Summary
If you are a die-hard One Piece fan and remember All the Alabasta Plots, you have observed a notable repetition in Dressrosa Arc. In One Piece, Alabasta was the first most important Arc, while straw hats entered the grand line. The first most powerful villain, the crocodile, was introduced, and the warlord system also came into the picture.
By the time the story moves forward and reaches Dress Rosa, some Similar plots have been noticed like Alabasta’s plots. Dress Rosa also becomes an iconic arc with its powerful villain and layers of intrigue. Here are the top seven noticeable parallels between the two arcs.
Alabasta Plots Repeated in Dressrosa
1
Both Kingdoms Were Ruled by a Villain Who Was Seen as a Hero by Civilians
In Alabasta, Crocodile appeared to the people as a hero while secretly scheming to take over the kingdom. He fooled the citizens into believing he was their protector when he was actually manipulating events to search for the ancient weapon Pluton for his own gain.
In Dressrosa, Doflamingo used a similar tactic. He presented himself as the kingdom’s savior, protecting them from King Riku. In reality, Doflamingo had orchestrated a crisis to make Riku seem like a dictator and seize control for himself.
2
Both Kingdoms’ Princesses Worked for the Villain
In Alabasta, Princess Vivi worked in Crocodile’s organization, Baroque Works, by changing her name to Ms. Wednesday. Her goal was to gather information and stop his plans from within, even though it meant putting herself in danger.
In Dressrosa, Princess Viola was forced to work for Doflamingo despite knowing his cruelty. Her Giro Giro no Mi Devil Fruit powers, which allowed her to see into people’s minds, made her a valuable asset to him. She endured all the pain to protect her family and kingdom while waiting for a chance to resist.
3
Both Kings Were Harassed by the Villain and Framed as Dictators
In Alabasta, Crocodile manipulated people to make him believe that King Cobra was a corrupt ruler who caused drought and despair. He used his control over the rain in order to earn profit by his Dance Powder” business.
In Dressrosa, Doflamingo used his puppet Devil Fruit ability to force King Riku to attack his own citizens, making him appear monstrous in the eyes of the people. This act not only led Dressrosa’s citizens to despise their once beloved king but also allowed Doflamingo to take control.
4
Both Villains Were Warlords of the Sea
This is one of the biggest similarities between Dressrosa and ALabasta Plots. Crocodile and Doflamingo both held the title of Warlord and used it as a shield to carry out their schemes without interference from the World Government.
Their Warlord status gave them the power to manipulate and exploit entire kingdoms. As a result they both became the creator of similar arcs of corruption and betrayal.
5
Both Arcs Featured a Reunion with One of Luffy’s Brothers
In Alabasta, Luffy reunited with his older brother, Ace, for the first time since leaving Fuschia Village. It was a heartfelt moment that showed Luffy’s deep connection to his family, and Ace’s role as a protective older brother.
In Dressrosa, Luffy was reunited with his sworn brother, Sabo, whom he thought was dead. This reunion was one of the most emotional highlights in the entire One Piece history. Sabo inherited Ace’s will by taking his Devil Fruit power and joining the battle against Doflamingo.
6
Both Villains Had an Illegal Business Empire
In Alabasta, Crocodile secretly ran Baroque Works, an underground organization involved in spying, assassination, and smuggling. He used Baroque Works as a means to destabilize Alabasta and search for the Pluton weapon to achieve his ambitions.
In Dressrosa, Doflamingo was heavily involved in the underworld under his alias “Joker.” He ran an illegal empire that trafficked weapons and artificial Devil Fruits (SMILE), which he sold to powerful figures like Kaido. Doflamingo’s SMILE production exploited the Tontatta tribe and allowed him to keep a firm grip on Dressrosa.
7
In Both Arcs, a World Government Official Let Luffy Escape
At the end of Alabasta, Captain Smoker has the opportunity to capture Luffy but chooses not to, reporting to the World Government that he is late. Smoker acknowledged Luffy’s efforts to save Alabasta from Crocodile and respected his resolve.
In Dressrosa, Vice Admiral Fujitora did something similar. Although he was tasked with capturing Luffy, he allowed him to leave and hoped he could have eyes to see the Straw Hat captain’s face. Like Smoker, Fujitora respected Luffy’s actions and moral integrity, letting him go as a reward for saving Dressrosa.