One of the most popular characters in One Piece is Portgas D. Ace. He is also very adored among the fans and was introduced to the viewers at the end of the Drum Island arc. The character was massively impactful, specifically in the first half of the series. His first full-fledged introduction was shown during the Alabasta arc, where it was revealed that he was Luffy’s older brother. From that point, fans grew relatively close to the character.
However, despite being so beloved among the viewers, it was another character’s death that traumatized the fans.
Which character’s death in One Piece was very tough on the viewers?
It was the death of Donquixote Rosinante, or “Corazon” at the hands of Doflamingo, that broke the hearts of anime fans into a million pieces. The character’s past was rather heartbreaking in One Piece, and it connected well with the audience. After losing his family to a terrible disease that blighted his own body, Trafalgar Law would’ve died in his earlier years if it wasn’t for Donquixote Rosinante. He developed an intricate bond with the Trafalgar boy. He was willing to go against his brother just to give him the Op Op Fruit.
Donquixote Rosinante, commonly known as Corazon, helped Trafalgar Law to get away from the grasp of Donquixote pirates, along with saving him when he was suffering from Amber Lead Syndrome. When his cover was blown, Doflamingo killed him. Being considered the role model for Trafalgar Law and being one of the most “stylish” characters (it is a running gag among the One Piece community) in the series, fans were quite taken aback by his death. Corazon’s death fueled innate vengeance in Law as he swore to destroy the Donquixote Pirates.
How did fans react to Portgas D. Ace’s death in One Piece?
Ace was relatively accepting of the high pirate life and all the dangers on the sea. Blackbeard killed the Fourth Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, Thatch. Ace was very determined to avenge Thatch and punish Blackbeard. Unaware of Blackbeard’s strength, Ace still decided to take on the man.
Blackbeard was planning to capture Ace’s younger brother, Monkey D. Luffy. Being the older brother, he carried all the responsibility on his shoulders. He interrupted Blackbeard’s plan and got captured by the Navy. This extreme act of brotherhood was enough to melt the viewers, as with each passing episode, fans grew closer and closer to the character. Toward the end of the arc, Ace’s execution was confirmed, which started the Paramount War. Even though all of his friends come to his rescue, Portgas D. Ace decides to sacrifice his life for his younger brother, Luffy.
This broke the hearts of a lot of fans and was one of the most depressing moments in One Piece. Having created such a place in the hearts of fans, it was saddening to see such a great character part ways from the story.
Source: WatchMojo
