Big Mom holds significant importance in the post-time skip storyline of One Piece. As one of the Four Emperors of the Sea, she has played a pivotal role since Luffy entered the New World, being prominently featured in various arcs, particularly the Four Emperors Saga.
Her initial conflict with Luffy began on Fishman Island, where she later became the primary antagonist during the Whole Cake Island arc. In Wano, she pursued Luffy relentlessly, only to be ultimately defeated by Eustass Kid and Trafalgar Law. Although some anticipate Big Mom's story to conclude, there remains a possibility of her return in the future.
Big Mom's Connection To Elbaf
Big Mom's potential return in One Piece would likely occur in the Elbaf arc, as she has a significant connection to this country that has been emphasized throughout the storyline. In the Whole Cake Island arc, it was revealed that there is animosity between Big Mom and the Giants of Elbaf. Despite having a diverse range of races in her own country, Big Mom notably lacked a connection with the Giants of Elbaf. This initially puzzled fans, but with the unveiling of her backstory, the pieces began to fall into place. As a child, Big Mom was abandoned by her parents on Elbaf, where she was subsequently discovered by Mother Carmel, who presented herself as a benevolent figure but was actually involved in child trafficking.
Under Carmel's care, children were raised in an orphanage and later sold to the Navy or other parties. Although Mother Carmel feigned kindness and holiness, Big Mom formed a fondness for her. On Elbaf, Big Mom established a small orphanage and resided there. However, she proved extremely difficult to control due to her insatiable hunger and unusually strong physical abilities, which can be attributed to an illness. This, coupled with inadequate parenting from Mother Carmel, hindered Big Mom's ability to discern right from wrong, exacerbating her situation. Ultimately, her intense hunger caused her to destroy the village she lived in, and she tragically ended up killing Jorul, one of the Elders of the giant tribe of Elbaf. As a result, despite being only 5 years old at the time, she was labeled as a monstrous being.
Knowing that she could greatly benefit from the formidable power of Big Mom, Carmel pleaded for her life and successfully convinced her comrades to spare Big Mom. As they set sail, they settled on a nearby island and constructed a small orphanage. However, tragedy struck on Big Mom's 6th birthday when she unwittingly consumed everyone at the orphanage, causing the powers of Carmel's Devil Fruit, known as the Soru Soru no Mi, to be transferred to Big Mom. Unfazed, Big Mom crossed paths with Streusen and embarked on a daring journey as a renowned pirate. Eventually, she aligned herself with the notorious Rocks Pirates and after their untimely dissolution, she went on to establish her own formidable crew, known as the Big Mom Pirates.
Big Mom's involvement with Elbaf goes beyond what one might expect. Aware of the Giants' distaste for her, Big Mom orchestrated a union between her daughter Lola and Loki, the Prince of Elbaf, who had developed a strong infatuation with her. However, Lola resisted the idea of marriage and fled from home, eventually establishing her own pirate crew. In an attempt to salvage her plans, Big Mom tried to pass off her other daughter, Chiffon, as Lola, but this scheme failed miserably. The Giants of Elbaf soon discovered the deception, further straining the already tense relationship between them and Big Mom.
Big Mom was primarily attracted to the Giants of Elbaf for their immense strength, believing that their power alone would have granted her victory over the other Yonko. The connection between Big Mom and Elbaf remains intact, and it is highly likely that she will return to Elbaf if she is still alive when the Straw Hat Pirates arrive.
Big Mom's Conclusion On Wano
In Wano, Big Mom's character received an unexpected conclusion that left fans divided. She was ultimately defeated by a combined effort from Trafalgar Law and Eustass Kid, who tapped into their awakened abilities to bring her down. Although they couldn't deliver a final blow in a formal duel, they managed to throw her off Onigashima, causing her to accidentally unleash powerful bombs upon herself, leading to her defeat. Following the end of the Wano War, fans caught a glimpse of Big Mom submerged in a vast pool of magma, which subsequently exploded, leaving her fate uncertain.
Despite the speculation surrounding Big Mom's demise, the presence of the Big Mom Pirates in the seas near Wano shortly after suggests that she may have survived. They were seen engaging in battles with the CP0, potentially defeating them. This indicates that the Big Mom Pirates could have rescued their captain, leaving her alive and in good health. Although she lost her position as a Yonko, if alive, Big Mom could potentially resurface in the storyline, with the land of Elbaf serving as a suitable setting for her return.
There are several justifications for Oda's decision to spare Big Mom's life. One significant factor is his tendency to avoid killing off major antagonists, particularly those who possess some redeeming qualities. Despite Big Mom's complex and morally ambiguous nature, she is not entirely malevolent. In fact, she aspires to establish a harmonious utopia in which all races can coexist without discrimination. Considering her compassionate side, it is conceivable that Oda might opt to spare her life. Moreover, given Big Mom's loyalty and strong connection to Luffy, she would likely join forces with him if he were to venture to Elbaf.
Big Mom's Return On Elbaf
The Elbaf arc in One Piece is finally happening, and Oda has already laid the groundwork for it. The confirmation came on Egghead Island, where fans learned that Saul is alive and the people of Elbaf have vital information about the Void Century. This strongly suggests that the Straw Hat Pirates will venture to the land of the Warriors. Meanwhile, Shanks operates in the vicinity of Elbaf, making it highly likely that Luffy will encounter the man who inspired him to become the Pirate King. Since Luffy is heading to Elbaf, it is possible that Big Mom will follow him. However, fans can anticipate that Big Mom's experience on Elbaf will be different from their expectations.
Should she go to Elbaf, it is likely that she will challenge Luffy; however, it is important to understand that at her core, Big Mom is a misguided individual. Her motivations align closely with those of Luffy, which were emphasized during the events in Wano. Big Mom's desire to protect the people of Okobore Town, who once saved and fed her, showcases her underlying intentions. Even when she sought to eliminate the Germa Kingdom, it was solely because they were labeled as the world's evil forces. In her eyes, their demise was warranted. When she plundered neighboring nations for Tea Party ingredients, she only confronted and eliminated the armies of regions that provided her sustenance, taking only what she needed without needless killing.
In essence, Big Mom is a complex character with both good and evil aspects, making redemption a possibility. Furthermore, she remains unaware of the truth regarding Mother Carmel, an important revelation that may occur in Elbaf. This could potentially mark the conclusion of her character development. Discovery of the events surrounding her 6th birthday might compel her to change her ways. Consequently, she may entrust her dream of achieving equality to Luffy, forming an alliance between them. Their shared goals make Luffy an ideal partner for Big Mom, particularly since Katakuri, a loyal ally, supports Luffy's pursuit of becoming the Pirate King.
The ideal culmination of Big Mom's character development would be her establishment of an orphanage in Elbaf, providing a safe haven for children who are without any other means of support. The fulfillment of this outcome, however, is contingent upon her survival. Should she indeed continue to exist within the narrative, fans can anticipate positive prospects for her character's future.
