Not gonna lie, I was kind of horny when I was writing this, here's the full details:
One Piece: Countess Island Arc
Synopsis: After managing to get far enough away from their pursuers in Tottaland, the Straw Hats who are with Luffy (Nami, Sanji, Chopper, and Brook), along with Carrot, suddenly find their ship, the Thousand Sunny, to be stuck in an eerie fog, not unlike the one surrounding the Florian Triangle… Attacked by a sudden rain of poisoned arrows, Captain Luffy decides to quickly send Nami, Sanji, Chopper, and Carrot all away to safety on the Mini Merry, with Luffy telling Nami to set course for their true destination in Wano Kuni, and that Luffy and Brook, who sorrowfully recognizes the poisonous arrows, will stay behind to hold off their attackers… Taking a hard steer of the ship, the duo of rubber man and revived man end up unconscious, ultimately waking up to find themselves on the shores of a strange, star-shaped island, not unlike that of the mysterious Thriller Bark two years ago…
After looking around for a bit, and almost being bitten by some weird zombie-like people in the inland forests, the two are pulled to safety by none other than good ol' Franky, the Straw Hat's famous shipwright! Along with Franky are Robin and Usopp, with the three going on to explain to Luffy that they were separated from Zoro and Law during an attack by the World Government affiliated Warlord crew, the "Bloody Knight Pirates", on the way to Wano and as such, have been stuck here for a little while with the rest of the Heart Pirates. After explaining the details of how they managed to rescue Sanji from his arrangement on Whole Cake Island, and that he, along with Nami, Chopper, and Carrot have all been sent to Wano on the Mini Merry to meet up with Law and Zoro, everyone briefs a sigh of relief and contemplation, as they all plan what to do next, as the Bloody Knight Pirates are on the hunt, and it looks like fresh blood has just stumbled into their territory…
The Straw Hats:
- Monkey D. Luffy: Captain Luffy's role in this arc is his conflict with the captain of the Bloody Knight Pirates, the Warlord and the ruler of Countess Island, Count Tenebrae, who has been alive since the mythical void century due to the fact that he is a Vampire, a race that would be just as persecuted as the Lunarians and Buccaneers if they hadn't settled in their nigh impenetrable island… The demonic Count in red wants to settle a score with a figure who to him is quite reminiscent of his old nemesis, a legendary figure known as "Joyboy"... During the arc, Luffy forms an unlikely respect for Prince Julius after witnessing the half-vampire's efforts to protect both humans and vampires from exploitation, seeing in him the same spirit of freedom that drives the Straw Hat captain.
- Usopp: Usopp's role in this arc is once more, facing his fears and continuing on his journey to becoming a true warrior of the sea, with him upgrading his massive slingshot to fire garlic and salt projectiles, which are useful against the vampiric hordes inhabiting the unholy island… Usopp even LARPs as a wizard in this arc, temporarily replacing Nami the "Weather Witch", with the Wizard, "Usopp the Great and Powerful"!... Of course most of Usopp's "magic" is just him using his wits and upgraded slingshot, along with some more of his training skills from the timeskip… Overall, Usopp's role is similar to that of Quincy Morris, just minus the dying part, with Usopp being a source of comedic relief and terrified heroism as per usual. During the second trial, Usopp becomes separated from the group and is saved by a mysterious silver-haired figure who later reveals himself to be Prince Julius, forming an unlikely bond with the half-vampire prince. Their friendship deepens when Usopp discovers Julius has been secretly supplying medicine to Hemlock Village despite the risks to himself, reminding Usopp of his own growth from coward to brave warrior.
- Nico Robin: Miss Robin's role in the arc is further exploring the history of the ancient Void Century, even finding a Historical Poneglyph on the island with some more hints to the nature of the mysterious "Joyboy", who she first found out about back on Fishman Island. However, the sinister Count Tenebrae seems to have taken quite the interest in this gothic archaelogist, as he may very well be scheming to make her his bride and queen, the unholy Countess of the titular "Countess Island"... As such, Robin kind of takes on a role similar to Mina Harker from Dracula, with Count Barlow Tenebrae managing to discreetly infect her upon the Straw Hats' first encounter and fight with the demonic Count, with this initiating a what is known as a "Blood Bond" between her and the Bloody Knight Pirates, an infection that will slowly transform her over the rest of the arc into another creature of the night, and Count Tenebrae's unholy bride to be… Robin forms a scholarly connection with Prince Julius, who shares ancient vampire texts with her that detail potential ways to cope and even usefully weaponize her condition against the Straw Hat's enemies. She also develops an unexpected sisterly relationship with Elena, who secretly provides Robin with ancient texts that contradict Count Tenebrae's claims about vampire destiny and the "Countess of Blood" prophecy.
