Tokyo, Japan – One Piece Episode 1140, titled “An Admired Hero – The Warrior of Liberation Who Saves Bonney,” premiered on Crunchyroll on Sunday, August 17, 2025, and became available on Netflix on Saturday, August 23, 2025, throwing viewers deeper into the escalating conflict on Egghead Island. The latest installment of the beloved anime, part of the ongoing Egghead Arc, brought with it the highly anticipated return of Monkey D. Luffy’s Gear 5th, significant plot developments for Bonney, and the surprising arrival of powerful new allies.
The Return of Gear 5th and Bonney’s Liberation
A central highlight of Episode 1140 was the re-emergence of Luffy in his formidable Gear 5th form. After a period of immobility following his clash with Admiral Kizaru, Luffy, now revitalized by food, unleashed his full power. This transformation was particularly poignant as Bonney witnessed the “Warrior of Liberation” first-hand, a moment that carries immense symbolic weight given her connection to Sun God Nika and her pursuit of justice for Kuma. The episode aimed to underscore Luffy’s role as a beacon of hope and freedom in the face of tyranny.
The Egghead Buster Call Intensifies
The episode continued to depict the devastating Buster Call ordered by Saint Saturn, aimed at annihilating Egghead Island and all its advancements. As the Marines relentlessly bombarded the island, Vegapunk’s pleas for mercy fell on deaf ears, further highlighting the World Government’s ruthless determination. The Straw Hats found themselves in a desperate struggle to protect the island and its inhabitants from total destruction, facing overwhelming odds as the conflict reached a critical juncture.
Unexpected Giants Join the Fray
In a dramatic turn of events, the Straw Hat Pirates received much-needed assistance from unexpected quarters: the giant warriors Dorry and Brogy. Their timely arrival saw them wreak havoc on the Navy ships executing the Buster Call, instantly changing the tide of the battle and providing a powerful display of their loyalty and strength. The introduction of these iconic characters served as a mythological event, emphasizing their recognition of Luffy as the “Sun God” and further escalating the stakes on Egghead.
Pacifista Rebellion and Hints of the Iron Giant
Episode 1140 also featured a significant shift in the loyalty of the Pacifistas. These cyborgs, once controlled by the World Government, began to turn against the Marines, adding another layer of complexity to the already chaotic battlefield. Furthermore, the episode hinted at the awakening of the enigmatic Iron Giant, teasing future developments and a potential new force in the ongoing struggle.
Mixed Reception for Animation and Pacing
While the episode delivered crucial plot points and exciting character introductions, it garnered mixed reactions regarding its animation quality and pacing. Some viewers and critics expressed disappointment that the highly anticipated Gear 5th transformation, a pivotal moment from the manga, was undercut by “constant wiggling and explosions” and lacked consistent animation quality, failing to capture the expected hype. Conversely, other reviews praised the visual inventiveness and bold stylization, particularly in depicting Gear 5th’s chaotic nature and the Pacifistas turning on the Marines, noting careful direction that prevented the high-stakes action from feeling overbearing.
