The BEST episodes directed by Makoto Sonoda
#1 - Feelings Put Into Fists! Luffy's Full-Power Gatling
One Piece - Season 11 - Episode 83
While the rest of the Straw Hats struggle to hold their own against the Buster Call's fighting elite, Usopp, unmasked, cannot believe his eyes, seeing Luffy lying in the dust in front of Lucci. He cries out to him, telling him to hang in and stand up. However, Luffy cannot move. In his desperation he insults Lucci, dares him to cross the destroyed bridge and fight him. Presuming Luffy to be defeated, Lucci is about follow Usopp's suggestion. However, Luffy gets back on his feet and activates Gear Second in preparation for the final round. Lucci hits him one more time with his Six Kings Gun and is sure of victory. However, Luffy does not fall. He turns around and ends the fight with a barrage of blows.
#2 - If I Can't Win, I Can't Protect Anyone! Gear Third Activates
One Piece - Season 11 - Episode 78
The Buster Call ships have reached the island. Guns blazing, they pass the Bridge of Hesitation. At the same time, the remaining Straw Hats, Kokoro, Chimeney, and Gonbe have entered the underground passage and are running towards the water streaming in on the other end. Meanwhile, Luffy and Lucci, having fled from the rising water, continue their fight a few levels higher. Because the effects of his Gear Second have worn off, Luffy is at a disadvantage. However, he has another trump card: he activates Gear Third, blows air into his arm until it reaches the size of that of a giant, and knocks Lucci out of the pillar.
#3 - Sanji Crashes! The Mysterious Old Man and Intense Cooking
One Piece - Season 11 - Episode 93
Sanji is buying groceries in the company of Chimeney and Gonbe. For lunch, they lead him to the small floating restaurant of a drunken old man. He is asleep and not easily woken, so Sanji decides to prepare something himself. While he is cooking, the old man wakes up and immediately recognizes Sanji's way of handling the carving knife, for he knew Sanji's mentor, "Red-Leg" Zeff. He insists that Sanji taste some of his cooking. Sanji is amazed by the flavor, but cannot figure out how the old man made it. Intent on discovering the secret, he searches the city for seasonings that might have been used. Perchance he gets to eat an onigiri made by the old man and realizes that he uses a special salt. The salt was created by Aqua Laguna. As the storm floods the lower parts of the city, it covers the buildings with sea water. In the following sunny days, particularly tasty residual salt is left on the rooftops.