One Piece fans are voicing frustration after the anime paused its momentum at a pivotal point in the story to air a recap episode. This controversial move came just as the Egghead Arc — the first arc of the Final Saga — was reaching its most intense phase.

🚀 The Story So Far
The Straw Hat Pirates arrive at Egghead Island, a futuristic zone where they meet Dr. Vegapunk, the world’s most brilliant scientist. Despite his contributions to the World Government, Vegapunk becomes a fugitive for researching the mysterious Void Century.
As Luffy and his crew vow to protect Vegapunk, the situation escalates with the arrival of:
- 100 Navy ships
- Admiral Kizaru
- Nine Vice Admirals
To make matters worse, Saint Jaygarcia Saturn, one of the Five Elders, enters the scene — marking the first full display of their terrifying power.
Amid this chaos, the anime also shifts focus to the heart-wrenching backstory of Bonney and her father Kuma, whose tragic history is closely tied to the cruelty of the World Government.
🛑 Sudden Delay Disappoints Fans
Just as viewers anticipated a deep dive into Kuma’s past, Toei Animation delayed the next episode (originally set for May 11) and aired a recap episode titled:
“Dr. Chopper's Adventure Review: A Ballad of a Father and Daughter.”
This recap features Chopper and Carrot, revisiting Bonney’s journey from her debut at Sabaody Archipelago to the current Egghead events.
However, the timing drew heavy criticism. On Crunchyroll, the recap has received over 13,000 dislikes, reflecting fans’ impatience and disappointment over the interruption.
💬 Why the Backlash?
Several reasons may explain the negative reaction:
- Viewers expected the continuation of Kuma’s long-awaited backstory
- Focus on Chopper and Carrot, characters with mixed popularity
- Frustration with recap episodes breaking the story flow during critical moments
🧠 Recap Content and What’s Next
The recap summarizes:
- Kuma becoming a Pacifista
- Bonney’s efforts to rescue him and uncover the truth
- Her discovery of Kuma’s memories stored in a memory bubble
- The revelation that the World Government likely forced Kuma into sacrificing himself
As the Egghead Arc unfolds, fans expect major revelations that could shake the entire One Piece world. The upcoming episodes are poised to answer long-standing questions about Kuma’s past — and the hidden truths behind the World Government’s darkest decisions.