The creator of One Piece has stirred up the fan community with a rare move: personally intervening in the anime’s production. This time, his focus is on the most haunting figure currently, the Rain God Zaza.
Usually, Oda rarely gets involved in the anime adaptation due to his intense manga schedule. However, his latest request to legendary composer Kohei Tanaka highlights just how crucial Zaza is to the story’s final arc.
Oda’s viral LINE message to the “music wizard”
According to @pewpiece on X (formerly Twitter), composer Kohei Tanaka revealed that Oda messaged him directly on LINE. The author’s instructions were clear: the soundtrack for Rain God Zaza’s appearance must feel “both terrifying and incredibly cool.”
This move comes as chapter 1182 plunges the Elbaf arc into utter chaos. With Zaza’s terrifying debut, the overwhelming presence of Imu, and massive battles unfolding, the world of One Piece has never been darker or more intense.
A stark contrast to the Sun God Nika
Oda’s request draws a clear line between Zaza and Luffy. While Gear 5 (Sun God Nika) was introduced in episode 1071 with upbeat, lively themes like the “Liberation Drum,” Zaza embodies fear and destruction.
To recap, the Rain God was mentioned alongside the Sun God, Forest God, and Earth God as far back as the Skypiea arc. After Nika’s reveal in chapter 1044, Oda is gradually turning these mythological figures into key plot points.
In chapter 1182, Zaza appears through the MMA abilities of Saint Killingham, who possesses the Mythical Zoan Kirin Devil Fruit. Even Killingham admits he accidentally summoned something uncontrollable, resulting in one of the most chilling reveals in the series’ history.
A mysterious link to Monkey D. Dragon
Zaza’s introduction has sparked theories about Monkey D. Dragon. Luffy’s father has long been associated with storms and strange weather phenomena. With Zaza now officially introduced, it’s highly likely Oda is building a deep connection between Dragon and the ancient Rain God mythology.
Unfortunately for anime-only fans, the wait will be long. Since Toei Animation has shifted to a half-year format (around 26 episodes per year), chapter 1182’s content might not air until 2028, depending on adaptation progress.