piece episode 1121 review: Garp goes head-to-head with his protege, and sets the stage for Koby to prove himself

One Piece episode 1121, titled Garp and Kuzan - A Clash of Justice Between Master and Apprentice, which aired in Japan on Sunday, October 6, 2024, marked the series' return after a brief hiatus. This episode has gorgeous visuals and includes a touching flashback that fans will appreciate.

The main focus of this installment is the exchange between Garp and Kuzan on Pirate Island. Here, a fierce battle takes place between swarms of Blackbeard Pirates and a small but elite group of Navy soldiers who are on a mission to rescue Koby.

In the previous episode, viewers saw Sabo conclude his story, explaining how he managed to escape from Mary Geoise, travel to Lulusia, and eventually reach Kamabakka Queendom. The episode also brought up the question of why the World Government decided to take action at this point in time.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers.

Kuzan and Garp keep each other in check in One Piece episode 1121

Brief episode highlights

Kuzan and Garp in One Piece episode 1121 (Image via Toei)

In One Piece episode 1121, Brannew explains to young Navy soldiers that the dents on the naval warships at the ship graveyard were caused by Garp and Kuzan, who used the ships’ armor as punching bags to build strength without relying on Haki or Devil Fruit powers.

Meanwhile, at Pirate Island, Garp easily defeats Sanjuan Wolf and Vasco Shot. Koby, on the other hand, falls into a trap while trying to help a woman he believes is a prisoner, only to be targeted by an invisible Shiryu. Garp intervenes and gets stabbed by Shiryu's sword.

As the pirates see Garp weakened and charge at him in hopes of getting the bounty on his head, Kuzan arrives, freezing some of his own men, to get to Garp himself, for he recognizes him as a formidable opponent even in his injured state.

A flashback in One Piece episode 1121 shows a young Kuzan asking Garp to train him. Garp initially refuses, telling Kuzan to learn from the instructors, but Kuzan insists he has learned all he can from them. Despite his initial refusal, Garp eventually trains Kuzan, and they grow close, training and drinking together. They are seen discussing their struggles and personal issues over the years.

Back in the present, Garp and Kuzan exchange powerful punches, leaving both unable to continue fighting. Koby hopes to escape to the sea, but Pizzaro seeks to foil his plan, and so he extends his massive arm toward the Navy ship carrying Hibari and others away from Pirate Island. As Koby begins to panic, Garp urges him to stay calm and believe in justice.

One Piece episode 1121 review

Koby as seen in One Piece episode 1121 (Image via Toei)

In One Piece episode 1121, Toei Animation has once again delivered stunning visuals, which are not only impressive for a weekly anime series, but also for seasonal anime. This is especially since this episode focuses less on intense battles and more on an intimate exploration of the relationship between Garp and Kuzan.

Kuzan, who was once Garp's student and learned to fight under his guidance, now finds himself in a position where he nearly defeated his former mentor. Despite the gravity of this situation, neither Garp nor Kuzan outwardly express how this affects them. Both Garp and Kuzan remain focused on their respective missions.

However, with Garp now incapacitated, it falls upon Koby to rise to the occasion. As a Captain and a hero to the people, Koby faces the challenge of maintaining his composure, a struggle he has faced before during the Marineford War when he was frantic with worry.

Garp's trust in Koby to protect the Marines from the menacing Pizzaro may be the push Koby needs to step up. The outcome of this situation will unfold in the upcoming episodes.

There is humor in these moments as well. For example, Garp uses pirates as shields against Vasco Shot’s attacks and then chucks them back like fireballs. Another funny instance is when Garp complains to Kuzan about his son becoming a revolutionary and his grandson aspiring to be a pirate.

One Piece episode 1120 recap

Sabo disguised as a guard in One Piece (Image via Toei)

In the previous episode, the flashback continued where Sabo disguised himself as a guard and secretly boarded a ship carrying King Seki and Princess Comane from the Lulusia Kingdom. Meanwhile, Igaram, Chaka, and Pell were trying hard to locate Cobra and Vivi. Vivi and Wapol managed to evade them and the CP0 and sneak onto the Eigis Kingdom's ship.

From there, Wapol contacted Morgans, offering a story in exchange for their rescue. However, he withheld crucial details and did not allow Vivi to reach out to her father.

Inside the Pangaea Castle, the Five Elders received an order from Imu to deploy Vegapunk's Mother Flame to annihilate the Lulusia Kingdom.

In the present, Ivankov, after listening to Sabo's account, recalled a figure named Saint Imu from the Nerona Dynasty, one of the First Twenty. Considering the possibility of immortality in this world, he conjectured Imu might be immortal and could possess an Ancient Weapon, which they used against Lulusia.

The episode concluded with Mjosgard being judged by Saint Figarland Garling and executed for defending fish-men.

Final thoughts

Kuzan in the flashback in One Piece episode 1121 (Image via Toei)

In One Piece episode 1121, as has been the case with the Egghead arc, there is a masterful balance of action and emotion. The plot advances while flashbacks and lore drops give a fuller picture of the world and its characters. Thus, the intense battle between Garp and Kuzan, juxtaposed with scenes from their past, adds depth and complexity to each of the characters.