The anticipation for One Piece chapter 1144 is building, with its release date set for March 29, 2025. Intriguingly, early raw scans have surfaced, showcasing a futuristic facility reminiscent of the Iron Giant from the ongoing Egghead Arc. This reveal introduces fresh lore for enthusiastic fans, drawing parallels to a notable Studio Ghibli film.
In terms of aesthetics, the futuristic structure bears a striking resemblance to the God Warriors depicted in Nausicaa. However, this connection may delve deeper than mere visual similarities. Historically, the God Warriors were linked to cataclysmic events that altered their world, raising questions about how their legacy could intertwine with the evolving narrative of One Piece.
Disclaimer: The following content includes potential spoilers from the One Piece manga series and the author’s interpretations.
The Elbaph Iron Giant: A Nod to Nausicaa’s God Warriors?
The early scans of One Piece chapter 1144 primarily follow Franky and Ripley as they navigate the chaos instigated by the Holy Knights. Their journey leads them to a facility akin to Emeth, the Iron Giant introduced in the series.
Franky’s excitement is palpable when he discovers this ancient site, as Vegapunk Lilith and Bonney emerge to provide context. They note that the facility was built nearly 300 years ago, marking it as a relic of considerable age. Though Ripley could not share any details, fan speculation suggests that the significance of this facility may run far deeper than its surface appearance.

Understanding the importance of this facility within the One Piece universe requires a comparative study, especially considering that Eiichiro Oda has yet to provide definitive information. The theory suggests that this Elbaph Arc construct might indeed draw inspiration from the remains of the God Warriors found in Ghibli’s Nausicaa.
The God Warriors were biomechanical beings created by ancient civilizations, leading to catastrophic events known as the Seven Days of Fire, which ultimately devastated their world. Over time, their population dwindled, culminating in their extinction during the Ceramic Era.

The deceased biomechanical entities formed a mass that resembles the newly introduced science facility in the Elbaph Arc. This likeness may transcend mere visual correlation and may involve a shared historical significance. Just like the God Warriors, the Elbaph facility could have origins linked to ancient beings that once reigned, constructing rather than annihilating worlds.
These early inhabitants seemingly partitioned the world through the creation of the Red Line following a significant conflict. Once the war subsided, the robots were deactivated, gradually evolving into the science-facility-like structure currently present on Elbaph Island.
Concluding Thoughts and Analysis
This science facility may very well represent the workshop of the Ancient Kingdom’s inhabitants where Emeth was realized. It potentially safeguards the wisdom of these civilizations, remnants of knowledge that have endured the test of time. While this hypothesis carries weight, it is essential to approach it with caution, as it stems from a comparative analysis rather than established facts.