2026 promises to be a historic year for the One Piece franchise. With the anime shifting to seasonal releases, the manga entering its most intense arc, the second season of the live-action series launching, and WIT Studio’s The One Piece project on the horizon, fans are absolutely thrilled.
But before turning the page, let’s look back at 2025, a year when Oda truly shattered all fan theories with unbelievable developments at Elbaf.
Secrets at Elbaf: The Ancient Mural and the Adam Treasure
As the Straw Hats arrived in the land of giants, Elbaf proved to be a vast treasure trove of world knowledge. The highlight of 2025 was the appearance of The Harley and the grand mural on the Adam treasure tree.
Franky and Ripley discovered illustrations representing three eras: the First, Second, and Third Worlds. Although the inscriptions remain mysterious, this mural reinforces theories about fateful past conflicts and predicts a looming third great war in the current era. Could 2026 be the year we finally decode it all?
Shock Reveal: Shamrock Confirms Shanks’ Bloodline
After years of speculation about the mysterious figure who met the Five Elders in chapter 907, Oda finally confirmed it was Shamrock, Shanks’ twin brother. Though they look identical, their beliefs are completely opposed.
Shamrock’s appearance officially confirms Shanks’ royal blood and his connection to the Figarland family. The link between Shanks and the Celestial Dragons is no longer just a theory and plays a crucial role in the Elbaf flashbacks, promising to reshape the series’ ending.
The Legendary Scopper Gaban Returns
Former Roger Pirates member Scopper Gaban finally got his spotlight after decades of absence. His power was showcased when he attacked Shepherd Sommers.
Gaban used a Haki-coated axe to slice Sommers in two, revealing a crucial detail: Conqueror’s Haki can slow the regeneration of the Knights of God. He also told Luffy that the Knights are not immortal as rumored, and advanced Conqueror’s Haki is the key to defeating Imu and his minions.
Imu’s Terrifying Domi Reversi Manipulation
Imu stepped out of the shadows in 2025, revealing unstoppable power. Most terrifying is the Domi Reversi ability, which turns affected individuals into fully controlled demonic puppets.
Imu used this technique on major figures like Dorry, Broggy, and even the legendary Rocks D. Xebec. This will be a huge challenge for Luffy and the Straw Hats to overcome in the coming year.
Rocks Invades the Flower Room Facing Imu
Mary Geoise, the World Government’s capital, is home to the Celestial Dragons, the Five Elders, the Knights of God, and Imu. With so many key figures residing there, it’s nearly impossible to infiltrate. Yet Rocks managed to do just that.
In chapter 1155, we learned Rocks kidnapped five kings during a Levely held at Mary Geoise and briefly clashed with Harald. He even broke into the Flower Room to confront Imu directly.
Facing the supreme ruler of the world, Rocks showed no fear. He declared he would not serve the World Government but worship Davy Jones. This moment transformed him from a typical villain into a symbol of absolute rebellion.
Rocks D. Xebec’s Origins and Blackbeard’s Bloodline
The most shocking moment was the confirmation of the blood relation between the series’ two greatest villains. Chapter 1154 delivered a stunning blow to previous theories: Rocks D. Xebec is the father of Marshall D. Teach (Blackbeard).
Oda didn’t stop there. Rocks’ real name is revealed as Davy D. Xebec, a direct descendant of the legendary Davy D. Jones. This crucial information deepens our understanding of Rocks in the flashbacks and lays the foundation for Blackbeard’s role in the rest of the story.
The God Valley Incident Revealed
The God Valley incident is arguably the most pivotal event in One Piece history. Every detail from that event shaped the world as Luffy began his journey.
Over an eight-chapter flashback, shocking truths emerged: Shakky’s kidnapping as a prize in the World Government’s brutal bounty hunt, the existence of the Davy family on the island, and the tragedy that led Dragon to defect after witnessing corruption firsthand. It also explains why Shanks and Shamrock were separated from birth.
Chaos peaked when Rocks arrived to save his family, Kaido snatched the Uo Uo no Mi, Model: Seiryu from Big Mom (originally meant for Katakuri), and Imu took control of Saturn’s body. After Rocks was hit by Domi Reversi, Roger and Garp joined forces to defeat the legend, closing a bloody and tearful chapter in history.
Rayleigh Rescues Shakky
Shakky’s kidnapping sparked the Roger Pirates’ involvement in the God Valley incident. However, Rayleigh was the shining light at the critical moment.
Despite being the World Government’s top bounty prize, Shakky easily overpowered the guarding marines. The tragedy nearly struck when she almost fell victim to Sommers. Luckily, Rayleigh arrived just in time, knocking Sommers away and saving Shakky. This moment was a rare warm beacon amid the chaos and tragedy engulfing God Valley.
Garp and Roger Face Off Against Imu-Controlled Rocks
Rocks D. Xebec’s final moments at God Valley brought tears and regret to fans. Under Imu’s Domi Reversi control, Rocks lost his mind and became a ruthless killing machine.
This forced the legendary alliance between Roger and Garp. Their earth-shaking battle was a desperate effort to stop a corrupted Rocks. After their combined finishing blow, Rocks briefly regained his senses but was too exhausted to defend himself. At that moment, Figarland Garling appeared and mercilessly ended Rocks’ life.
The Tragedy of King Harald and Loki’s Sacrifice
King Harald of Elbaf’s death was also explained. Under Imu’s manipulation, Harald lost control and slaughtered his own army. To stop her father, Loki sought Elbaf’s mysterious Devil Fruit to end Harald’s rampage, accepting the label of “unfilial child” and villain to protect the kingdom’s peace.
2025 was an emotional journey that answered many big questions while opening even darker mysteries. One Piece is rapidly approaching its conclusion, and all the pieces are set for an explosive 2026.