Elbaf Arc in One Piece: A Potential Major Victory for Luffy Against a Resurgent Foe

The Straw Hat Pirates are on the brink of the Elbaf arc in One Piece, which promises to feature a climactic battle to determine who will seize the coveted grand treasure. As fans speculate about the reappearance of notable antagonists, one character that seems overlooked is Big Mom, who was cast into magma during the Wano arc.

Several hints point toward Big Mom’s possible return, with Lola’s Vivre card being a significant clue. Given that Smoothie possesses this Vivre card and has the ability to extract objects from magma, it opens up the possibility of a weakened Big Mom making her way to the Straw Hats’ impending destination, where she could confront old adversaries.

Disclaimer: This article contains potential spoilers from the One Piece manga series and reflects the author’s opinion.

Speculating Big Mom’s Return in One Piece’s Elbaf Arc

Charlotte Linlin as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Charlotte Linlin, known as Big Mom, is a former Conqueror of the Sea and the captain of the Big Mom Pirates. She faced a climactic showdown during the Wano arc against Trafalgar Law and Eustass Kidd, both of whom are among the strongest pirates of the Worst Generation.

During this battle, these two pirates activated their devil fruit powers and posed a significant threat to Big Mom. Despite her desperate attempts to amplify her own powers, she ultimately succumbed and was forcefully thrown into the magma of a volcano. Following this event, her fate remained uncertain.

Despite the defeat, many of the Big Mom Pirates remained confident in their captain’s survival, believing her to be an indomitable force. Pudding’s faith and Perospero’s belief in her Vivre card still being intact suggest she could still be alive.

Previously in the series, Luffy boldly declared that he would claim Fish-Man Island, providing further motivation for Big Mom’s potential return. Her comeback could coincide with the region where the Straw Hat Pirates are journeying, particularly due to Nami’s involvement.

Nami as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

During the Whole Cake Island arc, Smoothie, a member of the Big Mom Pirates, tore a section from Lola’s Vivre Card that Nami possesses. With Nami still in possession of the remaining part, it could lead Big Mom directly to the Straw Hats. However, the lingering question remains: how would she escape from the magma? This scenario may involve one of the Big Mom Pirates playing a crucial role.

Charlotte Smoothie serves as one of the three sweet commanders of the Big Mom Pirates. Her Shibo-Shibo Paramecia devil fruit allows her to extract liquid from any source. Notably, Smoothie previously referred to a drink called the “magma smoothie,”which could symbolize her rescuing Big Mom from her fiery prison.

Big Mom could be one of One Piece's Elbaf arc's antagonists (Image via Toei Animation) — Big Mom could be one of One Piece’s Elbaf arc’s antagonists (Image via Toei Animation)

These intriguing clues also link Big Mom to Hel, the daughter of the Norse god Loki, who presides over Hel, the realm for those who perish without glory. Similar to Big Mom, Hel underwent a significant transformation as she matured.

Thus, akin to Hel, Big Mom’s return might portray her in a severely weakened condition, echoing Hel’s half-dead, half-alive state. The connection to Norse mythology, particularly the significance of Elbaf Island and the Tree of Yggdrasil, further supports the theory of her return in One Piece’s Elbaf arc and the numerous hints suggest a potential reunion with Luffy.

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