One Piece chapter 1129 has recently surfaced, revealing some intriguing developments concerning the Straw Hat Grand Fleet. Specifically, it appears that one of its members, Road, is opposed to the notion of joining Luffy’s crew. Additionally, it’s noteworthy that certain Giants within Dorry and Brogy’s team bear a strikingly similar tattoo to Road’s, potentially indicating a growing anti-Straw Hat sentiment within Elbaf.
An underexplored concept in One Piece is that of islands where the inhabitants might be familiar with the Straw Hats yet harbor negative feelings towards them. Usually, Luffy and his crew enter new territories as outsiders and manage to win over the locals; however, encountering a location where they are unwelcome could present an intriguing challenge.
Disclaimer: This article includes spoilers for the series.
Potential Anti-Straw Hat Sentiment in the Elbaf Arc
A user on X, @merlinidc, highlighted the fact that the individual trapped inside the Sun God’s cage shares the same tattoo as one of the Giants from Dorry and Brogy’s crew. This detail hints at a potential anti-Straw Hat feeling among some in Elbaf. This sentiment aligns with the leaked information from chapter 1129, in which Road expresses his refusal to ally with the Straw Hat Grand Fleet.
Although we are still in the early chapters of this arc, hints of manipulation and trickery have emerged. The Straw Hats have found themselves ensnared by someone claiming the title of “Sun God,”which is misleading as the true possessor of that title is Nika. This sets the stage for a narrative filled with deception and the manipulation of public perception.
Furthermore, given that Elbaf draws inspiration from Norse mythology, the character of Loki—known for being the god of lies—comes into play. It’s plausible that Eiichiro Oda is weaving a storyline rich with anti-Straw Hat sentiment driven by deceit, which also resonates well with Usopp’s character, who is well-known for his fabrications. This angle might emotionally connect with fans who believe this could be a significant character arc for Usopp.
Implications for the Straw Hats
As mentioned earlier, this scenario would represent one of the first instances in One Piece where the Straw Hats will need to rehabilitate their reputation rather than charm a new crowd as they usually do. There’s a strong possibility that the World Government may be behind the misinformation circulating among Elbaf’s populace, especially considering that these individuals are known for their reverence of Nika, an adversary of the Government.
Moreover, Usopp taking center stage in this narrative could prove fascinating, particularly given his penchant for storytelling and exaggeration. The idea of Usopp facing off against Loki, the god of falsehoods, would not only provide a thematically rich conflict but also present a significant opportunity for Usopp’s character growth in this arc.
Concluding Thoughts
It appears increasingly likely that Oda is indeed crafting an anti-Straw Hat narrative within the current arc of One Piece, particularly in light of Road’s reluctance to join and the deception surrounding the false Sun God. This theme may further align with Loki’s legendary status as a trickster, promising an exciting development ahead.
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