The latest arc of the One Piece manga series, known as the Elbaph arc, has ignited a wave of speculation among fans eager to dissect its myriad mysteries. Within just a handful of chapters, Eiichiro Oda’s narrative has introduced a variety of compelling questions, ranging from the truth behind Shanks’ supposed twin to the circumstances surrounding Loki’s confinement.
One of the most captivating elements of this storyline is the enigmatic woman who arrives at Elbaph alongside the Emperor’s doppelgänger. With her face shrouded in mystery and only her left eye visible, little is known about her, other than her affiliation with the World Government and her unusual abilities. Nevertheless, one astute fan has proposed a tantalizing theory regarding her true identity.
Zoro’s Childhood Friend May Have Returned Stronger Than Ever
Kuina Could Be Hiding Behind the Bandages
In chapter #1334, this unidentified woman surfaces on the island of Elbaph alongside Shanks’ twin, searching for Loki. With her face nearly obscured, fans are left guessing about her identity. Her only action in the chapter—attacking two Giants for information on Loki—does not provide any clarity.
Despite the lack of information, many fans speculate that her identity will come as a surprise, as Oda has positioned her as a key figure in this arc. One fan, known as @BlacktyonteXavi, hypothesizes that this mysterious woman could actually be Kuina, Zoro’s childhood friend who tragically died. While this notion might seem implausible, there are several compelling clues supporting this theory.
Significantly, the name Kuina is linguistically connected to sewing in Hawaiian, which could correlate with the bandages she wears—either to conceal her face or due to injuries potentially sustained from her childhood accident where she fell down the stairs. This bizarre cause of death has long perplexed fans. Furthermore, Zoro is frequently depicted with bandages after intense battles, suggesting a thematic connection.
Another intriguing reference comes from chapter #1094, which features an illustration of Wano’s Shimotsuki Family. In this image, Zoro’s swords, charged with black lightning from his Conqueror’s Haki, hover over Kuina’s figure, mirroring the teleportation abilities of the enigmatic woman in Elbaph. A red-haired man looms above the family, hinting at Shanks’ twin.
Kuina Could Have Been Cloned by the World Government
@BlacktyonteXavi presents two potential explanations for Kuina’s supposed return. The first suggests that the World Government may have cloned her, training a duplicate to become a lethal swordsman, meant to eliminate anyone opposing them. This theory draws parallels to Zoro’s initial encounter with Tashigi in the Logue Town arc, where he mistakenly identifies her as his late friend. This cloning conundrum isn’t unprecedented, as evidenced by the Seraphim creations.
Alternatively, it is posited that Kuina could have been reborn in a new body, allowing her to fulfill her aspirations of becoming the world’s greatest swordswoman. Despite her father’s disapproval during her youth, Zoro continually encouraged her to pursue her dreams. This theory envisions Kuina’s spirit striving to achieve her goals, albeit in the body of one of God’s Knights.
The Possibility of Kuina Returning Is Outstandingly Low
The Theory Does Not Account for the Physical Features of the Mysterious Woman
While the idea of Kuina being the identity of the mysterious woman is intriguing, it is unlikely to materialize. Kuina’s death is a crucial aspect of Zoro’s backstory, considerably influencing his drive to become the best swordsman. Reviving her character would diminish the weight of her death and complicate Zoro’s narrative further. Oda has yet to provide concrete indications of Kuina’s return, as her character remains largely unmentioned throughout the series.
Another significant counterpoint is the visual discrepancy between Kuina and the cloaked woman. Kuina had distinct black hair and eyes, whereas the new character seems to exhibit much lighter features. Until her true physical attributes are unveiled, it’s evident that they do not align with Kuina’s, dismissing the possibility of cloning, as these experiments typically maintain identical traits to their original counterparts. Equally absent is any proof of reincarnation within the One Piece universe, which undermines the rebirth theory.
While the notion of Kuina being the mysterious woman makes for stimulating discussion, the chances of its realization remain tenuous. Nevertheless, fans can look forward to unraveling the secrets of this character soon, as Oda has indicated that thrilling developments await. By the conclusion of the Elbaph arc, the enigma surrounding the bandaged woman is expected to be resolved.