Given One Piece’s long history, it’s no surprise the series is filled with unanswered mysteries. Many of these have remained unsolved for decades, leaving fans to cling to theories. One mystery that has haunted fans for fourteen years is the identity of the man featured on the cover of chapter 631.
The identity of the mysterious man drinking with Crocus, the caretaker of Twin Capes, has been a hot topic for years, sparking numerous theories ranging from Scopper Gaban to Golden Lion Shiki. After more than a decade, Eiichiro Oda has finally confirmed the character’s identity, giving longtime fans the answer they’ve waited for.
One Piece Creator Confirms Crocus’s Mysterious Drinking Companion
In One Piece’s SBS volume 113, a fan finally asked Oda about the man seen drinking with Crocus on the cover of chapter 631, released in July 2011. Surprisingly, Oda gave a straightforward answer, confirming the man is Scopper Gaban.
The SBS exchange reads:
Reader: “For those still wondering, is it time to end the mystery of the figure appearing behind Crocus on chapter 631’s cover? To be clear, is it Golden Lion Shiki? Or is it ‘Pirate King’s Left Hand’ Scopper Gaban?”
Oda: Your memory is sharp! It’s Gaban. He can’t give up his traveling habits. He’s wandered quite a bit. After all, he’s a navigator.”
Although the early chapters of the Elbaph arc have hinted at Gaban’s important role ahead, this direct confirmation from Oda is a welcome revelation.
However, this raises more questions about Gaban. Whether or not he is a navigator, Twin Capes, where Crocus resides, is actually on the opposite side of the world from Elbaph, where Gaban is believed to have settled after the Roger Pirates disbanded. Was his journey just to meet an old friend, or is there a hidden motive?
Scopper Gaban’s Debut in the Elbaph Arc May Be More Significant Than Fans Realize
Regardless, Gaban’s presence at Elbaph suggests the island could mark a major turning point in the Straw Hat crew’s journey. Previously, Luffy and his crew have encountered members of the Roger Pirates, like Rayleigh and Crocus, at key locations, as if preparing them for the difficult path ahead.
If that’s the case, things will only get tougher for the Straw Hats from here, meaning higher risks and stronger enemies. Fortunately, Scopper Gaban holds the key to defeating the latest villains in One Piece. Though fans have waited over a decade to see him again, Gaban’s role in the Elbaph arc is sure to be far from over.