This article contains spoilers from the Elbaf arc of One Piece.
Summary of Key Events
- The Holy Knights present a significant challenge to the Straw Hat Pirates in Elbaf.
- The overwhelming power levels of the Holy Knights are causing substantial trouble for the Straw Hats.
- Concerns regarding the potential involvement of Ancient Weapons and Imu heighten the stakes for the crew.
Quick Links
- The Enemies of the Straw Hat Pirates: The Holy Knights
- The Final Enemy Might Not Be on Elbaf Yet
- Reasons Luffy and the Crew Could Suffer Defeat in Elbaf
The Enemies of the Straw Hat Pirates: The Holy Knights
One significant reason the Straw Hat Pirates are encountering difficulties in Elbaf is the sheer strength of their adversaries, the Holy Knights. Notably, Gunko has been incredibly dominant, reportedly overpowering Loki in battle. Recent encounters reveal that she has also bested a substantial segment of the Straw Hats with ease.
“Schools? Libraries? Don’t kid yourselves. You guys are warriors, and you will be our mercenaries!” — Sommers to Elbaf Giants
Alongside Gunko, formidable foes like Saint Killingham and Saint Sommers further complicate the situation. One possesses a God Devil Fruit, while the other exhibits sadistic tendencies, ensuring these opponents are anything but easy to conquer. Compounding the challenge, the prominent Monster Trio of the Straw Hats has been strategically separated from the main crew, complicating their efforts to rescue the captured children.
The Final Enemy Might Not Be on Elbaf Yet
The Straw Hats Might Triumph Against the Holy Knights
While defeating the Holy Knights poses a significant challenge, there remains a possibility that the Straw Hats could succeed, particularly due to the powerful allies backing them. Notably, the legendary Scopper Gaban and the iconic Giants Dorry and Brogy, each boasting bounties of 1.8 billion, could provide the necessary strength to confront the Holy Knights successfully.
“Saturn, why did you let Joy Boy escape?” — Imu
Yet, with half of the crew away, it is plausible that only more dangerous adversaries could arrive if the Straw Hats manage to vanquish the Holy Knights. Characters like Shamrock Figarland or even higher-tier threats like the Five Elders or Imu themselves could soon be dispatched to Elbaf, potentially exacerbating the crew’s struggles.
Potential Reasons for Luffy and the Crew’s Defeat in Elbaf
The Possible Use of an Ancient Weapon
Moreover, it is crucial to consider that Imu has access to Ancient Weapons, heightening the threat level of this conflict. Desperately seeking to eliminate Joy Boy, Imu has already demonstrated lethal intentions by taking down Saturn on Egghead. If the remnants of the Motherflame from Egghead now lie in Marijoa, then unleashing it upon Elbaf could endanger the entire Nation, forcing the Giants to either flee their homeland or face the wrath of an Ancient Weapon.
While the prospect of a Straw Hat defeat may seem far-fetched, it underscores the theme that growth often springs from adversity. Thus, embracing this potential loss could lead to significant character development and resilience.
With Imu’s involvement highly plausible, especially with the tensions escalating in the Abyss, Oda might leverage this moment to showcase Imu’s capabilities ahead of the Final War—an idea that could excite the fanbase. However, the extent to which this will materialize remains uncertain.
Fans eagerly await One Piece Chapter 1146, scheduled for release later this week, with an official release date of April 20, 2025. The latest chapter will be available for free on Manga Plus.