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Revisiting pre wano fights: stakes and character growth

Fans Wish for the Return of Pre-Wano Action | Growing Discontent in the Community

By

Marcus Johnson

Feb 14, 2026, 07:32 AM

Edited By

Emily Chang

Updated

Feb 14, 2026, 08:48 PM

2 minutes (approx.)

A fierce battle scene showcasing characters with determined expressions, fighting against formidable opponents, highlighting the emotional stakes of the pre-Wano arc.

A rising wave of nostalgia sweeps through the fandom as many fans express their frustrations with recent arcs, including Wano's convoluted storytelling. Discontent over character development and emotional stakes dominates discussions on various forums, revealing a split community.

Key Fan Reactions

Fans are vocal about their dissatisfaction and longing for past confrontations that felt more impactful. One fan lamented, "fights were never One Piece's strong suit," referring to the lack of excitement in recent battles. Many highlight the emotional weight and authenticity of pre-timeskip fights, unlike recent arcs.

Battle Quality Debated

The sentiment around battles, particularly Luffy's fight with Katakuri, ignites fiery debates. Comments range from critiques of choreography to questioning Luffy's victories. One fan penned, "this fight is overrated, it was hardly an actual fight," criticizing the fight for missing substantial conflict.

Surprisingly, another fan asserted, "that fight is the best post-timeskip fight, which isnโ€™t saying much," reflecting mixed opinions on recent battle quality. Critics remain focused on the premise that nothing interesting happens within the arcs, and pacing has become a significant concern.

Character Depth Lacking

Many fans feel recent arcs lack character depth. They miss true character building, with some noting: "actual stakes, blood and tears put into fights." This desire for authentic emotional connections continues to grow.

Pacing Issues

Fans have also expressed their frustrations concerning pacing in Wano. "Wano is in a different league when it comes to bad and sloppy writing," a comment read, emphasizing the perceived failures in the storytelling.

The Mixed Sentiment

Responses within the forums reveal a mix of sentiments. While some praise specific elements and defend certain arcs, the overarching mood leans towards dissatisfaction with recent developments.

"I like pre-timeskip fights,โ€ adds to the chorus of fans referencing past battles as superior. The call for deeper narratives suggests that fans expect more than just flashy visuals.

Takeaways

  • โœ… Nostalgia Strong: Fans yearn for authentic, emotionally charged battles from the past.

  • โš”๏ธ Battle Quality Debate: Many believe recent fights lack intensity and logical storytelling.

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Pacing Concerns: Wano's pacing is a major sticking point, deemed inferior by avid fans.

As the community continues to voice these concerns, the big question remains: Will future arcs offer a resurgence of the beloved battles fans hold close?