10 most anticipated character introductions in One Piece anime’s Elbaph Arc

One Piece title
One Piece title (Image Credits: Toei Animation)

The One Piece anime is on the verge of one of the most significant storylines in the long history of one of the longest-running anime series, the Elbaph Arc. The story of Eiichiro Oda has, over the decades, tormented the homeland of the giants, making Elbaph a country of legends, strength, and historical connections to the Void Century. As the anime is currently gaining ground towards this long-time destination following the Egghead Island saga, the anticipation among fans has never been greater.

The Elbaph Arc is supposed to connect centuries of history, the fall of the Ancient Kingdom, the establishment of the World Government, and even the mystery still surrounding the D clan. Of particular relevance in this arc is not only its lore but also its introduction of long-awaited characters that have either never been seen in the anime or will have never been featured as young versions. Every character in the list below is a crucial element in the developing myth of the series: ancient heroes and kings, young revolutionaries, and almost unknown legends.


The most anticipated One Piece character introductions in the Elbaph Arc


1. Prince Loki of Elbaph

The introduction of Prince Loki is one of the most anticipated in the history of One Piece. His appearance has not been seen, despite his name being mentioned first in the Whole Cake Island arc. Loki, as the crown prince of Elbaph, is the bridge between the old myths about Dorry and Brogy and the new Elbaph. His relation to the past life of Big Mom (a broken engagement to him) predetermines that his tale will fill in the emotional and political history of both characters.

Prince Loki of Elbaph (Image Credits: Shueisha)
Prince Loki of Elbaph (Image Credits: Shueisha)

In the Elbaph Arc, Loki is supposed to be strong, honorable, and proud of his people, and also shed light on the poor relationship that the giants had with the World Government. His introduction will probably coincide with the arrival of the Straw Hat Pirates on the island, establishing the premise of alliances and conflicts, which are the center of the final saga of the series.


2. Jaguar D. Saul

After being believed dead in the Ohara Incident, the survival of Jaguar D. Saul in the manga was truly a shock to the world. Being one of the few known people to carry the D name, his reintroduction in the anime will be historic. The fact that Saul is the present guardian of the books of Ohara on Elbaph connects him to the legacy of Nico Robin and the mission of the scholars to safeguard the truth.

Jaguar D. Saul (Image Credits: Toei Animation)
Jaguar D. Saul (Image Credits: Toei Animation)

His appearance is not merely an emotional reunion but also a pivotal point between the giants of Elbaph and an important point in the quest to unravel the secrets of the Void Century. The philosophical similarity of Saul to the ideals of Robin makes his introduction a focal point in the ideological development of the Straw Hats in the course of the Elbaph Arc.


3. Harald the Giant King

Prince Loki is the descendant of the legendary King Harald of Elbaph, who has always been cloaked in mystery. Although mentioned in passing, his entire description is likely to provide insight into the royal lineage of Elbaph and the government system of the world of giants. Harald, being a ruler and a warrior, is worshipped as a hero who at one point united the divided giant tribes.

Harald the Giant King (Image Credits: Shueisha)
Harald the Giant King (Image Credits: Shueisha)

He will probably be introduced through flashbacks or stories related to the elders of Elbaph, which describe how the island came to be the epitome of might and honor. The very appearance of King Harald will give the Elbaph Arc its mythological seriousness, basing the lore of the island on a solid historical base.


4. Manmayer Gunko

Manmayer Gunko is amongst the Holy Knights whose name is mocked as one of the most dangerous individuals in the secret army of the World Government. Her participation in the action of Elbaph, as well as her so-called appearance in flashbacks to the God Valley Incident, has made her one of the most debated possible newcomers.

Manmayer Gunko (Image Credits: Shueisha)
Manmayer Gunko (Image Credits: Shueisha)

The introduction of Gunko may unveil the evil side of the Government's relations with Elbaph and the real power of the Holy Knights. Her design and personality are supposed to be contrasting with the honor-driven culture of the giants, and she is one of the major antagonistic powers in the arc.


5. Rimoshifu Killingham

Rimoshifu Killingham is a comparatively recent pseudonym being floated to fans of One Piece, supposedly a new canon character, perhaps a major government agent or enemy of the Holy Knights camped somewhere off Elbaph. His personality, hinted at by the story setting and hypothetical spills, is thought to represent the brutal greed that is challenging the independence of the giants.

