Ep 659. A Horrible Past! the Secret of Dressrosa!

A Horrible Past! the Secret of Dressrosa! is the 659th episode of the long-running Japanese anime series One Piece, which is based on the manga of the same name written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda. The episode was released on September 21, 2014, in Japan and later dubbed in English for international audiences.

The episode continues the storyline of the Dressrosa arc, which follows the Straw Hat Pirates as they arrive on Dressrosa, a country occupied by the Donquixote Pirates led by Doflamingo, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. In this episode, the focus shifts to the backstory of one of the main characters, Kyros, and his connection to the country's tragic past.

The episode opens with Kyros, a former gladiator and member of the royal family, telling Rebecca, his daughter, the story of Dressrosa's past. He recalls how the country was once a prosperous and peaceful place, ruled by his father, King Riku. However, their happiness was short-lived when a group of pirates led by Doflamingo arrived and took over the country.

Under Doflamingo's rule, Dressrosa became a living hell. The citizens were forced to pay exorbitant taxes and participate in the shady activities of the underworld, including human trafficking, drug dealing, and weapon smuggling. King Riku, who refused to bow down to Doflamingo's demands, was dethroned, and his family was stripped of their status and forced to live in poverty.

Kyros himself was turned into a gladiator, forced to fight other prisoners in an arena for the entertainment of Doflamingo and his men. He became one of the most feared and respected gladiators, earning the nickname Thunder Soldier, but also suffered many injuries and lost an eye in one of his battles.

Despite the horrible conditions, Kyros never forgot his love for his family and his duty to protect them. He secretly worked with the resistance movement, led by his friend Sabo, to overthrow Doflamingo and restore Dressrosa to its former glory. However, their plans were thwarted when Sabo was presumed dead, and the resistance was disbanded.

Kyros' life changed when he met a young woman named Scarlett, who worked as a dancer in the arena. Despite their different backgrounds, they fell in love and were eventually married. Scarlett also gave birth to their daughter, Rebecca, but tragically died shortly after due to an illness. Kyros was devastated by her death but vowed to protect their daughter at all costs.

The episode then fast-forwards to the present, where Kyros tells Rebecca that he became a toy, one of the many citizens transformed into living toys by Doflamingo's Devil Fruit powers. He also reveals that he regained his human form thanks to the efforts of the Straw Hat Pirates and their allies, who are fighting Doflamingo and his men to take back Dressrosa.

Kyros' story is a heartbreaking tale of love, loss, and sacrifice in the face of oppression. It also sheds light on the complex history of Dressrosa, showing the devastating consequences of a country falling under the control of a tyrant like Doflamingo.

Overall, A Horrible Past! the Secret of Dressrosa! is a powerful and emotional episode of One Piece that reminds us of the series' ability to tackle serious themes alongside its trademark humor and action. It also sets the stage for the epic showdown between the Straw Hat Pirates and Doflamingo, building up the tension and stakes for the upcoming episodes.