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A fan’s argument of why the final war in One Piece could be called Ragnarok

If you’ve been keeping up with One Piece lately, you know that the long-running Shonen series is nearing its endgame. Luffy and the Straw Hat pirates are closing in on the titular treasure. The other strongest pirate crews in the world are mobilizing to do the same. The World Government is trying desperately to maintain control, only to keep failing. With Oda promising the finale will make Marineford look tame, fans know there’s a war coming that few can even comprehend. However, even the most eagle-eyed fans might not have realized just what this final war will decide. Thanks to Dr. Vegapunk, we now know that this coming war could be an apocalypse. An apocalypse that only has one word to describe itself: Ragnarok.

Where is this coming from?

To recap, during the climax of the Egghead Island Arc, Dr. Vegapunk was murdered by his old friend, Admiral Kizaru. However, his death led to the activation of a pre-recorded that he and his Satellites broadcast to the entire world. Thus, the world learned a horrifying truth: it had, for the past 800 years, been slowly sinking into the ocean. What’s more, this wouldn’t be the first time that it happened. 900 years ago, the world was covered in massive continents that were subsequently lost to the seas. The “islands” everyone lived on were merely the highest points of those continents, and even they were now at risk.

With this revelation, Oda had taken the flood myth, one of the oldest and most recurring motifs in cultures around the world, and used it to re-contextualize how we view One Piece. It had been taking place in a post-apocalyptic world, and nobody knew. Had this not been revealed, most of us likely wouldn’t have realized it. Suddenly, Luffy’s quest for the titular treasure had become more imporant than ever. It now has the potential to decide whether or not the world will live to see another tomorrow at all. And thus far, the events in the proceeding Elbaph arc have only hammered this point home. In addition, though, the most recent chapters of One Piece have shown the other apocalyptic myth from which Oda is getting inspiration: Ragnarok.

Ragnarok is what is coming

The Harley's text is a poem that is very similar to the Voluspa, the best known poem of the Poetic Edda.

The Voluspa tells the story from Norse Mythology of the creation of the world, its coming end, and its subsequent rebirth. pic.twitter.com/3UK0KFhySZ

— panini 🍔 (@writingpanini) January 30, 2025

In Norse mythology, Ragnarok is said to be their version of Armageddon. In it, the forces of the Norse pantheon of gods and their many enemies will clash in one, final battle. Few of them will survive what is to come, and the world will be burned by cataclysms as the sun and moon are devoured before the sea swallows everything. However, that same prophecy reveals that not all is lost. Those who survive Ragnarok will come to build a new world, one better than the one that preceded it.

With the latest chapter of One Piece revealing the ancient history as told by the Giants of Elbaph, many fans have noted the similarities to Ragnarok. The text that Robin reads talks about the three eras, or worlds, that the world of One Piece has been through. The more fans analyze the text and mural, the more the similarities to Ragnarok become obvious. Despite this, several differences need to be noted.

Why the Ragnarok of One Piece is Incomplete

Firstly, whereas the Ragnarok of Norse myth will only happen once, it has already happened twice in One Piece. Secondly, while Ragnarok is said to give rise to a new and better world, in One Piece, it has only led to a worse one.

It’s currently unknown what happened in the first Ragnarok, but the series has already given fans enough details on the second time. The founders of the World Government toppled an ancient, advanced kingdom. The sea would swallow most of the planet, and the World Government would cover up the truth for the next eight hundred years. Thus, the descendants of those who survived would remain ignorant to the truth and the fact that the ocean continued to rise until Vegapunk revealed it. Everything below the Red Line will be lost unless something is done soon. But what can be done?

One Piece fans already know the answer: it’s Luffy.

Admit it. We all knew Luffy is going to save the world.

Monkey D. Luffy has always been special thanks to his cheerful attitude, rubber body, and carrying the Will of D. However, time and time again, One Piece has noted just how special Luffy truly is, even amongst those who carry the Will of D. Wherever he goes, he makes friends. He frees people from whatever sorrows they may face so they can laugh again. And with the revelation that his Devil Fruit powers were the same as that of Joy Boy, many have concluded that he is the second coming of Joy Boy. Or, in the words of this blog, he’s Pirate Jesus.

The mural and text from the latest chapter of One Piece lend further credence to the idea that Luffy is the successor of Joy Boy, while also revealing that Joy Boy might have been the successor to Nika. That latter half would explain why the legends call the Sun God both a savior and destroyer. Over time, stories of Joy Boy and Nika were fused into one, leading to his reputation in the modern world.

The last part of the text talks about the return of the sun to bring about a new dawn and help the world “meet again.” As many fans will guess, that sun is talking about the return of the next person to wield the power of the sun god. In other words, it’s talking about Luffy. Luffy is being set up as the one who can break the cycle of Ragnarok for good. Then, the world can become the better place it was meant to be.

And from the looks of things, he and the Straw Hats will not be alone in this fight.

