Evidence Suggests Holy Knights as Villains in One Piece Chapter 1128 Elbaf Arc

Chapter 1128 of One Piece has emerged as a crucial installment, offering vital insights into the upcoming Elbaf Arc. It clarifies that the Straw Hats, who started their journey in East Blue, are not currently in Elbaf but in a different location.

One of the most significant revelations in this chapter is the character of the Sun God, depicted as a Giant in a distinctive attire. Notably, this character may resemble a Holy Knight encountered at God Valley, hinting that the Holy Knights could be the main antagonists of the Elbaf Arc, alongside the anticipated reunion of Nefertari D. Vivi with the crew.

Analyzing the Size Discrepancy of the Sun God in Chapter 1128

The introduction of the Sun God serves as a compelling piece of evidence supporting this theory, yet it simultaneously raises an interesting counterargument. The Sun God is depicted as significantly larger than the Holy Knight observed at God Valley. This suggests that the Sun God might be a user of a Devil Fruit capable of shrinking others, presumably affecting Luffy and his companions. This could clarify why they appear Giant-like in this chapter.

Additionally, the variety of animals seen in and around the Sun God’s cage adds to this narrative. Rather than being massive, these creatures might simply be normal-sized, with Luffy and his crew diminished to a size much smaller than a grasshopper. Consequently, this could explain why the Sun God appears larger than even Oars in relation to the Straw Hats.

This theory also accounts for how the Thousand Sunny became detached from the Great Erik without raising any alarms among the Giant Warrior Pirates. Hence, it’s plausible that the Straw Hats have not yet entered Elbaf but are instead being held captive aboard the Sun God’s ship, who is ultimately revealed to be a Holy Knight. This explanation aligns with the narrative flow, especially considering the absence of a title card confirming the crew’s arrival in Elbaf.

The Straw Hats are almost certainly not in Elbaf as of One Piece chapter 1128 (Image via Toei Animation)

Further analysis from One Piece chapter 1128 hints that the Straw Hats are indeed not in Elbaf, supported by various subtle indicators. A notable reference comes from Nami’s comment, suggesting they might be misinformed about their current location. Coupled with the dubious measurement of the Sun God as the primary reason for the belief that they are in Elbaf, it now appears more credible that they are elsewhere.

This assertion is bolstered by the lack of extraordinary characteristics among the creatures residing within the Sun God’s Temple, aside from the cat known as the Great Iskat. Even the so-called Ear God was merely an ordinary rabbit, which Sanji prepared for the Monster Trio, indicating there’s nothing special about it.

If the Ear God had demonstrated any distinct traits, this would have likely been highlighted. Therefore, it seems reasonable to conclude that the Sun God is only a Holy Knight who captured members of the Alabasta crew and is keeping them on his vessel. This scenario further solidifies the notion that the Straw Hats are not in Elbaf, but have instead been diminished by a Devil Fruit ability, while simultaneously alluding to the Holy Knights being the true villains of the Elbaf Arc.

The Holy Knights: Main Antagonists in the Elbaf Arc in Pursuit of Road Poneglyphs

The main reason why the Holy Knights are poised to be the central antagonists in the Elbaf Arc relates to the Straw Hats’ quest to acquire the final Road Poneglyph. As they approach the conclusion of their journey in the New World, the preceding Egghead Arc has set the stage for a frantic chase for this sought-after treasure, leading into the Elbaf Arc.

Moreover, another pivotal setup pointing toward the final Road Poneglyph involves a character referred to as the Man Marked by Flames, who is believed to possess this Road Poneglyph, leading to speculation that he is a well-known pirate. However, the narrative has hinted at the possibility that he may actually be affiliated with the World Government, likely an intentional plot twist by Eiichiro Oda.

Current insights from One Piece chapter 1128 suggest that the Man Marked by Flames is an undisclosed World Government figure, whose identity has yet to be revealed. Additionally, this character must meet criteria such as being powerful enough to protect the final Road Poneglyph and playing a significant narrative role in the Elbaf Arc.

One Piece chapter 1121's double spread (Image via Shueisha) — One Piece chapter 1121’s double spread (Image via Shueisha)

The only known individual with the potential to meet these criteria is the shadowy figure shown in the climactic double spread of chapter 1121. He wields a sword that resembles that of the central figure in the Holy Knights silhouette, and it’s likely that he has assumed leadership of the Holy Knights following Garling Figarland’s elevation to the Gorosei, thus giving him considerable narrative importance.

This association categorizes him as a World Government member, suggesting he possesses significant strength, particularly given the established reputation of the Holy Knights in One Piece chapter 1128. The chapter 1121 double spread ensures that both the Gorosei and Holy Knights are symbolized through Garling and this new character, securing representation for every leading faction in the narrative.

The rationale behind the Holy Knights, along with their leader known as the Man Marked by Flames, targeting Elbaf is logical considering their known activities. It appears the Holy Knights serve as the personal warriors for the Celestial Dragons, engaging in conflicts on the Blue Sea. It’s conceivable that they engage in such operations to maintain their combat prowess.

This context elucidates why the Man Marked by Flames is said to navigate the Blue Sea and why, as revealed in One Piece chapter 1128, the Sun God has apprehended Luffy and his crew. This aligns with their activities on the Blue Sea throughout the evolving storyline, especially considering their previous actions in retaliating against the Revolutionary Army.

Meanwhile, Dragon is occupied with the impending conflict against the Blackbeard Pirates, who are conspiring against his Revolutionary Army. Acknowledging this, the Holy Knights would likely redirect their focus onto the Straw Hats, especially given the crew’s involvement in the Egghead Incident. Additionally, given that the Straw Hats possess three out of four Road Poneglyph rubbings, their importance has been amplified.

Furthermore, the chapter 1121 double spread indicates that whoever uncovers the One Piece will possess the power to shape the world’s destiny. Should this hold true, it would indicate a pressing interest from the World Government to secure it for themselves, rather than simply thwarting pirates. This vested interest would further crystallize the motivation for the Holy Knights to pursue the Straw Hats in Elbaf as evidenced in chapter 1128.

Summary

Imu and the Gorosei's wrath is coming for the Straw Hats, and One Piece chapter 1128 sets up the Holy Knights to deliver it (Image via Toei Animation) — Imu and the Gorosei’s wrath is coming for the Straw Hats, and One Piece chapter 1128 sets up the Holy Knights to deliver it (Image via Toei Animation)

In conclusion, One Piece chapter 1128 suggests that the Sun God may actually be a Holy Knight and a Devil Fruit user who has shrunk the Straw Hats to capture them. There’s a strong possibility that the Holy Knights’ new leader is the Man Marked by Flames, who holds the final Road Poneglyph and may very well be the mysterious figure revealed in the chapter 1121 double spread.

This situation clarifies the Holy Knights’ targeting of Luffy and his crew, as the Straw Hats possess three of the Road Poneglyph rubbings. As a result, this confrontation could see the Holy Knights emerge as the primary antagonists in the Elbaf Arc as the Straw Hats strive to obtain the final Road Poneglyph necessary for reaching Laugh Tale.

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