15 Years Ago, One Piece Made History With a Death That Changed the Manga Forever

Ace’s death in One Piece remains one of the most emotional and impactful moments in anime/manga history. For years, fans watched as Luffy and his ragtag allies fought tirelessly to rescue Ace from the Marines, only to have that hope shattered at the last moment. The tragedy not only devastated Luffy but also forced the Straw Hats to confront how unprepared they were for The New World and their quest to find the One Piece. Ace’s death marked a turning point in the series, setting the stage for Luffy’s growth both as a fighter and as a captain.

But Ace’s death was more than just brief sorrow—it catalyzed major shifts in the storyline. It led to the introduction of Sabo, their long-lost brother, who would play a key role in Luffy's past and future. It also sparked a deeper exploration of Ace's past, unveiling more about his relationship with Luffy, his struggles, and his family legacy. In a story where death is often avoided or sidelined in arcs, Ace’s death was a statement by author Eiichiro Oda—one that showed not even the most beloved characters were safe, and that every loss should carry profound consequences.

Why Ace’s Death Means So Much for One Piece

After Over a Decade Without a Death, One Piece’s First Had to Be Big

It took about 12 years for Oda to commit to a major character's death. Until Marineford, One Piece faced criticism for rarely killing off important characters, aside from Gold Roger, whose execution set the story in motion. Fans had long speculated about a significant death, and the anticipation built over the years. When it finally happened, it had to be monumental—and it was. Ace’s death wasn’t just shocking; it reshaped Luffy’s journey, proving that One Piece could handle loss with weight and purpose, making the moment one of the most impactful in the series’ history.

Nobody expected One Piece’s first major death to be Ace. While there were death flags, especially with the past two arcs revolving around his rescue, those fears faded when Luffy succeeded. However, having the mission fail at the last moment made Ace’s death even more devastating. It marked Luffy’s greatest defeat, following the loss of his crew at Sabaody. This back-to-back failure reinforced the weight of loss in One Piece. Despite criticisms of Oda rarely killing characters, Ace’s death proved that when it happens, it matters—serving as a turning point for Luffy and elevating the story’s stakes.

How Ace’s Death Affected the Anime Community

The Lack Of Death in One Piece Set Up Its First to Send Shockwaves

After Ace’s death, criticisms that Oda’s story lacked stakes quickly faded. It became clear that he had planned this moment carefully, knowing that his restraint in killing characters would make Ace’s demise even more impactful. Even anime fans who weren’t closely following One Piece felt the weight of this loss, proving that Oda’s approach had paid off.

Ace’s death proved that even fan-favorite characters weren’t safe. He remained one of One Piece’s most beloved characters in popularity polls, even after his demise. What made it even more impactful was its effect on Luffy—seeing one of Shonen’s most optimistic protagonists completely break down was heartbreaking, even for those who didn’t follow the series. The arc’s themes of family and loss were deeply felt, from Ace’s love for Luffy to his bond with Whitebeard and his crew. This emotional weight, combined with its lasting impact, makes Ace’s death one of the most unforgettable in anime history.

Ace’s Lasting Impact Within One Piece

Ace Has a Presence Within the Story That Can Still Be Seen Today

Luffy crying after Ace's death — One-Piece-Luffy-Ace-Death-Crying

Ace’s death is a shocking yet pivotal turning point in One Piece. It forces Luffy and his crew to realize just how unprepared they are for The New World, ultimately driving Luffy and his friends to dedicate two years to intense training. Beyond strengthening him physically, Ace’s death adds profound emotional depth to Luffy’s character. Not only does Luffy put precedence over protecting his loved ones, but he’s always trying to live up to his brother’s approval by proxy of Marco, Ace’s former crewmate, and Otama, who Ace treated like a little sister in Wano.

While Ace’s death was heartbreaking, it was a pivotal moment that shaped Luffy’s journey. It also paved the way for Sabo’s return, their long-lost brother, who later inherited Ace’s Devil Fruit. Additionally, it allowed the story to explore Ace’s origins in greater depth, highlighting his past alongside Luffy beyond his connection to Shanks. To visually show just how much Ace’s death scarred him, Luffy now bears a burn mark in the shape of an X from Akainu, who came after Luffy after Ace shielded his initial blow, ultimately causing his death.

Did Ace Really Need to Die?

One Piece Needed a Big Death And Ace Was the Best Candidate

Yamato from one piece looking shocked with the scene of ace's death in the background as ace gets punched by akainu in front of luffy

At some point within One Piece’s quarter of a century of storytelling, Oda was going to have to kill off an important character eventually, and it needed to be someone big within the story, Luffy’s life, and an individual the fans loved. After it is revealed he is the son of the former Pirate King Gold Roger and displays the love he received during his rescue, Ace’s arc of realizing he deserves to live and have a beloved family is complete.

Luffy needed further motivation to get stronger beyond protecting his crew, and the stakes of the series needed to expand. Not only to showcase how devastating loss should be within a Shonen, but to give Luffy personal motivations for taking on Blackbeard, who turned Ace into the Marines in the first place, and Akainu, who killed him, beyond their eventual confrontation for the One Piece to become King of the Pirates.

Ace's death solidified its place as a pivotal moment in One Piece, forever altering the course of the story and the lives of its characters. While it was a devastating loss, it gave way to significant growth for Luffy and his crew, pushing them to become stronger and more resilient in the face of future challenges. It also deepened the themes of family, sacrifice, and legacy that run throughout the series. Ace’s death was a heartbreaking necessity for One Piece.