The Straw Hats could unite the world in a final war

Plenty of people have started pointing out the meaning behind the images on the mural and the meaning behind the Harley text. However, the images that stand out the most are the ones that Franky and Ripley themselves point out. The chapter makes it a point to have the two point out how beings from different races and backgrounds fight against a great monster. Something like that seems so unbelievable that Ripley dismisses it as some children’s dream. However, those who have kept on the story know that it’s not a mere dream. In fact, it’s already becoming a reality.

As previously mentioned, wherever Luffy and the Straw Hats have gone, they have changed things for the better. They’ve liberated kingdoms, stopped wars, and brought down tyrants. Thanks to that, they’ve gained friendships with people from the East Blue to the Grand Line. If the day finally came when Luffy wanted to ask for their help, you can bet their friends would drop everything and come to his aid, just as he would do the same for them. They aren’t just friends anymore; they’re an army that will fight for him.

If Luffy calls for help, will the world come to him?

While those images on the mural likely depict the war between the Ancient Kingdom and the proto-World Government, they could also be said to be showing what will happen in the near future. When Ragnarok comes once more, those loyal to Luffy and his crew might raise entire armies and join his cause. It’s a long shot, but it would serve as a great way to round out the series by having everyone Luffy has helped return the favor. In addition, it would help fulfill the prophecy of the sun god, allowing Luffy to guide the world to the new dawn it was always meant to reach. Which, in hindsight, makes the original name for One Piece, Romance Dawn, all the more impactful.

This might be one of the most important chapters in all of One Piece history, and Oda did not disappoint! Whatever he’s got planned for the rest of the series, it’s going to be an absolute banger from start to finish!

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One Piece Chapter 1067 Review/Recap

Guys, you are not going to believe how big Dr. Vegapunk’s brain really is. When people call him the smartest man alive, they’re not joking. His brain is less of a brain and more of a supercomputer! And the World Government wants to destroy it!

Recap

Having made his presence known to Luffy’s group, Vegapunk explains the secret to his genius. Already smart on his own, Vegapunk ate the Brain-Brain Fruit, which lets him absorb an unlimited amount of knowledge. As a result, his brain’s massive. Vegapunk removed it and put it in the part of the island labeled “Punk Records.” he connects to all of it via that antenna on his head, and his clones, the Punks, synchronize once a day to share their knowledge. 

As impressed as everyone else is, Bonney doesn’t care. She wants Vegapunk to pay for what he did to her father. However, the weapon she tries to use just attracts a swarm of bugs, making her pass out. Despite this, Vegapunk admits that he did do her wrong, but he still considers Luffy coming to Egghead Island to be fate. Thus, he wants Luffy to take him away from the island.

At that moment, the ship carrying the members of CP0 requests to dock at Egghead Island. Realizing that they have no intention of coming in peace, Punk Shaka refuses to give them entry and tells the Straw Hats to prepare for battle. Elsewhere, in the Kamabakka Kingdom, Kuma suddenly gets up from where his comrades are repairing him and begins to move out.

Review

So, just to make sure we’re all on the same page regarding Vegapunk’s massive brain: it’s basically a biological supercomputer at this point. And Vegapunk’s dream is for the world to one day access it and share all of the knowledge he’s gathered? We all know that he’s basically describing the Internet. Jinbei even lampshades this by pointing out how some people would add skewed or biased information to it. That’s how the Internet works. Regardless, I think that Vegapunk’s dream is awesome. Not only would it help everyone as a whole, but it would also break the World Government’s suppression of the truth. 

If this arc’s made anything clear, it’s that the World Government intends to kill Vegapunk. He knows the truth about the atrocities they’ve committed and the lies they’ve spread. If that were to become public, they would lose everything. However, I doubt that they expected for the Straw Hats to show up on Egghead Island. If fighting breaks out (which it likely will), then I think the Straw Hat’s could take CP0. They’ve beaten Rob Lucci before, and Luffy’s way stronger now. Above all, Vegapunk’s brain must be protected.

Kuma’s on the Move

Then we have Kuma’s sudden movements. This might be a stretch, but I think his behavior might be because of some hidden program Vegapunk left. Something that would make him return to Vegapunk if he were in danger. Or maybe it was because he sensed that his daughter was in danger. Either way, I think Kuma’s going to head to Egghead Island. That in and of itself is a big deal.

Remember, Kuma’s the reason that the Straw Hats got separated for two years. It helped them grow, but it was still a traumatic experience (especially for Sanji.) Seeing him again will make for some interesting reactions. And Bonney seeing her Dad again would make for an emotional reunion. If she’s lucky, Vegapunk could restore his memories and personality. 

Regardless, a lot of stuff was revealed in this chapter. I liked the reveal that Momonosuke’s artificial Devil Fruit is only imperfect due to the color, and that the mech once attacked the Red Line. It’s little details like that make the world of One Piece so alive. 

Also, who wants to take bets that Vegapunk joins the Straw Hats? We’ll find out in two weeks. Given how Oda always bounces back with an awesome new chapter after breaks, it’s going to be good.

