One Piece's Holy Knights are all but confirmed as Elbaph Arc's antagonists
One Piece chapter 1134 is set to be released on December 23, 2024, but the full spoilers for the chapter have already been revealed. Before the full summary was revealed, the brief spoilers also stated the arrival of the Holy Knights on Elbaph Island. Where the initial spoilers hinted at the importance of the Holy Knights in the current arc, the full spoilers might have confirmed them as the official antagonists.
The arrival of the Holy Knights was confirmed before the spoilers confirmed it, given that the World Government is still unsure of the Straw Hat Pirates. Moreover, one of the two Holy Knights that arrived on Elbaph featured Shanks' lookalike. Given the current context, this lookalike might also be the Holy Knights' leader and the Elbaph arc's central antagonist.
Disclaimer: Article contains the author's opinion and potential spoilers from the One Piece manga series.
One Piece: Exploring the Holy Knights as the central antagonists of Elbaph Arc
One Piece chapter 1134 spoilers ended with a magnificent double-page panel showcasing magic circles appearing in the middle of the throne room inside the Elbaph castle. These magic circles were similar to the ones Saint Saturn used during the Egghead arc to summon the other Gorosei on the island. However, these magic circles didn't have a number on them.
As the magic circles disappeared, two personas emerged from them. One of them was Shanks' lookalike (the same one that appeared in chapter 907, as seen talking to the Gorosei about a pirate). The other looked like a woman with most of her face covered with a cloth. These two were summoned to the top part of Elbaoh, the Heaven Realm.
Interestingly, these two mysterious entities that suddenly entered Elbaph Island might be Holy Knights. The initial spoilers didn't give up descriptions about them, but the full spoilers confirmed their status with the chapter ending with 'We have invaders!' While the fans might think that the lookalike might be Shanks himself, that wouldn't be possible.
The Emperor has been an ally of the Giants for a very long time (given his recent visit to Elbaph Island), so that island wouldn't brand him as an 'invader.' So, where this confirms the existence of Shanks' twin, it also confirms that this lookalike was a part of the Holy Knights.
With the current development where the Straw Hat Pirates are close to One Piece, the World Government wouldn't stand still, and it would make sense for them to arrive on Elbaph Island before it was too late.
Given the danger on Elbaph Island, only the strongest Holy Knights might be summoned to this island. So, this would also hint at the fact that this twin would be the captain of Holy Knights (inheriting the role of his father, Garling Figarland, the replacement of Saint Saturn).
Analysis and final thoughts
One major question arising from this would be the role of other antagonists in the story, given how the series is currently in its final saga. The Holy Knights might be one of the few antagonists of the final saga, with other antagonists like Imu, Akainu, Blackbeard, and many others set to appear later.
Related Links
- One Piece chapter 1134 spoilers
- Shanks' return in the latest One Piece spoilers isn't what fans think
- One Piece's latest spoilers tease many major Elbaph Arc theories combining