One Piece's Elbaf arc may actually be its promised final war arc, and the World Government is the key

Modified Sep 07, 2024 23:36 GMT

One Piece fans have long speculated that the Elbaf arc will play a crucial role in the series' climax, but it may also serve as the setting for the long-promised Final War. Recent developments suggest that Elbaf, home of the warlike Giants, could be the battleground for a massive conflict involving the World Government, Luffy’s allies, and the Four Emperors.

With the Giants siding with Luffy during the Egghead incident, the World Government has reason to retaliate, potentially sparking a war that mirrors Marineford. As key figures converge, Elbaf may mark the beginning of the series' ultimate showdown.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are solely those of the author.

One Piece: World Government's response to the Giants' involvement in the Egghead Island arc

A mysterious man is shown waiting for the Straw Hats at Elbaf (Image via Shueisha)

The Final War in One Piece could be a "battle royale" involving the Four Emperors, taking place in Elbaf, a land known for war and conflict. The Giants of Elbaf allied themselves with Luffy during the Egghead incident, leading to a threat from Saturn, a high-ranking World Government official, who declared that the Giants and Luffy would be erased from history.

This sets the stage for a war in Elbaf, as the World Government may seek to punish the Giants for their involvement. Jaguar D. Saul and Vegapunk (Lilith), both dangerous sources of information, are currently in Elbaf, adding more reasons for the World Government to invade.

One Piece: The Native Hunting Competition and the arrival of major players in the upcoming arc

Saint Garling Figarland (Image via Shueisha)

A potential catalyst for this conflict could be the next “Native Hunting Competition,” which happens every three years. The last one took place at God Valley 38 years ago, and the next may occur in Elbaf. In God Valley, the Holy Knights were involved, and they will likely be sent again, especially since Dragon warned that the mobilization of the Holy Knights would spark major fighting.

This could lead Dragon and his Revolutionary Army, including Sabo, to join the battle in Elbaf. Shanks, who is currently pursuing Blackbeard, might also return to Elbaf to face his foe.

One Piece: Shanks’ fate and the parallels to Marineford arc

Shanks as shown in the anime series (Image via Toei Animation)

One intriguing possibility is that a “mysterious man” introduced earlier could be one of the Holy Knight and Shanks' twin brother. This figure could witness Shanks' death, mirroring how Luffy watched his brother Ace die in Marineford. Just as Marineford was a climactic battle centered on rescuing Ace, Elbaf could mirror this by focusing on saving or avenging Shanks.

Elbaf would symbolically mirror Marineford in many ways: in Marineford, the pirates invaded the Marine headquarters, while in Elbaf, the World Government could invade Yonko territory.

Akainu, who killed Ace, may reappear in Elbaf, only to be confronted by Sabo, who seeks to avenge his fallen brother. Shanks, who intervened to end the Marineford War, might lose his life in Elbaf, passing on his straw hat to Luffy in a touching final moment, just as Ace shared his last words with Luffy before dying.

Shanks' death during the “Elbaf Tournament” would bring his character arc to a fitting end. Shanks, who was discovered in a chest during the God Valley incident, may meet his fate in a similar grand tournament in Elbaf, completing a powerful narrative cycle. Other significant characters, such as Buggy, Mihawk, Crocodile, and Coby, may also join this climactic battle.

Final thoughts

Dorry and Broggy as shown in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Ultimately, Elbaf could be the arc that mirrors Marineford and parallels God Valley. In this final war, the World Government may initiate the conflict due to the actions of the Giants, bringing all key players together. After the war, only two pirate crews would remain in the quest for the One Piece, Luffy’s and Blackbeard’s, setting the stage for the ultimate showdown.