One Piece chapter 1138 has stirred a palpable excitement among fans by unraveling some of the series’ deepest secrets, particularly surrounding Red-Haired Shanks and the enigmatic Void Century. The chapter opens with Shamrock, a member of the God’s Knights, revealing to Loki that he shares a twin bond with Shanks. It culminates with Franky, visibly captivated by an intricate mural from the Void Century that illustrates both the historical context of the world and speculates about its future.
This chapter not only introduces transformative revelations but also supports several entrenched theories circulating within the fan community. Fans will find connections to the Grand Line’s genesis, the enigmatic Mother Flame, the origins of Devil Fruits, and insights into the anticipated grand scale “Final War” that many speculate will characterize the conclusion of One Piece.
Shanks: The Younger Heir of the Figarland Dynasty
Shanks’ Dual Heritage: The Roger Pirates and the Figarland Family
The narrative begins with Shamrock disclosing to Loki that he and Shanks are twins. He conveys disdain for Shanks’ current status as the Emperor of the Seas, stating that while Shanks returned to the Figarland family, he ultimately chose a life surrounded by piracy. This revelation paints Shamrock’s contempt for his brother and his desire to distance himself from that legacy. He also unveils that his sword possesses extraordinary powers reminiscent of a mythical Zoan Devil Fruit, transforming it into the fabled Cerberus—a creature that guards the gates of the Underworld.
There’s precedent in the series for inanimate objects consuming Devil Fruits, a concept explored through characters like Mr.4 and Spandam. However, Shamrock’s sword’s appearance parallels the awakening of a Zoan Devil Fruit—an unconventional twist for an object. Cerberus symbolically positions Shamrock as a guardian of Hell, positioning him, figuratively, as a mere dog for the higher powers of Imu and the Gorosei.
This insight effectively dispels the theory suggesting that Blackbeard wields a third Devil Fruit known as Cerberus while simultaneously provoking speculation about Shanks. Perhaps his sword, Gryphon, may bear a hidden Devil Fruit ability. As Luffy grapples with the notion of Shanks belonging to a family beyond the Roger Pirates, a mysterious character—a man dressed in traditional garb with blonde hair—enters the scene, potentially linking him to the elusive Scopper Gaban.
Unveiling the World Prior to the World Government
A History of Destruction: The World Before The Void Century
Franky discovers a segment of the Adam Tree adorned with graffiti representing the Harley, a mural crafted by children approximately 800-900 years ago during the Void Century. The mural is intricately divided into three sections, each depicting a prophecy associated with the Harley. Speculations abound regarding the fate of the First World, hinted to have been destroyed by nuclear conflict and a Hellflame Serpent, while the Second World faced deluge at the hands of Uranus, and the Third World’s destiny seems poised for a climactic battle involving every race and a formidable demonic presence akin to Imu.
In the depiction of the First World, an avant-garde civilization teeming with skyscrapers is observed. This society, unlike others depicted in the mural, reveals a fully human population driven by the exploiting of the Mother Flame and enslaving a portion of the populace—the individuals who would later summon Nika. In retribution for humanity’s transgressions, an Earth God unleashed the aforementioned Hellflame Serpent, with the first Sun God emerging amid the chaos instigated by the oppressed. Notably, the artwork hints at the construction of three ships: one under construction, another suspended in the air, and the third submerged.
As previously hypothesized by sources like The Library of Ohara, a possible interpretation is that high society resided on the artificial Red Line before being engulfed in turmoil brought on by the Earth God’s Hellflame Serpent, summoning an era of nuclear devastation. Dorry and Broggy’s recollections of giants struggling against the “blood-stained snake” could parallel Norse mythology’s Jörmungandr. Moreover, it is inferred that during this period, the three Ancient Weapons might have been constructed, symbolized by the three ships. The moon appears to have been colonized as well, albeit abandoned due to insufficient resources.
Insights into the Void Century and the Imminent Conflict
Foreshadowing the Conclusion of One Piece
The narrative recounting of the Void Century revisits familiar themes while illuminating a society vying for reconstruction, utilizing remnants of the Mother Flame, alongside a “Forest God”responsible for generating Devil Fruits. Central to the mural is the representation of the tree producing these noteworthy fruits; however, the reemergence of the Mother Flame only deepened societal discord.
Following the strife between the Great Kingdom and the Twenty Kingdoms—culminating in the formation of the World Government—Imu wielded the Ancient Weapon Uranus to submerge the world, a fact already known from Vegapunk’s earlier accounts. Joyboy met his demise in this conflict, allowing the Celestial Dragons to affirm their godlike status. Joyboy’s aspirations remained unfulfilled, in stark contrast to the hopes of both moon-dwelling and half-moon individuals, potentially representative of the D.clan.
The closing segment of the mural presents conjectures about forthcoming events and potential spoilers regarding the conclusion of One Piece. Accompanying text hints at the vestiges of promises made by Joyboy to diverse races scattered throughout history, who may finally unite to confront a formidable demonic entity depicted in the mural. Interestingly, Nika might symbolize either Joyboy himself or Luffy, standing surrounded by allies he has gathered along the way—representatives from various races including Minks, Emet the robot, an ancient giant, regular giants, Tontatta, a mermaid reminiscent of Poisedon/Shiraoshi, a Lunaria, and numerous individuals aboard boats.
This convergence of past inhabitants’ struggles suggests that what should have transpired in the past is destined to unfold in the current narrative with Luffy and his diverse coalition. While numerous elements are introduced and visualized, much awaits clarification as subsequent chapters unfold. The introductions of these pivotal endgame themes imbued with mystery signal the impending resolution of the One Piece saga and the long-prepared answers to fans’ enduring inquiries looming on the horizon.
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