Chapter 1154 of One Piece, titled “Even Death Cannot Be Avoided,” marks a pivotal moment, delving deeper into the haunting saga of Elbaf and revealing the mysteries surrounding “the long-lost legacy” of Rocks D. Xebec.
Yamato Continues the Mysterious Journey of the “Unexpected Guest”
The front page continues the story of “The Journey of the Oni Princess, Yamato,” showcasing Yamato’s exploration of Wano Country. Notably, O-Chō and Kikunojo have led Yamato, along with Ulti and Page One (former members of the Beast Pirates), to explore an ancient shrine, previously unvisited. This shrine is tied to “the legendary hero born in the West Sea and raised in Ringo,” calling attention to a character with significant influence yet to be introduced.
Elbaf: The Shadow of Destruction and Loki’s Ruins
The chapter begins by summarizing the events surrounding Big Mom (Charlotte Linlin) during her childhood and her brutal takeover of the Jorul tribe. Following this, Elbaf faces a series of horrific disasters: a colossal blizzard that devastates the harvest, leaving the inhabitants unable to hunt or fish, plunging the entire region into a state of despair.
Amidst this chaos, the young Loki has returned home, but Queen Estrid (his mother) is reluctant to meet her son. Loki attempts to embrace her but is met with her cold rejection, even breaking into the bedroom of Estrid, only to be dismissed. He cries in despair as he is dragged away by soldiers.
Estrid laments bitterly: “This is the fault of that boy! If we hadn’t spared him from the start, the kingdom wouldn’t be endangered! Let him out! Don’t let that monster come back to us! If not, we’ll face danger again! The end of this land is approaching!”
Due to the calamity, Elbaf is preparing for a desperate fight. The people have chosen to support Hajrudin, who has a connection with “the prince endangered by Loki,” but King Harald has intervened to protect Hajrudin and Ida.
Harald has urged the citizens to accept help from foreign nations, as he has diplomatic ties, but the people are filled with despair, believing they can’t rely on outsiders anymore, reflecting a spirit of “self-reliance.”
The tragedy continues as Queen Estrid mourns just before Harald returns to Elbaf (with Harald weeping at the funeral). Ida subsequently decides to relocate to the Ming Zhi region and opens a bar – the place where Colon and Shanks meet in the present day. While King Harald busily rebuilds the nation, Loki rises against the backdrop of his brother Estrid. This brother later participates in the “Ming Zhi” faction. To avoid complications, the guards have caught Loki again, stating that a battle is imminent.
The Galleyra Mystery and the Encounter with Rocks D. Xebec
The story shifts back 56 years ago, at Jarul’s house. Harald and Jarul are discussing the conflicts between the outsiders and the government. Jarul asks Harald: “Have you encountered anyone from Levely, where the incident occurred?” Harald confirms he was involved as a guard, but he laments that no one seems to recall the cries of the people and that if he hadn’t acted, he might have been captured.
Jarul continues to inquire about the “Galleyra,” a group of notorious pirates. Harald used to think it was a myth, but Jarul insists it is real and has captured over 100 pirates, including some notorious ones, leading to their disappearance. Harald suspects the government has intervened, but Jarul only mentions that “a certain thief is still alive in the past,” suggesting a deep connection to the events.
Jarul also hears rumors that members of “Galleyra” have been captured in a nearby area. There are visual depictions of the “Galleyra” warriors – among them, at least two bear a striking resemblance to the notorious figures encountered by Nami and Chopper in Punk Hazard, confirming this intriguing connection.
The story jumps back 48 years. After the monstrous calamity, Loki notices Hajrudin among a group of warriors and watches as they prepare to attack and descend from the West Sea to the Ming Zhi region. Loki then descends, tearing off a mask and exclaiming: “Even death cannot be avoided.”
Suddenly, a distant mountain is cleaved in two, and a voice echoes: “What the hell is going on with this island?” A group of individuals approaches Loki, including Shiki, Edward Newgate (Whitebeard), Buckingham Stussy, and a mysterious old man.
Rocks D. Xebec’s Official Debut: The Dark King of the Rocks
In the final part of the chapter, the mysterious old man is revealed to be Rocks D. Xebec! Xebec’s appearance bears a striking resemblance to Blackbeard (Teach), with a similar face, beard, and attire. He has a distinct hairstyle, with a blend of black and white, adorned with earrings and a tattoo (or scar) on the left side of his face. His physique is larger than Teach’s but equally menacing.
The chapter concludes with an official introduction to Xebec:
Harald last met this mysterious old man at Levely eight years ago. In the incident, he barely escaped after killing a high-ranking Marine officer… He is currently being sought after by the World Government with a high bounty.
Xebec speaks to Loki: “You’re late! Answers to our two questions are here, kid! Because the island is the answer we are seeking. One!! This must be the homeland of the notorious Elbaf, right? Two! Is Harald living here at this moment?”
With the official introduction confirming Rocks D. Xebec, he is later known as the captain of the Rocks Pirates and the father of Blackbeard, one of the Emperors of the Sea.
Chapter 1154 brings a “ground-shaking reality” to One Piece, not only revealing the deeper aspects of Elbaf and Loki but also formally introducing Rocks D. Xebec along with his significant ties to Blackbeard. Next week features a new chapter and will include the Jump cover with a vibrant color page.
