In a twist nobody noticed coming, One Piece took followers on a nostalgic journey by revisiting a second many had tucked away of their reminiscences, but one which struck a deep chord when first launched. Smoker, a personality lengthy overshadowed by the collection’ rising forged, unexpectedly surged again into the highlight because of a candy collaboration with Baskin-Robbins. And similar to that, the fandom lit up with pleasure, reminiscences, and hope.
A Callback With That means
On the middle of this buzz is a brand new illustration that reveals Smoker in a second of uncharacteristic tenderness, patting a smiling little woman on the pinnacle whereas she holds an ice cream. It could look easy, however this was a callback to a gem of a scene tucked away in chapter 98 and anime episode 54 for longtime followers. Again then, a younger woman named Lu nervously dropped her ice cream after bumping into the imposing Marine captain.
As a substitute of lashing out, Smoker quietly provided her cash to get a brand new one, immediately setting himself aside from the corrupt Marine archetype the collection had constructed up till that time. It was one of many first glimpses into the layers behind his gruff exterior. A Marine who nonetheless believed in justice, even when the world round him didn’t. Quick-forward years later, that very same small act of kindness resurfaced in a stunningly illustrated second, cleverly folded right into a dessert-themed One Piece model partnership. Discuss a full circle.
A payoff 25 years within the making #OnePiece pic.twitter.com/TTycEzaNcI
— Artur – Library of Ohara (@newworldartur) April 9, 2025
Smoker’s Sudden Highlight
Nevertheless, this isn’t nearly ice cream and fan service. Smoker’s return, even symbolically, has sparked renewed discussions about his potential. As soon as a key participant in Luffy’s early journey, he’s spent far too lengthy within the narrative shadows. And as One Piece’s last chapters loom, there’s rising hope that the now Vice Admiral will lastly reclaim the highlight. His advanced views on justice, antagonistic however respectful dynamic with Luffy, and principled stance may add much-needed ethical pressure to the climactic battles forward.
Additionally, the One Piece machine isn’t slowing down. The franchise is in every single place, between Luffy’s courtside shock at a Lakers sport, partnerships with Lego and Borussia Dortmund and whispers of Fortnite crossover insanity. However by way of all that noise, the quieter moments, like Smoker’s long-forgotten kindness, remind followers why they fell in love with this world within the first place.
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