One Piece: Oda Has Already Confirmed A Big Defeat For Luffy

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This article contains spoilers from One Piece‘s Elbaf Arc.

The current arc of *One Piece*, focusing on Elbaf, is proving incredibly popular with fans, and for good reason. It’s been a fantastic addition to the series, offering something for everyone. Action fans are excited about the potential fight between Luffy and Imu, those who enjoy backstory are captivated by the Loki flashback, and fans of the *One Piece* world’s history are fascinated by the Elbaf mural and the lore it reveals. Elbaf truly has broad appeal, making it a standout arc. However, what could elevate it to the very best arc in *One Piece* is a truly monumental challenge for Luffy.

Luffy is incredibly strong in battle, but that doesn’t mean he’s unbeatable. Fans anticipate him facing tough rivals and even losing occasionally, which actually makes the story more thrilling and allows for even bigger wins in the future. It seems like the author, Oda, might be building towards a significant loss for Luffy, and many fans haven’t noticed the clues. Everything is pointing towards Luffy potentially suffering his most devastating defeat yet in the One Piece series.

Luffy’s Vivre Card Plot Device Means He Will Lose

A Luffy Rescue Arc Could Begin Soon In One Piece

  • Luffy will fight Imu soon
  • It might be too soon for Imu to lose

A key reason Luffy will likely experience a defeat in *One Piece* stems from a plot element introduced earlier in the story: Vivre Cards. Ace first showed fans these cards before the time skip, and later, Gloriosa explained their significance – specifically, that burning a card signifies a death – while on Amazon Lily.

Luffy, keep this card – it’s a promise that we’ll meet again someday. I’ll be waiting for you at the very top. – Ace to Luffy

I’ve noticed a pattern with the story. Remember the Vivre Card? It felt like a convenient way for Luffy to find Ace when he was in trouble. It’s actually called the ‘Paper of Life,’ which is pretty fitting. Now, it looks like Oda is doing something similar, but this time the focus is on Luffy himself.

During the Dressrosa arc, Sabo created a special card called a Vivre Card for Luffy. These cards were shared with all members of the Straw Hat Grand Fleet, and both Sabo and Bellamy kept one for themselves, as did the Straw Hat Pirates. Because a Vivre Card, known as the ‘Paper of Life,’ burns when its owner is in danger, fans believe these cards will become important later in the story, likely when Luffy’s life is threatened.

Sabo arranged to have a Vivre Card created for you. I’m getting a copy for myself, and I’ve already shared it with the others.

Luffy’s Vivre Card Is Important

The Grand Fleet Will Begin To Move

I think Oda has a fantastic opportunity with Luffy’s Vivre Card to set up a rescue arc. Seeing Luffy face off against Imu in Elbaf, it feels way too early for Imu to be defeated – Imu’s power level is clearly far beyond Luffy’s right now, and even with significant growth, Luffy wouldn’t be a match. It would be perfect for Oda to have Luffy lose, then launch a rescue mission. I can easily picture the Straw Hats and their Grand Fleet – along with allies like the Kuja tribe and even Sabo – rushing to save him, which could finally trigger a huge, all-out war.

The latest chapter of One Piece, number 1161, will be released this week, as usual on Sundays. While it becomes available in Japan at midnight on Monday (JST), most international fans will be able to read it on September 28th. The official release date is September 28, 2025, and it will be available for free on Manga Plus.

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2025-09-28 23:34