Episode 970

"Sad News - The Opening of the Great Pirate Era" is the 970th episode of the One Piece anime.

Short Summary
Oden takes back the throne from Orochi, but the citizens are disgusted by his new weekly "performances." Overseas, Roger is executed for his crimes, shocking the world.

Long Summary
Against the advice of his retainers, Oden decided to go to the Flower Capital to confront Orochi. Oden broke into the palace and attempted to attack him, but Semimaru used his Devil Fruit ability to create a barrier protecting Orochi. Higurashi, who was nearby, revealed that she, too, had a Devil Fruit ability, which allowed her to disguise herself as Sukiyaki and hand the throne to Orochi. The real Sukiyaki never intended to give the throne to Orochi, and did not die from illness like how the news said he did. Citizens outside cheered on Oden to save the country, but they were struck with poisoned arrows that rained down from the sky.

Oden reclaimed the throne, but every week he stripped down naked in the courtyard and danced like a fool, singing about oden stew. For this weird behaviour, the citizens started believing him to be a fool and stopped respecting him. The children also made fun of him. Oden did not mind the ridicule, but found in the newspaper that Roger had been executed. Overseas, Whitebeard also receives the news, reflecting on the last time they met, where Roger told him all about the mysterious Will of D.

Previously, Roger was taken to his birthplace, Loguetown, to be executed by impalement. Doflamingo, Buggy, Shanks, Mihawk, Crocodile, Moria and Dragon all witnessed the event. In his last moments, one person asked Roger where his treasure was. As his final words, Roger said that he hid the treasure for others to find. The executioners impaled Roger, ending the life of the first-ever Pirate King.

Oden went to the beach to mourn. Because Roger told his crew not to cry for him, Oden laughed in tears to mourn his death.

Anime Notes

 * The anime adds the following:
 * Beasts Pirate subordinates spotting Oden on his way to the Flower Capital and attempting to get in contact with Orochi.
 * Momonosuke giving Oden the newspaper (which he got from a messenger of Orochi) with the news of Roger's death.
 * Whitebeard is also shown reading the news.


 * The following are extended:
 * Oden running towards Orochi's castle.

Trivia

 * The filler scene of Smoker as a child watching Roger's execution is a callback to Episode 48.