10 unbelievable One Piece theories that every fan must know

Confused Luffy
Confused Luffy (Image Credit: Toei Animation)

There’s a lot of mystery in One Piece, and fans love gunning for some wild guesses and hot theories on what’s going to happen next. A few theories have distinguished themselves with their sheer shock value or originality over the years. Some of these One Piece theories may seem crazy, but they could still be true according to fans.

Even if some, or even all of them, don’t materialize, they illustrate how rich and deep the One Piece story is. And how creative the fan base is. Here are ten unbelievable One Piece theories that every fan must know.


List of One Piece theories

1. Shanks is a Celestial Dragon working against the Government

Shanks, as seen in the anime (Image Credit: Toei Animation)
Shanks, as seen in the anime (Image Credit: Toei Animation)

One of the most unbelievable One Piece theories is that Shanks is actually a Celestial Dragon. This idea sounds strange at first, but there are some hints that support it. Shanks was able to walk into the meeting of the Five Elders without being stopped, which is something no regular pirate should be able to do.

Some fans think he’s using his status to secretly control or work against the World Government from the inside. Some people think that losing his arm is all part of a puzzle connecting him to them. If true, it would explain his mysterious actions and why he has such a big influence. It would also give rise to more theories. This is one of the One Piece theories that could change everything.


2. Zoro is a descendant of Wano’s Shimotsuki clan

Roronoa Zoro (Image Credit: Toei Animation)
Roronoa Zoro (Image Credit: Toei Animation)

There are many One Piece theories that attempt to explain where Zoro really came from. One of the best theories is that Zoro is from the Shimotsuki Clan in Wano. His fighting style, looks, and behavior are more than reminiscent of a Wano native. In SBS Volume 105, Eichiro Oda confirmed it. His dad is Roronoa Arashi, and his mother’s name is Tera, and we don’t know what they look like.

There’s also a swordsmith named Shimotsuki Kozaburo who left Wano and settled in the East Blue, which is where Zoro is from. It was from his bloodline that Kuina came. This confirmed that Kuina and Zoro are distant relatives. This theory connects Zoro directly to Wano’s samurai bloodline and gives his story more meaning.


3. Blackbeard has multiple souls

Blackbeard, as seen in the anime (Image Credit: Toei Animation)
Blackbeard, as seen in the anime (Image Credit: Toei Animation)

One of the most bizarre characters in the series is undoubtedly Blackbeard, and One Piece fans have a common notion that he may be more than one soul. This might have been how he was able to have multiple Devil Fruits (which is thought to be impossible).

If someone with a Devil Fruit eats another one, they are expected to die. But Blackbeard is still kicking. There is another connected theory that he has three souls. One for his Darkness Fruit. The second is for the Tremor-Tremor fruit. And the third one is what he uses to transfer Devil Fruit powers between people. There is also a possibility that Blackbeard knows something about Devil Fruits that viewers don’t know and that he is exploiting that knowledge.


4. The One Piece is not gold; it's unity or the journey

Gol D. Roger at Laugh Tale (Image Credit: Toei Animation)
Gol D. Roger at Laugh Tale (Image Credit: Toei Animation)

Everyone in the story is looking for the treasure called the One Piece, but what if it’s not gold at all? One of the most heartwarming One Piece theories says that the real treasure is the journey itself. Some believe that what Roger found at Laugh Tale was the history of the world and the value of friendship.

This theory fits with the overall tone of the story and the way Luffy treasures his crew. If this turns out to be true, it would show that the story was never about riches but about unity and freedom. But this is one of the most popular and unwanted One Piece theories.


5. Crocodile is Luffy’s mother

Crocodile, as seen in the anime (Image Credit: Toei Animation)
Crocodile, as seen in the anime (Image Credit: Toei Animation)

This is one of the craziest One Piece theories, but it has a loyal group of believers. Some fans think Crocodile used to be a woman and is actually Luffy’s mother. The theory is based on the idea that Ivankov used his powers to change Crocodile’s gender in the past.

