One Piece: Oda Sets Up Elbaf’s First Major Battle

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

Summary

  • The arrival of mysterious hooded individuals in Elbaf, one related to Red Hair Shanks.
  • Holy Knights aim to meet Loki, potentially setting up a battle with Straw Hat Pirates.
  • Luffy may face off against the Shanks look-alike as Elbaf teases an intense battle ahead.

The storyline in “One Piece,” specifically the Elbaf arc, is now fully in motion, yet given Oda’s penchant for detailed plot development, major arcs typically require a substantial setup. Compared to Egghead, which was a shorter arc and therefore moved more swiftly, Elbaf has a unique pace due to its significance and Oda’s eagerness to depict it. Fans have been anticipating this arc for decades, and Oda himself has been eager to illustrate it. Given the importance of Elbaf, it was inevitable that it would take time to gain momentum, but with the latest chapter, it appears we are finally approaching the main conflict of the arc.

Having wrapped up the grand feast in Elbaf, it’s evident that attention will soon shift towards a grander scale event, and with the enigmatic appearance of two cloaked figures within the realm of the giants, it isn’t hard to surmise what this could be.

The Arrival Of The Holy Knights In Elbaf

  • Two Hooded Individuals Affiliated with The Government Showed Up
  • One Of Them Is Related To Red Hair Shanks

In chapter 1134 of One Piece, readers witnessed the emergence of two enigmatic characters in the Giants’ realm. These newcomers left fans in awe when a bolt of black lightning struck the reddish castle in Western Elbaf Village. Upon closer inspection, fans spotted a summoning circle, reminiscent of the Egghead Island arc, but this time, instead of an elder figure, two distinct individuals appeared from it. One resembles Shanks, while the other is a woman with bandages concealing part of her face. The purpose of these strangers’ visit to Elbaf was initially unclear, but Oda swiftly revealed that they intended to meet Loki for some unknown reason.

We’re looking for the one named Loki. – Gunko

In Chapter 1135 of One Piece, these enigmatic figures reappeared, and among them, one displayed a hint of their powers this time. When confronted by two colossal guards in the village, a woman wrapped in bandages approached them and inquired about Loki’s whereabouts. When they failed to provide the desired response, she chose to assert her dominance using cryptic powers. Upon scrutiny, it becomes evident that the power she employed was related to bandages, which aligns with the fact that more than half of her body is swathed in them. To this point, these individuals, who belong to the Holy Knights, haven’t inflicted significant damage on the nation, but that will soon change, and viewers are eagerly awaiting these developments in future One Piece chapters. It is foreseeable that they will cross paths with both Loki and the Straw Hat Pirates during the Elbaf arc, and when that occurs, expect chaos to ensue.

The Straw Hat Pirates vs The Holy Knights

The Straw Hats Are Bound To Run Into The Holy Knights

In Elbaf, as the enigmatic duo wearing hoods arrives, viewers are braced for an escalation of events. Their initial objective is to locate Loki, but encounters with the Straw Hat Pirates might be unavoidable in the future. The map of Elbaf Village, previously marked by Oda, indicates that Luffy, Usopp, and several other formidable characters are positioned near the Aurust Castle of Elbaf, where these hooded figures first emerged. To reach Loki, they must exit the castle and then navigate to the Underworld, a realm distinct from Elbaf. They may use the rope bridge for descent or employ their unique abilities to move between levels. The course they choose could trigger confrontations with the Straw Hat Pirates.

I’m the Sun God who will go on to destroy the world. – Loki

If the Straw Hat Pirates encounter the Straw Hat Pirate look-alike (Shanks) and his crew, the Straw Hat Pirates (specifically Luffy) might engage in an instant fight. However, it’s more probable that they won’t meet immediately.

Should a confrontation occur between them, it would likely take place in the Underworld, where a meeting between the Shanks look-alike and Loki is expected. This suggests that the Holy Knights will probably head to the Underworld first to connect with Loki.

It’s there that Eiichiro Oda might arrange for the Straw Hat Pirates to come face-to-face with the Holy Knights, potentially setting up a future conflict between them.

It appears that a confrontation between Luffy and the man resembling Shanks seems unavoidable at this point, as the red-bearded pirate who was supposedly in Elbaf is missing now. Since the doppelganger is stepping up to fill in for him, fans can expect an epic battle – a prospect that has every reader of the story thrilled with anticipation.

The Future Battle Of Elbaf

Loki Elbaf Will Have To Face Bigger Enemies

Although a showdown between Luffy and the Shanks doppelganger appears imminent, it’s crucial for fans not to underestimate the current situation. The Straw Hat Pirates, accompanied by the Giant Warrior Pirates, are in a strong position, with Loki, though not an ally per se, unlikely to side with the Holy Knights due to his prideful nature. This means that the Holy Knights have little chance of victory here. However, this uncertainty only heightens anticipation, suggesting the emergence of an even more powerful force in Elbaf. There’s a possibility that additional World Government powers may arrive at Elbaf, or perhaps Imu could utilize the Ancient Weapon Uranus given their newfound control over the Motherflame.

In Elbaf, enthusiasts may witness a small conflict currently, but grand events are undoubtedly in store, with everyone eagerly anticipating the turmoil that will erupt in this land as Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates traverse it. The inclusion of captivating characters like Loki and two Holy Knights adds fuel to the fire, promising a spectacle of combat unlike any other. Moreover, this arc is expected to unveil some of the most thrilling lore to readers yet. For now, fans must exercise patience as the narrative unfolds further, allowing Oda to work his magic.

You can access “One Piece” through Viz Media, with official and free reading options available on the Shonen Jump and Manga Plus apps. Fans are encouraged to check these platforms for updates, as the next chapter, “One Piece 1136,” is scheduled to release on January 19, 2025.

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2025-01-15 02:34