Imu's murder of Saint Saturn in One Piece's latest spoilers may have revealed Hinokizu's identity

Modified Sep 06, 2024 08:40 GMT

Imu's murder of Saint Saturn in One Piece's latest spoilers may have revealed Hinokizu's identity (Image via Toei Animation)

With the latest spoilers for One Piece’s upcoming chapter 1125 having been released throughout the week, fans seem to be in store for a truly shocking installment. However, the thing at the top of the list of shocks could be that Imu killed Saint Jaygarcia Saturn. It was revealed that Imu killed the latter for his failure on Egghead Island, specifically for letting Joy Boy interfere based on current spoilers.

Saturn's death was one of the most gruesome and harrowing deaths on One Piece as his body was immolated by black flames and lightning. His skin then wrinkled to an almost mummy-like state, before a final, massive flash of black flames and lightning reduced him to a mere skeleton on the floor.

While One Piece fans were understandably shocked by the suddenness and nature of this death, some have begun applying this info to the biggest current mysteries. Specifically some fans are certain that the way Imu killed the Gorosei, Hinokizu's (known as the Man Marked by Flames) true identity was revealed.

One Piece’s Hinokizu may be a former Gorosei member who was able to escape Imu’s punishment

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Given that Hinokizu, or “Burn Scar,” is also known as “the Man Marked by Flames,” it’s obvious why One Piece fans are asserting he must be an ex-Gorosei who survived Imu’s wrath. The use of black flames is a key argument, as they may leave wounds that regular flames wouldn’t heal, or would be much more distinctive. This could explain why Hinokizu is known by that name; in other words, the uniqueness of the wound from black flames would explain it.

It would also explain why Hinokizu deliberately hides himself from the world, as he’d need to hide in order to prevent Imu from finishing the job in killing him. This would also explain why such layers like sinking every ship that approaches with a whirlpool are necessary lengths to go to. As an ex-Gorosei member, it would make sense that Hinokizu would rather kill and defend indiscriminately than risk making allies and eventually being sold out by them or others.

This would also answer the question of why One Piece mangaka Eiichiro Oda specifically had Shiryu of the Rain guess that Hinokizu is “a Government man” in chapter 1081. This would also fit with Oda’s modus operandi of very subtle and implicit foreshadowing which can later prove to be a major plot point or setup. Fans specifically pointed this out at the time of chapter 1081’s release as well, further supporting this interpretation of the “throwaway” line.

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One argument against this is that the nature of Imu’s connection with the Gorosei as fans currently understand it would suggest that his survival could be sensed by Imu and co. However, this is working on very limited information concerning a subject which fans have not received a formal explanation on as of this article’s writing. Likewise, it’s equally possible that fans simply don’t understand the connection’s nature, and that Hinokizu was able to sever it.

Unfortunately, this is all still speculative as of this article’s writing, with the latest spoilers for chapter 1125 not expanding on Saint Saturn’s demise any further, or mentioning Hinokizu at all. That being said, fans can expect an answer on who Hinokizu is sooner rather than later, especially with the Straw Hats finally heading to Elbaf as the series’ final saga progresses.