One Piece: Imu may have sent the Holy Knights to Elbaph

Modified Dec 28, 2024 09:30 GMT

One Piece: Imu may have sent the Holy Knights to Elbaph (Image via Toei Animation)

The world of One Piece stands on the edge of a major conflict, with the mysterious Imu leading the World Government’s secretive plans. Recent clues suggest that Imu may have sent the powerful Holy Knights to Elbaph, home of the giants, to crush their growing resistance.

After the giants allied with Luffy during the Egghead arc, Elbaph has become a key target for the World Government. This article looks at the rising tensions, Imu’s strategic decisions, and what this possible battle could mean for the future of the One Piece world.

The role of Shanks' twin and the Gorosei in One Piece

Shanks' twin met the Gorosei during the Reverie (Image via Toei Animation)

In chapter 907, a character resembling Shanks met with the Gorosei in a private meeting. This individual, theorized to be Shanks' twin, could have a deep connection to Imu and the secret workings of the World Government. Interestingly, unlike the Gorosei, the summoning circle used for this mysterious individual to travel to Elbaph lacked a numerical designation, potentially indicating a direct summons by Imu.

This unique connection highlights their importance in Imu’s plans. In chapter 908, another mysterious character, a woman, was shown bowing to Imu. If Shanks' twin and this woman were sent to Elbaph by Imu, their bowing upon arrival could signify allegiance or acknowledgment of their mission’s gravity. This would set the stage for the events that followed.

Imu as shown in the One Piece anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Shortly after Shanks’ twin’s meeting with the Gorosei, Luffy, Blackbeard, and Shirahoshi's wanted posters were seen destroyed by Imu. This could imply that Shanks’ twin shared critical information about Luffy, prompting Imu’s immediate response. The connection between these events hints at a coordinated effort to suppress threats to the World Government’s supremacy, with Imu pulling the strings behind the scenes.

The giants of Elbaph, a powerful and ancient race, recently allied with Luffy during the Egghead arc. This act of defiance against the World Government did not go unnoticed. Saturn, one of the Gorosei, ominously declared, “If that’s where you stand, we’ll erase you from history along with him (Luffy)!” This statement underscores the gravity of the giants’ decision and foreshadows severe retaliation.

Saint Jaygarcia Saturn (Image via Shueisha)

The World Government’s failure at Egghead provoked Imu to take drastic measures. As punishment for allowing JoyBoy to escape, Imu stripped Saturn of his abilities and immortality, signaling their dissatisfaction with Gorosei’s performance. This failure may have also led Imu to dispatch the Holy Knights to Elbaph, further escalating the conflict.

Potential for a grand showdown in Elbaph

Dragon speaks about the Holy Knights (Image via Shueisha)

The Holy Knights are a shadowy force within the World Government, shrouded in mystery yet known for their devastating power. If Imu has indeed sent them to Elbaph, their arrival could mark the beginning of a brutal campaign against the giants.

This aligns with Dragon’s earlier warning: “If they mobilize the Holy Knights, the fighting will begin.” The theory suggests that this conflict could parallel the God Valley Tournament 38 years ago, where a “Native Hunting Competition” occurred. If such events transpire every three years, the next one may be imminent, with Elbaph as the stage.

Imu reacts to Joyboy's Haki (Image via Shueisha)

In a pivotal moment, the mysterious woman was shown returning to Imu just as he reacted to JoyBoy’s Haki. This could imply that her mission and that of Shanks’ twin are directly tied to JoyBoy’s resurgence. With Saturn’s failure to contain the situation, Imu may have tasked these agents with correcting the course of events, potentially targeting Elbaph as a key battleground. The escalating tension points to a major confrontation in Elbaph.

Imu’s decision to send the Holy Knights could trigger a chain reaction. They may arrive in Elbaph to suppress the giants and eliminate Luffy’s allies. Dragon and the Revolutionary Army could seize the opportunity to challenge the World Government directly. Additionally, Sakazuki (Akainu), the Fleet Admiral, might join the fray, further complicating the situation.

Final thoughts

Two cloaked figures reach Elbaph (Image via Shueisha)

The possible arrival of the Holy Knights in Elbaph hints at a massive battle that could change the world of One Piece. With giants, the Revolutionary Army, and the World Government involved, Elbaph may become the stage for a crucial fight, revealing secrets and shaping Luffy's path forward.