One of the defining and somewhat controversial elements of One Piece is its notable restraint when it comes to character deaths. Throughout the series, both heroes and villains often find themselves in life-or-death situations yet manage to pull through—often for reasons that feel somewhat contrived. This propensity for survival can diminish the tension expected in otherwise pivotal moments.
However, the issue is exacerbated by the frequent use of fake-out deaths, where characters appear to perish only to resurface later without any real consequences. This trope has become a hallmark of One Piece, serving primarily to create drama without committing to significant character losses. While the series has made some strides in recent arcs, previous instances clearly illustrate the ongoing issue with these misleading narrative strategies.
10 Bellamy
Death Teased In Chapter 303, Reversed In Chapter 704
Introduced as a key antagonist in the Jaya arc, Bellamy represents the archetype of those who scoff at pursuing dreams in a cynical world. After facing defeat at the hands of Luffy, who delivers retribution for Bellamy’s transgressions, Bellamy’s apparent death at the hands of Doflamingo seemed final. Yet, a decade later, the Dressrosa arc revealed he had survived and regained his position within the Doflamingo Pirates, albeit still seen merely as a pawn. While this fake-out might have initially seemed frustrating, Bellamy underwent significant character development, ultimately making his return impactful within the narrative.
9 Pagaya
Death Teased In Chapter 272, Reversed In Chapter 300
Pagaya, a supporting character from the Skypiea arc and Conis’ father, faces a dire fate when he pushes his daughter out of harm’s way, only to be struck by Enel’s lethal lightning bolt. Initially, his demise appears definitive, but later revelations indicate that he merely fell into the White Sea and was rescued by Angel Island denizens. This unexpected survival diminishes the weight of Pagaya’s sacrifice and highlights a recurring issue with One Piece‘s reliance on fake deaths.
8 New
Death Teased In Chapters 588 & 1060, Reversed In Chapters 731 & 1082
Sabo, Luffy’s estranged brother, experiences two significant fake-out deaths. Initially thought to have perished in a flashback, he later reemerges as a member of the Revolutionary Army. The most recent instance comes after Imu’s destructive act against Lulusia, where Sabo’s apparent death again proves misleading as he was unharmed. Although both instances serve to keep the narrative alive and suspenseful, the repetition of this trope risks neutralizing the emotional stakes associated with Sabo’s character.
7 Igaram
Death Teased In Chapter 113, Reversed In Chapter 180
Igaram, loyal captain of Alabasta’s royal guard, undertakes a courageous role by disguising himself to allow Vivi’s escape. His presumed death provides a dramatic moment, yet it becomes dramatically less impactful when revealed that he survived later in the arc. Although seeing him again is uplifting, it diminishes the earlier emotional tension and stakes established for his character.
6 Pound
Death Teased In Chapter 887, Reversed In Chapter 979
Pound, an ally of Luffy and Nami and father to Lola and Chiffon, faces seemingly tragic death after a heroic act near the climax of the Whole Cake Island arc. Unexpectedly, a cover story later reveals his survival, making for a heartwarming reunion but casting doubt on the story’s dramatic integrity—especially juxtaposed with the permanent loss of characters like Pedro during the same narrative arc.
5. Kanjuro
Death Teased In Chapters 986, 1014, & 1030, Reversed In Chapters 1008, 1030, & 1057
Kanjuro, a deceptive figure among the Akazaya Nine, initially seems to face his end during the Wano arc amidst repeated faux deaths that cause frustration and reduce the story’s overall tension. His eventual defeat feels less impactful due to the buildup of these fake deaths, compromising audience investment and hindering narrative resolution.
4. Kin’emon
Death Teased In Chapter 1015, Reversed In Chapter 1030
As the leader of the Akazaya Nine, Kin’emon’s journey through the Wano saga is fraught with peril, including hints of his death at the hands of Kaido. However, circumstances reveal that he survives due to a bizarre twist involving Law’s Devil Fruit. The unconventional nature of this survival undermines the seriousness of the conflict and gives rise to questions regarding the narrative consistency.
3 Vander Decken
Death Teased In Chapter 640, Reversed In Chapter 648
Vander Decken, a pivotal antagonist of the Fishman Island arc, is involved in egregious misunderstandings surrounding his fate. Despite orchestrating imminent disaster, his defeat leads to a revelation that he merely lost consciousness rather than meeting a fitting end. This raises significant narrative questions regarding the implications of his actions and the overall weight of consequences in the series.
2 Jaguar D. Saul
Death Teased In Chapter 397, Reversed In Chapter 1066
Jaguar D. Saul stands out as a figure of sacrifice in Robin’s backstory, where he seemingly meets his demise to save her. His presumed death packs an emotional punch, but a later reveal of his survival during the Egghead arc transforms this moment into another fake-out. While the reunion carries emotional significance, it ultimately alters the impact of his earlier sacrifice.
1 Pell
Death Teased In Chapter 208, Reversed In Chapter 217
Pell, a trusted ally during the Alabasta arc, appears to make the ultimate sacrifice when he saves his homeland from destruction by carrying a powerful bomb away just in time. However, by the arc’s conclusion, it is shockingly revealed that he survived the immense explosion without adequate explanation. This incident serves as one of the most glaring examples of a fake-out death in One Piece, leaving many fans questioning the narrative’s credibility even decades later.
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