Explaining the One Piece Land of the Gods Arc: Current Status of the Straw Hat Pirates

Currently, the manga of One Piece is diving into the second arc of the Final Saga, known as the Land of the Gods Arc. Here’s an overview of what fans can expect.

The first arc of the Final Saga, the Egghead Incident Arc, wrapped up after delivering some of the most intense battles featured in the manga. It also included a wealth of lore, revealing significant new details regarding the Void Century and the character of Joyboy.

Among the most heartbreaking elements of the Egghead Incident was the backstory of Kuma, a former Warlord who endured numerous tragedies throughout his life. Following Vegapunk’s demise and the defeat of the Gorosei, the Straw Hat crew sets off for Elbaf alongside the Giants.

While anticipation built for the Elbaf Arc, the One Piece manga takes an unexpected turn, bringing our heroes to an enigmatic kingdom. This latest arc, titled Land of the Gods, is named after the intriguing island where part of the Straw Hat crew finds themselves. Caution: Spoilers from the manga are included in this article!

Defeat of Bartolomeo’s Crew

Bartolomeo and his crew instigated a confrontation with the Red-Haired Pirates by lowering Shanks’ flag and hoisting Luffy’s in a show of defiance. As a member of the Straw Hat Grand Fleet, Bartolomeo’s allegiance lies with Luffy.

The members of this fleet aspired to support Luffy as their leader, but with his recent death, they remained devoted, awaiting his call for assistance. Unsurprisingly, Shanks and his crew were infuriated by this provocation and swiftly overcame Bartolomeo’s crew.

In a test of loyalty, Shanks offered Bartolomeo poison intended for Luffy, but the young pirate accidentally ingested it instead. Demonstrating his unwavering loyalty to Luffy, Bartolomeo impressed Shanks and continued his voyage with his crew.

Yasopp, however, understood the necessity of teaching the novice pirate a lesson. Allowing pirates to provoke them without consequence might tarnish Shanks’ status as a Yonko. Consequently, Yasopp destroyed Bartolomeo’s ship, leaving the fate of his crew uncertain.

Aftermath of the Egghead Incident and Vegapunk’s Demise

Vegapunk, celebrated as the world’s smartest scientist, had gained notoriety across the globe. However, his research into the Void Century led the World Government to eliminate him.

To do this, they dispatched CP-0 and even an Admiral, a powerful Marine force to confront the aged scientist. Nevertheless, the Straw Hats’ interference complicated their mission, prompting the Gorosei to intervene directly.

Amid the chaos of the Egghead, the Straw Hats escaped alongside Lilith, Bonney, Kuma, and the Giants. In the aftermath, it was revealed that Punk Records had been severed from the Labophase, now drifting aimlessly within the clouds.

Additionally, Shaka, Atlas, Edison, and Pythagoras have fused into a singular entity, now residing in the floating Labophase.

Land of the Gods Arc Confirms Garp is Alive

Garp defeated and surrounded by the Titanic Captains on Hachinosu — Manga Plus

Garp’s fate had been uncertain ever since his confrontation on Hachinosu. He had journeyed there with other SWORD members to save Koby from Blackbeard’s grasp. However, Garp was outnumbered by the formidable members of Blackbeard’s crew, including his old pupil, Kuzan.

While Koby and others managed to escape, Garp was left wounded and defeated. The Land of the Gods Arc reveals that he is alive but captured on the island. Following his victory over the Heart Pirates, Blackbeard returns to Hachinosu, reprimanding Pizarro for Koby’s escape while commending Kuzan for his defeat of Garp.

The Crew Arrives at the Land of the Gods

Two days after departing from Egghead, Luffy, Nami, Zoro, Sanji, Chopper, and Usopp go missing, causing concern among the remaining crew. Nami is the first to regain consciousness, only to find herself in a peculiar room constructed from Lego blocks.

Attacked by oversized insects, she rushes off to find her fellow crew members. Nami discovers Usopp in trouble with a gigantic cat and comes to his rescue. The duo, however, soon faces danger as the cat transforms into an even larger beast. Just in time, Luffy, Sanji, and Zoro arrive, executing a combination attack to save them.

Shortly thereafter, they locate Chopper and learn that they are in an enormous diorama designed to mirror a real country, featuring a town populated by humans dressed in traditional attire reminiscent of Elbaf giants.

The Imposter Sun God

The Land of the Gods is governed by the Sun God, who resides in the Sun God’s Temple. However, locals are prohibited from entering the temple, which is guarded by fierce sentinels like Muginn (a giant raven) and Hilmungardr (a giant serpent). The manga discloses that the individual posing as the Sun God is Road, a navigator of the New Giant Pirates, a crew led by Hajrudin.

Road initially objected to Hajrudin’s desire to enlist in the Straw Hat Grand Fleet, as Hajrudin owed his loyalty to Luffy and his crew. Road had not anticipated Muginn’s arrival alongside the Thousand Sunny, where several members of the Straw Hat Pirates were resting after passing through the Sleeping Mists.

As the One Piece anime enters a hiatus, be sure to find out the reasons for this break and catch up on the spoilers for Chapter 1130.

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