As fans know, Joy Boy once fought a great battle against Imu and the World Government, ultimately losing. However, Joy Boy’s defeat holds more secrets than it seems. Oda may have revealed how he was defeated, and it all comes down to betrayal.
Joy Boy Was the First Pirate in History
Thanks to the Egghead arc of One Piece, fans know that Joy Boy lived about 900 years ago and died at the end of the Void Century, roughly 800 years ago. This is clearly one of the most important historical points in the One Piece world. Vegapunk also stated that Joy Boy was the first to set sail across the seas and the first to be called a pirate. Like any pirate, Joy Boy likely had his own crew. This makes sense since Joy Boy is also Nika, just like Luffy.
Nika is famous for rallying others to his cause, which is a big reason Luffy has gathered so many allies. Joy Boy clearly had many friends and allies, proven by the fish-men joining his side. It’s even clear that Joy Boy had his own crew.
How Joy Boy Somehow Lost to the 20 Kings
It’s unclear what exactly led to Joy Boy’s defeat. What fans are sure of is that Joy Boy fought Imu and the other Kings in a massive battle involving Ancient Weapons. These weapons caused the world to sink 200 meters below sea level.
At the end of the great war, Joy Boy lost and sacrificed himself. He left a treasure on the final island, called Laugh Tale. Roger found this treasure but realized he had arrived too early. Now, Luffy is on the path to find it.
Returning to Joy Boy, why exactly did he fail? If he possessed Poseidon, and his ally Galleila’s crew built Pluton, then he had two of the three Ancient Weapons. His defeat makes no sense unless there was betrayal.
Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, once confidently shared about the story’s future:
“When I was a kid, I thought: wow, I wish I could create a manga with the most spectacular ending! I wasn’t sure if I could pull it off! Now, we’re almost at the Wano arc, preparations are nearly done. It took 25 years. But it’s okay to start reading now. Because from here on… it will be… ONE PIECE!! I will reveal all the mysteries of this world! It’s going to be extremely exciting! Buckle up! And please stay with me a little longer!”
Joy Boy Was Betrayed by Davy Jones
Recently, Oda revealed another legendary pirate who lived hundreds of years ago, a name even Imu knows and may have a personal connection with. This pirate is none other than Davy Jones. If Imu knows him and he lived centuries ago, he likely existed during the Void Century.
According to legend, Davy Jones was cursed by a devil, possibly Imu himself, and this may be because he betrayed Joy Boy and tried to do the same to Imu to seize power. Rocks certainly admired Davy Jones, but the reasons remain unclear.
Source: Gamerant