- Franky: Franky's role in the arc is initially that of getting the Thousand Sunny up and running again for the trip to Wano, however he later begins to really shine by using his technological prowess, like upgraded arm-mounted "UV Light Cannons", among other pieces of superhuman technology, to fight the hordes of unholy vampires, with the arc's climax being him saving his beloved Robin from the clutches of Count Tenebrae himself… Due to all of this, Franky plays a mixture of Dr. Van Helsing and Jonathan Harker's roles, as the true hero of this arc, and the one to ultimately save the newly vampirized Robin from her unholy fate as the Count's unholy countess… During the arc, Franky uses his pre-timeskip hairstyle configuration, as a sort of meta reference to this being a "Franky and Robin" love story arc, something I'm sure that the fans will really enjoy… Franky forms an unexpected alliance with Catherine Nekowin, who secretly provides him with knowledge about vampire physiology that helps him refine his UV Light Cannons to be more effective against Count Tenebrae while causing minimal harm to innocent vampires. Franky also manages to surprisingly bond a little with Prince Julius as well, with the both of them becoming friends over being fellow shipwrights…
- Brooke: Brooke's role in this arc is seeking revenge for his old crew in the Rumbar Pirates, who were struck down by the same poison arrows that the Bloody Knight Pirates use, which lends heavy credence to the theory that they were the ones who struck down him and his old crew all those years ago… However, Brook also seeks to protect his new friends in the Straw Hat Pirates from suffering the same fate as his old crew, and as such, he must not lose sight of his long lost humanity, for his crew may depend on it… Brook shares a unique connection with Prince Julius, both having experienced profound isolation—Brook in the Florian Triangle and Julius as an outcast on the island. Adding complexity to Brook's journey is his unexpected admirer, Callie Nekowin, whose fascination with the "Soul King" creates both comedic moments and a potential ally among the Bloody Knight Pirates. Brook's music proves to have a calming effect on Callie's summoned Blood Wraiths, a discovery that becomes crucial during the crew's escape plan.
The Bloody Knight Pirates & Other Characters Introduced During this Arc:
- Count Tenebrae: The captain of the "Bloody Knight" Pirates, the Lord of Countess Island, and the wielder of the "Blood Blood" Logia Fruit, this ancient vampire is the last of the new seven Warlords of the Sea, with him having been recruited during Donquixote Doflamingo's temporary resignment from the group. While Doffy did manage to quickly weasel his way back into the group through essentially blackmailing the World Government's higher ups, Count Tenebrae was still able to maintain his seat within the group due to Trafalgar D. Water Law's immediate banishment from the group during the events of the Dressrosa arc. Count Tenebrae sits high up in his crimson throne of Pentastar Castle, with his vampiric thralls like Virgil always at his beck and call, something that comes in handy when flaunting his position to Kaido's other distant subordinates, like the imprisoned Doflamingo, and the Long Dead Hanafuda. Yes, Count Tenebrae is yet another satellite operative of Kaido's cause, with his underworld name being, "Bishop", the bishop to Hanafuda's "Knight" and Doflamingo's "Joker", all three of whom serve or served the "Emperor", Kaido in one way or another… Count Tenebrae intends to marry Nico Robin and make her his unholy countess, as he previously had a dangerous battle with her during the two year timeskip when she, Sabo, Koala, Hack, and some others in the Revolutionary Army were attacked by the Bloody Knight Pirates during a mission, a mission that in Count Tenebrae's eyes, proved that Miss Robin may be the one that he is waiting for, the "Countess of Blood" that the "De Vermis Mysteriis" has supposedly foretold… It's revealed that Count Tenebrae executed his own younger brother for falling in love with a human historian, making him the uncle of Prince Julius, who he views as a disgrace to vampire purity. His contempt for Elena is made apparent through his cruel treatment of her, forcing her to maintain the Poneglyph chamber despite knowing her scholarly interest could lead to discoveries that undermine his authority.
