Vivi's Straw Hat reunion may start One Piece's Ragnarok

One of the most anticipated plotlines for mangaka Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece series heading into the Elbaph Arc was Nefertari D. Vivi’s reunion with the Straw Hat Pirates. Fans suspected this based on what seemed to be a signal to them which she snuck into the latest issue of Big News Morgans’ newspaper.

However, since the Elbaph Arc has begun, many fans are questioning the reunion’s possibility since it seems to be headed in a different direction.

That direction is one apparently inspired by Norse mythology, with the general idea that Prince Loki of Elbaph will somehow start the apocalyptic Ragnarok event for the island. However, given the high priority placed on Vivi’s recapture by Imu and the World Government, it’s possible that One Piece’s Elbaph Arc will combine and execute both plotlines.

The World Government, not Loki, will start One Piece’s Ragnarok over Vivi reuniting with the Straw Hat Pirates

Expand Tweet

The most basic reason why the World Government could start One Piece’s Ragnarok over Vivi reuniting with the Straw Hats comes from Chapter 1125. When Saint Garling Figarland is introduced as the Gorosei’s new Warrior God of Science & Defense, his words imply that some sort of world-changing battle or event is coming. At the time, fans were unsure of what this meant, instead taking it as memorable dialogue for a distinct introduction.

Yet given what has transpired since, it seems likely that this event was meant to set up Ragnarok. The Holy Knights, whom Garling led before joining the Gorosei, will likely be invading Elbaph in order to retrieve Vivi.

Obviously setting up her reunion with the Straw Hats is the X mark she put on Luffy’s wanted poster. However, Volume 24’s cover art also sees her and Luffy in front of a large tree with rusty swords in it (in addition to parting ways in Volume 24’s events).

Coincidentally, the island of Elbaph its has also shown fans a large sword running through the Yggdrasil tree, also known as Treasure Tree Adam. This is also all in addition to the additional setup One Piece did when Vivi and the Straw Hats initially separated.

Her speech alone is a clear indicator that they’ll reunite one day, with this latest evidence specifically justifying it happening in Elbaph rather than the reunion itself happening.

Imu's obsession with Vivi is why the Holy Knights will pursue her (Image via Toei Animation)

Going back to Garling and Chapter 1125, the issue also sees the new Gorosei member confirm that Vegapunk York, and in turn the Mother Flame, are under his jurisdiction. This is significant as Imu doesn’t control Uranus (the Ancient Weapon powered by the Mother Flame) himself, but orders the Gorosei to use it. They in turn execute the order and ensure everything is all wrapped up, as seen in Chapter 1086.

In other words, one of One Piece’s Gorosei now has everything they need to utilize the Mother Flame at their own need and want. This will likely be the actual start of Ragnarok, with Garling (an ex-Holy Knights leader) using the Ancient Weapon to help the Holy Knights invade Elbaph from above. Further setting this up is chapter 1086’s discussion of testing Uranus, with the Gorosei initially suggesting a forested area, which Elbaph happens to be, before Imu intervenes.

Expand Tweet

Using Uranus on Elbaph and targeting its forested areas immediately brings the Yggdrasil tree to mind. The tree being Uranus’ target seems especially likely for two reasons, the first being its confirmation as Treasure Tree Adam. The series has consistently said that the tree’s wood is nearly indestructible, almost promising its eventual demise. The second reason is that lighting Yggdrasil ablaze would parallel what happens in Norse mythology’s version of Ragnarok.

This train of logic even fits with what has been set up in the Elbaph Arc thus far, with the miniature Yggdrasil in Road’s recreation of Elbaph almost being burnt down. Moreover, Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji were the cause of the tree almost being burnt down, with the trio coincidentally being instrumental in the Alabasta Arc’s events and being close with Vivi. With all of this in mind, it seems likely that Vivi’s reunion with Luffy and co may lead to Elbaph’s destruction.

Final thoughts

Vivi's return to the Straw Hat crew may come at a heavy cost (Image via Toei Animation)

While the above is still speculative, there is clearly a significant amount of solid, narratively-based evidence that Vivi’s reunion with the Straw Hats will start Ragnarok. Garling’s introduction to the Gorosei, status as an ex-Holy Knights leader, and being in control of Vegapunk York are key to this hypothetical cause-and-effect scenario.