SWORD's reappearance in One Piece could be setting up a Marine Civil War

Modified Jun 18, 2024 08:00 GMT

One Piece chapter 1117 was released on June 17, 2024, and after a very long time, fans got to witness the SWORD members as they were creating the speech of Vegapunk, but something seemed odd about their reactions.

The chapter focused more on the showdown between Roronoa Zoro and Saint Nusjuro and the confirmation of the third Kitetsu sword being in the possession of the Gorosei. Moreover, the Straw Hats have already started their escape plan from Egghead Island.

The discussion between the SWORD members regarding Vegapunk's speech hinted at the start of the Civil War in the Marine Corps which was also hinted from the reactions of Akainu and Sengoku.

Although this 'civil war' has been hinted at numerous times in the previous chapter, this could be the first time it was confirmed through the reactions of Koby and his teammates.

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

One Piece: How the reactions from SWORD members hint at the start of a Civil War

SWORD as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

One Piece chapter 1117 commenced with the reveal of the SWORD members since the last time they appeared while saving Captain Koby from the Blackbeard Pirates on Hachinose Island.

After battling the Yonko Pirates, the SWORD members were injured and were recovering in the GS Navy General Hospital. The only seriously injured members were X Drake and Koby who were fully bandaged as the rest were slightly injured or completely fine.

X Drake was locked in his own room, listening to Vegapunk's speech whereas Koby and the rest of the organization were outside, confused about what to do next after Vegapunk revealed so much in his speech.

The SWORD as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

Amidst all this, Koby asked Prince about how things could be changing from this point onwards, to which Prince complied and said that they would be getting some hard to hear words from their higher-ups. Rear Admiral Kujaku also stated that it was time for them to get 'in action.'

Oddly enough, this discussion between the SWORD members became the talk of the town, and for good reason because it hinted at an upcoming grand event which would be none other than a civil war in the Marine Corps.

After the reveal of the world sinking under water during Vegapunk's speech, fans started speculating about a war amongst the Marine Corps who had no idea about such a thing.

As the Celestial Dragons, the Five Elders, and Imu stood at the top of the Red Line where water wouldn't reach, this would cause the Marine Corps to rebel.

Akainu as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

Moreover, as indicated by the reactions of Sengoku and Akainu to Vegapunk's speech, it also added to the fact that the genius scientist's words crumbled the strongest organization under the World Government. But all of these were just speculations until the release of One Piece chapter 1117.

The chapter gave the first official hint at the upcoming civil war among the Marine Corps. The majority of the SWORD members are still undiscovered by the Marine Corps eyes, making them a servant of the World Government.

As indicated by their words, they could be getting some harsh orders from their higher-ups in the upcoming episodes, which would most likely be to choose a side in the civil war.

Prince explained this scenario in a few words, but there could be more from where this is coming considering the reactions from the SWORD members.

For further confirmation, stay tuned till the next chapter, chapter 1118.

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Edited by Prem Deshpande