: The "Thunder Soldier" steps in to fill the void left by Scarlet. The bond between them is beautifully depicted, as he protects her, teaches her to fight, and even acts as a protective father figure.
Fans often cite this episode as the moment they truly began to care for Rebecca as a character rather than just a Coliseum participant.
The episode masterfully transitions from the chaos of the Corrida Coliseum to a series of flashbacks that humanize the hated gladiator, Rebecca:
: The episode details the death of Rebecca’s mother, Scarlet, who dies while trying to find food for her starving daughter after they were hunted by King Riku's army.
: Episode 651 is a powerful reminder that One Piece is at its best when it explores the history behind its characters. It provides necessary depth to the Dressrosa conflict and makes the stakes in the Coliseum feel much more personal. One Piece, Episode 651 Review: Rebecca's Tragic Past