- Virgil: A fellow vampire and loyal steward of Count Tenebrae, Virgil may be the de facto "Navigator" of the Bloody Knight Pirates, and as such, is in charge of going out and inviting many that his Count and Captain finds interesting, to the throes of Pentastar Castle at the center of the star shaped island… Virgil is also in charge of many different "games and trials" which his Count often uses to torment and test the Straw Hats and their allies in this Arc with, something that proves a surprising level of competence for the usual "Renfield" figure… In fact, Virgil was the one who personally ordered for the Rumbar Pirates to be struck down with poisoned arrows all those years ago in the Florian Triangle, as he and some others in the Bloody Knight Pirates were seeking to test out said poisonous arrows for their effectiveness against both fellow pirates and World Government navymen. Virgil is also responsible for hunting down Prince Julius for years, seeing the half-human vampire as an abomination that threatens vampire supremacy. Virgil maintains a complex relationship with the three Nekowin sisters, whose loyalty he questions due to their unusual compassion toward humans, particularly Elena, whom he suspects of aiding Prince Julius in secret.
- Prince Julius: The half-human, half-vampire son of Count Tenebrae's executed younger brother and a human historian from Hemlock Village. Julius possesses the rare "Dusk Dusk" Paramecia Devil Fruit that allows him to manipulate shadows and twilight energy. Initially appearing as a mysterious figure who aids Usopp during the second trial, Julius gradually reveals his identity and knowledge of vampire lore that proves essential to the crew. With striking crimson eyes and silver hair with black streaks, Julius can walk in daylight unlike pure vampires, though he carries a parasol for protection against prolonged exposure. His signature techniques include Twilight Blade (creating weapons from solidified twilight energy), Shadow Step (teleportation through connected shadows), and Umbral Binding (restraining opponents using their own shadows). Julius is also the reluctant “shipwright” of the Bloody Knight Pirates, hoping that his secretly treacherous servitude will help keep his mother from being harmed too much… Though tempted by Luffy's inevitable invitation to join the Straw Hats, Julius ultimately chooses to stay behind as Countess Island's protector when Admiral Greenbull arrives, defending both humans and peaceful vampires from World Government persecution and Blackbeard's opportunistic forces seeking former Warlord territories. Throughout the arc, Julius works secretly with his mother Elena to preserve ancient knowledge that Count Tenebrae has tried to destroy, particularly texts that contradict the Count's vision of vampire supremacy. His growing feelings for Callie Nekowin create internal conflict, as he struggles with trusting anyone associated with his uncle's crew.
- Elena: Prince Julius's human mother and an effective servant and slave of the Bloody Knight Pirates, always at work in the castle and barely above the rank of cannon fodder, she still loves her son and even the three Nekowin "sisters" who often hang out at the castle, with them being some of the only other members of the Bloody Knight pirates to respect a "lonely human slut" like her. Elena in a way could be considered something akin to the group's "Archealogist", although she kind of takes up a role more akin to a lowly librarian… Despite her mistreatment, Elena has managed to compile extensive knowledge about vampire history and weaknesses, which she secretly shares with Robin during their brief encounters in the castle library. Elena reveals to Robin that many of Count Tenebrae's claims about vampire superiority and ancient prophecies are fabrications meant to justify his rule. Her quiet resistance becomes a crucial element in Robin's ability to resist complete mental domination, providing historical context that allows Robin to fight the Blood Bond. During flashbacks, we learn that Elena was once a respected historian who fell in love with Count Tenebrae's brother, only to watch him be executed for their forbidden relationship. Her determination to preserve her late husband's vision of peaceful human-vampire coexistence drives her seemingly meek actions.
- Katherine Nekowin: The oldest of the three Nekowin "sisters", Katherine is a vampirized half-giantess with a massive sword and a mythical Zoan fruit known as the "Human Human Fruit, Mythical Type, Model: Valkyrie". She considers herself the "Swordsman" of the Bloody Knight Pirates, essentially having Zoro or Shiryu's position within the group. She also considers herself the "leader" of the adopted sister trio. Katherine's imposing presence is tempered by her private admiration for Prince Julius's courage, though she maintains a stern façade as captain of Count Tenebrae's guard. During the third trial, she deliberately creates an opening that allows the Straw Hats to progress, a subtle act of rebellion that doesn't go unnoticed by Virgil. Her backstory reveals she was once a proud warrior who refused to become a vampire until Count Tenebrae threatened her younger "sisters," forcing her compliance to protect them.
