Despite this, the arc falls flat.
The Straw Hats have come far since Arlong Park, picking up new members between then and Fish-Man Island.
Along with that, they have gotten significantly stronger.
This demonstration of strength could have been done earlier, though, with a rematch between Luffy and Arlong.
Fish-Men and Mermaids are not treated as citizens of the World Government.
It also shows how not everyone responds to hate the same way.
By bringing back Arlong, there was a chance to achieve that in Fish-Man Island.
One Piece Villains Have Made Returns Before
Where Is Arlong Post-Time Skip In One Piece?
It is not uncommon forOne Pieceto see past villains make some sort of return.
Bon Clay made a triumphant return in Impel Down, saving Luffy multiple times.
