Elbaph could be One Piece's next God Valley Incident after chapter 1134's reveal

Modified Dec 24, 2024 19:00 GMT

Elbaph could be One Piece's next God Valley Incident after chapter 1134's reveal (Image via Toei Animation)

One Piece's Elbaph arc has been consistently built up as one of the most integral and lore-heavy arcs of the series. While the last few chapters have focused on establishing Elbaph's overall atmosphere, Loki's schemes in the background add an intriguing layer. Additionally, the appearance of certain hooded figures at the end of chapter 1134 has hinted at a completely different potential plot point.

The infamous God Valley incident remains one of the most mysterious and discussed events, both within and outside the story. Although the complete details are still unknown, it is evident that this event was essentially a cleansing ritual carried out by the Celestial Nobles.

The identities of the hooded figures have not been revealed. However, one bears a striking resemblance to Shanks. Combined with the prior foreshadowing of the "God Knights," it is possible that Elbaph may become the next venue for the Native Hunting Competition held by the World Government.

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

One Piece: The second God Valley incident might be Elbaph arc's highlight

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

The God Valley incident was first discussed as the event that led to Garp becoming the "Hero of the Marines" and the downfall of the Rocks pirates. Although it was mainly portrayed as a standoff between Garp and Roger against the Rocks pirates, it was later revealed to be a much more sinister event.

The actual God Valley incident occurred as a result of the Native Hunting Competition held by the World Nobles. This competition is essentially an ethnic cleansing, where the government claims an unaffiliated island as their own and hunts the native population as "prey." The government and the marines involved keep the entire event under wraps.

The New Giant Pirates as shown in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Given that the competition is attended by high-profile government officials, including the Five Elders and some of the God Knights, it is evident that this competition serves as a front for an invasion. Elbaph, a country of strong and skilled giants unaffiliated with the World Government, is currently in a precarious situation.

Although attempting ethnic cleansing in a country with the strongest military force in the series seems counterproductive, Elbaph's current condition makes this decision more believable.

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

Recent chapters suggest that the steadfast warrior nation of Elbaph is in decline, with the warrior mentality slowly fading from the current generation. When this decline is combined with the absence of an acting ruler, the nation appears somewhat unstable.

The World Government may want to exploit Elbaph's current state and wipe out the giants. Given the presence of a Yonko crew, Vegapunk, and the Giant Pirates on the island, it is plausible that the World Government's plan could lead to another all-out war, similar to the one that occurred in God Valley.

Final thoughts

One Piece chapter 1135 will be released on January 3, 2024, and will pick up the pace of the Elbaph arc. This is especially significant now that actual, tangible threats have been introduced. Although the Elbaph arc was initially built up as another internal power struggle, the entire island may become a battlefield between the World Government and Elbaph.

Related links-

Edited by Tiasha