- Catherine Nekowin: The middle "child" of the three Nekowin "sisters", Catherine obviously shares her name with her eldest "sister", Katherine, just with a C instead of a K. Catherine is a vampirized half mermaid girl with a Logia fruit known as the "Mist Mist" fruit, which she can use to control and fuse with the eerie unholy mist surrounding and permeating Countess Island. Catherine considers herself the main "doctor" of the Bloody Knight Pirates, with her medical expertise often being used to treat both vampire AND human, much to her captain's great disdain… Her ethical approach to medicine creates tension with Count Tenebrae, who views humans merely as food and servants. Catherine secretly provides treatment to residents of Hemlock Village and forms an unlikely alliance with Franky, teaching him about vampire physiology to help him refine his weapons to target only hostile vampires. Her abilities prove crucial when she uses her mist form to help transport wounded civilians away from Admiral Greenbull's attack in the final battle.
- Callie Nekowin: The youngest of the three Nekowin sisters, Callie Nekowin is a vampirized half human half cat mink with a paramecia fruit known as the "Wraith Wraith" fruit, which she can use to summon and create half-sentient demonic "Blood Wraiths" to surveil and attack trespessors of Countess Island. She is actually quite the big fan of Brook's "Soul King" persona and wishes to capture him for the Bloody Knight Pirates. This is likely due to the fact that Callie considers herself the "Musician" of the Bloody Knight Pirates and as such, may want a guitarist to play duet with her… She also may harbor feelings for the young dhampir Julius, feelings that the Straw Hats and their allies may very well be able to exploit in the end… Callie's fangirl excitement whenever Brook is mentioned creates comedic moments throughout the arc, as she often abandons her duties to seek his autograph or hear him play. Her conflicted loyalties between her admiration for Brook, her growing feelings for Julius, and her obligation to her "sisters" makes her an unpredictable wild card. During critical moments, Brook discovers that his soul music can temporarily control Callie's Blood Wraiths, a power that becomes essential during the crew's final escape plan.
- Agatha: A local elder and human citizen of Hemlock Village, Agatha is actually the head of the village’s library and one of the only ones able to truly understand the tome, “De Vermis Mysteriis”, something that makes her quite invaluable to many of the island’s inhabitants, both good and bad. She has been secretly conspiring with the likes of Prince Julius and Elena, in the hopes that the mother and son can one day loosen the demonic Count Tenebrae’s hold on the island enough for Julius and Elena to truly take over and enact reforms…
Episode Titles:
- "Arrows in the Mist! Separation on the Seas": The Straw Hats find themselves trapped in an eerie fog after escaping Whole Cake Island, suddenly under attack by mysterious poisoned arrows. Luffy makes the difficult decision to send Nami, Sanji, Chopper, and Carrot ahead to Wano on the Mini Merry while he and Brook stay behind to confront their attackers. The episode ends with a glimpse of Catherine Nekowin in mist form, watching the separated crew from afar.
- "A Star-Shaped Shadow! The Mysterious Countess Island": Luffy and Brook wake up on the shores of a strange star-shaped island after losing consciousness during the battle. As they explore the island, they encounter zombie-like creatures in the forest before being rescued by some familiar faces. Mysterious shadow movements reveal Prince Julius observing from a distance, helping guide them away from danger without revealing himself.
- "Reunion at Pentastar! The Bloody Knight Pirates": Franky, Robin, and Usopp explain how they became separated from Zoro and Law during an attack by the Warlord crew known as the "Bloody Knight Pirates." As the reunited Straw Hats plan their next move, they learn they've stumbled into dangerous territory controlled by these mysterious pirates. Elena is briefly glimpsed in the background of Pentastar Castle, watching the newcomers with concern.
- "Vampires of the Void Century! Count Tenebrae Appears": The fearsome leader of the Bloody Knight Pirates makes his appearance - Count Tenebrae, a vampire who has lived since the Void Century. The Straw Hats discover the island is inhabited by vampires who have created a sanctuary for their persecuted race. Katherine Nekowin stands guard beside the Count's throne, while Callie spies from the shadows upon hearing Brook is among the visitors.
- "A Deadly Invitation! Dinner at the Castle": The Straw Hats receive an unexpected invitation from Virgil to dine at Pentastar Castle. The dinner quickly turns dangerous as Count Tenebrae reveals his interest in Robin, forcing the crew to refuse his demands and flee after a brief skirmish. Elena serves dinner silently, managing to slip Robin a note warning about the Count's true intentions, while the three Nekowin sisters demonstrate their powers during the ensuing battle.
