AceShowbiz - One Piece fans have eagerly awaited the return of Netflix’s live-action adaptation, with Season 2 promising to take the Straw Hats into the Grand Line and new adventures. With the premiere just over two weeks away on March 10, 2026, excitement is building as new trailers and teasers reveal fresh characters and storylines. However, one notable character’s absence in the promotional material sparked concern among fans: Karoo, the loyal duck and companion to the princess Vivi.

Despite Karoo’s important role alongside Vivi in the original series, the character had not appeared in any trailers, teasers, or posters for the upcoming season. This lack of presence led to speculation that Karoo might be cut or have a significantly reduced role, similar to the limited appearances of Chouchou in Season 1. Fortunately, recent developments suggest that fans can breathe a sigh of relief as Karoo’s inclusion in Season 2 has now been quietly confirmed.

The confirmation comes from a unique source: a social media post on X by user @pewpiece revealed that Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, sent autographed shirts to the cast and crew of the live-action series. These shirts feature chibi illustrations of the Straw Hat crew alongside Vivi and Karoo. This detail serves as a subtle but clear indication that Karoo will be part of the live-action adaptation, putting concerns about his exclusion to rest.

While at first glance Karoo might seem like a minor character, he is considered an honorary member of the Straw Hats, just as much as Vivi herself. The signed shirt’s artwork references a poignant moment from the series when the Straw Hats, Vivi, and Karoo mark their arms with an X to thwart Bon Clay’s impersonation abilities. This symbol and event play a crucial role later in the Alabasta Arc, leading to one of the most emotional and memorable scenes in One Piece.

This quiet confirmation is significant because Karoo’s presence is vital for capturing the full spirit of the Alabasta storyline. Fans have high hopes that Netflix will bring Karoo to life with the same care and charm they showed with Tony Tony Chopper in Season 1. The portrayal of Chopper was praised for balancing his cute appeal with a realistic live-action adaptation, setting a hopeful precedent for Karoo’s depiction.

As the countdown continues toward the Season 2 premiere on March 10, 2026, anticipation grows not only for the new adventures but also to finally see Karoo in live-action form. Netflix’s adaptation has proven adept at honoring the source material while expanding the world of One Piece, and Karoo’s confirmed appearance reassures fans that the beloved storylines and characters will be faithfully represented.

With the signed shirts as a subtle but definitive nod from Eiichiro Oda himself, the inclusion of Karoo is now more than just a hopeful fan theory. It’s a sign that the live-action One Piece continues to embrace even the smaller but beloved elements of the original anime and manga. This bodes well for the overall quality and authenticity of Season 2 as it launches soon on Netflix.

This article is based on reporting originally published by ScreenRant.