This article includes spoilers for the Elbaf arc of One Piece.
Overview
- Shamrock is not the primary antagonist of Elbaf; his mission is focused on Marijoa.
- The Holy Knights are not formidable enough to serve as the main antagonists.
- Loki is unlikely to be the primary villain and may evolve into an ally.
Quick Navigation
- Shamrock Figarland’s Mission to Marijuana
- Loki: A Potential Ally
- Identifying Elbaf’s Main Antagonist
The Elbaf arc of One Piece has captivated fans with its thrilling developments, but one question remains—who is the arc’s main antagonist? Traditionally, Eiichiro Oda introduces the key villains early in the narrative, often before the arc officially starts. This pattern was evident in notable arcs such as Arabasta, Dressrosa, and Wano Country. Although Oda appeared to follow this trend by introducing a formidable character early on, it’s evident that the primary antagonist in Elbaf remains unclarified and will likely lead to ongoing speculation as the story unfolds.
Shamrock Figarland’s Mission to Marijuana
The introduction of Shamrock Figarland sparked significant excitement among fans, as he is depicted as an exceptionally powerful fighter, even capable of challenging major characters like Luffy. Initially, there was widespread anticipation that Shamrock would serve as the primary villain of the arc. However, as the plot progressed, it became evident that Shamrock has his sights set on subjugating Elbaf for the World Government, evidenced by his invitation to Loki to join the Holy Knights. This invitation quickly turned hostile as he subsequently attacked Loki when the offer was declined.
Shamrock’s orders to proceed to Marijoa, delivered from above—presumably from Garling Figarland or even Imu—indicate his primary allegiance lies with the threats facing the World Government, particularly the Revolutionary Army and possibly the Blackbeard Pirates. This suggests he is not Elbaf’s main antagonist.
Fans are aware of three other Holy Knights present in Elbaf: Gunko, Saint Shepherd Sommers, and Saint Rimoshifu Killingham. While these characters are powerful in their own right, they lack the gravitas necessary to serve as the arc’s central menace. Their combined strength pales in comparison to Shamrock, indicating that the real threat in Elbaf still awaits revelation.
Loki: A Potential Ally
The Framing of Loki in King Harald’s Death
While many fans speculate that Loki could emerge as Elbaf’s key antagonist, evidence suggests a different narrative direction. Though he possesses immense power and has been portrayed as a potential threat to the world, Loki may not be the villain he appears to be. His encounter with Mosa-kou reveals a more benevolent nature, contradicting the perception of him as purely villainous.
Notably, Luffy, known for his keen ability to judge character, has shown trust in Loki, hinting at a possible future alliance. Additionally, recent storytelling elements suggest that Loki’s fate may be intertwined with larger patterns in the narrative, particularly when considering the Ancient Giants’ imagery related to Nika that evokes a shared legacy.
Identifying Elbaf’s Main Antagonist
Is the True Villain Yet to Appear?
Oda has multiple routes he can explore for establishing Elbaf’s main antagonist. One possibility is a confrontation between Luffy and Loki in which Loki recognizes Luffy’s identity as the Sun God and ultimately aligns with him. This scenario would facilitate a dynamic shift from adversaries to allies by the arc’s conclusion, while the Holy Knights could contend with Luffy’s crew or the Giants.
Alternatively, Oda may introduce an even stronger rival—perhaps a more formidable Holy Knight or a new character entirely—to challenge Luffy. Regardless of the path Oda chooses, one thing is clear: the Elbaf arc is just beginning, promising suspense and intrigue as Luffy’s journey unfolds.
Fans can catch up on One Piece through official platforms like Viz Media, Shonen Jump, and the Manga Plus app. The upcoming release date for chapter 1141 is set for March 2, 2025.
Leave a Reply ▼