'One PIece' Fall Special Spoilers: Luffy's Tragic Duel

Toei Animation has announced that the "One Piece" fall special air date will be on October 1, Sunday at 9 a.m JST. The one-hour special will feature a fight that Monkey D. Luffy doesn't really want to happen. The special is directed by Otsuka Takashi, who also did the recent summer special "Episode of East Blue." Spoilers follow.

Arama Japan reports that the J-pop star Namie Amuro is the singer of the new opening theme of "One Piece" that will first be heard in the upcoming one-hour special. The title of the theme song is "Hope," an inspirational number that highlights the bond of friendship as providing a ray of hope for a better future. The song appears to reflect the feelings that Luffy will be experiencing in the fall special.

For the title of the special is "Tragic Duel: Luffy Vs. Sanji." Crunchyroll has posted the promo video and images for the episode. In the promo, Luffy is delighted to be reunited with his crewmate Vinsmoke Sanji, until they find themselves unable to come to terms.

The special is a continuation of the current "Whole Cake Island" arc, with Luffy eager to find a way for him and the other Straw Hat pirates to leave the island. Luffy wants Sanji to leave the island with them, of course. But Sanji is not keen on going.

For the former chef had been forced into an arranged marriage, something expected of him as a prince. Having embraced his royal heritage, Sanji has changed. He even speaks mockingly of the Straw Hat pirates, which leads to the duel with Luffy.

The battle may be more emotional than physical when it does take place in the anime. One Piece Lovers notes that in the manga, Luffy doesn't have it in his heart to duel Sanji. He refuses to fight back and lets Sanji beat him up. The story becomes less a matter of conflict and more a paean to true friendship.