Ep 36. Survive! Mother Bellemere and Nami's Bond!

One Piece season 1 episode 36, titled "Survive! Mother Bellemere and Nami's Bond!", begins with Nami waking up in her childhood home on the island of Cocoyasi after being away for eight years. She is reunited with her adoptive mother, Bellemere, and her younger sister, Nojiko. However, their reunion is cut short by the arrival of the pirate Arlong and his crew, who demand payment for the protection they supposedly provide to the island.

Nami reveals that she had been working for Arlong as a thief to gather enough money to buy back her village from his control. However, Arlong continuously increases the payment requirements, leading Nami to feel hopeless and trapped. Bellemere reveals that she had adopted Nami and Nojiko after finding them as orphans during a battle and that she had been working hard to raise them as her own. She declares that she will not stand by as Arlong oppresses her village and family.

The remainder of the episode follows the battle between Bellemere and Arlong's crew. Bellemere's experience as a former marine and her love for her daughters give her the strength to fight against the pirates. However, she ultimately sacrifices her own life to save Nami and Nojiko.

The episode also explores the bond between Nami and Bellemere, highlighting the deep love and respect they have for each other. Bellemere's death leaves Nami with a profound sense of loss and guilt for not being able to protect her mother. However, it also gives her the motivation to join Monkey D. Luffy's crew in search of the One Piece treasure, which she believes will give her the power to liberate her village from Arlong's grip.

Overall, "Survive! Mother Bellemere and Nami's Bond!" is a powerful and emotional episode that showcases the themes of family, sacrifice, and hope that are integral to the One Piece series. Bellemere's courage and love for her family inspire Nami to become a stronger and more determined individual, setting the stage for future adventures and challenges.