This article contains spoilers from One Piece's Elbaf arc.
One Piece is a very unique story when it comes to Shonen. While battles are indeed the focus of the story, Oda has himself stated on many occasions that he wanted to create something very different from what series like Dragon Ball offered, and that is why instead of big fights, he made adventure the focus of the story. However, despite that, at the end of the day, battles are an important part of One Piece, and fans know that very well.
One Piece Author Oda Reveals A Marine Strong Enough To Become The Pirate King
This marine is so strong that he could have become the Pirate King had he been a pirate in One Piece.
The last big battle that fans got in One Piece was Luffy versus Kaido, which happened at the end of the Wano Country Arc. Now, it is quite clear to see that Oda is officially setting up another big battle, however, this time, Luffy will not be involved. The biggest battle that Oda is setting up is not the fight that will take place in Elbaf. Instead, it is a battle that will once again set things into motion that cannot be undone. This fight will be between Blackbeard and Shamrock Figarland, Shanks’s twin brother who was recently introduced in the story.
After Luffy vs Kaido, Oda Has Officially Set Up Blackbeard Vs Shamrock Figarland
It is no surprise to know that Oda often draws parallels between the first part of One Piece and the second part of the story set in the New World. There are many arcs that draw similarities to each other, such as Dressrosa and Arabasta. Another example would be Ace being captured by Blackbeard in the first half of the story, and Garp being captured by the Blackbeard Pirates in the second half of the story.
Zehahahahahaa, so you've come, Red Hair. That scar looks very good on you. But, it isn't time for us to fight. Not yet at least. I got what I wanted. — Blackbeard to Shanks in One Piece's Marineford arc
Clearly, there are similarities that Oda often likes to play at. In the first part of One Piece, the biggest battle that changed the course of the era was Ace vs Blackbeard. This fight led to the Paramount War, which changed the world of One Piece forever.
Now, the biggest battle that will turn the tide of the era is Blackbeard versus Shamrock. Blackbeard is planning a major move at the moment, and he recently asked Lafitte to prepare something major at UMIT Shipping Port. For those who do not know, this port lies right next to the Red Line, which means Marijoa is quite close from there.
Is everything ready, Lafitte? Well, don't just stand there. Make preparations and get ready. It's time for us to depart. — Blackbeard to Lafitte in One Piece's Elbaf Arc
His main goal is likely an open negotiation with the World Government for Garp. At the same time, the Holy Land is under attack at the moment. The most likely culprit is Blackbeard, who used this negotiation tactic to launch a direct assault on the Holy Land.
Meanwhile, immediately after being sent to Elbaf, Shamrock was called back due to an emergency in the Holy Land. Clearly, he was asked to return to stop whoever had attacked the Holy Land, and if that is Blackbeard, the biggest battle that Oda is setting up at this point is Blackbeard versus Shamrock.
Shamrock And Blackbeard Could Hold The Same Ambition
Fans know very well that Blackbeard holds the same goal as his father, Rocks. He wants to take over the entire world and, in that sense, defeat Imu. To do that, attacking the Holy Land is absolutely essential and he might just be doing that right now.
The ferocious warriors of Elbaf once conquered the New World. The world government shall have their power, no matter what! — Shamrock Figarland to Gunko in One Piece's Elbaf Arc
One Piece: 7 Arcs To Come After Elbaf
Elbaf is great, but even bigger arcs are coming after it in One Piece.
However, doing so will not be easy because the Holy Knights and the Five Elders will most certainly stand in his way. Shamrock Figarland was specifically called back to face a threat like Blackbeard. But, at the same time, Shamrock is one of the most important characters in the Final Saga, given that Oda gave him special highlight in the most important panel of One Piece.
This means Shamrock has an importance that goes beyond just serving Imu. It is possible that Shamrock will, in some way, betray Imu, which will make his character arc even more interesting.
Blackbeard Will Triumph Over Shamrock
If Shamrock and Blackbeard were to fight, then it is highly likely that the latter will be the one to triumph in this clash. However, Shamrock doesn't particularly hold any value for any character. Shanks will not care enough to save him, nor will the World Government, who consider all those who fall disposable. As such, the likelier outcome here could be Shamrock betraying the World Government and setting out on his own path.
Perhaps, he might do something as shocking as joining hands with Blackbeard and that would certainly change the tides of the era forever. It will be extremely interesting to see which way Oda takes his character in the Final Saga.
Eiichiro Oda's One Piece focuses on the journey of Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates as they sail the seas to lay claim to the grand treasure known as the One Piece. The manga is currently in its Final Saga. One Piece will be featured in this week's Weekly Shonen Jump Issue. The official release date of One Piece Chapter 1168 is December 7, 2025. In Japan, One Piece drops at 12AM JST on Monday, which is 11:00 AM EST, or 8:00 AM PT. Fans can read the chapter for free on Manga Plus and the Shonen Jump apps. Doing so will ensure that fans always support the author.
- Release Date
- October 20, 1999
- Network
- Fuji TV
- Directors
- Hiroaki Miyamoto, Konosuke Uda, Junji Shimizu, Satoshi Itō, Munehisa Sakai, Katsumi Tokoro, Yutaka Nakajima, Yoshihiro Ueda, Kenichi Takeshita, Yoko Ikeda, Ryota Nakamura, Hiroyuki Kakudou, Takahiro Imamura, Toshihiro Maeya, Yûji Endô, Nozomu Shishido, Hidehiko Kadota, Sumio Watanabe, Harume Kosaka, Yasuhiro Tanabe, Yukihiko Nakao, Keisuke Onishi, Junichi Fujise, Hiroyuki Satou
Cast
-
Mayumi TanakaMonkey D. Luffy (voice) -
Kazuya NakaiRoronoa Zoro (voice)
WHERE TO WATCH
One Piece is a Japanese manga written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda. The series follows protagonist Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat Pirate crew as they explore the Grand Line to find the King of the Pirates' ultimate treasure, the One Piece, in order to become the next king. The manga's popularity helped it spin off into a larger media franchise, including an anime with more than 1,000 episodes.
- Studio
- Toei Animation
- Creator
- Eiichiro Oda
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu, Pluto TV
