One Piece’s Elbaf arc may be serving as setup for a Hachinosu arc, and be shorter than fans want likewise

Undoubtedly, the Elbaf arc has been one of the most eagerly awaited storylines in the One Piece anime and manga franchise. It appears that the long-awaited arc is finally approaching in the manga, even though the Egghead arc has yet to officially conclude in author Eiichiro Oda’s original series. However, reports claim that protagonist Monkey D. Luffy and his crew are en route to the island.

The series has yet to reveal exactly how the Giant Warrior Pirates are reaching their destination. In other words, it is still unclear whether they are using an Eternal Pose set to Elbaf or a Log Pose. If it is revealed to be the former, it appears that fans will finally get the long-awaited Elbaf arc in the format they have been hoping for in recent years.

If the crew is using a regular Log Pose to reach their destination, there is a possibility that they may make a brief stop at Sphinx Island before arriving at the Elbaf arc. This could potentially shorten the Elbaf arc in One Piece, with the Hachinosu Island arc serving as a setup that mirrors the events of the Marineford arc.

Possible Delay and Shortening of One Piece Elbaf Arc for Hachinosu and Final War

The idea that the Straw Hat Pirates will visit Sphinx Island before reaching Elbaf is strongly supported by the fact that Shanks left Marco there after the events in Wano. Shanks was later seen in Elbaf, indicating that Sphinx is one of the islands near Wano that can be visited before reaching Elbaf. Additionally, Luffy has a strong emotional connection to Sphinx Island through both Marco and Portgas D. Ace.

During the Onigashima Raid, Luffy and Marco were allies. Luffy has a habit of becoming close with his opponents, so he may want to visit Sphinx Island and celebrate with Marco before inviting the island to join his territory. Whitebeard and Portgas D. Ace were laid to rest on Sphinx Island after the Marineford War, but Luffy has not yet had the opportunity to pay his respects at Ace’s grave since his passing.

Marco may inform Luffy of Garp’s imprisonment as a way to pay tribute to the two significant losses suffered during the Marineford arc in One Piece. This could potentially motivate Luffy to make a brief trip to Elbaf and fulfill his obligations to both himself and his crew before setting sail for Hachinosu. It is important to note that although the Elbaf arc may be shorter than originally planned, it will still cover all necessary plot points and be far from brief.

The manga has already laid out certain expectations, such as the introduction of a new silhouetted character and their formal introduction. This is particularly important as they appear to be anticipating the arrival of Luffy and his crew. Additionally, the reunion between Nico Robin and Jaguar D. Saul, set up in the Egghead arc, adds another layer to the plot. It is also expected that Usopp will receive the much-awaited character development, making him the main focus of the arc while the rest of the crew pursues their own goals.

The likelihood of a Hachinosu arc is supported by its potential to mirror the Marineford arc. Egghead’s role as a major inversion and parallels to the Sabaody Archipelago arc further strengthens this possibility. Additionally, Sphinx could be compared to the Amazon Lily arc, Elbaf to Impel Down, and Hachinosu to the actual Marineford arc. This progression would then lead into the final war of the series and mark the beginning of the end of Oda’s story.

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