This article contains spoilers from One Piece's Final Saga.
One piece features some absolutely incredible story arcs, and Oda has woven some of the most brilliant storylines in this world over the years. Each One piece arc offers something completely different, which is why most fans have different tastes and choices when it comes to their favorite arcs. Those who love the lore of the One Piece world probably prefer arcs like Skypiea, while those who absolutely revel in action and suspenseful scenarios will enjoy ones like Marineford more.
One Piece: 7 Arcs To Come After Elbaf
Elbaf is great, but there are even bigger arcs coming after him in One Piece.
In both cases, it certainly cannot be denied Marineford is one of the best arcs in One Piece. It's the point in the story where sales absolutely exploded, making One Piece as popular as it is today. Marineford was an absolutely brilliant tug of war between the pirates and the navyand in the middle of it all was Luffy, a young pirate trying to save the life of his brother who defined a significant part of his life.
Marineford will always have a special place in fans' heartsand while that was great, fans should keep in mind that the second Marineford arc of One Piece is now officially on its way. While most fans are currently focused on the Elbaf story arc, they should always keep an eye on what's happening in the rest of the seas. The second Marineford arc is on the way and will most likely come right after the Elbaf arc is finished.
The Marineford Arc was one of the highlights
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Marineford saw Luffy face his greatest challenge
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Luffy lost his ace and became stronger
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Marineford caused an explosion of single unit sales
It's no surprise that the Marineford arc of One Piece was a big highlight of the story. The arc was always meant to be massive as it marked the conclusion of the first part of the story and was basically the culmination of Luffy's journey before becoming an adult. Marineford was filled with intensity and palpable tension as his own brother Ace was set up for execution at Navy HQ and fought against these monstrously powerful marines that were the Whitebeard Pirates, as well as Luffy and his band of lost members from Impel Down.
Even at the Naval Headquarters, there are only three who hold the rank of admiral. Akainu, Aoki, Kizaru. The only one above them is Fleet Admiral Sengoku, the Navy Commander. The World Government calls these three the “Ultimate Military Power” and he is one of them! — Nico Robin when he saw Admiral Aokiji, One Piece Chapter 319
Without the Straw Hat Pirates in the mix, Luffy was alone on his journey for the first time and went through unimaginable pain to try and save his brother. Every page turn and every clash in this arc was incredibly exciting for all fans, and that's exactly why Marineford ended up making One Piece the best-selling manga in history. Sales of One Piece exploded after this arcand since then it has not reached the same height. However, all of this may change after the events of the Elbaf Arc because the new Marineford arc finally begins, and the fans absolutely cannot wait for it.
A new Marineford arc could begin after Elbaf
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Oda restarted the clash between the pirates and the navy
Most fans may be confused as to how a new Marineford arc can begin after Elbaf ends, but to see how this happens, fans only need to look at the other major players in the One Piece world aside from the Straw Hat Pirates.
As for the Straw Hat Pirates, it's pretty clear that their goal is to get the last Road Poneglyph and then find their way to the last island, which is Laugh Tale. Other developments going on in the world are much more important right now, and the most exciting ones quite easily involve Blackbeard.
From now on it will be ONE PIECE! I will draw all the secrets left in this world that I have hidden until now. It will be really interesting. Please fasten your seat belts. Thank you very much, I hope you can bear with me for a while longer. — Eiichiro Oda, One Piece
lately Blackbeard got hold of Marine Captain Koby. When he did, Blackbeard proposed a deal with the World Government. He will offer Koba to the government in exchange for official recognition from them as a country for Pirate Island. Basically, Blackbeard wanted to negotiate a big compromise from the government and allow them to have the pirate run circles around them. This never happened and Kuzan made it very clear.
One Piece: Oda prepares to execute the monkey D. Garp
Garp may die in the final saga of One Piece. Oda had already prepared his execution.
However, Blackbeard still wanted to go ahead with this plan, knowing that if he made this whole ordeal public, the navy would be disgraced one way or another. Fortunately for him, Blackbeard received an even bigger prize after losing Koby, and that is Garp the Hero. While Koby was also a hero, Garp is an even bigger hero that the Marines absolutely cannot ignore.
Blackbeard's plan is quite simple. He wants to enter into negotiations with the World Government, but he wants to do it publicly. In other words, the negotiation will be broadcast worldwide and Blackbeard asks them to give him country status for Pirate Island in exchange for Garp. The Navy would be in a very difficult position because if they accept it, the whole world will see them as bending to the will of pirates and their reputation will be in ruins.
On the other hand, if they don't accept it, the Navy will abandon their number one hero. The only way to get around the navy is to attack the Blackbeard Pirates directly and for a war breaks out between the two factions to capture Garp. That's exactly why the new Marineford arc is coming, and it all stems from Blackbeard and his scheming personality.
The biggest players will soon play a major role
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The biggest Battle Royale in one piece will start soon
Once negotiations between the Navy and the Blackbeard Pirates break down, the outcome can only be war between the two factions. This time, it's possible that the Navy will attack Pirate Island and the situation will be the exact opposite of One Piece's Marineford arc. As such, the biggest players in the One Piece world will make a move here because everyone will have a stake in it.
For example, Luffy cannot simply allow his grandfather to die, so he will most likely make a move to protect him. Likewise, fans may even see Dragon get involved in some aspect, as at the end of the day when he was imprisoned by the Marines after the events of God Valley, it was Garp who freed him. At the same time, Shanks can't be ignored here either, as he has a big hand in everything Blackbeard doesand wants to stop him at all costs.
As such, the upcoming One Piece arc is going to be incredibly messy, with some of the biggest players directly involved. For the very first time since Paramount's War of One Piece, fans will see all-out fighting again, and it's sure to be a spectacle worth seeing.
Eiichiro Oda's One Piece focuses on the journey of Monkey D. Luffy and the straw pirates who sail the seas to claim the great treasure known as One Piece. The manga is currently in its Final Saga. One Piece will be featured in Weekly Shonen Jump this week. The official release date of One Piece Chapter 1171 is January 18, 2026. In Japan, One Piece drops on Monday at 12:00 PM JST, which is 11:00 AM EST or 8:00 AM PT. Fans can read this chapter for free on Manga Plus and Shonen Jump apps. This ensures that fans will always support the author.
