One Piece’s true world may be one Oda hasn’t even shown fans yet

The One Piece universe has captured the imagination of its audience with its interesting geography, engaging characters, and the presence of the One Piece treasure. However, Luffy and the crew's voyages may represent only a small part of the entire world.

A Reddit user (@Unable_Bonus4168) shared an interesting theory, hypothesizing that the One Piece world is larger than what has been depicted. This theory suggested that secretive elements lay beyond places like the Red Line and the Grand Line, which served as barriers to the true reality.

In the coming chapters, Eiichiro Oda might eventually reveal a much wider universe. Let’s examine how this theory connects with the series and what signs hint at a hidden world.

Disclaimer: This article includes spoilers of One Piece and reflects the writer's opinion.

Role of the Red Line in the One Piece world

The Red Line as shown in the anime series (Image via Toei Animation)

The Red Line is a massive mountain range that divides the One Piece world, separating the four seas: East Blue, West Blue, North Blue, and South Blue. It also stands as a barrier between the first half of the Grand Line and the New World.

According to the theory, the Red Line might not be a natural formation but an artificial barrier. This barrier could have been constructed to confine humanity to a smaller part of a larger world.

Fishman Island (Image via Toei Animation)

The existence of locations like Reverse Mountain and Fishman Island suggests that access through the Red Line is highly restricted and dangerous. Reverse Mountain’s treacherous currents seem like a deliberate deterrent, while Fishman Island, located deep beneath the ocean, is one of the few known paths into the New World.

These narrow, perilous passages may be deliberate constructions to discourage exploration beyond the known seas. The Red Line may be preventing the Straw Hats from discovering a much bigger reality, hiding entire continents or civilizations beyond it.

The mystery behind the creation of the Grand Line and the Calm Belt in the One Piece world

The Sea Kings as shown in the anime series (Image via Toei Animation)

The Grand Line itself is notorious for its erratic weather, dangerous seas, and magnetic anomalies, making navigation nearly impossible without special tools like the Log Pose.

The surrounding Calm Belt, with its still waters and the presence of Sea Kings, further isolates the Grand Line from the rest of the world. Looking at the circumstances, it can be assumed that these barriers may have been there to keep people from venturing beyond.

Map of a part of the One Piece world (Image via Toei Animation)

This theory suggests that the Grand Line and the Calm Belt may be artificially created or manipulated regions that prevent the exploration of a hidden world. The complexity of navigating the Grand Line could be a deliberate obstacle constructed to prevent anyone from reaching the outer edges of the world or discovering what lies beyond.

Laugh Tale, the legendary final island on the Grand Line, might not just hold the One Piece but could also be the key to unlocking this larger world. Gol D. Roger’s famous laughter could have been his reaction to realizing the confined nature of the known world and the irony of the treasure hunt.

The World Government’s role in hiding the true One Piece world

A central pillar of this theory is that the World Government is fully aware of the existence of a much larger world but has actively suppressed this knowledge to maintain control. The mysterious Void Century, the missing history recorded on the Poneglyphs, and the World Government's extreme efforts to control the narrative all hint that much more is at stake than what the public knows.

The Void Century may have been a time when the world was split apart, and the current barriers, like the Red Line, were constructed to divide the seas and isolate regions from one another. The Poneglyphs, which record the true history, could hold the key to understanding the creation of these barriers and the larger world they conceal.

Nico Robin as shown in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Nico Robin’s quest to decipher these ancient stones aligns perfectly with this theory. She might not only uncover the history of the Void Century but also reveal that the current world is an artificial prison of sorts.

The Celestial Dragons and the mysterious figure Imu may be the true gatekeepers of this secret. Living in Mariejois, high atop the Red Line, the Celestial Dragons are literally and symbolically above the rest of the world.

Silhouette of Saint Imu (Image via Toei Animation)

Imu, who appears to be the true ruler of the World Government, could be tasked with ensuring that the hidden world beyond the Red Line and the Grand Line remains sealed off. Their control over resources and information further strengthens the notion that the world is being deliberately kept small and confined.

The true purpose of the Ancient Weapons in the One Piece world

In the One Piece world, the Ancient Weapons: Pluton, Poseidon, and Uranus, are said to possess the power to destroy entire nations. However, this theory suggests that these weapons might have another purpose. Rather than being tools of destruction, they could be the keys to breaking down the barriers that confine the world and revealing the hidden lands beyond.

Poseidon, in the form of Shirahoshi, has the ability to control the Sea Kings, creatures that live in the Calm Belt. Her power could be essential in dismantling the Grand Line and its surrounding waters, freeing the seas from their unnatural state.

Franky burnt away the blueprints of Pluton (Image via Toei Animation)

Pluton, a weapon of tremendous strength, and Uranus, another weapon with unknown capacities, could potentially cause the destruction of the Red Line. The World Government's fear may not only be because of these Ancient Weapons but also due to realization of actual truth about what the world is truly like.

Joy Boy, a prominent figure from the Void Century, made a promise that still remains in mystery. It is quite possible that Joy Boy's promise was connected to granting the world freedom from the shackles of the World Government.

Monkey D. Luffy (Image via Toei Animation)

Luffy, with his dream of becoming the Pirate King, could be seen as the spiritual successor to Joy Boy. His journey to find the One Piece may not just be about becoming the world’s greatest pirate, but about continuing Joy Boy’s mission to break the barriers that limit humanity’s freedom.

Final thoughts

The hidden world theory in One Piece provides a compelling reinterpretation of the series’ central themes of freedom, exploration, and rebellion against oppression. It suggests that the Grand Line and the Red Line are not merely geographical features but constructed barriers designed to limit humanity’s freedom and exploration.

The World Government’s role in suppressing history, the existence of the Ancient Weapons, and Gol D. Roger’s mysterious laughter fit into this narrative of a confined world, with the true One Piece being the key to unlocking a much larger reality.

While the theory lacks concrete evidence at present, it aligns with many of the series’ overarching motifs and could serve as an epic twist if revealed toward the story’s conclusion.