Explained: Big Mom’s Significant Role in One Piece’s Elbaf Arc

This article contains spoilers from the Elbaf Arc of One Piece.

Summary of Events

Big Mom’s ultimate fate remains ambiguous following her battles with Luffy and others.
The Elbaf Arc presents a potential opportunity for Big Mom’s return and her reintegration with the Giants.
Oda has several avenues to reintroduce Big Mom, whether directly or through the perspectives of other characters.

The Fate Of Big Mom After Wano
Incorporating Big Mom Into Elbaf
Should Big Mom Return?
- Big Mom’s Potential for Return

The Fate Of Big Mom After Wano

The Big Mom Pirates were able to escape Wano.
Big Mom’s current status remains uncertain.

The Wano Country Arc marked a crucial turning point for Big Mom, leading to the collapse of her formidable empire. Despite her ambitions for revenge against Luffy by pursuing him to Elbaf, she never efficiently engaged with him in combat. Teaming up with Kaido, she faced the Samurai Ninja Mink Pirate Alliance but ultimately suffered defeat on Onigashima. During the epic confrontation on the rooftop, a split occurred, with Kid and Law taking on Big Mom, allowing Luffy to focus on Kaido.

CP0 famously exclaimed, “It’s the Big Mom Pirates! We’re losing connection!”a sign of the chaos surrounding Big Mom’s defeat. Her confrontation with Kid and Law proved exhilarating for fans, albeit rushed, culminating in Big Mom being thrown into an underground volcano. Following Luffy’s victory over Kaido, Big Mom was eventually seen alongside him, leading to a disastrous volcanic eruption that sent them both into the air. Since that explosion, their fates have remained unclear, raising questions about Big Mom’s survival.

Pudding believes in her mother’s survival, and while Oda has yet to confirm her death, there are hints throughout the narrative suggesting that she may indeed return.

Incorporating Big Mom Into Elbaf

Deep Ties to Elbaf

The upcoming Elbaf Arc offers an ideal opportunity for Oda to reengage Big Mom within the story. This character initially introduced Elbaf to fans during the series; her tragic backstory as an abandoned child deeply connects her to this land of Giants. Notably, her bonds with the Elbaf community include a proposed alliance through the marriage of Lola to Loki, showcasing her potential links to the Giants.

Possibility of a Direct Return

One compelling way for Oda to bring Big Mom back into the fold would be a straightforward return. There is a chance that the Big Mom Pirates could rescue her, allowing her to regroup after losing her Emperor status. This could position her to intersect with Luffy once again on Elbaf, perhaps escalating into a confrontation, but Oda could very well twist expectations by portraying Big Mom as an ally instead.

Moreover, this arc presents an opportunity to explore significant elements of her character arc, including the tragedy of Mother Carmel and her prolonged hunger pangs. With Vegapunk in Elbaf, it is conceivable that her affliction could be addressed, allowing her to pursue her dream of a utopia and possibly even fulfill a maternal role reminiscent of her past.

Exploring Big Mom’s Backstory

Alternatively, Oda might choose not to have Big Mom physically return to Elbaf while still revealing insights into her complex history through other characters. A figure like Jarul, the oldest man in the world at 408 years, could provide foundational narratives related to her past, linking her to Elbaf’s rich lore. Meanwhile, other members of the Big Mom Pirates, potentially led by Katakuri, could be working to form alliances in case Big Mom’s absence becomes permanent.

Should Big Mom Return?

Big Mom’s Potential for Return

The ultimate decision on Big Mom’s return rests with Oda. It’s important to recognize that while she played the role of a villain, her character is nuanced and multi-dimensional. Her ensuing complexities, particularly her childlike demeanor reminiscent of Luffy, hint at the possibility of a kinder side emerging, which could align her with Luffy in future arcs. Whatever direction Oda chooses, fans are hopeful for a satisfying conclusion to her storyline and that of the Big Mom Pirates.

Fans can read One Piece through Viz Media and access the series officially and free of charge via the Shonen Jump and Manga Plus applications. The release date for the next chapter, One Piece 1136, is scheduled for January 19, 2025.

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