Louis Arnot's warning may be a clever callback to one of One Piece's best flashbacks

In chapter 290 of One Piece, the flashback of Mont Blanc Noland’s tragic journey to Jaya introduced a chilling moment when the locals turned against Noland’s group for cutting down trees infected with Tree Fever. One of his cremates exclaimed,

“We stayed too long!”

In the original Japanese, this line uses the word "nagai," the same term uttered by Louis Arnot in the Elbaph arc. The connection between these two moments could be more than coincidental, potentially hinting at the mysterious effects of the Treasure Tree Adam in the much-anticipated Elbaph arc.

One Piece: Treasure Tree Adam’s possible influence on Elbaph’s warlike nature

Hajruddin and the other giants as shown in the One Piece anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Elbaph, often referred to as a warland, could derive its aggressive culture not merely from the natural disposition of the giants but from an environmental factor tied to the Treasure Tree Adam. The theory by X users @MiztaZod and @rob_piece posits that the Adam Tree might siphon pyrobloin from deep-sea volcanic activity beneath Elbaph.

Pyrobloin, a mineral tied to the climatic phenomena seen in places like Punk Hazard, could have a mind-altering effect on living beings exposed to it over long periods. If this is the case, the berserk nature of Elbaph’s inhabitants might be directly linked to their prolonged exposure to these pyrobloin emissions.

Treasure Tree Adam as imagined by Franky (Image via Toei Animation)

The aggression may not be limited to the air spores emitted by the Adam Tree. Instead, the plants and animals of Elbaph, possibly saturated with pyrobloin, could also carry this effect. The Straw Hats, likely to indulge in Elbaph’s abundant food before the main conflict kicks off, may experience accelerated effects.

This scenario parallels the environmental poisoning in Wano, where Kaido’s factories polluted the air, water, and food supply, leading to widespread suffering. However, in Elbaph’s case, the issue isn’t deliberate poisoning but the natural properties of pyrobloin interacting with the Treasure Tree Adam.

Oda's foreshadowing of hallucinations and berserk states among the Straw Hats

Oda has subtly foreshadowed that some members of the Straw Hats might hallucinate or exhibit unusual behavior in the Elbaph arc. This potential plot point aligns with the themes of trickery and chaos, fitting for an arc centered on Loki, the Norse god of mischief, who will likely play a prominent role in Elbaph.

Hallucinations and berserk states induced by pyrobloin exposure could create significant challenges for the crew, adding an unpredictable element to the narrative.

The concept also draws parallels to earlier arcs. In Punk Hazard, Caesar Clown’s experiments on children to turn them into giants resulted in withdrawal symptoms that caused hallucinations and aggressive behavior. Similarly, Big Mom’s overconsumption of food during her youth and the resulting consequences may mirror the Straw Hats’ experience with Elbaph’s food supply.

Luffy and Zoro’s resistance to environmental toxins in Wano, contrasted with Bepo’s susceptibility, further supports the idea that different individuals may respond uniquely to pyrobloin exposure.

Luffy and Zoro as shown in the One Piece anime (Image via Toei Animation)

This theory adds depth to the ongoing mystery surrounding Elbaph. If true, it may explain why Louis Arnot suggested that prolonged exposure to the Adam Tree’s environment is dangerous and why Elbaph’s culture revolves around war.

The “Warland” title might stem from centuries of inhabitants affected by the Adam Tree’s influence, turning them into a naturally combative society. Such an environmental twist could provide a compelling backdrop for the upcoming arc, blending Norse mythology with One Piece’s signature world-building.

Final thoughts

A snapshot of Elbaph (Image via Toei Animation)

By connecting Louis Arnot’s cryptic warning to Noland’s flashback and expanding on the Treasure Tree Adam’s potential role, Oda may set the stage for one of the series’ most intricate and thrilling arcs yet. The Adam Tree’s influence on Elbaph’s environment, culture, and the Straw Hats’ upcoming challenges could redefine the stakes as the story progresses toward its climax.