One Piece’s Elbaph Arc Confirms Fans Shouldn’t Overlook the Fish-Man Island Saga

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Please be aware that this article contains spoilers from the One Piece manga! The Elbaph Arc in the One Piece manga is revealing more about the past through the memories of King Harald. As the story concludes its flashback of the God Valley Incident, it now focuses on Harald’s life and the events leading up to his death fourteen years prior. Following the God Valley Incident, Harald broke his horns and pledged his service to anyone who asked. He became a low-ranking Holy Knight and eventually met Shanks, who had just returned to his family after the execution of Gol D. Roger. However, Shanks wasn’t with the Celestial Dragons to be with his family; he was actually searching for more information about the Holy Land.

While in Marijoa, he liberated Fisher Tiger, a key advocate for peace between Fish-Men and humans, hoping to end generations of animosity. This act also allowed many enslaved people, including Boa Hancock and her sisters, to escape the terrible conditions there. Fisher Tiger’s history was central to the Fish-Man Island arc, but the details of his own escape remained a mystery until recently. He later became a famous pirate, and his ideals continue to live on through Jinbe, who now sails with the Straw Hat Pirates.

One Piece’s Elbaph Arc Might Be a Callback to The Fish-Man Island Saga

Although many fans dislike the Fish-Man Island arc, often because of a weak villain and slow storytelling, it was a surprisingly important part of the One Piece story. It not only introduced the character of Joyboy and revealed one of the ancient weapons, but its impact continues to be felt years later, connecting various storylines. For example, events involving Shanks and Fisher Tiger, as well as hints from the upcoming Elbaph arc, all tie back to what happened on Fish-Man Island.

In chapter 1136, the Giants are debating the meaning of Nika, based on their old text called the Harley. Because the Harley is written in a language that’s difficult to translate, there’s disagreement about who Nika was. Some think he was a king, while others believe he was a god of freedom, joy, or even destruction. The title of ‘god of destruction’ is particularly noteworthy, as it could foreshadow Luffy’s future actions and a possible destruction of Fish-Man Island.

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2025-12-01 03:12