- "The Blood Moon Ceremony! Robin's Secret Bite": The crew returns to their hideout with the Heart Pirates, unaware that Robin was bitten by Count Tenebrae during their escape. Meanwhile, the Count begins preparations for the "Blood Moon Ceremony" that will transform Robin into his vampire countess. Prince Julius makes his first direct appearance, observing Robin from afar and recognizing the signs of the Blood Bond taking hold.
- "Usopp the Great and Powerful! The First Trial Begins": Virgil announces the first of seven trials that will take place during the "Wedding Week." Usopp steps up as "Usopp the Great and Powerful," using his upgraded slingshot and clever tactics to face the challenge while Robin begins to feel the early effects of her transformation. Catherine Nekowin manipulates the mist to create additional challenges while secretly admiring Usopp's creativity.
- "Brooke's Vengeance! The Truth of the Rumbar Pirates": Brook discovers evidence connecting the Bloody Knight Pirates to the poisoned arrows that killed his former crew. Determined to avenge the Rumbar Pirates, Brook confronts Virgil, who reveals his role in ordering the attack in the Florian Triangle years ago. Callie Nekowin secretly follows Brook throughout the episode, torn between her admiration and her loyalty to the crew.
- "Hemlock Village! The Forbidden Tome Revealed": The Straw Hats venture to Hemlock Village and discover a library containing the forbidden book "De Vermis Mysteriis." This ancient text reveals prophecies about the "Countess of Blood" that Count Tenebrae believes refers to Robin. Elena is revealed to have connections to the village, where she grew up before falling in love with Count Tenebrae's brother.
- "Robin's Transformation! The Wedding Week Commences": Robin's vampire transformation progresses as the Count's hypnotic influence grows stronger. The crew notices changes in Robin's behavior while Count Tenebrae officially begins the Wedding Week countdown. Prince Julius approaches the crew, revealing his identity and offering to help Robin resist complete domination through ancient vampire techniques.
- "Trial of Shadows! Franky's UV Light Cannons": The second trial pits the crew against shadow creatures that can only be defeated by light. Franky unveils his new UV Light Cannons built into his cyborg arms, proving effective against the vampiric forces. Usopp becomes separated from the group and is saved by Prince Julius, beginning their unlikely friendship. Catherine aids Franky in secret by providing information about vampire weaknesses.
- "The Blood-Blood Fruit! Count Tenebrae's True Power": Count Tenebrae demonstrates the terrifying abilities of his Blood-Blood Logia Fruit. The Straw Hats witness the true extent of their enemy's power as he manipulates blood in ways they've never seen before. Katherine Nekowin showcases her Valkyrie powers in service to the Count, though her eyes betray conflicted loyalties.
- "Memories of Revolution! Robin and the Count's Past": Flashbacks reveal Robin's previous encounter with Count Tenebrae during her time with the Revolutionary Army. The Count's obsession with Robin is explained as he sees her as the reincarnation of his long-lost love from the Void Century. Elena shares parallel memories of how the Count executed his own brother for a similar forbidden love with a human historian.
- "Trial of Thirst! Usopp's Garlic Arsenal": The crew faces a trial that tests their resistance to thirst in a desert-like environment filled with temptations. Usopp's special garlic and salt ammunition proves valuable as they battle vampires trying to prey on their weakened state. Julius and Usopp work together to overcome the trial, cementing their friendship.
- "Luffy vs. The Vampiric Horde! Gear Fourth Emerges": Luffy confronts a massive horde of vampires threatening the crew's hideout. When conventional attacks prove ineffective, Luffy unleashes Gear Fourth to turn the tide of battle. Callie's Blood Wraiths join the attack, but Brook discovers his music can temporarily control them, creating an unexpected advantage.
- "The Bishop of Kaido! Secrets of the Underworld": Shocking revelations emerge about Count Tenebrae's connection to Kaido as the "Bishop" in his underworld hierarchy. The Count's relationships with other Kaido subordinates like Doflamingo and Hanafuda expose a deeper conspiracy. The three Nekowin sisters are revealed to have been forcibly turned into vampires as part of Count Tenebrae's alliance with Kaido.