Rimoshifu Killingham (Image Credits: Shueisha)
Rimoshifu Killingham (Image Credits: Shueisha)

Having Killingham would broaden the terrain of the conflict over Elbaph itself, as it would be a younger generation of governmental enforcers of the God Valley heritage. His introduction would also highlight how Elbaph is a place where freedom and oppression come together, the exact thematic core of the saga.


6. The Giant Hero of the Ancient Kingdom

The unnamed Giant Hero of the Ancient Kingdom may be the most enigmatic character expected in the Elbaph Arc. This giant warrior, mentioned in the mythology of Joy Boy and the Void Century, can be directly connected to the mythology of the Sun God Nika. His introduction would be a symbol of the lost power of the Ancient Kingdom and a visual reminder of the freedom of its ideals.

Elbaph (Image Credits: Shueisha)
Elbaph (Image Credits: Shueisha)

The way this hero is portrayed in the anime is supposed to come in a massive flashback segment that combines myth with historical fact. His arrival might be a narrative revelation of the connection between the heritage of Elbaph and the initial war that made the world.


7. Figarland Garling (Young Version)

Figarland Garling, the Supreme Commander of the Gods' Knights, is a noble whose younger counterpart will be playing a major role in the Gods Valley flashback that is part of the Elbaph plot. Being a sadist with a sense of aristocratic pride, the younger Garling should reveal how his ideology shaped up -and how his actions contributed to the downfall of Rocks D. Xebec.

Figarland Garling (Image Credits: Toei Animation)
Figarland Garling (Image Credits: Toei Animation)

His appearance will be used to help balance the power between the Celestial Dragons and the past pirates. The introduction of the young Garling can be listed as a reminder of the extent to which the sins of history are buried in the present story.


8. Rocks D. Xebec

The introduction of Rocks D. Xebec, the notorious leader of the Rocks Pirates, would be one of the most groundbreaking events in the history of One Piece. The flashback to God Valley by the Elbaph Arc gives a perfect stage to the long-awaited animation of Xebec.

Rocks D. Xebec (Image Credits: Toei Animation)
Rocks D. Xebec (Image Credits: Toei Animation)

Being the man who defied the World Government as well as the Celestial Dragons, the introduction of Xebec will unveil the origins of the most powerful pirates in the world, such as Whitebeard, Big Mom, and Kaido. His animated character is bound to change the definition of power, ambition, and chaos in the world of One Piece.


9. Monkey D. Dragon (Young Version)

Monkey D. Dragon is a former Marine, and the appearance of his younger self in the God Valley events is eagerly awaited before the creation of the Revolutionary Army. His introduction would be an eye-opener to his ideological transformation - from soldier to revolutionary leader.

Monkey D. Dragon (Image Credits: Toei Animation
Monkey D. Dragon (Image Credits: Toei Animation

One possible reason as to why a young Dragon chose to rebel against the World Government was witnessing the atrocities that the Celestial Dragon rule entailed. His introduction into the Elbaph Arc would not merely add to his personality but would provide more insight into the generational gap between him, Garp, and Luffy.


10. Shakuyaku (Shakky)

Last in the list is Shakuyaku, whose younger self is hailed as a well-known section of the God Valley flashback. She is a ruthless pirate who came into conflict with the Marines even before her quiet life at the Shakky Rip-Off Bar.

Shakuyaku (Image Credits: Shueisha)
Shakuyaku (Image Credits: Shueisha)

Her appearance in the Elbaph Arc will ultimately display her presence in the Rocks era, providing the fans with more insight into her relationship with Rayleigh and the ancient world of pirates. The young version of Shakky will complete the set of characters in the flashback and will connect the generation of pirates in the past with the future partners of the Straw Hats.


The Elbaph Arc is the meeting point of the past, present, and future of One Piece. All these ten cautions, which include the royal seriousness of Prince Loki, the rediscovery of Jaguar D. Saul, and the long-awaited uncoverings into the youth of Rocks D. Xebec and Monkey D. Dragon, are meant to redefine the scope of the anime. The combination of ancient mythology, political intrigue, and generational legacy will not only turn Elbaph into another destination, but it will also act as a bridge to the world of the greatest pirates of all time. Once these long-standing characters are finally introduced on screen, not only will they swell the lore, but they will also make One Piece approach its long-awaited grand finale.

Edited by Sroban Ghosh