One Piece Episode 1118: Understanding Nefertari Lily’s Role Explained

One Piece episode 1118 marks a pivotal moment in Toei Animation’s television anime adaptation. Released earlier this weekend, this episode unveils Imu’s voice for the first time and showcases their interaction with someone outside the World Government.

This episode is also notable for its introduction of crucial plot elements and lore that contribute to the series’ expansive worldbuilding, particularly through Nefertari Cobra’s dialogue with the Gorosei. During their conversation, Cobra brings up Nefertari Lily, who is identified as the ruler of Alabasta during the establishment of the World Government.

There are strong implications that Lily belongs to the Clan of D., as Cobra inquires about the significance of the initial after the Gorosei state they cannot assist him regarding Lily. This has undoubtedly heightened the interest among fans concerning the former queen of Alabasta.

One Piece episode 1118 introduces Nefertari Lily, a pivotal character in the series’ narrative

In episode 1118, Cobra asks the Gorosei about the fate of Nefertari Lily post-formation of the World Government. He learns that she departed Mariejois but never returned to Alabasta. This is evidenced by the absence of any record of her in Alabasta’s royal library, which contains texts only from after the Void Century.

The Gorosei explain that any potential answers they could offer have likely been lost over time. Cobra then inquires, “What is the D.?” which seems to relate to the middle initial shared by protagonist Monkey D. Luffy and others. The context of his question, which begins with a reference to an 800-year-old letter, suggests that this letter may have been signed “Nefertari D. Lily.”

Unfortunately, the episode concludes with Imu merely mentioning Lily’s name, preventing further discussion. However, upcoming episode 1119 is expected to provide answers to Cobra’s inquiry, including addressing a so-called “mistake” that Lily made on a “fateful day” which led to the dissemination of Poneglyphs throughout the world, likely referring to both the Rio and Road Poneglyphs.

Imu also hints that this incident may not have been a mistake at all, asking Cobra for Lily’s true name to verify it. Cobra reveals that her name is indeed Nefertari D. Lily. Additionally, Sabo intervenes, confirming that he and Vivi also share the D. designation, being descendants of the same lineage as Lily. He reads a portion of her letter, presenting revelations that anime-only viewers will soon encounter in the Egghead arc.

As of this writing, not much more is known about Lily, even within the manga. However, fans were given a glimpse of her in chapter 1116, showing her resemblance to both Vivi and Vivi’s mother, Titi. As the series approaches its final saga, more details about her character and her possible role in the proliferation of Poneglyphs are highly anticipated.