- "Franky's Resolve! Golden Cola Overdrive Mode": Franky unlocks a new power-up using Golden Cola, entering "Overdrive Mode" to defeat powerful vampire knights. His determination to save Robin grows stronger as her transformation nears completion. Catherine provides crucial assistance, helping Franky calibrate his weapons to maximum effectiveness against Count Tenebrae's blood powers.
- "The Sixth Trial! Robin's Mind Slipping Away": Robin's free will continues to fade as the vampiric influence takes hold during the sixth trial. The crew races against time as they realize Robin's transformation will be complete after the final trial. Elena and Julius combine their knowledge to create a ritual that might help Robin maintain her consciousness despite the transformation.
- "The Final Night! Race to Stop the Unholy Wedding": The Blood Moon rises as Count Tenebrae prepares for the unholy wedding ceremony. The Straw Hats launch their desperate plan to infiltrate Pentastar Castle and rescue Robin before she becomes the Countess of Blood forever. The Nekowin sisters make their choice, with Callie openly betraying Count Tenebrae while Katherine and Catherine create diversions that aid the Straw Hats.
- "Franky to the Rescue! Battle for Robin's Soul": Franky confronts Count Tenebrae in a fierce battle to save Robin from her fate. Drawing on his love for Robin and his technological ingenuity, Franky fights to break the Count's control over her mind. Elena helps Robin access ancient texts that counteract the Blood Bond, while Julius uses his Twilight powers to weaken Count Tenebrae's connection to Robin.
- "Luffy vs. Count Tenebrae! Clash of the Centuries": Luffy engages in an epic showdown against Count Tenebrae, likening their battle to the ancient conflict between the vampire and Joyboy. Their clash reaches its climax as Luffy unleashes everything he has to defeat the ancient vampire lord. Prince Julius joins the battle at a crucial moment, his Twilight powers complementing Luffy's attacks in ways that mirror legends about Joyboy's ancient allies.
- "Admiral Greenbull Arrives! Escape from Countess Island": Just as the crew celebrates their victory, Admiral Greenbull appears to arrest everyone on the island following the abolishment of the Warlord system. The Straw Hats must protect the island's innocent inhabitants and make their escape to continue their journey to Wano. Prince Julius stays behind to unite humans and vampires against this new threat, with Elena and the Nekowin sisters choosing to support his leadership rather than flee.
Arc Trivia:
- Trivia 1: This Arc is meant to feel like a mixture of Thriller Bark and Enie's Lobby, with a heavy focus on the characters of Robin, Franky, and Brook in particular, with Usopp also getting a ton of good scenes. The inversion of Thriller Bark is instead of dealing with "zombies", the crew are dealing with vampires, a race that pre-dates both the modern age and potentially even the Void Century as well… The Nekowin sisters parallel the three commanders of Thriller Bark (Absalom, Perona, and Hogback) but with more complex motivations and eventual redemption arcs.
- Trivia 2: The Arc ends with the early introduction of Admiral Ryokugyu, or Greenbull as we all know and hate him, as this begins his two arc "chase" of Straw Hat Luffy, something that begins here and ends in Wano Kuni… Greenbull also comes here to reveal to the Bloody Knight Pirates, that their relatively newfound relationship with the World Government, is hereby terminated, as during the Reverie Arc, which took place just before this one, the decision was brought forth to finally terminate the corrupt and broken system that is the "Seven Warlords of the Sea", and as such, everyone on the island, is now under arrest… However, the Straw Hats are thankfully able to stave off Greenbull, saving the remaining innocent vampires and humans living on the island from the newly minted Admiral's rage, and forcing him to give pursuit to Wano… Prince Julius emerges as a unifying leader, organizing both vampires and humans in defense of their home, with Elena serving as his advisor and the Nekowin sisters as his protectors.
- Trivia 3: After the Straw Hats are unexpectedly invited by Virgil to have dinner at Pentastar Castle, the dinner ends with the Straw Hats refusing to give into the Count's demands to hand over Robin. The group then has a little skirmish with Count Tenebrae and his forces which results in the Straw Hats having to flee back to their safespot where the Heart Pirates (Sans Law of course) are still hiding out. Unfortunately for the crew however, they don't seem to notice that Robin was subtly bitten and infected by Count Tenebrae, with her unholy transformation taking place over the next week, the "Wedding Week" that the demonic Count in red has planned for his future bride to be… Countess Robin… Over each episode, Robin's transformation progresses, with her free will being dampened more and more, not really in due to her own vampiric transformation, but more due to Count Tenebrae's Blood Blood Fruit powers and he and his forces own vampiric hypnotism, which they are really ramping up for Robin… Elena secretly communicates with Robin throughout this process, sharing stories of her late husband's resistance against Count Tenebrae's control techniques.
