Although he primarily appears in the shadows or at a distance alongside Dr. Kureha, this episode marks the official anime debut of the future Straw Hat doctor.
The island's former tyrannical king, Wapol , returns to Drum Island. Having fled when Blackbeard attacked the island previously, Wapol arrives with his "Tin Plate" army and his pet hippo, Robson, intent on reclaiming his throne. One Piece Episode 81
Dr. Kureha , the 139-year-old doctor locals call a witch, is introduced. She is shown treating a young boy in a nearby town but demands a steep price: 50% of the local restaurant's assets and various supplies. Although he primarily appears in the shadows or
The episode focuses on the multi-front struggle to find medical help while a forgotten threat resurfaces to haunt the island. Having fled when Blackbeard attacked the island previously,
Left behind at the Going Merry , Zoro attempts to train his body to resist the freezing temperatures by swimming in the icy river. The scene provides a brief moment of levity as Karoo, Nami's giant duck, mistakenly believes Zoro has drowned and jumps in to "save" him. Key Character Introductions