This article contains spoilers from the Elbaf arc of One Piece.
Overview
- Ace overcame former Shichibukai Hanafuda, resulting in his expulsion from his position.
- Following his defeat, Hanafuda was attacked by pirates and met his demise.
- Hanafuda’s children, Ulti and Page One, continue his legacy, now equipped with Ancient Zoan Devil Fruits.
Quick Links
- Hanafuda: The Former Shichibukai Who Fought Ace
- The Death of Hanafuda in One Piece
- Hanafuda’s Lasting Legacy
Elbaf Arc Insights
The long-anticipated Elbaf arc in One Piece is currently captivating fans with its rich storytelling and expansive lore. Following the recent release of Volume 111, readers have been treated to a wealth of new insights from the SBS (Shitsumon o Boshū Suru?, or “I’m Taking Questions”) segment, where creator Eiichiro Oda humorously and informatively answers fan queries. Among the standout revelations is the story of Hanafuda, a former Shichibukai whose fate intertwines with that of the notorious Ace.
Hanafuda: The Former Shichibukai Who Fought Ace
Initially shrouded in mystery, Hanafuda is now gradually surfacing within the One Piece narrative. He first emerged in Chapter 1100, where it was disclosed that Ace had triumphed over this formidable Shichibukai. The Shichibukai, a group of powerful pirates aligned with the World Government, have always played a pivotal role in the balance of power within the One Piece universe.
The defeat of Hanafuda by Ace led to a vacancy in the Shichibukai, which prompted Kuma’s rise to fill that position. Oda’s subsequent explanations in Volume 109 further illuminated Hanafuda’s character:
Question: In Chapter 1100, the Warlord that Ace beat, which was being talked about by Kuma and St. Saturn, what was that person like?
Answer: He looks like this. His name is “Hanafuda”.His hobby is collecting Ancient Zoan Devil Fruits. His goals remain unclear. His height is 514 cm. Another name for him is “King of Lizards”.
The character design and traits suggest a deep connection to Kaido, the King of Beasts, especially given Hanafuda’s obsession with Ancient Zoan Devil Fruits. His defeat by Ace positioned him as a significant figure in the ongoing power struggles.
The Death of Hanafuda in One Piece
Hanafuda’s Inability to Reach His Children
In Volume 111, Oda addresses Hanafuda’s backstory and his connection to his children, Ulti and Page One. This link is pivotal, as many fans speculated about it, drawing upon Hanafuda’s affiliation with Kaido. Readers learned that Hanafuda had indeed entrusted his children to Kaido:
Q: In Volume 109’s SBS, it was revealed that Hanafuda exists. Is he the father of Ulti and Page One?
O: Huhhh~~~!!! Yes, he is. But what you really meant to ask is about Hanafuda’s connection with Kaido… They clashed as pirates yet allied for a common goal. He believed in Kaido and entrusted his children to him. His quest for Zoan fruits was intended to enhance the Beasts Pirates. After his defeat by Ace, he was killed by rival pirates on his way to his children.
This revelation highlights Hanafuda as a significant figure who, despite his demise, possessed a formidable legacy and a notable relationship with Kaido, underlining the complex alliances within the pirate world.
Hanafuda’s Lasting Legacy
His Children Live On
Although Hanafuda faced a tragic fate, his legacy persists through Ulti and Page One. Endowed with Ancient Zoan Devil Fruits, these characters embody their father’s ambitions. It is highly plausible that Hanafuda passed on these powerful gifts, making them a significant part of his final act as a father. Anticipation builds among fans for how Hanafuda’s story may unfold through the narratives of Ulti and Page One, who are expected to play integral roles moving forward.
Fans can catch the latest chapters of One Piece through official platforms like Viz Media and read them for free on the Shonen Jump and Manga Plus apps. The next exciting chapter, One Piece 1141, is set for release on March 2, 2025.
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