Um, well, there are two sub-arcs there: Water 7 itself, which isn't that much on the emotional part because it's an intro to bigger things, and Ennis Lobby. They're probably referring to the Ennis Lobby part, which is filled with really epic fights and several fans think of it as the best arc yet in OP. I'll agree that it changes the Strawhats' situation as pirates a whole lot and some scenes are just so, so amazing. And there's the sobbing factor, too.
But being completely honest here, I disagree with the fandom in that it's the best for one reason: I thought the fights in EL dragged too much and a large part of it bored me so much I even skipped pages in epic battles. Might be just me, though. But since you ask about the emotional department, they are correct in that sense because IT DOES BREAK YOUR HEART. For two main reasons, although there are more. I won't spoil you on the first one (mind you, I was spoiled and still bawled for half an hour) because it's unbelievable; the second big deal is Robin's backstory. The other emotional parts, although not as strong as these, are because of the friendship/nakama theme.
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But being completely honest here, I disagree with the fandom in that it's the best for one reason: I thought the fights in EL dragged too much and a large part of it bored me so much I even skipped pages in epic battles. Might be just me, though. But since you ask about the emotional department, they are correct in that sense because IT DOES BREAK YOUR HEART. For two main reasons, although there are more. I won't spoil you on the first one (mind you, I was spoiled and still bawled for half an hour) because it's unbelievable; the second big deal is Robin's backstory. The other emotional parts, although not as strong as these, are because of the friendship/nakama theme.