The True Mastermind of One Piece: Unmasking the Real Main Antagonist

Article Key Points

The idea of a clear end point in One Piece has kept the franchise relevant and maintained a sense of narrative progression over 20 years.

Sakazuki, bearing the blame for Ace's demise and possessing an extremist perspective, emerges as a captivating contender to serve as Luffy's ultimate adversary.

Blackbeard, exhibiting similarities to Luffy and embodying the symbolic battle between righteousness and wickedness, alongside his involvement in Ace's demise, establishes himself as a formidable final antagonist.

In a series as long-lasting as One Piece, having a clear end point has played a crucial role in keeping the franchise relevant, even during slower story moments. Focusing on the Straw Hat Pirates' ultimate destination has provided a better understanding of their world's vastness, emphasizing the significance of each stage of their journey.

Consequently, over the span of 20 years, One Piece has maintained a continuous sense of narrative progression. Each small step taken by the crew brings them closer to their goals. However, a journey of such magnitude would feel incomplete without a final adversary. The identity of Luffy's true enemy remains unknown, as the series' creator, Eiichiro Oda, has yet to reveal this information. Several compelling candidates for the role of the main antagonist have emerged, based on their positions of power, ideological beliefs, and personal connections to Luffy and his crew.

The Case For Sakazuki

After the conclusion of the Summit War of Marineford, there arose a strong argument for Fleet Admiral Sakazuki, formerly known as Admiral Akainu, to become Luffy's ultimate adversary in his quest to become the King of the Pirates. Sakazuki's heinous act of killing Luffy's sworn brother, Portgas D. Ace, right before his eyes, marked one of the most traumatizing moments in Luffy's life. Following this tragic event, Luffy grappled with immense sorrow and a loss of direction. During his lowest point, he momentarily lost sight of his goal, until Jinbe served as a reminder of all that Luffy had yet to fight for.

Moreover, Sakazuki has consistently been portrayed as a villainous figure due to his inflexible reputation and extremist beliefs. His unwavering adherence to the Marines' concept of "Absolute Justice" has provoked the anger of esteemed Marines such as Garp, Admiral Fujitora, and former Admiral Aokiji. This animosity primarily stems from Sakazuki's readiness to sacrifice innocent lives in the pursuit of duty, and his refusal to consider alternative viewpoints. The most striking example of this can be observed in his execution of civilians who attempted to escape the Ohara Incident, based purely on the possibility that one of the island's scholars had secretly boarded a departing ship.

Fueled by an intense hatred towards all pirates, Sakazuki swiftly resorts to lethal force and rarely takes prisoners, exemplifying the unforgiving stance the World Government holds against those who dare to defy them. Thus, by defeating him, Luffy would ultimately exact a poetic vengeance for Ace's demise. However, despite being obligated to serve them, Sakazuki has also displayed a disdain for the Celestial Dragons, hinting at a more complex persona beneath the surface. Consequently, he may not be the final adversary Luffy must face, and his role in the Final Saga could diverge from current expectations.

The Case For Blackbeard

Blackbeard emerges as a strong contender for the final antagonist in the series, with undeniable reasons to support this stance. One of the key factors lies in the striking parallels between Luffy and Blackbeard, which can be traced back to the Jaya Arc where the latter was introduced. While both share similar beliefs regarding dreams, their approach towards achieving their aspirations diverges greatly. Luffy's audacity, impetuosity, and unwavering morals stand in stark contrast to Blackbeard's timidity, calculated maneuvers, and deceptive tactics.

In addition, Luffy possesses the Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit called the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika, through which he inherits the spirit of Sun God Nika, a symbol of joy and freedom. On the other hand, Blackbeard wields the Yami Yami no Mi, the most formidable and sinister of the Logia types, representing darkness. This creates a fascinating symbolic conflict between the two, depicting the struggle between good and evil.

Both characters bear the revered initial "D." in their names, signifying that they carry the legendary Will of the D. While the true significance of this initial and its historical implications remains largely unknown, it deepens the connection between Luffy and Blackbeard. Notably, Blackbeard's defeat of Ace and subsequent surrender of him to the Marines holds him accountable for Ace's demise. Combined with his incredibly powerful crew and his rare ability to wield two Devil Fruits simultaneously, he becomes a formidable final obstacle on Luffy's journey.

The Case For Imu

Imu's enigmatic nature and the lack of information surrounding them contrast sharply with the widespread belief among One Piece fans that they are the ultimate adversary in the story. As the leader of the World Government, Imu wields secret authority that surpasses even the powerful Five Elders. Rumors of Imu's immortality and their position of power since the Void Century add an intriguing layer to the potential conflict with Luffy.

While Imu has largely operated from the shadows throughout the Straw Hat Pirates' journey, the Final Saga of One Piece has thrust the World Government into a more prominent role, especially in the Egghead Arc. The revelation of Saint Jaygarcia Saturn's extraordinary abilities during the Egghead Incident showcased powers previously unseen by Luffy and his crew, indicating that the Five Elders and Imu possess an unparalleled level of strength. This sets a new benchmark for Luffy to aspire to, as even his Gear 5 abilities are approaching the caliber of the Admirals and Emperors of the Sea.

Furthermore, the connection between Imu and the Void Century, along with their contempt for the Will of the D., adds an intriguing aspect to the potential confrontation with Luffy. Taking down Imu and the Five Elders would put an end to the oppressive rule the world has endured for 800 years under the World Nobles. By doing so, Luffy would prove himself as Joy Boy's rightful heir and bring liberation to the world, just as the prophecy foretold. These reasons make Imu the strongest candidate for the ultimate antagonist in the story, but only time will reveal how events will unfold.

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Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have grown up with One Piece and it has had a profound impact on my life. The series has taught me about the importance of friendship, courage, and perseverance. I am excited to see how the story concludes and who the true mastermind behind everything turns out to be.

I believe that the true mastermind of One Piece is Blackbeard. He is a complex and enigmatic character who has been a thorn in the side of the Straw Hat Pirates since they first met. He is a master manipulator who has been able to play both sides of the fence to his advantage. He is also incredibly powerful and has been able to defeat some of the strongest characters in the series. I believe that he will be the final antagonist that Luffy will have to face in order to become the Pirate King.