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Discover 4 One Piece theories that came true and 4 that are extremely absurd. Explore the significance behind each theory too.
One Piece is a grand saga stretching across an expansive world filled with rich history and intriguing characters. Combining this with its passionate fandom, there is no shortage of theories regarding each and every element of the series. While some conjectures have proven to have basis, others are unbelievable.
Hence, here are 4 One Piece theories that came true and 4 that are far too absurd.
4 One Piece Theories That Came True
Oda is a master of foreshadowing, setting up events for years before shocking fans when they are finally unveiled. However, many of the fans have also begun to pick up on the clues he sprinkles across the tale, coming up with theories that turn out to be true. These include:
1) Shamrock’s Existence
The most recent One Piece theory that was revealed to be true in the manga is the existence of Figarland Shamrock. Popularly called Shanks’ evil twin by the fandom, Shamrock was first seen during the Levely Arc, though his identity wasn’t revealed at this point. Rather, his design, which was very similar to Shanks, set off the fandom’s endless theories.
The most popular one among these was that this mystery person was Shanks’ sibling. It was strengthened by the fact that Shanks was already hinted to have ties to Saint Figarland. Finally, Shamrock’s existence was confirmed in the Elbaph Arc, when he invaded the island to recruit Loki.
He expressed himself to be the commander of the God’s Knights as well as Shanks’ elder twin brother. This is a classic example of the long-term foreshadowing that Oda excels at. Rather than attempting to stun fans with a twist, he engaged them by making them take part in this giant puzzle.
2) Sabo Is Alive
One of One Piece’s most satisfying moments came when Sabo was revealed to be alive in the Dressrosa Arc. This Revolutionary was a childhood friend and symbolic brother of both Luffy and Ace. However, in a flashback scene, he is believed to be killed by Saint Jalmack.
Thankfully, during Luffy’s adventures in Dressrosa, he ran into an unknown person who shared his identity with him and said he would inherit Ace’s Mera Mera no Mi. This figure later revealed to be Sabo, also shared how he and Luffy would carry forward Ace’s will.
This theory stemmed from the fact that Sabo’s death was extremely abrupt in One Piece. Oda tends to fake out deaths, and some fans believed this was a similar case. Ace’s death also meant that Luffy had very minimal connections left to his childhood, which gave a proper reason for Sabo to be re-introduced.
Hence, when Luffy broke down crying, sharing how he thought the mystery man he ran into in Dressrosa was dead, it was all but confirmed that it was Sabo.
3) Zoro’s Ties to Wano
For years, fans had speculated about Zoro’s connection to Wano Country. His pride in his swordsman spirit, fighting style, and use of swords such as Wado Ichimonji made it clear his ties to the samurai were deeper than what appeared.
This was further strengthened during Zoro’s confrontation with Ryuma in Thriller Bark. Upon defeating his opponent, the Straw Hat inherited the legendary figure’s sword – Shusui. Most of the fandom believed this foreshadowed Zoro’s link to the Shimotsuki Family and Wano.
Finally, in the Wano Arc, the truth was revealed. Viewers discovered that Zoro was a descendant of the Shimotsuki family, being the great-nephew of Shimotsuki Ushimaru. This made him part of Ryuma’s family, explaining why the two looked so similar.
4) There Is a Ruler of the World Government
The World Government and the Gorosei were always seen as the highest authority in One Piece, despite promoting “equality among nations.” There was also an Empty Throne in Mary Geoise to symbolize that no single ruler existed in One Piece.
However, fans had always sensed something wrong with this. This started from the fact that the Celestial Dragons clearly didn’t see all nations as equal. There was also a dedicated effort to hunt down traces of the Void Century and the Will of D. It did not seem convincing enough for the Five Elders to come to a consensus regarding such atrocities in One Piece.
Finally, the Levely Arc put the theories to rest, revealing that the Elders themselves served a main ruler. Named Imu, this figure sat on the Empty Throne, showing open disdain for the Will of D. Imu also went on to destroy Lulusia Kingdom in the blink of an eye, solidifying their position as the central figure of the World Government.
4 One Piece Theories That Are Far Too Absurd
While the fandom has shown its high intellect through theories, some predictions are too unusual to happen. While nothing is impossible with Oda, these theories would struggle to stay consistent with the storyline’s theme.
1) The One Piece is the Friends We Made Along the Way
It is no overstatement to say the One Piece treasure is one of the biggest mysteries in anime. With every single pirate in the series chasing after it, fans have enjoyed exhilarating adventures for decades.
However, over the expansive course of the series, a fear arose in many of them. This was from a theory suggesting that the One Piece treasure is not materialistic but more philosophical. Jokingly called “the friends we made along the way”, the real One Piece would be the thrill of exploration. Luffy forming meaningful bonds and toppling evil governments would be the prize in itself.
Unfortunately, the “journey over the destination” route has been heavily shown in fiction. Hence, rather than being poetic, viewers would simply consider it to be stereotypical. Thankfully, Oda confirmed in an interview that the One Piece was, in fact, a tangible object.
2) Shanks Is the Final One Piece Villain
A fan theory that has most likely been debunked now with the introduction of Shamrock is that Shanks will be the final One Piece villain. At the time when a man looking like Shanks met the Gorosei, some fans believed the Red-Hair Pirate to be a secret antagonist. However, as we now know, this was Shamrock.
Other reasons for this theory’s existence come from Shanks being the person to give Luffy his Devil Fruit. Since he was the one carrying it in the first place, it is assumed that he knew about the powers of Nika. Since he himself does not have a Devil Fruit, Luffy’s fruit might be what he desires. Similarly, Shanks is still an enigma whose only blood connection is with the Figarland family.
While this theory had more standing before the Elbaph Arc, it would be very underwhelming for both Shanks and his twin to be evil. Shanks has also never shown signs of animosity towards Luffy, celebrating every news of the protagonist’s success. He is known for his heroic nature by his crew as well as several other characters.
Hence, apart from a forceful full-circle moment where Luffy’s inspiration is his final opponent, there is no instance where this would happen.
3) Crocodile Is Luffy’s Mom
A One Piece theory that is so absurd that it almost seems like a joke is one suggesting that Crocodile is Luffy’s mom. While this theory was originally made unseriously, a part of the fandom began looking deeper into it.
These fans support the conjecture through Crocodile’s mysterious past and Ivankov calling him Croco-boy. They believe this nickname is meant to tease Crocodile and his real gender, which has never been stated outright in One Piece.
However, this theory lacks substantial evidence and is more of a meme than a serious narrative possibility. Crocodile has not been relevant in the One Piece storyline for a long time, and it wouldn’t make sense to suddenly drop this bombshell without build-up. There are also no glaring similarities between him and Luffy, leaving little room for a familial connection.
4) Zoro Will Betray Luffy
One of the most outlandish One Piece fan theories alludes to Zoro betraying Luffy at the end of One Piece. This theory comes to life for a variety of reasons, ranging from him being a traitor faithful to the World Government and his identity as the Pirate Hunter.
However, this decision would make no sense thematically in One Piece, with the only reasoning being shock value. Zoro’s main character trait in the series is his loyalty to Luffy, where he constantly puts his life on the line.
He has elevated Luffy into becoming an ideal captain, facing the likes of Kuma, Kaido, and Big Mom for his sake. Should he end up betraying Luffy, his journey till this point would be completely negated. Most importantly, it would break the hearts of almost every One Piece fan, with the majority being left with sour feelings about the series.
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