In addition, Crocodile has an odd bond with Dragon, and Oda has never disclosed who Luffy's mother is. Although it sounds crazy, this hypothesis gives Crocodile's character an additional twist and is among the most discussed One Piece theories among fans.


6. Buggy is a lot more powerful and smarter than he lets on

Buggy before he became a Yonko (Image Credit: Toei Animation)
Buggy before he became a Yonko (Image Credit: Toei Animation)

Many fans joke about how lucky Buggy is, but one of the more interesting One Piece theories says that Buggy is actually hiding his true strength and intelligence. He was once on the same crew as Shanks and trained under Roger, which already makes him a serious figure.

Some believe that he’s been playing dumb to avoid attention and climb the ranks without anyone noticing. With the way he quickly rose to become a Yonko, this theory isn’t too far-fetched. It’s one of those One Piece theories that makes you look at Buggy in a totally new way.


7. For All Blue to exist, genocide must happen

A shot of the map (Image Credit: Toei Animation)
A shot of the map (Image Credit: Toei Animation)

One of the wildest One Piece theories is tied to Sanji’s dream, the All Blue. It’s said to be a legendary sea where fish from all four oceans meet. In the world of One Piece, the Red Line and the Grand Line divide the seas, making it nearly impossible for such a place to exist. For All Blue to be real, the entire geography of the world must change.

That means massive destruction, possibly destroying the Red Line itself. But doing so would wipe out entire civilizations like Mariejois. It would take firepower beyond normal means. That’s where the Ancient Weapons come in, and their use may come at a terrible cost.


8. Law is a member of SWORD, like Corazon was

Trafalgar D. Law, as seen in the anime (Image Credit: Toei Animation)
Trafalgar D. Law, as seen in the anime (Image Credit: Toei Animation)

One of the most logical One Piece theories is that Law is secretly part of SWORD, the Marine group working in secret. This idea comes from his connection with Corazon, who was part of SWORD himself. Law has always acted in ways that suggest he’s not just a regular pirate.

He’s fought against Doflamingo, helped Luffy, and taken part in major events that hurt the World Government. If he’s part of SWORD, it means he’s been playing a long game. Some of his actions have served them, like when he attacked Dressrosa and assisted in taking Big Mom down. This theory makes Law an even more complex and interesting character in the One Piece world.


9. The D in Will of D stands for devil

Nico Robin asking about the Will of D (Image Credit: Toei Animation)
Nico Robin asking about the Will of D (Image Credit: Toei Animation)

The mystery behind the "Will of D" is one of the biggest in the series. One popular One Piece theory says that the D actually stands for “Devil.” This would link all the D bearers to some ancient force that stands against the Celestial Dragons or the World Government.

It might also explain why they often oppose the system and are caught up in big events. While there’s no clear answer yet, this theory fits well with the dark and rebellious nature of many D characters. Among the wildest One Piece theories, this one feels very possible.


10. Law would use his ultimate ability on Luffy

Trafalgar D. Water Law (Image Credit: Toei Animation)
Trafalgar D. Water Law (Image Credit: Toei Animation)

Law has a power called the Ope Ope no Mi, and it lets him perform the Immortality Operation, which would cost his life. One of the most touching One Piece theories says that he might use this power on Luffy. Trafalgar has an ability called Perennial Youth Operation. Basically, he grants the person on the other end of it eternal youth. But at the cost of his life.

If Luffy’s life is ever at risk, Law could choose to save him by giving up his own. This would be a huge moment in the story and would fit Law’s bond with Luffy. It's one of those One Piece theories that fans hope never happens, but if it does, it would be unforgettable.


Conclusion

These One Piece theories get wacky, but they demonstrate exactly how much freedom fans have been given. Some are drawn from small details in the story, and others result from deeper character analysis. True or not, it’s just a fun layer of speculation and conversation in the world of One Piece.

And that’s what makes the series so good. There’s always more to uncover. So even if you don’t believe all of them, these One Piece theories are definitely worth thinking about.

Edited by Sangeeta Mathew