I Give “Punk Records” a 4/5

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One Piece Chapter 1063 Review/Recap

You know, I was expecting Blackbeard to start playing a bigger role in One Piece. I mean, it’s obvious he’s the biggest obstacle to Luffy becoming King of the Pirates. That said, I thought we would have a little more time before he made his next move. In this case, I was wrong, because now he’s going after Law. And however strong Trafalgar Law might be, I’m worried Blackbeard’s stronger!

Law might be screwed, people!

Recap

After eating their fill from the food machine, Luffy and Bonney’s group part ways with Atlas. They then proceed to goof around with any other inventions they can find. However, their fun ends when a Pacifista arrives to arrest them for not paying for anything. Luffy goes to smash it, but Bonney stops them, revealing that Kuma’s her Dad and begging them not to hurt “him.”

In another location, Trafalgar Law and the Heart Pirates are being pursued by the Blackbeard Pirates. What’s worse, all of them have Devil Fruit powers. Law barely manages to get his ship to surface before Jesus Burgess throws a mountain at them! Then, he barely manages to get his crew out of harm’s way before he’s beset by Blackbeard himself. The Yonko demands access to Law’s Road Poneglyph’s. Defiant as ever, Law stands the vicious pirate down, declaring that the winner will take all in this fight!

Law, get out of there while you still can!

Review

Where to start on this? I guess we should start with what’s going on at Egghead Island. Firstly, I’m at a loss with how Bonney mistook that Pacifista for the real Kuma. She was at Mariejois. She had to have seen something involving the Revolutionaries’ rescue of the real Kuma. Did she mistake the Pacifista for the real deal in a moment of emotion, or can she just not stand seeing her Dad’s likeness destroyed?

Regardless, I’m hoping that this arc will explain more about Kuma and Bonney’s backstory. I want to learn how Kuma came to become a Warlord or why he agreed to become a cyborg. Knowing Oda, he’s going to explain this.

Now, onto the real meat of the chapter: Blackbeard making his move on Law. Moreover, the power that Blackbeard now has at his command.

Blackbeard Pirates Packing Heat

We’ve heard several times now that Blackbeard’s been finding Devil Fruit users and taking their powers for himself, likely killing the previous users in the process. We already saw that Shillew took Absalom’s power, but this is the first time we’ve seen how thorough the Blackbeard Pirates have been. Doc Q has a Fruit that can create any illness. Van Auger can teleport anything he wants. The already strong Jesus Burgess got a Devil Fruit that made him stronger! Speaking of Stronger the horse, he can now turn into a Pegasus!

If everyone in the Blackbeard Pirates proper now has a powerful Devil Fruit, then the Straw Hats’ inevitable final battle with them will be the fight of their lives. They’re going to need every trick in the book to come out on top! Oda, whatever you’re planning, it might be one of the greatest things in manga history.

I have a lot of confidence in Law, especially since he helped beat Big Mom. However, I can’t shake the feeling that this fight with Blackbeard will end badly for him. If Blackbeard takes his Devil Fruit, he could become unstoppable. As scary as that is, though, that’s not why Blackbeard’s after Law.

Blackbeard’s Making His Move for the One Piece

There’s the line Blackbeard gives. He says he was waiting for either Kid, Law, or Luffy to come this route after leaving Wano. In other words, he’s most likely just after their copies of the Road Poneglyphs. Assuming Luffy decided to share the one’s from Zou and Whole Cake Island, as well as Robin’s translations, the three captains likely have copies of the three Road Poneglyphs thus far. So, Blackbeard wants them to get to Laugh Tale.

That still leaves everyone short a Poneglyph, though. Or does it? What if Blackbeard already has access to the missing fourth Poneglyph? Then all he would need is to get the remaining two or three. Once that’s done, they’ll reveal the road to Laugh Tale. Even if Luffy didn’t share the one from Whole Cake Island, though, that won’t matter. Blackbeard might already be on that.

I normally don’t mention the cover stories, but I’m making an exception for once. We see one of Big Mom’s islands frozen over. Unless I missed the memo and there’s another Devil Fruit user with ice-related powers, there’s only one person who could do that: Aokiji.

Aokiji Working for Blackbeard Now, Remember?

I’m not sure if anyone remembers, but it was confirmed that the former Admiral’s now working with the Blackbeard Pirates. In addition, Brûlée mentioned that someone kidnapped Pudding. So, unless Germa 66’s responsible, there’s only one explanation I can think up. Aokiji went into Big Mom’s territory while she was away to steal her Road Poneglyph. Then, he kidnapped Pudding in the hopes that her potential powers could translate the Poneglyph.

Blackbeard thinks of everything, doesn’t he?

So, yeah, this is bad. I’m worried about Law, and I hope he can make it out of this in one piece, no pun intended. Here’s hoping that happens. We may not learn the outcome until later, though, as we still have Egghead Island to focus on.

Also, I just want to say something: Oda, that disease Doc Q made that turned Law into a woman? Do you have any idea the floodgates you’ve unleashed?

I Give “The Only Family I’ve Got” a 3.8/5

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