- Trivia 4: Count Tenebrae and Joyboy were rivals during the Void Century, with Count Tenebrae initially lusting after one Nefertari D. Lili, before the SPOILER events that Oda hasn't written yet (So don't reveal them) went down. Nowadays, the Count in red sees Miss Robin as a more than suitable replacement for Miss Lili, especially after his encounter with her and the Revolutionary Army during the middle of the Timeskip period… Koala herself thought of the man as a creep and Sabo and Hack were also more than willing to defend the ladies' honor, much to Koala and Robin's amusement of course… The Historical Poneglyph that Elena maintains in secret contains evidence contradicting Count Tenebrae's version of events during the Void Century.
- Trivia 5: The Wedding Week culminates in an unholy inversion of a Sunday night, where the "Ceremony of the Blood Moon" will take place, marrying one of the last surviving archaelogists of Ohara, to the demonic Count in red, making their union eternal and stamping out any hopes of saving Robin, as such, this is the Arc's "Time Bomb", a trope that Oda LOVES to use… The ceremony requires participation from the Nekowin sisters, whose conflicted loyalties create tension as the deadline approaches.
- Trivia 6: New techniques are learned during this arc, like Brook's "Soul Resonance Requiem", and Franky's new "Overdrive Mode" powered by Golden Cola to get himself and the others out of some jams… Robin also gains numerous vampire powers throughout the Arc which will persist for the rest of the series, tying into fights like Robin's match against Black Maria on Onigashima, where Robin's "Succubus" form is enhanced and potentially even caused by her newfound vampirism… Of course, Franky and the rest of the Straw Hats accept Robin for who she now is, as a vampire or a human, she will always be their beloved archaelogist… Prince Julius debuts his "Twilight Twilight" abilities, providing Usopp and the others with crucial support during the trials. The Nekowin sisters also refine their abilities throughout the arc, with Katherine's Valkyrie form reaching new heights in the final battle, Catherine mastering her Mist-Mist fruit to create healing mist for allies, and Callie learning to coordinate her Blood Wraiths with Brook's music.
- Trivia 7: There are both human and vampiric forces living on Countess Island, with the humans having a longstanding agreement to be fed upon by the island's vampires, in exchange for survival and livelihoods, something similar, but much less brutal than, Arlong's deal with the residents of Nami's island back in the East Blue… Prince Julius has spent years trying to improve relations between the two groups, acting as a bridge due to his mixed heritage. Elena works with him in secret, using her position in the castle to gather intelligence and protect humans from the most abusive vampires.
- Trivia 8: There are seven trials which will take place over the course of the Arc's "Wedding Week", all intended to weaken the Straw Hat Pirates and their allies further, and ultimately allow for Miss Robin's unholy transformation to further take place, weakening her mental state and dampening her free will ever more, just in time for the wedding with her new master… Each trial is overseen by a different member of the Bloody Knight Pirates, with the Nekowin sisters responsible for three of them, creating opportunities for character development and hints of their internal conflicts.
- Trivia 9: Hemlock Village is a decently sized settlement on the Eastern side of the island, mostly home to actual humans, it is one of the vampires' main feeding grounds as a race. There is a library here which holds the forbidden tome, "De Vermis Mysteriis". This is also where Prince Julius was raised by his human mother after his vampire father was executed by Count Tenebrae, explaining why he has strong connections with the villagers. The village maintains a small shrine dedicated to Julius's father, who they remember as a protector rather than a monster.
- Trivia 10: There are some flashback scenes scattered throughout the Arc showing Count Tenebrae interacting with his benefactor in Kaido, fellow satellite allies of Kaido's like Doflamingo and Hanafuda, and all three in general, this is to really drum up the corruption in the Seven Warlord's system, and the fact that Kaido keeps managing to infiltrate it, first with his "Knight" in Hanafuda, then in his "Joker" in Doflamingo, and now for the last time in his "Bishop", Count Tenebrae. These flashbacks reveal that the Nekowin sisters were originally captured by Kaido and given to Count Tenebrae as part of their alliance deal.
