One Piece: Everything to Do on Elbaf

Elbaf has been built up considerably over the last 23 years. The Straw Hat Pirates should have plenty to do when they get there in the next arc.

The following contains spoilers for One Piece Chapter 1090, "Kizaru," by Eiichiro Oda, Stephen Paul, and Vanessa Satone, available in English from Viz Media.

The One Piece manga has been teasing the prospect of the Straw Hat Pirates visiting Elbaf on their voyage. The idea comes from their early adventures through the Grand Line and has stuck in people's minds ever since. Oda has dropped further hints of the island of giants throughout the Grand Line and the New World. It's one of the most teased islands on the Straw Hats' voyage, along with Marijoa and Laugh Tale. However, for all the teasing of the existence of this island, there was hardly any indication of when the Straw Hats would get there or how long it would take.

This ambiguity about Elbaf makes Chapter 1090, "Kizaru," so exciting for fans. This chapter confirmed that the Straw Hats' next destination after Egghead would be the island of giants. Nami's Log Pose was still pointing at islands based on the signals picked up in Wano, and Dr. Vegapunk pointed out the one that would direct them to Elbaf. This news excited Luffy and Usopp, who have wanted to go to this island more than anyone; their reaction could be seen as an approximation of how the fans felt. The Elbaf Arc has been built up for a long time, so there will be a lot for the Straw Hats to do once they're on the island.

RELATED: One Piece: Gear 5 Isn't That Cartoony (And That's Okay)

The Straw Hats' first significant encounter with giants came during the Little Garden Arc. There, they met Dorry and Brogy, who had been fighting for 100 years over something they'd long forgotten about. Usopp was inspired by the pride and strength of these warriors and wanted to become more of a brave man of the sea because of them. To him, this meant someday visiting their homeland.

While Elbaf was still a ways off, Usopp encountered two more giants at Enies Lobby named Kashii and Oimo. They were fooled into believing if they guarded the Judicial Island's main gate for 100 years, the World Government would release their former captains. Usopp realized that the captains were Dorry and Brogy and revealed that they were fine, which led the guards to defect to the Straw Hats' side and assist in their raid on the never-night island.

The Giants have also played a significant role in Big Mom's story. She used to live in an orphanage on Elbaf, but when she disgracefully killed one of their proudest warriors, she earned the scorn of giants the world over. She tried to marry off her daughter Chiffon to their prince, Loki, to mend the relationship. Unfortunately for her, Chiffon ran off, and things only worsened between her and the giants.

Elbaf has become especially noteworthy in recent chapters since it's where the Kid Pirates went after Wano. Unfortunately for them, everything went south before they could even drop anchor; their captain was cut down by Red-Haired Shanks, their Road Poneglyph rubbings were taken, and Dorry and Brogy sunk their ship. They're either lying dead on Elbaf's seabed or living as prisoners on the island. Since it was established that the Kid Pirates were going one island over from Egghead in Chapter 1056, "Cross Guild," it should have been clear that the Straw Hats would be going to the giants' island next.

RELATED: One Piece: Egghead's Skipped Plot Points

There should be a few things for Luffy and his crew to do on Elbaf, starting with reuniting with old friends. Shanks supposedly left shortly after destroying the Kid Pirates, but the giants he was partying with should still be there. Until the Straw Hats can meet Shanks, they can still have fun reminiscing with Dorry, Brogy, Oimo, and Kashi.

Jaguar D. Saul should also be on Egghead to reunite with Nico Robin. It was heavily implied in Chapter 1066, "The Will of Ohara," that Saul survived being frozen by Kuzan; where Luffy and Usopp were ecstatic, Nico Robin was moved to tears by this news. Additionally, "Saul" had some fellow giants retrieve whatever books weren't destroyed by the Navy's Buster Call on the library of Ohara. Whatever Saul has to show Robin (and her friends) will likely be integral to uncovering the truth of the Void Century.

Furthermore, in all likelihood, Kid and his crew are still alive, albeit as prisoners on Elbaf. The Straw Hats won't have any immediate incentive to free them unless Kid "offers" to form another alliance. Alternatively, the inevitable trouble that the Straw Hats will likely meet on the island could lead them to partner up.

Additionally, something involving Loki could happen. As the leader of the most powerful military force in the world, he has the potential to be dangerous even in the Final saga. Even if he's just a minor antagonist in the wake of a more serious threat, he would be an unfortunate person to make an enemy out of.

Fans are most eager to see the Elbaf Arc be Usopp's place to be the star. This arc would do for him what the Whole Cake Island Arc did for Sanji or what the Wano Arc should have done to Zoro. Elbaf could even be where the Straw Hats' sniper becomes the brave man of the sea he always wanted to be.

RELATED: One Piece Theory: What Happened to Lulusia (& Enies Lobby, For That Matter)?

One character most people may not have considered being on Egghead is Dr. Vegapunk. He only wanted a ride to the next island. However, for what a curveball of an arc Egghead turned out to be, nobody was sure what that next island would be until Chapter 1090. Now that it's confirmed to be Elbaf, that opens up some opportunities for the arc that weren't previously considered.

Vegapunk will likely be the one who leads the Straw Hats to the library where Ohara's books are being kept. This will also be where Robin reunites with Saul. Vegapunk will be there to confirm he was the giant he said collected the books.

RELATED: One Piece: Luffy Gear 5 Is About To Give Super Saiyan Goku a Run For Its Berries

Additionally, while Elbaf is expected to be Usopp's arc, this could also be where Franky gets a long-awaited power-up. He was expected to use Dr. Vegapunk's technology on Egghead to give himself this boost, but since the Straw Hats are rushing off the island, there won't be any time for that. Once he and Vegapunk have some downtime on Elbaf, that will be a much better opportunity for them to work on the latter's inventions.

Also, while Vegapunk York doesn't deserve it, the island of giants could give her a happy medium for her desires. Since everything on Elbaf is gigantic, she can always be satiated by the enormous portion sizes. If she somehow undergoes a reformation or redemption by the time the Thousand Sunny docks on the island, seeing her get this compromise on her goals wouldn't be an awful sight.

RELATED: One Piece Theory: Luffy Will Fight St. Jaygarcia Saturn

Vegapunk Atlas might get along well with Elbaf's children. She looks close to their size (in some shots), and her "wrathful" behavior could be perceived as mild roughhousing for this warrior race. She should fit right in.

Whatever happens on Elbaf, it promises to be one of the most packed arcs in One Piece. There's been so much buildup over the years that so much can be done with it. Of course, it may take at least another year or two for the Straw Hats to get off Egghead. After that, however, Elbaf is just around the corner.

Marc York is a writer for CBR. He possesses an understanding of comics, video games, and movies, and his true expertise comes forth when it comes to the topics of anime and manga. His knowledge spreads to the past, present, and future of both the anime and manga industry, especially when it pertains to titles under the Shonen Jump banner. Marc also likes to write about the movies he's watched in theaters; these aren't officially published articles, but they may be seen on his Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/marc.york.7