Handlung

Protect. The Last Great Performance is the third TV Special of the One Piece anime. It was aired after Episode 174 of the anime. The storyline time is assumed to be between the Long Ring Long Land Arc and Ocean's Dream Arc.

The Straw Hat Pirate come across an announcement of ex-marine Lieutenant Randolph will be performing his final performance of his famous play. The gang was interested in checking out this play at the theater ship. They find Randolph rehearsing for his final act. The manager has high hopes that Randolph's final act will be a success. Only when 3 actors quit for their own reasons. When the short number of people required to lead the play, Luffy and the others decided to fill in those parts. But they soon learn that Randolph lost his own family to a gang of pirates as a kid. Ever since then, he despises all pirates. Over the years he performed his plays to give courage to those who have also lost their loved ones to pirates. Due to the injury he received in the chest from the last encounter with a pirate. It'll only be temporary when he looses his voice. Which is why he plans to retire after his final performance. Meanwhile, a Marine commander and his fleet are heading for Randolph's ship on a crime he wasn't responsible for. Will Luffy & the others be able to protect Randolph's last play? And will Randolph see through that not all pirates are scum.—J LeGault

The renowned Randolph troupe is in town and they are putting on a special farewell play to mark their leader's retirement. When three of its actors quit a mere thirty minutes before the curtain rises, the Straw Pirates offer their services; though with Robin's overacting, Usopp trying to hog the limelight and Luffy gate-crashing the stage dressed as a monkey, the first act becomes more of a farce instead. Before the second act can commence, Randolph is arrested by the marines for selling stolen weapons to pirates, and boards the ship to prove his innocence. There, he is confronted by the Marine Commander named Governor, a former subordinate of Randolph's, who has concocted the whole plan in order to exact his revenge on the ex-marine. Now, in addition to rescuing Randolph and protecting his ship, Luffy must also convince the troupe leader that not all pirates are bloodthirsty brutes. Whatever happens, one thing's for sure - the show must go on. This TV Special is aired between episodes 174 and 175.—https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_One_Piece_television_specials