One Piece fans are eagerly awaiting the climax of the Elbaf arc. Currently, Oda is exploring Loki’s backstory, but everyone knows the battles ahead will be spectacular. This time, the Straw Hat Pirates must face the Holy Knights and the world ruler, Imu Nerona.
Although most fans don’t expect it, it seems the fight between Luffy and Imu is imminent. This signals a greater danger than ever before for Luffy. He is very strong, but facing the final boss so early puts him in an extremely tough spot. It looks like Oda is setting up a tragic fate for Luffy at Elbaf, and fans will soon witness it.
Luffy Could Lose to Imu at Elbaf
By now, all fans know that Luffy versus Imu will be the main battle at Elbaf. The Holy Knights are present, but Imu is the true villain. The key fighters in this arc will be Luffy, Loki, Zoro, Sanji, and of course Hajrudin.
As usual, Oda will likely have Luffy confront Imu, and if that happens, it will be an incredibly difficult fight. Luffy is certainly powerful, but defeating Imu at the start of the Final Saga seems impossible.
One thing is clear: Imu cannot be defeated right now. It’s too early for Imu to fall, which means only two outcomes are possible here: the fight is interrupted, or Luffy is defeated. While Imu might not be able to fully transfer his power through Gunko, a more interesting and plausible option is that Luffy loses.
Luffy’s Vivre Card and the Great Rescue
One of the biggest reasons Luffy might lose at Elbaf is that it would allow Oda to use a key plot device introduced back in Dressrosa. During the Dressrosa arc, Oda created Luffy’s Vivre Card. All members of the Grand Fleet, along with Bellamy and Sabo, hold a piece of this card hoping to contact Luffy if needed.
Oda has also confirmed the Straw Hat Grand Fleet will cause a major event in the future. The only way Luffy’s Vivre Card can activate is if his life is in danger and the card starts to burn. This can only happen if Luffy loses at Elbaf and is captured.
If this happens, it will kick off the greatest rescue arc in One Piece history, similar to Marineford before the timeskip. This time, Luffy will be the one captured, and the Straw Hats, along with the Grand Fleet and the Revolutionary Army, will come to his rescue.