The Dressrosa Arc is one of the most unforgettable and emotional arcs in One Piece. Along with battles and pirates, it is a story of thousands of innocent people filled with heart-touching moments that reveal the depths of human strength, sacrifice, and love. From the intense fights to the characters’ struggles, this arc makes us teary many times.
Summary
What makes Dressrosa Arc so special is how deeply it connects with us on an emotional level. The past villains of the story like Doflimgo, Baby Five, and Senor Pink foster that evil nature is the manifestation of bad experiences.
However, despite having the most emotional backstories, Dressrosa Arc is also known for laying the foundation for revealing the most complicated mysteries of the series. From Punk Hazard to Wano we have seen how the characters of Dressrosa are interconnected and play an important role in foreshadowing the depth of the story.
As we dive into the top 10 most memorable moments, we’ll relive those powerful scenes that left us cheering, crying, and feeling connected to these incredible characters.
10:
The Story of Kyros’ Struggle
In Dressrosa Arc Kyros’ struggle story is heartbreaking and inspiring. From a legendary gladiator to transforming into a toy by Doflamingo’s cruel powers was truly painful. As In this form, he was forgotten by everyone, even his daughter, Rebecca. Despite all the pain and loneliness, Kyros never gives up nature, and fighting with everything to protect Dressrosa and his daughter is heart-touching.
The moment Kyros finally reunites with Rebecca is also a powerful one. She had no memory of him for years, but when she finally remembers, it’s a touching moment of love and family. Kyros’ dedication to his daughter, despite all the odds, shows just how strong a father’s love can be. It’s a moment that reminds us all of the sacrifices parents make for their children and how love can survive even the hardest of times.
9:
The Liberation of the Toys
One of the most emotional moments in Dressrosa Arc is when the toys finally return to their human forms. For years, these people had been cursed to live as toys, forgotten by their loved ones, stripped of their identities, and forced to live in silence. They couldn’t tell anyone who they really were, and it was as if they never existed. It was heartbreaking to see how much they had lost—not just their freedom, but their place in the world.
When the curse is broken and the toys start turning back into humans, it is like a wave of emotions hits the entire kingdom. People start remembering their friends, family and loved ones who had been turned into toys. Mothers, fathers, and children are reunited. Friends who had thought they were long lost finally return to each other’s lives. The moment is filled with tears of joy, relief, and shock.
8:
Usopp’s Legendary Sniper Moment
Usopp’s journey has always been about overcoming fear and self-doubt, and one of his most legendary moments happens in the Dressrosa Arc. Throughout the series, Usopp is often the underdog, the one who’s scared but still finds a way to stand up for his friends. In Dressrosa, he faces one of his toughest challenges when he is tasked with stopping Sugar, who was responsible for turning people into toys.
At first, Usopp is terrified but when he realizes that Luffy, Law, and the entire mission are in danger if he doesn’t act, something clicks inside him. Despite his fear, he knows he can’t let his friends down. In a moment of pure determination, Usopp takes the most incredible shot of his life. From an impossible distance, he lands a perfect hit on Sugar, stopping her from using her powers and saving everyone.
Usopp’s legendary sniper moment is a perfect example of how even the most ordinary person can become a hero when they stand up for the people they care about.
7:
The Tragic Past of Baby 5
In the chaos of an intense fight between Sai and Baby Five in Dressrosa Arc, her back story is one filled with sadness and longing. From a young age, she was treated like she wasn’t enough. Her own family told her she was useless and abandoned her, leaving her with a deep wound that shaped who she became.
Because of this, Baby 5 grew up with an overwhelming desire to feel needed by others. She believed that if she could make herself useful to people, maybe they would finally accept and love her. It was heartbreaking to see how much she was willing to sacrifice just to feel loved.
Unlike everyone else, Sai sees her for who she truly is, not just someone to use. He recognizes her pain and reassures her that she doesn’t have to do anything to be loved or needed—she’s enough just as she is. This emotional connection with Sai becomes her liberation.
6:
Rebecca’s Dream of Peace
In Dressrosa Arc Rebecca’s story is one of quiet strength and longing for peace. All she ever wanted was a simple life—a life free from war, violence, and suffering. But growing up in Dressrosa, under Doflamingo’s cruel rule, she was forced to fight for her survival in the coliseum, even though her heart wasn’t in it.
Rebecca fought bravely, but she never truly wanted to hurt anyone. Her inner conflict was heartbreaking. She was forced to become a warrior in a world that demanded strength, yet her true desire was simply to find peace and live a life without bloodshed. At the Flower Field when she met her father again in his real form was truly heart-touching.
5:
Doflamingo’s Tyranny and Law’s Flashback
One of the most heartbreaking stories in the Dressrosa Arc is the tragic backstory of Trafalgar Law and Corazon. As a child, Law experienced unimaginable pain. His entire town was destroyed by a deadly disease, and he lost his family and friends, leaving him filled with anger and despair. With nothing left to lose, he joined Doflamingo’s crew, a dangerous and cruel man who ruled with fear and violence.
