Warning: This article includes spoilers from the Elbaf arc of One Piece.
Overview of the Elbaf Arc
- The Elbaf arc unfolds a wealth of lore surrounding the Second World and its conflicts in One Piece.
- This arc highlights the devastating consequences of humanity’s avarice and its ceaseless power struggles.
- It introduces the origin of Devil Fruits, the conflicts among deities, and the escalation towards an ultimate war in the Third World.
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The latest chapter from the One Piece Elbaf arc has captivated fans with its unprecedented breadth of lore. Author Eiichiro Oda has significantly raised the stakes, revealing not only answers to longstanding mysteries but also introducing even more profound enigmas. The recent developments notably tie back to the historically significant Void Century, an era that remains one of the most guarded secrets in the storyline. In chapter 1138, Nico Robin deciphers the enigmatic Harley texts, shedding light on the Second World and its intertwining with the Void Century narrative.
The War of the First World in One Piece
The world faced cataclysm as flames engulfed the land, driven by humanity’s insatiable desires that drew them to the perilous Sun. Enslaved souls prayed for salvation, leading to the emergence of the Sun God. This invocation of divine power sparked the fury of the Earth God, culminating in a devastating confrontation that cast the world into chaos and darkness, forever severing their fates.
According to the Harley texts, two calamities devastated the One Piece universe. The first occurred approximately 900 years ago, signifying the inception of the Void Century, while the second took place around 1600 years earlier. The texts depict a technologically advanced world—vast structures and factories amid the dramatic backdrop of flames consuming the heavens. The embodiment of the Mother Flame was exploited recklessly, indicating a society that had attained the ability to craft an artificial sun, surpassing even the innovations of Vegapunk during the Egghead arc.
“Our world was destroyed twice in the past, according to the Harley!”— Jarul
This age of hubris led humanity to enslave others in their quest for dominance and control over the Mother Flame. As the burdens of captivity became unbearable, the yearning for freedom summoned forth the Sun God, purportedly arriving from the Moon aboard a vessel akin to the Maxim. This act provoked the Earth God’s wrath, resulting in cataclysmic warfare that obliterated the civilized world.
The War of the Second World
Second World
In this later timeline, breath rekindled the desolation of the void, invoking the Forest God and ushering forth demons while the Sun continued igniting the flames of conflict. Across the lands, disparate factions began to form—a world stilled by despair, spurred to violence amidst a rich era where the keys to survival lay in technology and power.
The legend of Joy Boy emerged as pivotal to understanding this Second World; a significant figure born into a flourishing kingdom approximately 900 years ago, destined to ignite a new epoch. As civilization slowly rebuilt, it held onto the remnants of its past, including the extraordinary advancements from the First World.
The Forest God, possibly linked to revered trees within the lore or even the mythical figure of Nika, commanded the creation of demons. This leads us to ponder two interpretations: were these demons literally the foundation of Devil Fruits, or were they an army composed of eldritch beings dedicated to the Forest God?
The Dreams of the D People
Across this narrative, the inhabitants of the half-moon (the D People) and the full-moon denizens (winged races) cast their hopes for a resurgence. Their combined dreams facilitated the return of the Sun God, as they faced the unification of 20 kingdoms against the Ancient Kingdom, ultimately leading to the Sun’s demise.
The Death of the Sun
It is crucial to differentiate that reference to “the Sun”signifies the holder of the Mother Flame rather than the Sun God. Through seizing this power, humanity transcended to godhood, but at the cost of Joy Boy’s life during this fierce clash.
The Rage of the Sea God
Following Joy Boy’s death, the mythical Sea God’s fury was unleashed, as tidal forces rose, submerging the world beneath 200 meters of water. While the identity of the Sea God remains obscured, many fans speculate it to be Shirahoshi, the embodiment of Poseidon’s legacy.
The Creation of the Devil Fruits
In this epoch, the origins of Devil Fruits can be traced back to two possible scenarios. Either the Forest God birthed them amid his dominion over demons, or the collective wishes and aspirations of the half-moon and full-moon peoples catalyzed their creation. This ties into a larger understanding of their distinct attributes, which set them apart from mere mortals.
The mural associated with the Adam Tree illustrated Joy Boy leading a coalition against Imu, the Earth God, a figure wielding the Sun’s power—essentially the driving force behind the Ancient Weapons. The conflict brought forth numerous allies, including Giants, Kuja, Fishmen, Tontatta, Samurai, Minks, and Lunarians. The aftermath saw the world sink significantly while losing the reliance on the now-defunct Sun power source, elucidating the long slumber that enveloped the Ancient Weapons.
As we stand on the brink of the Third World, the stage is set for an unparalleled war that promises to reshape the landscape of One Piece.
Fans can follow the journey of One Piece through Viz Media, and catch up on official chapters for free via the Shonen Jump and Manga Plus apps. The release of the next chapter, One Piece 1138, is scheduled for February 2, 2025.
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