One Piece season 2 answers a near 30-year-old manga mystery in surprisingly straightforward fashion

Was Sabo in Loguetown when Luffy was almost executed by Buggy in One Piece? It's a question that has plagued anime fans for almost 30 years.

Sparked by a teasing panel in Chapter 98 of Eiichiro Oda's beloved manga, which was published in July 1999 and depicts the silhouette of a mystery figure wearing a tall hat and fair hair in the city's square, readers have long believed that Luffy's blond-haired "brother" Sabo was there. It's never been confirmed, though... until now that is, thanks to a surprise cameo from the character in One Piece season 2.

The silent introduction comes in episode 1, titled 'The Beginning and the End', as Luffy (Iñaki Godoy) indulges in a bit of fisticuffs with menacing marine Smoker (Callum Kerr). The plucky pirate is saved, however, by Dragon (Rigo Sanchez). Right after the rescue, Dragon turns to look at Sabo, who's just emerged from a shadowy doorway – and well, that's that.

Sabo doesn't pop up again across the following seven episodes, but it's interesting that it draws a (grand) line under the speculation once and for all. Sometimes referred to as Flame Emperor, Sabo is the Revolutionary Army's chief of staff, recognized as the No. 2 of the entire organization under its Supreme Commander, Dragon.

With One Piece season 3 already in the works, we're sure he'll make a proper entrance – and actually speak on screen – at a later date.

Until that day arrives, there's plenty to enjoy in One Piece season 2. From the Baroque Works villains and Chopper to Little Garden, fans have been treated to a first-time live-action look at a ton of things from the source material.

One Piece season 2 is streaming now on Netflix. For more, check out our One Piece season 2 review, or if you've already completed your voyage on the Grand Line, dive into our One Piece season 2 ending explained.