Published Mar 14, 2026, 10:30 PM EDT
Merlyn De Souza is a freelance writer and anime enthusiast based in Goa, India, with a Bachelor's in English Literature. When she isn't writing, she can be found exploring various realms of entertainment, including, but not limited to, K-dramas, novels, and even the occasional manhwa. She also enjoys all things creative, like sewing and makeup.
Even multiple days after its release, Season 2 of Netflix's One Piece still has fans going back and finding new easter eggs and references. Truly, with the new season, the live-action has never seemed more in tune with the source material and its intricacies.
Whether it's introducing characters like Brook, Bartolomeo, and Sabo early, or sneaking in Sun God Nika and Elbaph lore, Season 2 of One Piece takes every opportunity to streamline One Piece's story. And, this includes referencing one of the biggest, most consequential events of the entire series.
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One Piece Season 2 Unexpectedly Name-Drops God Valley
Season 2 of One Piece starts out strong by taking the Straw Hats to Logue Town, the hometown and the execution ground of the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger. In doing so, the series also takes the opportunity to include a flashback of Roger prior to his execution and his meeting with Garp while imprisoned.
The flashback in question takes place about 10 minutes into Season 2, Episode 1, perfectly setting the stage for the Logue Town Arc. Besides the shocking revelation that Roger has a son, this meeting between Roger and Garp also sees the Pirate King refer to the latter as the "Hero of God Valley."
In doing so, Roger casually name-drops one of the most mysterious yet pivotal events in One Piece's history, which wasn't truly explored until very recently in One Piece's manga. What's more surprising is the fact that in the manga, this flashback initially takes place during the Marineford Arc. Although, even the manga version of the flashback does not mention God Valley.
God Valley's introduction in One Piece's manga only comes in the Wano Arc, or Chapter #957 to be precise. Given that Roger and Garp played a key role during the God Valley Incident, it only makes sense that the live-action chose to reference it earlier, and the reference hits even harder now with the Ebaph Arc's full reveal.
One Piece’s God Valley Mention Hits Harder After the Manga Reveal
Even though the elusive God Valley Incident was first mentioned during the Wano Arc, it wouldn't be until the Egghead Arc that fans would learn the ugly truth about this island erased from history. Bartholomew Kuma's backstory would inevitably go on to reveal the heinous native hunting competition carried out on the island by the Celestial Dragons.
That said, many mysteries still remained, such as the reason why Garp and Roger supposedly teamed up to take down the Rocks Pirates despite being lifelong rivals. The Elbaph Arc has since revealed all about the God Valley Incident, including more of Garp and Roger's joint battle against Rocks D. Xebec.
Most notably, the God Valley Incident also saw Garp come face to face with the true, demonic nature of the World Government and its secret sovereign, Imu. This, coupled with the Celestial Dragons' cruelty that Garp also witnessed on that fated day, might explain his seemingly strained reaction at being called the Hero of God Valley in the live-action.
While it's subtle, Garp's discomfort is most definitely present, and it is quite impressive that Vincent Regan managed to convey this nuance, whether intentional or not. Nonetheless, this reference was a genius stroke on the live-action's part and Season 3 of One Piece will hopefully continue with this trend.
Release Date March 10, 2026
Network Netflix
Episodes 8
English (US) ·