One Piece Episode 1122 review: Koby's training pays off, but all is not well on Pirate Island

One Piece Episode 1122, titled The Last Lesson! Impact Inherited!, aired in Japan on Sunday, October 13, 2024. In this installment, viewers witness Koby's intense physical and psychological struggles as he strives to fulfill the duties he took on when he joined the Navy. However, his victory comes with a bittersweet twist.

The previous episode had centered around the fierce battle between Garp and Kuzan on Pirate Island, featuring several flashbacks that shed light on their former master-pupil relationship. The episode also highlighted the looming threat posed by Pizzaro, who was determined to attack Garp's ship and prevent the Navy from escaping.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers.

Koby shines as he takes on Pizzaro in One Piece Episode 1122

Brief episode highlights

Garp as seen in One Piece Episode 1122 (Image via Toei)

One Piece Episode 1122 begins with a flashback where Koby is desperately trying to save 800 Navy soldiers taken hostage by Blackbeard. This occurs after a confrontation with Rayleigh, which forced both the Blackbeard Pirates and the Navy to retreat from Amazon Lily. Koby ultimately offers himself in exchange for the soldiers' freedom.

The episode then moves further back in time to a lesson at the former Navy HQ with Garp. Garp presents a scenario where his students must choose between saving an old man and a baby stranded on an island. Koby, after some hesitation, says he would save both and sacrifice himself, which annoys Garp. Garp advises abandoning the old man, who has less time to live, and reminds them of their purpose in joining the Navy.

In the present, on Pirate Island, Pizzaro’s hand reaches for Garp’s ship. Koby is unsure of how to respond, but Garp devises a plan: he will create an opening, Koby will destroy Pizzaro’s arm, Grus will protect the ship from the falling debris, and Helmeppo will see to it that the plan is executed without any obstructions. Garp then uses Galaxy Divide to attack Pizzaro, causing him to retract his arm slightly, allowing Koby to strike.

A young Koby as seen in One Piece Episode 1122 (Image via Toei)

Another flashback in One Piece Episode 1122 reveals Garp asking Helmeppo why Koby makes progress quickly but often gets injured. Helmeppo explains that Koby trains every night, punching the warship after lessons because he knows he needs to work harder than others.

In the present, Koby uses a Haki-coated punch, the Honesty Impact, to shatter Pizzaro’s hand, while Grus catches the debris with a net. As everyone boards Garp’s ship after this victory, Garp instructs them to leave without him.

A final flashback shows Garp explaining that Koby and others joined the Navy to save the future of the people. Despite being told not to give such lectures, Garp believes that young lives have limitless potential and should be protected.

The episode ends with a shot of Kuzan slowly freezing Garp, who has already been impaled by an ice shaft.

One Piece Episode 1122 review

Koby's Honesty Impact as seen in One Piece Episode 1122 (Image via Toei)

One Piece Episode 1122 dabbles with a style, though the initial scenes might feel a bit disjointed due to the use of still frames. However, the episode quickly redeems itself with its vibrant and dynamic battle sequences. The confrontations, particularly when Garp or Koby engage Pizzaro, are flashy and convey the sheer power and intensity of their attacks.

The animation in One Piece Episode 1122 also contributes significantly to the psychological depth of the story. A notable scene depicts Koby's hesitation, represented in blue, which then transitions to red as he resolves to follow Garp's plan.

This shift in color not only highlights Koby's internal struggle but also visually connects him with Helmeppo and Grus, who are also shown in red. Despite this effective use of color to convey psychological states, the episode occasionally risks overdoing it.

From a narrative perspective, One Piece Episode 1122 nicely weaves together past and present events. It also maintains continuity with the previous episode, where Garp and his former student Kuzan were in conflict. In this episode, Garp and his student Koby are seen supporting each other. The episode concludes with Kuzan's return, probably to finish off Garp.

One Piece Episode 1121 recap

Koby as seen in One Piece (Image via Toei)

In the previous episode, Brannew informed the 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. Initially, Garp had refused to accept Kuzan as his student, but they eventually grew very close.

Meanwhile, on Pirate Island, Garp easily defeated Sanjuan Wolf and Vasco Shot. However, he was wounded by Shiryu's sword when he tried to save Koby. Garp’s next battle was against his former pupil Kuzan. Garp and Kuzan's brief fight left both unable to continue fighting.

At the same time, Koby hoped to escape to the sea, but Pizzaro, realizing his plan, extended his massive arm towards the Navy ship carrying Hibari and others away from Pirate Island. As Koby began to panic, Garp urged him to stay calm and believe in justice.

Final thoughts

Garp in the middle of the Blackbeard Pirates in One Piece Episode 1122 (Image via Toei)

In One Piece Episode 1122, viewers see Koby step up as a true hero, overcoming his fears and sense of helplessness to confront a powerful adversary. His victory is also Garp's, as Garp trained and motivated him to unlock his potential. However, Garp's fate is still uncertain.