Future Events Who will be the final villain?
- Thread starter Garp the Fist
- Start date
H
I think BB will be a runner up. The actual final villians are heavily implied to be the World Government:
Based off this panel, I think its safe to say Blackbeard gets taken out before the Final War. He’s being set up to challenge Luffy for the Pirate King mantle, but once that issue is settled its quite clear that the Final War with the WG will ensue after.
The grander narrative has always been the World Government’s corruption; the leader and figure behind all that, Imu, has “final villian” written all over them.
On Dragon, I’m honestly beginning to lose hope this man even does anything relevant at this point. By the time the final war rolls around, he will be overshadowed by Luffy without a doubt. Dude hasn’t anything ever since his infamous “The World is waiting for our answer” proclamation. Oda had a chance to really do something with Dragon in the Reverie Arc but decided to offpanel that showdown entirely which leaves us with nothing. Dragon’s hype has gone to waste so far.
The grander narrative has always been the World Government’s corruption; the leader and figure behind all that, Imu, has “final villian” written all over them.
On Dragon, I’m honestly beginning to lose hope this man even does anything relevant at this point. By the time the final war rolls around, he will be overshadowed by Luffy without a doubt. Dude hasn’t anything ever since his infamous “The World is waiting for our answer” proclamation. Oda had a chance to really do something with Dragon in the Reverie Arc but decided to offpanel that showdown entirely which leaves us with nothing. Dragon’s hype has gone to waste so far.
I think Blackbeard will be the final opponent. He is like Agent Smith in the Matrix. He's getting too strong that the government won't be able to control him. I think Shanks came to the Gorosei to warn them about Blackbeard. Imu feels more like a watcher and keeper of history, not a fighter.
Plus, I read somewhere that Oda is a big fan of the real Blackbeard. It's only fitting that he's the final boss.
Plus, I read somewhere that Oda is a big fan of the real Blackbeard. It's only fitting that he's the final boss.
Hehehe, of course the son will overshadow the father, this series if nothing else is about leaving it to the next generation. But I literally cannot wait for him to crawl out and do some damage. And I'm even more interested in his character than power, curious if he has any similarities to Garp and Luffy. So far he's been looking like nothing but cold and unbothered.
TBH, Shanks imo, but not as the final "villain" but final antagonist. Luffy's connection to Shanks is infinitely more emotional than beating someone like Blackbeard, who will more provide an epic finish to EoS versions of our characters.
I think Shanks will survive as a character beyond this point (of defeating Blackbeard and the WG) to lead as the final roadblock for Luffy, in whatever major plot that will occur by this point. Returning the hat is pretty much everything in this manga sans becoming Pirate King. Recently, Shanks has been depicted in a slightly sinister/darker light and I think its for a reason we don't know about yet. Another thing that supports this is Shanks's relationship with Mihawk and Mihawk likely being Zoro's final obstacle as well.
Blackbeard was conceived well over a hundred chapters in to the manga, while Shanks has been present from the beginning. Oda has planned his ending since before the manga began, which leads me to believe the ending more than likely involves Shanks over Blackbeard.
IMO, the order of "villainy" after Kaido/BM (with my own interpretations) seems to be AT THE MOST (in no way shape or form hinted to be happening like this):
- Underworld/Impel Down Level 6 silver medalist related villain. Interestingly enough, the Underworld isn't going anywhere after Kaido and the ID escapees were never addressed. But I do think both will be plot points in the future. I'm not sure if they will explicitly be arc villains though.
- Vegapunk/SSG/Kuma. This is due to my thought that Vegapunk is next. Perhaps the SSG is specifically a "Final War" type deal to counteract Blackbeard/etc as a replacement for the Shichibukai. This will depend on what Oda does post-Wano)
- Elbaf Villains (Loki? Big Mom? Someone new?)- Depends on who is involved in Elbaf and why.
- Marine Admirals/Fleet Admirals/"Zodiac" Vice-Admirals. Funny enough, if you take out Aokiji, there are 11 more Zodiac animals, which aligns with the 11 members BB has and Shanks potentially has. If Luffy gets one more crew member, it works well. Akainu vs. Luffy is a given. Akainu's top Admirals vs. Zoro, Sanji and Jinbe seems like a possibility. At least 2 additional "Zodiac" VA's exist (those with Admiral names but not an Admiral ranking), via Chaton and Momosagi, so its possible the remaining 5 exist in this ranking after losing out to Fujitora/Ryokugyu. Lets just not turn this into a power level discussion, its a fun possibility regardless.
- CP-0. To be honest, I see these being the main battles for the Revolutionary Army. There are 7+ members so far (4 in masks + stussy, Lucci and Kaku) and the Revolutionaries have 6 commanders + Dragon, and they may even get Kuma back as their possible New World Commander in the end. Plus, their goals seem to be at opposite ends. The Revo's want to take down the Tenryuubito, while CP-0 directly protects the Tenryuubito.
