This was a nice down time episode.
I think generally, the pacing isn't as sorely felt when its just the characters interacting or chilling with each other(as long as they get things like comedic timing and dialogue down right). I think thats typically where the anime does really well, focusing on the characters interacting with each other, and its something the anime has and does focus on.
In terms of content covered, apparently this episode covered 15 pages, which was significantly more than the average. I'm wondering if this level of content coverage will persist till the end of act 2.
In terms of direction and pacing, the episode was pretty okay. The storyboard was mostly pretty decent though I didn't particularly care for how they executed some of the Alpaca man take down(some of the shots were a bit awkward). Aside from that, everything was pretty much on point. Nothing felt like it dragged too much either.
There was nothing really animation or art wise to talk about. Hyogoro's scene had nice art, but wasn't overly animated. I enjoy some of the subtle petal effects they added to Hyogoro's haki.
Overall, an enjoyable enough episode. Nothing particularly stand out, but considering the content covered, it was a nice down time episode(and I think thats typically the anime's strong suit).
Next episode it looks like we're going to have some western animators, namely Henry Thurlow, animating some of Luffy's action. Some of his work was even present in the NEP. Should be nice. Its fantastic the number of talented outside animators are getting involved with the production of the show.