But everything changed when Law met Corazon, Doflamingo’s own brother. Corazon saw the pain in Law and wanted to save him, not just from Doflamingo but from the darkness consuming him. Corazon wasn’t like his brother—he was kind and compassionate. He took Law under his wing and made it his mission to heal him, both physically and emotionally. Corazon even went as far as betraying his own brother, risking his life to protect Law and find a cure for his disease.
The most painful moment comes when Corazon sacrifices himself to save Law. In a selfless act of love, Corazon gives his life to ensure that Law can escape from Doflamingo and live a better life. Corazon’s death left a deep scar on Law, but it also gave him a new purpose. Law’s desire to take down Doflamingo isn’t just about revenge—it’s about honoring Corazon’s sacrifice and fulfilling the hope he had for him.
4:
Sabo’s Return
One of the most emotional moments in the Dressrosa Arc is the return of Sabo. For so long, Luffy and fans believed that Sabo, Luffy’s brother, had died when they were children. Losing Ace was already a huge heartbreak for Luffy, and the thought of losing Sabo too made it even harder for him. But during the coliseum fight in Dressrosa, we get the incredible reveal that Sabo is alive.
When Sabo and Luffy reunite, it’s a moment filled with pure emotion. The instant Sabo shows up, he hugs Luffy tightly, and for Luffy, it’s like a part of his family has come back to life. Seeing his brother again after all these years brings a flood of memories and emotions. Luffy is overwhelmed with joy, and for fans, this moment is like a healing touch after the painful loss of Ace.
The bond between Luffy, Ace, and Sabo was always special. They weren’t connected by blood, but their brotherhood was stronger than anything. This reunion didn’t just hit Luffy; it hit fans on a deep emotional level. After the sadness of losing Ace, seeing Sabo alive brings hope and a sense of relief.
3:
The Dedication of the Tontatta Tribe
The Tontatta Tribe in Dressrosa Arc may be small in size, but their hearts are full of courage and loyalty. For years, these tiny, kind-hearted people were enslaved and exploited by Doflamingo’s cruel rule. They were forced to work under harsh conditions, but no matter how badly they were treated, the Tontatta Tribe never lost hope.
Despite their suffering, the Tontatta Tribe remained brave and determined to fight for Dressrosa’s liberation. Their loyalty to their friends and their willingness to sacrifice for the greater good made them stand out as some of the most inspiring characters in the arc. What’s truly heartwarming is how the Tontatta never gave up, even when the odds were against them.
2:
The Tragic Backstory of King Riku and Dressrosa
One of the most heart-wrenching moments in the Dressrosa Arc is the revelation of King Riku’s tragic past and the downfall of his once-peaceful kingdom. Dressrosa was once a prosperous and happy land under the just rule of King Riku, a kind-hearted ruler who believed in peace and fairness. However, everything changed when Doflamingo arrived and manipulated King Riku into a devastating situation.
Through Doflamingo’s cruel trickery, King Riku was forced to attack and destroy his own kingdom, against his will. The people, unaware of the truth behind the king’s actions, believed that King Riku had betrayed them, plunging the kingdom into chaos and despair. This moment was heartbreaking because we, as the audience, knew that King Riku was a good man who had been forced to commit terrible acts to save his people, but in doing so, he lost their trust and the throne.
This backstory added a deep layer of tragedy to the story of Dressrosa Arc, making Doflamingo’s fall even more meaningful. The revelation of King Riku’s past gave us a deeper understanding of why the people of Dressrosa suffered so much and why their faith in him, despite everything, was so touching.
1:
The Fall of Donquixote Doflamingo
The most climactic and emotionally satisfying moment in the Dressrosa Arc is the fall of Doflamingo. After years of ruling with cruelty and fear, Doflamingo’s tyrannical reign finally comes to an end when Luffy lands his final attack “King Kong Gun”. This wasn’t just a victory for Luffy and his crew; it was a moment of justice and relief for the entire kingdom of Dressrosa.
For so long, the people had suffered under Doflamingo’s control, enduring unimaginable pain and loss. Families were torn apart, lives were ruined, and hope seemed like a distant dream. But with Doflamingo’s defeat, everything changed. The moment Luffy’s attack connects, it feels as if the weight of oppression is lifted from the entire kingdom.
For the people of Dressrosa, this moment was not just about revenge—it was about freedom which directly connects with the audience. The fall of Doflamingo is a powerful reminder that no matter how strong evil may seem, justice will always prevail in the end.
Final Thoughts
The Dressrosa Arc is the second-largest arc after Wano in One Piece. It’s filled with heart-touching and emotional backstories, each one adding layers of depth to the characters. The arc also introduces Doflamingo, one of the most wicked villains in the series, making his eventual defeat at the hands of Luffy incredibly satisfying. Overall, the Dressrosa Arc is a masterpiece, brilliantly woven by the intriguing imagination of Eiichiro Oda. It stands as a testament to his storytelling and creativity, captivating fans with its blend of action, emotion, and redemption