This article contains spoilers from One Piece's Final Saga.
One Piece features some absolutely incredible story arcs, and Oda has woven some of the most brilliant storylines into this world over the years. Each One Piece arc offers something completely different, which is why most fans have different tastes and choices when it comes to their favorite arcs. Those who love the lore of the One Piece world will probably prefer arcs like Skypiea, while those who absolutely enjoy action and high-tension scenarios will enjoy the likes of Marineford more.
One Piece: 7 arcs to come after Elbaf
Elbaf is good, but even bigger arcs come after it in One Piece.
In both cases, you absolutely cannot deny it Marineford is one of the best arcs in One Piece. It's the point in the story where sales absolutely exploded, and it's what made One Piece as popular as it is today. Marineford was an absolutely brilliant tug-of-war between the pirates and the navyand in the middle of it all was Luffy, a young pirate trying to save the life of his brother who defined a significant part of his life.
Marineford will always have a special place in fans' heartsand while that was good, fans should remember that the second Marineford arc of One Piece is now officially underway. While most fans are currently focused on the Elbaf arc of the story, they should always keep an eye on what's happening in the rest of the seas. A second Marineford Arc is on the way and it will most likely come right after the Elbaf arc is finished.
The Marineford Arc was the highlight of One Piece
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Marineford saw Luffy face his greatest challenge
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Luffy lost ace and became stronger
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Marineford caused One Piece sales to explode
It's no surprise to know that the Marineford arc of One Piece was a major highlight of the story. The arc was always going to be massive as it marked the end of the first part of the story and was essentially the climax of Luffy's journey before becoming an adult. Marineford was full of intensity and palpable excitement as his own brother, Ace, was about to be executed at Navy HQ, fighting these monstrously powerful marines, who were the Whitebeard Pirates, as well as Luffy and his band of misfits from Impel Down.
Even at naval headquarters, only three hold the rank of admiral. Akainu, Aokiji, Kizaru. The only one above them is Fleet Admiral Sengoku, the Commander of the Navy. The World Government calls these three the “Ultimate Military Force”, and he is one of them! — Nico Robin when he saw Admiral Aokiji, One Piece Chapter 319
Without the Straw Hat Pirates in the mix, Luffy was alone for the first time on his journey, and he went through unimaginable pain to try and save his brother. Every turn and every clash in this arc was incredibly exciting for all fans, and that's exactly why Marineford ended up making One Piece the best-selling manga in history. Sales of One Piece exploded after this arcand it has not reached the same heights since. But all that may change after the events of the Elbaf arc, because a new Marineford arc is finally about to begin, and the fans absolutely cannot wait for it.
After Elbaf, a new Marineford arc may begin
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Oda has set up a pirate-marine confrontation again
Most fans may be confused as to how a new Marineford arc can begin after the conclusion of Elbaf, but to see how that happens, fans only need to look at the other major players in the One Piece world besides the Straw Hat Pirates.
As for the Straw Hat Pirates, it's quite clear that their goal right now is to just get the last Road Poneglyph and then find their way to the last island, which is Laugh Tale. Other developments happening in the world are much more important right now, and quite easily the most exciting ones involve Blackbeard.
From now on this will be ONE PIECE! I will draw all the mysteries left in this world that I have hidden until now. It will be really interesting. Please fasten your seat belts. Thank you very much, I hope you will stick with me a little longer. — Eiichiro Oda, One Piece
Last, Blackbeard got hold of Captain Koby from the marines. When he did, Blackbeard proposed a deal with the World Government. He would offer the government Koby in exchange for official recognition from them as a country for Pirate Island. Essentially, Blackbeard wanted to negotiate a major compromise from the government and that they would allow a pirate to run circles around them. This was never going to happen, and Kuzan pointed it out quite clearly.
One Piece: Oda sets up Monkey D. Garp's execution
Garp may die in One Piece's final saga. Oda has already set up his execution.
But Blackbeard still wanted to go ahead with this plan because he knew that if he made this whole ordeal public, the navy would be disgraced on both sides. To his happiness, Blackbeard got an even bigger prize after losing Koby, and that is Garp the Hero. While Koby was also a hero, Garp is an even bigger hero that the Marines absolutely cannot ignore.
Blackbeard's plan is quite simple. He wants to start negotiations with the world government, but he wants to do it publicly. In other words, the hearing will be broadcast to the whole world, and Blackbeard will ask them to give him land status for Pirate Island in exchange for Garp. The Navy would be in a very difficult position, because if they accept it, the whole world will see them as bowing to the will of a pirate, and their reputation will be in tatters.
On the other hand, if they don't accept this, the Navy will have abandoned its number one hero. The only way around this for the Navy is to attack the Blackbeard Pirates head on, and for a war to break out between the two factions over the capture of Garp. That's exactly why a new Marineford arc is coming, and it all stems from Blackbeard and his kind personality.
The biggest players will soon play a big role
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The biggest Battle Royale in one piece is about to begin
Once negotiations between the Navy and the Blackbeard Pirates fall apart, the result can only result in a war between the two factions. This time, it is possible that the Navy will attack Pirate Island, and the situation will be the exact opposite of the Marineford arc of One Piece. As such, the biggest players in the One Piece world will make a move here, as they will all have a stake in it.
For example, Luffy can't just allow his grandfather to die, so he will most likely make a move to protect him. Likewise, fans may even see Dragon get involved in some aspect because at the end of the day, when he was imprisoned by the Marines after the events of God Valley, it was Garp who freed him. At the same time, Shanks also cannot be ignored here as he has a large stake in whatever Blackbeard doesand wants to stop him at all costs.
As such, the upcoming arc of One Piece will be incredibly chaotic, and some of the biggest players will be directly involved in it. For the very first time since Paramount War of One Piece, fans will get to see all-out fighting once again, and it's sure to be a spectacle worth witnessing.
Eiichiro Oda's One Piece focuses on the journey of Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates as they sail the seas to claim the great treasure known as One Piece. The manga is currently in its Final Saga. One Piece will be featured in this week's Weekly Shonen Jump Issue. The official release date for One Piece Chapter 1171 is January 18, 2026. In Japan, One Piece is released at 12pm JST on Monday, which is 11am EST, or 8am PT. Fans can read the chapter for free on the Manga Plus and Shonen Jump apps. If you do that, the fans will always support the author.
