Episode 1013

"Yamato's Past - The Man Who Came for an Emperor of the Sea" is the 1013th episode of the One Piece anime.

Short Summary
Yamato tells Momonosuke and Shinobu about his relationship with Ace. Ace initially invaded Onigashima to take down Kaidou but would befriend Yamato.

Long Summary
Sanji attempts to escape but is caught by Black Maria's silk. It is revealed that Black Maria has a Devil Fruit power allowing her to transform into a Rosamygale grauvogeli, an ancient spider. Meanwhile, Luffy battles fiercely against the Beasts Pirates, and the obscured enemy who confronted Jinbe hears. The enemy is revealed to be Who's-Who, who has transformed into a saber-toothed tiger. Who's-Who hints that, like Jinbe, he used to work for the World Government.

In the storehouse, Yamato bandages Shinobu's wounds. At this point, Yamato reveals more about his experiences with Ace.

When Ace led his own pirate crew, he invaded Onigashima to rescue abducted children. Ace battled against its guardian, Yamato, where it is revealed that Kaidou was on expedition with his top officers. While Ace's subordinates rescued the children and sent them back to the mainland, Ace continued his battle. He revealed his past to Yamato.

When Ace was a child, his father, Roger, became despised by the people. Ace began questioning whether or not his life inherently had no worth when his father was so rejected. Yamato also revealed his past; since he dreamed of living free like Oden, Kaidou fitted him with handcuffs that would explode if he left the island. Ace encouraged Yamato to do what he desired against Kaidou's wishes. In anger, Yamato destroyed Kaidou's dragon statue.

Ace and Yamato developed a friendship. As they watched the sunset, Ace told Yamato about the outside world, including his brother who will rise as a powerful pirate.

Finishing his story, Yamato tells that Ace died two years ago, but his brother, Luffy, inherits his will. Yamato anticipated Luffy's return so he could take Kaidou down. Meanwhile, Tama reveals to Nami that she also knew Ace.

Anime Notes

 * The anime adds the following:
 * Ace and his crew's arrival in Onigashima is seen.
 * The moment when the Spade Pirates rescue the kidnapped children is seen.
 * A brief flashback of Yamato and Kaidou.
 * The anime extends the following:
 * The battle and later conversation between Yamato and Ace.

Trivia

 * This was the last episode to air in Japan before the anime went on indefinite hiatus due to the Toei Animation system hacking and the subsequent production shutdown. It was resumed about one month later on April 17, 2022.