With the official arrival of the Straw Hat crew in the Kingdom of Elbaph, the One piece the manga has entered another exciting arc. Fans have been waiting for this moment for years, as the Land of the Giants has been considered vital to the story for over a decade. To celebrate this momentous occasion, series creator Eiichiro Oda gave fans some hints of what they can expect going forward.
During Jump Festa 2025, a celebration where some of the biggest announcements about the world of anime and manga are released, the author presented fans with an enigmatic message, as he does every year. In his letter, Oda hinted that the current peace the Straw Hats experience will soon come to an end, as a sinister force looms over them.
Luffy's next challenge approaches
Oda suggests fans prepare for what comes next
During the Jump Festa 2025 celebration, Oda released a letter, translated by user @Novomundoarturaddressed to those present, as well as its international fans, talking about the franchise. The author went over the most relevant announcements surrounding the series, such as the retirement of Franky's voice actor and the real reason why he put so much effort into the live-action, among other topics. Even so, what caught fans' attention were the last paragraphs of the note, which talked about the future of the One piece manga.
The creator first celebrated the start of the Elbaph arc, mentioning how, aside from Loki's intimidating introduction, the heroes enjoyed moments of peace. Unfortunately, their fun will soon be over, as Oda has confirmed that the arrival of a certain character, presumably Shanks' mysterious “twin,” will bring chaos. Although the arc focuses on the Land of the Giants, the note hints that major events will also happen in other parts of the world. Oda ended his note by telling fans to breathe easy while they still can, as the plans he has for the series will leave them breathless.
What could Oda be referring to?
Fans have several questions about the message
Oda is an author known for being vague when approaching his plans for the story of One piece. Over the years, the creator has tried his best not to reveal anything important about his work, as he prefers to surprise fans with unexpected twists. The message he shared during Jump Festa 2025 is perfectly aligned with what readers have come to expect from him. However, that doesn't stop them from wondering what the author could have suggested. The most obvious answer as to who he was referring to is Shanks' doppelganger, who recently arrived in Elbaph.
At the end of chapter #1134, fans witnessed the arrival in the Land of the Giants of a man who looked identical to Shanks. While his appearance might lead fans to believe he is the Red-Haired Emperor, this is impossible as Shanks is still sailing with his crew. As such, readers believe this new character to be a brother or clone of Shanks, sent to Elbaph to fight the Straw Hats. More information about this character will probably be revealed in the next chapters, as his presence has already been highlighted as crucial.
Still, Oda's message could be referring to another major villain that inhabits Elbaph, the Cursed Prince Loki. If the prince is indeed released from prison, the situation could quickly spiral out of control for the heroes. Loki's legendary Devil Fruit, whose powers may have already been suggested by Oda, may be too much even for Luffy.
Elbaph is more important than fans believe
Oda's words make it seem like this Acr will set the ending in motion
Whether the man who will bring chaos to the world is Shanks' “twin” Loki or neither, Oda's message made it clear that this next story could be the beginning of the end. His note implied that the battle that would take place on Elbaph would affect the rest of the world, likely starting the final stretch of the series. With the manga's Final Saga beginning with the Egghead Arc, fans are anticipating a big event happening soon.
Elbaph could be where the pirates take a stand against the World Government. Fans of One piece manga will not want to miss the upcoming events of the Elbaph arc. If the author's words are true, Luffy's adventure in the Land of the Giants could be the catalyst the manga needed to bring its long-awaited ending to life.