Akainu's past will set the course for One Piece's Elbaph Arc

Modified Nov 05, 2024 23:17 GMT

Akainu’s role in the One Piece plot has been a highly debated topic within the fandom ever since his introduction in the Marineford arc. Although initially portrayed as an evil antagonist, his later actions and dialogue have established him as an individual who follows the law to an extreme degree.

One of the earliest indicators of this strict adherence to law was when Akainu destroyed a civilian vessel to prevent any possible survivors from Ohara. Given that Jaguar D. Saul, the knowledge of Ohara, and Robin and Luffy—all representing Akainu’s failure in enforcing justice—are currently converging on Elbaph, it’s possible that Akainu himself may arrive on Elbaph to tie up any loose ends.

Disclaimer- This article contains spoilers for the One Piece series.

One Piece: Akainu will be Elbaph's doom

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The Elbaph arc and the entire land of Elbaph contain clear references to Norse mythology, with characters like Loki and the presence of a giant tree serving as prime indicators. While Loki's backstory contributes little to the world-building of Elbaph, the giant tree—an obvious reference to the mythological Yggdrasil—serves as a compelling teaser for the arc's plot.

Yggdrasil, often depicted as the World Tree in various media, is known for its branches connecting the Nine Realms, which belong to humans, gods, giants, and other entities. Although the nine realms have not been explicitly mentioned in One Piece, the Norse mythological inspiration strongly suggests that Elbaph may serve as a catalyst for the world's flooding, a phenomenon recently mentioned by Vegapunk.

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In Norse mythology, Ragnarok is an apocalyptic event marking the end of the world, often associated with natural disasters, culminating in a worldwide flood, and followed by the rebirth of a new world. Hints of these themes have already been unfolding in the series’ backdrop, as confirmed during the Egghead Island arc.

Ragnarok is also closely tied to Surtr, the greatest fire giant, who triggers the apocalyptic event with his flames. While Loki has been introduced as a potential catalyst for such a catastrophe, Akainu fits this role even better due to his established ability to terraform, as seen in his transformation of half of Punk Hazard with his magma Devil Fruit powers.

Akainu as shown in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Akainu is one of the most polarizing figures within One Piece, as his ruthless pursuit of justice often borders on villainy. However, he contrasts this with a disdain for certain Marine protocols and a dislike for the World Government's interference in what he believes to be true justice. With characters like Nico Robin, Jaguar D. Saul, and Luffy—each representing evidence of Akainu's failure to fully enforce justice—currently converging on Elbaph, the situation grows increasingly tense.

Given the World Government’s hands-off approach toward Elbaph and Ohara's preserved knowledge within the land of giants, it is possible that Akainu, disregarding Marine protocol, may launch an attack on Elbaph. This possibility is further heightened if other significant figures, such as Dragon and Aokiji, also become involved in the land of giants.

Final thoughts

One Piece chapter 1131, set to be released on November 10, 2024, will feature a conversation between Loki and Luffy. Although Loki has been painted as the main antagonist of the arc, his imprisonment suggests he might actually be a pawn in a much larger scheme—a recurring theme in the series. The Elbaph arc, being one of the final arcs, may see the convergence of nearly every major power in the series, given its narrative significance.