One Piece's Elbaf arc may not be right after Egghead, and for good reason

Modified Jul 10, 2024 12:26 GMT

One Piece Egghead arc is about to reach its climax as the majority of the Straw Hat Pirates have mounted the Thousand Sunny and the rest will be accompanying the Giants towards their next destination, Elbaf Island.

But the Elbaf arc could be the final arc of the series, as indicated by Oda's past comments. If this is the case, it would mean that the Straw Hats would leave the island without any injuries, which is not true. Where Luffy has sustained damage by using Gear 5 so many times since he entered the island, Zoro could face some lethal injuries against Saint Nusjuro.

So, entering Elbaf Island in such a state would mean the instant doom of the Straw Hat Pirates. They could stop at another island for a mini prequel to the final, and what better place could be than the island of a former ally, ie, Sphinx Island. The Straw Hats could make a brief stop to replenish their resources and bodies until making a final trip to Elbaf Island.

Disclaimer: This article contains potential spoilers from the One Piece manga series and reflects the author's opinion.

One Piece: Why the Straw Hat Pirates could make a brief stop before entering Elbaf Island?

Zoro vs. Nusjuro as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

One Piece chapter 1119 confirmed that almost all Straw Hat Pirates had boarded ships to be on their way toward the next destination. Nami's group had boarded the Thousand Sunny and crossed the Frontier Dome, which was secured by Vegapunk Edison, after which they crossed paths with Zoro. Unfortunately, they were interrupted by Saint Nusjuro.

Zoro told his team to move forward without them. On the other hand, the groups of Sanji and Luffy had also boarded the ships of the giants after kicking Saint Marcus out of Egghead Island.

But they were interrupted by Saint Warcury who returned to attack them but with the sudden arrival of Emeth, it looked like all was not lost for the Straw Hat Pirates' escape.

But before their escape could be planned, fans need to keep the past and present in check. Luffy has transformed into Gear 5 numerous times on Egghead Island, hinting that his body is exhausted to an extreme extent. On the other hand, Zoro is fighting Saint Nusjuro, whose swordplay could surpass the strongest swordsman, Mihawk.

Hawkins' prediction as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

So the two big guns of the Straw Hat Pirates could get injured before they leave Egghead Island. A much better foreshadowing regarding the Straw Hats is from Basil Hawkin during the Wano arc. After the reunion of Luffy and Zoro on Wano Kingdom, they had to face Basil Hawkins who was allied with Kaido at that time.

After the battle started, Basil predicted that the chances of Luffy and Zoro being alive in the upcoming month were 19%. This foreshadowing could play a main part in the fate of Luffy and Zoro as they exit Egghead Island. So, they could stop at an island temporarily to get healed.

Sphinx Island as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

While there are a lot of islands in the New World, one island would be the most viable stop for the Straw Hat Pirates, the Sphinx Island. The island is the birthplace of one of the strongest pirates, Edward Newgate (more commonly referred to as Whitebeard).

The thing that makes this island the best option for the Straw Hats to make a brief stop at is that the island is not under the control of the World Government due to its poverty. So, they can easily relax here.

Marco as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Chopper could get assistance from Marco, the former Whitebeard Pirate and the current doctor of Sphinx island, in treating Luffy and Zoro. This would be another payback by Marco to the brother of his former crewmate, Portgas D Ace, who died during the Marineford war.

Speaking of Ace, resting on Sphinx could also give Luffy a chance to pay respect to Ace. His grave is on a deserted island that is present near Sphinx Island. So, after escaping the Five Elders from Egghead Island, the Straw Hat Pirates could rest at Sphinx Island for a while before entering Elbaf Island.

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Edited by Ameen Fatima