It won’t be long before we set sail with Monkey D. Luffy and his fearless crew. Given the confirmation that Netflix’sOne Piecewill return for season two, fans across the globe are eagerly speculating how the adaptation will handle its story lines. We know the anime’s Alabasta Saga is on the horizon, and given the arc’s length, compressing the story into just eight episodes will be a big challenge. Even the saga’s first arcs will challenge the TV series, but the staff behind Netflix’sOne Pieceis resolute. By carefully structuring the season to balance all its plot threads, the show has an opportunity to deliver another entertaining and faithful season for fans new and old.

As you may imagine, fans are already theorizing how One Piece season two will handle the first leg of the Alabasta Saga, and the speculation is complex. The journey from Loguetown to Alabasta includes several key moments, such as the introduction of key characters like Vivi and Chopper. The story line also shows the Straw Hats' first encounters in the Grand Line and a climactic battle against a villain known as Crocodile. We know One Piece season two will not cover the entire Alabasta Saga, but as the story’s first arcs come to life, there is a steady road map that can keep Netflix on track.

One Piece Inaki Godoy as Monkey D Luffy Alabasta Tease

Season Two Will Start by Setting Course for Alabasta

Charting a Course as the Straw Hats’ Grand Line Adventure Begins

The first episodes of the season will need to establish its main saga, and to do that, we must start with its first story arc. This meansOne Piecewill need to finish up the East Blue Saga at Loguetown, Luffy will have a brief encounter with Smoker and Tashigi before the crew’s official departure to the Grand Line gets underway. Beyond meeting new characters, the Straw Hat crew will also have its own decisive moment at Loguetown. As anime fans know, the town marks the place where Gol D. Roger was executed and incited a new age of pirates. Luffy will have plenty to say about this milestone, and his stand involving Roger cements his opposition against the Marines.

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Of course, the journey into the Grand Line will come next, making way for the Reverse Mountain arc and introducing a giant whale named Laboon. This character’s debut will pave the way for another addition to the Straw Hat crew down the line, soOne Pieceseason two will not want to rush perfection. We know a certain skeleton wouldn’t agree if you catch my drift.

Iñaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy smiling while leaning forward in One Piece season 1

Season Two Will Cover Little Garden, Whiskey Peak in the Middle

From Whiskey Peak to Miss All Sunday

Following the Reverse Mountain arc, the Straw Hats will arrive at Whiskey Peak, ushering in the middle section ofOne Pieceseason two. It is there the Baroque Works organization will make its debut. This arc will be crucial as it brings the character Vivi to life, and she is a vital piece of the Alabasta Saga. In fact, she is the key to saving the country as the saga continues. Whiskey Peak will need to focus closely on Vivi’s character as fans are left to suss out her true identity, and before long, the live-action adaptation must fast track to Little Garden.

Sadly, Little Garden will likely be condensed into one episode with little bleed into a second. While the arc has newfound implications in theOne Piecemanga thanks to giants Dorry and Brogy, the arc’s biggest concern is elsewhere.One Piecewill show the Straw Hat crew facing off with Baroque Works agents Mr. 3 and Miss Goldenweek, and we’re sure characters like Miss All Sunday and Mr. 0 will make their long-awaited arrivals. However, given the season’s concision, some of the arc’s humor may be sacrificed to keep pacing.

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Season 2 Should Close on Drum Island With a 2-Part Finale

The Grand Debut of Tony Tony Chapter

To end the new season,One Piecewill take fans to Drum Island at long last. The beefy finale will need to span two episodes minimum given its grand scale and important introduction.Tony Tony Chopper will debut in this arc, and it will mark one of the most important momentsin the Netflix series to date. From Chopper’s backstory to his Devil Fruit gifts and Dr. Kureha’s history,One Piecewill have a lot to unpack in its season two finale. That’s not to even mention Doctor Hiriluk’s legacy and the Straw Hat crew’s epic battle against Wapol. With high-stakes action on hand,One Pieceseason two will end on an emotioanl high as we watch Chopper embrace his new family, and Netflix will set up the perfect segue into season three.

As for season three, the yet-confirmed season will tackle the second half of the Alabasta Saga. It will begin with the crew’s arrival to the desert nation, and they will be greeted by a fan-favorite character. The introduction of Ace, Luffy’s older brother, will be a key moment for fans. His brief role will help flesh out the saga and deepen Luffy’s backstory. From there,One Pieceseason three will explore Rainbase as the Straw Hats fall into one of Crocodile’s nefarious trap. From Vivi’s backstory to the true goal of Baroque Works,One Pieceseason three will have a lot of content to churn through. Characters like Zoro, Sanji, and Usopp are all given defining battles. And of course, those fights set the stage for the season finale where Luffy faces Crocodile one last time.

As season three ends, its final moments will details Luffy’s victory over Crocodile and the Straw Hats' farewell to Vivi. There is no doubt the saga will end with the iconic moment of Luffy’s crew raising their arms in farewell, and a post-credits scene teasing the anime’s Skypiea Saga is all but promised. By ending on a dramatic note, season three would leave fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter of the story, and One Piece does nothing better than drumming up hype.