Marshall D. Teach, also known as Blackbeard, is one of the most central and mysterious characters in One Piece. Though only briefly mentioned as early as Drum Island and making his official debut in the Jaya arc over two decades ago, his influence has exploded. As the Final Saga unfolds, Oda continues to reveal crucial details, from Blackbeard’s personal legend to his unique Davy bloodline, cementing his role as one of Luffy’s greatest obstacles.
In the Egghead arc, fans learned more about Blackbeard’s true goal and his motivation to become the World King. Recently, through the flashback of Elbaf’s Loki and specifically the Sacred Valley event, Oda has further elaborated on this.
Blackbeard’s ancestor, Davy D. Jones, was the World King before Imu. This shocking historical truth clarifies Blackbeard’s ultimate purpose, making him not just a Yonko but the heir to a stolen legacy of power. Alongside Luffy and Shanks, Blackbeard is confirmed as a key figure who will shape all events in One Piece’s Final Saga.
Blackbeard aims to overthrow Imu and claim the throne
For a long time, Blackbeard has been portrayed as the main antagonist Luffy must face at One Piece’s climax. Although the appearance of Imu, the supreme ruler of the world, raised questions, many fans still believe Blackbeard is the final challenge who will decide Monkey D. Luffy’s fate in the Final Saga.
Throughout most of One Piece, Teach has been an enigmatic “black box.” Oda kept all information about Blackbeard tightly under wraps, leaving fans with countless questions. Readers knew nothing about his hidden motives, true origins, or complex nature, making him an endlessly intriguing villain.
But now, with the Final Saga underway, Oda has finally begun revealing everything about Teach, from his special lineage to his true ambitions. In the Egghead arc, specifically chapter 1107, Saint Saturn asks Lafitte and Devon what Blackbeard’s crew truly pursues, and their blunt answer is “The world.”
After Xebec’s failure, Blackbeard will fulfill Davy’s will
The true meaning behind Blackbeard’s desire for “the world” becomes clearer when revisiting the Sacred Valley event in Elbaf’s flashback. There, Rocks D. Xebec reveals the truth about his and Blackbeard’s ancestor, Davy D. Jones. Jones was once the World King during the Void Century but was overthrown by Imu. Xebec calling Imu “the world” further supports this: Blackbeard’s ultimate goal is to dethrone Imu and reclaim the throne stolen from his ancestor.
With this historical role, Blackbeard will be a pivotal character in One Piece’s Final Saga, whether or not he is the final boss. He carries the mission to complete what Jones and Xebec failed to achieve, fulfilling Davy’s will.
Xebec planned to overthrow the World Government and defeat Imu, but unfortunate circumstances involving his family forced him to face Imu before he was ready. However, Blackbeard has surpassed his father in this regard by possessing one of the Devil Fruits necessary to defeat Imu: the Yami Yami no Mi (Dark-Dark Fruit). Alongside Luffy, Blackbeard may succeed where figures like Davy D. Jones, Joy Boy, and Xebec have failed.