One Piece: Most Shocking Deaths Ranked

Summary

Deaths in One Piece can be shocking and impactful, even though author Eiichiro Oda rarely kills off characters.
Unexpected character deaths can have a significant impact on the story or be more personal, adding emotional depth.
The deaths of characters like Monet, Kingbaum, Izo, Pedro, and more highlight the darker and emotional side of One Piece.

Within the circle of fans for One Piece, there’s a common understanding that its creator, Eiichiro Oda, tends to avoid killing off characters, even when their demise might seem imminent. This reluctance adds an extra layer of surprise and intensity when a rare death does happen, serving as a reminder that despite the lighthearted and colorful nature of One Piece, it can delve into some heavy, emotional territory every now and then.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reflect on the unforgettable moments when characters we’ve come to know and love in One Piece met their untimely end. These deaths, whether they sent ripples throughout the entire narrative or left a deep sorrow in our hearts as friends to these characters, have left an indelible mark on the series. Let’s revisit some of the most heart-wrenching and surprising departures in One Piece, arranged by their level of shock value and overall influence on the story.

8. Monet

A Simple Slip-Up By Caesar Clown Results In Monet Biting The Dust

First Appearance: Episode 581

In the Punk Hazard storyline, Caesar Clown serves as the main adversary. However, before the Straw Hats can confront him directly, they must face Monet first. During their fight, Zoro appears to have split Monet in half; one could expect her death immediately afterward. Remarkably, she endures for a brief while longer after this, surprising everyone involved.

In the course of the storyline, when Law starts swapping bodies and emotions among the characters, Caesar accidentally stabs Monet’s heart, thinking it belonged to Smoker. This unexpected death was a shocking turn of events considering Oda usually doesn’t kill off minor characters in such a gruesome manner. The incident also served to underscore Caesar’s carelessness and violent tendencies.

7. Kingbaum

The Living Tree Who Dreamed Of Spending The Rest Of His Days With His Fiance Is Intercepted By Prometheus

First Appearance: Episode 797

As one of Big Mom’s trusted allies, Kingbaum found himself drawn to aid Luffy and Nami throughout our adventure on Whole Cake Island. It appeared that he might finally get to spend the remainder of his days with his arboreal beloved, but alas, fate had other plans. The moment Big Mom caught wind of his noble act of carrying the Straw Hats to safety, she set off in hot pursuit, disrupting any hope for a peaceful life for Kingbaum and his tree bride.

Ultimately, it would be Prometheus who overtakes Kingbaum, revealing to the tree that Kingbaum’s betrayal disqualifies him from living on the island. This revelation leads to a heart-wrenching moment as Kingbaum is burned, leaving an image that always brings tears to one’s eyes.

6. Izo

Izo Takes One Last Stand To Protect The Straw Hats From CP-0

First Appearance: Episode 461

Initially appearing in Marineford alongside Whitebeard’s team during the rescue mission for Ace, Izo, a formidable samurai, was later known for their actions during the Raid on Onigashima. Although they proved valuable to Luffy and his crew during the Wano arc, ultimately, Izo succumbed to CP-0 after resisting them from capturing the Straw Hats.

Observing the events unfolding in Wano, Izo’s demise among the Red Scabbards isn’t the sole one, but it carries a profound impact due to his rich backstory and enigmatic character. In the animated series, he gets a dramatic send-off, engaging in a thrilling last stand, demonstrating the lethal prowess of his dual pistols before meeting his end.

5. Pedro

Pedro Sacrifices Himself To Let Carrot And The Others Escape Whole Cake Island

First Appearance: Episode 754

It swiftly becomes apparent to Luffy and his crew, the Straw Hats, that freeing Sanji from Big Mom’s grasp won’t be as simple as a leisurely stroll in the park, given her vast army of devoted offspring who will safeguard her. During the Whole Cake Island arc, they encounter Perospero, the eldest of Big Mom’s children, who turns out to be a significant hindrance for the Straw Hats.

To delay Perospero and his companions so that Luffy, Carrot, and their group could flee and carry on their adventure, Pedro armed himself with dynamite, ultimately detonating it high in the sky. Although Pedro’s selfless act didn’t manage to eliminate Perospero, he remains an extremely honorable figure due to his sacrifice for Carrot and her companions, even giving up his own life.

4. Yasuie

One Of The Most Heartbreaking Deaths In The Series Which Showcases Orochi’s Cruelty

First Appearance: Episode 916

Initially, when Zoro encounters Yasuei at the start of the Wano arc, he seems like a carefree local with an unusual amount of cheerfulness, almost to the point of suspicion. However, as the story unfolds, it’s unveiled that Yasuie is one of the numerous individuals affected by the SMILE fruits, which inhibit him from expressing any negative or serious feelings.

Following his assistance with the Straw Hats to defeat Kaido, it later transpires that Yasuie was subjected to a gruesome fate: he was publicly displayed, crucified, tormented, and shot numerous times. This spectacle left onlookers in hysterics due to the fruits he possessed. The suddenness of Yasuie’s demise served as a stark reminder of the malevolent nature of Orochi, as his cruelty was evident in his inhumane treatment of his own people.

3. Whitebeard

Whitebeard Loses His Life Not Long After He’s Introduced To The Story

First Appearance: Episode 485

In my opinion, Whitebeard’s entrance scene leaves no doubt that this fellow is far from his youthful best. Yet, despite his physical decline, he remains one of the mightiest and most intimidating personalities in the entire saga. So, when he arrives at Marineford, it feels almost inevitable that he would be able to navigate through the challenges ahead with relative ease, given all he’s endured throughout his life.

In the brink of materialization, Whitebeard survived until the end of the war, despite sustaining an unbelievable number of injuries and having lost half his face, with a large gaping wound in his chest. Following Ace’s demise and the immense damage he had endured, Whitebeard ultimately succumbed to death but remained an emblematic figure for his crew, symbolizing their cause until the very end.

2. King Cobra

Cobra Knew A Little Too Much, And As A Result, Paid The Ultimate Price

First Appearance: Episode 91

The gathering in The Reverie was supposed to be an ordinary discussion among world leaders, but it took a darker turn as soon as Imu made an appearance. This enigmatic figure is not only ready to engage with anyone who uncovers too much about the World Government and the Void Century – Cobra’s fatal oversight.

Due to his clandestine wisdom, Cobra met a gruesome end at the hands of another Cobra, barely surviving the fatal attack. This event sent shockwaves throughout the world. However, in making this ultimate sacrifice, he ensured Sabo’s freedom, so it wasn’t a selfless act in vain.

1. Portgas D. Ace

Nobody Could Have Guessed The Rescue Mission Would End In Ace’s Untimely Death

First Appearance: Episode 91

For some time, there had been simmering tensions between the Marines and pirates that could have escalated into a full-blown war. However, it was Ace’s capture that ignited the Marineford conflict. When Luffy and Whitebeard’s team arrived in Marineford with the intention of rescuing their brother, many fans anticipated a smooth operation. Given Ace’s significant role in the storyline and his numerous future adventures yet to be undertaken with his crew, it seemed like everything was falling into place.

Ace’s unexpected demise at the hands of Akainu continues to be a profound shock for many fans, with some still mourning the devastating loss of this treasured character. Ace’s passing served as a catalyst for Luffy’s growth and development, and his presence has been acknowledged multiple times since then, even in Wano by Tama. However, that poignant moment remains one of the saddest scenes in the entire series, leaving an indelible mark on fans.

2025-02-23 09:06