One Piece chapter 1122 teases Joy Boy as the eye-patched pirate Oda has been discussing all along

Despite its scheduled release date of August 5, 2024, One Piece chapter 1122 has already had its raw scans leaked. This revelation has sparked speculation among fans that the series may be entering its final phase, as a hidden detail in the scans suggests that the first pirate of the Grand Line may have worn an eyepatch over one eye. This detail went unnoticed by many fans.

Nearly ten years ago, the author declared that he would create a character wearing an eyepatch, as he had never done so before. In the most recent chapter, the figure of JoyBoy appeared with a peg leg and a hook arm, characteristics commonly associated with pirates. Therefore, given that he possesses these traits, it is possible that he could also be the pirate with an eyepatch.

Note: This article may contain spoilers from One Piece chapter 1122.

One Piece chapter 1122: Exploring why JoyBoy could be the pirate with an eye-patch

The Iron Giant as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Based on the unedited scans, the main focus of One Piece chapter 1122 would revolve around the connection between Emeth (the Iron Giant) and JoyBoy. While the chapter did not reveal JoyBoy’s exact appearance, it did provide glimpses of his silhouette.

Despite the Gorosei’s attempt to attack the Straw Hat Pirates, Emeth unleashed a powerful Haki attack that reverberated throughout the world, reaching even the Holy Lands of Mariejois where Imu was knocked to the ground. This Haki had been entrusted to Emeth by JoyBoy, who had sealed it inside him for the purpose of saving others.

JoyBoy (Loffy) as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

During the flashback, JoyBoy revealed his overpowered Haki to Emeth and his detailed silhouette was also on display. This revealed that JoyBoy had a hook arm and a peg leg, both of which were prosthetic limbs.

Despite being portrayed differently in One Piece chapter 1122, these traits are typically associated with pirates in all other forms of media. This marked the first time in which the author deviated from his usual depiction of pirates.

Additionally, the most astonishing aspect of this is that despite JoyBoy possessing all of these physical traits, he also sported an eye patch, the trademark symbol of a pirate that is ubiquitous in all forms of media, including cartoons and movies.

Eiichiro Oda, the author of One Piece, has expressed enthusiasm for drawing JoyBoy. In 2007, he stated his excitement for illustrating a pirate with an eye patch, who would make an appearance in the final phase of the story (specific arc or saga not mentioned). Despite this appearance being a stereotypical pirate look, Oda’s manga does not currently feature any characters with this appearance.

It would also be logical for JoyBoy to be the eye patch pirate, as he was the original pirate of the Grand Line who initiated everything – whether it was rebelling against the 20 families (now known as the World Government) or inspiring others to never give up on their dreams and succumb to anyone.