Episode 969

"To Wano Country! The Roger Pirates Disband" is the 969th episode of the One Piece anime.

Short Summary
The Roger Pirates disband and Oden returns to Wano Country. He finds, to his horror, that the country has been transformed by Orochi while he was gone.

Long Summary
Roger became the first-ever Pirate King, after which he went back to the island to pick up Shanks and Buggy. However, he knew that his days were ending as he was dying from a terminal illness. The Marines, including Garp, as well as other pirates started fighting more aggressively to take Roger down. So, he decided to disband his crew. He recalls his times in Fish-Man Island, where he heard voices from the sea creatures saying that there will be a new king succeeding Roger. He decided to leave his crew behind at an island, where his first mate Rayleigh took the ship to take the other crew members home.

Rayleigh first took Oden back to Wano Country. Oden reunited with his wife and children, and the citizens were happy to see him return; he had become a celebrity since his wife helped the town after she recovered. Oden also met his retainers, except for Ashura and Denjiro. Ashura had returned to being a mountain bandit and Denjiro wandered around the country borrowing money.

Kin'emon revealed what happened to the country while Oden was gone. Since Sukiyaki died of an illness, Orochi became the temporary shogun. Backed up by a powerful pirate, Kaidou, Orochi had almost absolute power and built several weapons factories operated with slavery. After a family was executed by Orochi, the Nine Red Scabbards protested the cruelty by going to Orochi's palace. However, while they were away, Kaidou's men invaded Kin'emon's palace and attempted to kill Momonosuke. Although the enemies were fought off, Toki was shot in the leg with an arrow protecting his child.

Angry that his family was threatened and hurt by Orochi, Oden decides to confront him. He tells the others to watch over Kuri while he is gone.

Anime Notes

 * The anime adds the following:
 * Rayleigh and Roger reminiscing about the first time they met.
 * Shanks informing Buggy that their crew has returned.
 * The marines and various pirate enemies trying to find and take down Roger.
 * Garp and Shiki are also shown.
 * Pandaman can be seen among the Kuri citizens greeting Oden.