In a lot of fiction, like the animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender, there are plenty of elements that shape the world. Whether or not it resembles Avatar's elements (Water, Earth, Fire, and Air), today we'll be exploring two of the most prominent aspects of the One Piece universe: Sea and Sky! Specifically, beyond their geographical differences, we'll discuss two leaders who existed in vastly different ages and ecosystems within the One Piece world. These two characters might not have much in common as far as the One Piece storyline goes, but in the One Piece Trading Card Game (OPTCG), they function almost identically.

Today, we compare the newcomer Kalgara, a hero to the Shandians, and Arlong, the first Fishman leader introduced in the OPTCG, who sought vengeance against humans for their oppression of the Fishman people. While their roles in the storyline differ greatly, their similarities in gameplay are worth noting.

Before diving in, it's important to note that both the Fishman and Shandians card types have larger pools compared to some other leaders, due to previous leaders sharing the same card type. Keep this in mind as you read today's article.

Arlong

Arlong is a green/yellow leader with 5000 power and 4 life. His ability reads, "[DON!! x2] [When Attacking] 1 (You may rest the specified number of DON!! cards in your cost area.): Play up to 1 Character card with a cost of 4 or less and a [Trigger] from your hand." This ability allows you to play specific characters at a cost of one DON!! (or arguably three DON!!). But what do we gain from this cost? A 7000 power Leader swing is nothing to scoff at, as it forces your opponent to use at least +3000 worth of counters from their hand, assuming no blockers are present. Now, let's look at some excellent Fishman card targets for Arlong's ability, starting with Arlong (character) himself and Kuroobi.

Arlong stops your opponent's leader from attacking for a turn when played, while Kuroobi's ability allows you to rest any character on the field without limitations. Kuroobi doesn't require a specified cost, power, or card type. You could rest a powerful 10-cost Yellow Ace, for example, as soon as Kuroobi's ability resolves. Arlong, as a character, is a powerful surprise alongside an already potent 7000 power Arlong leader swing. However, Arlong's leader ability isn't limited to the Fishman card type. You can also target characters like O-nami, Kikunojo, Nekomamushi, Sanji, and Cracker.

Playing O-nami doesn't net any DON!! directly, but it puts your opponent in a tough spot by giving your leader banish on the fly. Everyone loves life triggers, but banish steals that opportunity from your opponent. Kikunojo is difficult to remove, especially if your opponent's only option is K.O.-based removal. With 6000 power and 4 cost, Kikunojo offers endurance, similar to Rob Lucci from Set 5 Awaken the New World. Sanji is a valuable blocker for defensive play, while Nekomamushi can swing into active characters with the right DON!! investment. Cracker is a 5000 power character with a potential 7000 power and double attack if you have fewer life cards than your opponent.

Arlong is a leader that thrives on life-triggering plays while maintaining a threatening board presence.

Kalgara

Let's leave the sea behind and soar toward the Sky Islands, where Kalgara leads. In a previous set review, we covered Kalgara in depth, but today we'll compare his playstyle to Arlong's. Arlong's ability allows you to play a 4-cost or lower character with a trigger, but Kalgara's ability reads: "[DON!! x1] [When Attacking] Play up to 1 {Shandian Warrior} character from your hand with a cost equal to or less than the number of DON!! on your field. If you do, add 1 card from the top of your Life cards to your hand." Kalgara's ability is less costly than Arlong's, but it decreases your life and limits your plays to Shandian Warriors.

In our Set 8 review, we highlighted some excellent Shandian Warriors, but here's the complete list available so far:

Set 6 Wings of the Captain Shandian Warriors

Set 8 Two Legends Shandian Warriors

While Kalgara's leader ability is limited to Shandian Warriors, the deck doesn't have to be. Excellent yellow cards like S-Snake and Jewelry Bonney are viable options.

Even with the limited number of targets for Kalgara's ability, it's okay to not draw your life pile too quickly. If you're not fully invested in Shandian Warriors, some great late-game inclusions are Set 4 Yamato and Set 7 Yellow Ace.

Yamato reads: "[On Play] K.O. up to 1 of your opponent's Characters with a cost equal to or less than the total of your and your opponent's Life cards. Then, if you have 1 or less Life cards, add 1 card from the top of your deck to the top of your Life cards." With 9000 power, Yamato is a solid finisher. Yellow Ace rejuvenates your life pile while also acting as a major threat, reading: "[On Play] Add up to 1 card from the top of your deck to the top of your Life cards. Then, if you have 2 or fewer Life cards, this Character gains [Rush] for the turn."

Which of the two leaders do you feel is stronger? Does the sea call to you, or do you need to spread your wings and soar to the sky? Until next time, fellow seafarers!