Why a Vivi Rescue Arc Would Detract from One Piece’s Final Saga

On October 21, 2024, the latest chapter of One Piece, Chapter 1130, was unveiled, revealing numerous eagerly anticipated twists. Among these developments, subtle clues suggested that Vivi might be reaching out for assistance from her allies. However, given the current separation of the Straw Hat Pirates, her distress signal remains unnoticed. Once Luffy and his crew become aware of her situation, they are likely to rush to her aid.

This scenario, however, could foreshadow complications for the series’ concluding saga. It may lead to the Straw Hat Pirates departing from Elbaph Island to save Vivi, potentially initiating another storyline amidst the ongoing arc. With the Elbaph narrative already moving at a sluggish pace, this could tarnish the series’ reputation, no matter how much the Straw Hats yearn to help their friend.

Disclaimer: This piece may contain spoilers from the One Piece manga and reflects the author’s perspective.

One Piece: The Implications of the Straw Hats Leaving Elbaph for Vivi

A cross present on Luffy's wrist in the newspaper (Image via Shueisha) — A cross present on Luffy’s wrist in the newspaper (Image via Shueisha)

In Chapter 1130, while a portion of the Straw Hat Pirates journeyed into the heart of Elbaph Island, events unfolded across the sea, where Robin and her companions noticed a spike in the bounties of the New Giant Pirates’ leaders.

As Robin scanned a newspaper, she observed an intriguing detail about Luffy’s photograph. The captain of the Straw Hats bore a distinctive cross mark on his wrist, which puzzled everyone accompanying her.

The Straw Hat Pirate crew during the Arabasta arc (Image via Toei Animation)

This cross mark echoed the tattoos that the Straw Hat Pirates had inked on their wrists during the Arabasta saga to signify their unity. Unfortunately, the crew members present near the Giants’ ship were unaware of the implications of this new detail.

This detail in Luffy’s image might signal a plea from Nefertari Vivi, whose last sighting was with Morgans, the figure responsible for circulating newspapers throughout the Grand Line. During the Arabasta arc, Vivi had also showcased the same cross symbol as the Straw Hat crew.

Nefertari Vivi from the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

As soon as Luffy and the Arabasta group learn about Vivi’s predicament, they might feel compelled to assist her. Although it would be admirable for the Straw Hats to help their friend, the current narrative state of the manga may not permit such diversions.

The Elbaph arc has kicked off slowly, with the creator focusing more on establishing lore rather than unraveling key mysteries. Therefore, if Luffy and his crew change course to rescue Vivi, it could signal the inception of a new arc, potentially disrupting the continuity of the anticipated final saga that has been built up over recent years.

Analysis and Conclusion

This discussion is largely speculative, although it’s grounded in the narrative dynamics at play. The potential arc involving Vivi’s rescue may not align with the author’s intention, as it would detract from the importance of the Elbaph storyline.

Nonetheless, this scenario does not imply that Luffy and his crew would forsake their comrade. This could be an opportune moment for the Straw Hat Grand Fleet to become involved, allowing Luffy to mobilize this alliance to assist Vivi for the first time.

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