- Trivia 11: In the emotional finale, Prince Julius faces the decision of whether to join the Straw Hats or remain on Countess Island. After Admiral Greenbull arrives with orders to eradicate all vampires regardless of their innocence, Julius chooses to stay behind as the island's new protector. The epilogue shows him transforming Pentastar Castle from a symbol of fear to one of sanctuary, maintaining contact with the Straw Hats through Den Den Mushi conversations with Robin.
- Trivia 12: “Pirate Noble” Cavendish’s mom is actually a vampire, who was turned by one of the Bloody Knight Pirates while she was pregnant with Cavendish, hence why Cavendish can’t truly sleep without going into his “Hakuba” state, he is a form of Dhampir like Prince Julius, and is almost irresistibly beautiful to most people, hence his seemingly infinite source of fangirls…
- Trivia 13: Other vampire and half vampire characters in One Piece as of this arc include: Dracule Mihawk (Vampire), Trafalgar D. Water Law (Dhampir), and Black Maria (Vampire). Mihawk may have also been alive during the Void Century and was another rival to Count Tenebrae, considering himself a more “reasonable” man than the demonic count that is. Law’s mother was a vampire albeit one who was turned before she was even pregnant with Law, hence why Law doesn’t go into a “Hakuba” state whenever he falls asleep like Cavendish. Black Maria was actually recommended to the Beast Pirates by Count Tenebrae, as his sort of entrance “fee” to fully ally with Kaido.
OST That play during this Arc:
- The Tower Of Dolls This is the opening track for each of the Arc's episodes, of which there will be around 22. Its eerie, haunting melody perfectly captures the gothic atmosphere of Countess Island, with subtle violin elements that evoke classic vampire stories while maintaining One Piece's distinctive musical identity.
- One piece - The tragic priestess This plays during many of the scenes involving Robin, like her inevitable vampirization. The sorrowful piano notes reflect Robin's inner struggle against Count Tenebrae's influence, while the gradual intensity builds as her transformation progresses throughout the arc.
- Franky Theme - One Piece (HD) This plays during many of Franky's scenes, like his impassionate heroics of course. The upbeat, energetic rhythm perfectly accompanies Franky's determination to save Robin, with the mechanical elements in the music complementing his cyborg enhancements and technological innovations against the vampires.
- One Piece Ost - Luffy Vs Lucci(Gom Gom Jet Gatling) This plays during the final fight between Luffy and Tenebrae. The driving percussion and escalating intensity mirror the high-stakes battle between the rubber man and the ancient vampire, building to a crescendo as Luffy unleashes his most powerful attacks against the Blood-Blood Fruit user.
- One Piece Ost - saigo no tatakai This plays as Luffy defeats Count Tenebrae, and saves the island's citizens from Greenbull. The triumphant yet solemn melody reflects both the victory over Tenebrae and the new challenge posed by Admiral Greenbull's arrival, with heroic flourishes during Prince Julius's decision to stay behind.
- One Piece OST • NEW WORLD • Gear Fourth This of course plays whenever Luffy goes Gear 4 during the Arc. The powerful brass section and dramatic rhythm perfectly capture the visual transformation and overwhelming power of Luffy's advanced form, creating a sense of awe as he faces down hordes of vampires with his inflated muscle form.
- One Piece NW Soundtrack - Donquixote Doflamingo This plays when Count Tenebrae and Greenbull go off their rockers. The unsettling, chaotic nature of this theme underscores the dangerous unpredictability of both villains, with dissonant elements that highlight their ruthlessness and willingness to destroy anything in their path.
- One Piece ED 04 - shouchi no suke (FUNimation English Dub, Sung by Stephanie Young, Subtitled) This plays during the last episode of the Arc as the Straw Hats all have a usual "end of Arc party" where Robin, now a vampire but mentally free from Count Tenebrae's control, decides to perform the full song (Sung by Stephanie Young) in front of the island's remaining citizens. The hopeful lyrics and melody symbolize the new unity between humans and vampires on the island, with Brook's guitar accompaniment adding a touch of the Soul King's influence to this traditional ending theme.
- One Piece Soundtrack - To The Grand Line HD This plays during Prince Julius's farewell scene with the Straw Hats as he declares his intention to protect both humans and vampires from external threats. The nostalgic melody evokes the sense of adventure and determination that defines both the Straw Hats' journey forward and Julius's new responsibility as protector of Countess Island, with Elena and the Nekowin sisters standing proudly at his side.