- Im, Gorosei, Kong, Kong's subordinates. There are 7 people right there, indicating 4 more people could be working under Kong. We had Doflamingo talk to possibly one of these people after Marineford. Again, not a power level discussion, these people don't all have to be stronger than Admirals, nor do I expect them to be. Is the Monk Gorosei stronger than Fujitora as a Zoro opponent? Maybe? It all depends on where Oda decides to go with this.
- Blackbeard and his 10 Titanic Captains. Not including Aokiji
- Shanks. Has 10 members including Rockstar (if he is a legitimate member), Mihawk would fill that 11th position for Zoro (not joining his crew, just to battle Zoro)
Anyway, this is what I think we can probably expect left at the MOST, and it all depends on what Oda decides to elaborate on and how packed he wants to make these final arcs. Since Oda LOVES hierarchies (typical of Shonen), I can totally see Kong commanding 4 other commanders/WG employees that run the WG, while he himself only submits to the Gorosei/Im. I can totally see the 5 other "Zodiac" Vice-Admirals existing since 2 already sort of prove that others lost to Fuji/Ryo for the Admiral spots. Its very likely Vegapunk runs the SSG in a similar manner, and CP-0 is probably like this too. Reason being is that all 3 of 4 Yonko seem to have rankings like this, the Revolutionaries do as well, Doflamingo's crew did, and more.
Really the extraneous stuff comes from Oda elaborating on the Underworld or Level 6 escapees still, or what Elbaf villain is chosen (whether they are known or not).
I also think Kid will have a major battle with Luffy eventually too (eventually closing out the Supernova plotlines after Bonney and Urouge receive focus), but it depends on how this arc ends and if Kid isn't made to look "lesser" than Luffy after this arc.
We have to remember that Oda will focus on his 10 (likely 11) main characters, so it is likely these people that will face off against the higher up enemies in the end.
Edit: I also think Doflamingo called it the "Throne Wars" for good reason. Wano is only 1 war out of many. One that may pool over to the several wars in the foreseeable future. Another between another major group at Elbaf may occur. It really depends on how Oda wants to take down all of these groups of people, they clearly exist and clearly won't by the end of the story.
I think Shanks will survive as a character beyond this point (of defeating Blackbeard and the WG) to lead as the final roadblock for Luffy, in whatever major plot that will occur by this point. Returning the hat is pretty much everything in this manga sans becoming Pirate King. Recently, Shanks has been depicted in a slightly sinister/darker light and I think its for a reason we don't know about yet. Another thing that supports this is Shanks's relationship with Mihawk and Mihawk likely being Zoro's final obstacle as well.
Blackbeard was conceived well over a hundred chapters in to the manga, while Shanks has been present from the beginning. Oda has planned his ending since before the manga began, which leads me to believe the ending more than likely involves Shanks over Blackbeard.
IMO, the order of "villainy" after Kaido/BM (with my own interpretations) seems to be AT THE MOST (in no way shape or form hinted to be happening like this):
- Underworld/Impel Down Level 6 silver medalist related villain. Interestingly enough, the Underworld isn't going anywhere after Kaido and the ID escapees were never addressed. But I do think both will be plot points in the future. I'm not sure if they will explicitly be arc villains though.
- Vegapunk/SSG/Kuma. This is due to my thought that Vegapunk is next. Perhaps the SSG is specifically a "Final War" type deal to counteract Blackbeard/etc as a replacement for the Shichibukai. This will depend on what Oda does post-Wano)
- Elbaf Villains (Loki? Big Mom? Someone new?)- Depends on who is involved in Elbaf and why.
- Marine Admirals/Fleet Admirals/"Zodiac" Vice-Admirals. Funny enough, if you take out Aokiji, there are 11 more Zodiac animals, which aligns with the 11 members BB has and Shanks potentially has. If Luffy gets one more crew member, it works well. Akainu vs. Luffy is a given. Akainu's top Admirals vs. Zoro, Sanji and Jinbe seems like a possibility. At least 2 additional "Zodiac" VA's exist (those with Admiral names but not an Admiral ranking), via Chaton and Momosagi, so its possible the remaining 5 exist in this ranking after losing out to Fujitora/Ryokugyu. Lets just not turn this into a power level discussion, its a fun possibility regardless.
- CP-0. To be honest, I see these being the main battles for the Revolutionary Army. There are 7+ members so far (4 in masks + stussy, Lucci and Kaku) and the Revolutionaries have 6 commanders + Dragon, and they may even get Kuma back as their possible New World Commander in the end. Plus, their goals seem to be at opposite ends. The Revo's want to take down the Tenryuubito, while CP-0 directly protects the Tenryuubito.
- Im, Gorosei, Kong, Kong's subordinates. There are 7 people right there, indicating 4 more people could be working under Kong. We had Doflamingo talk to possibly one of these people after Marineford. Again, not a power level discussion, these people don't all have to be stronger than Admirals, nor do I expect them to be. Is the Monk Gorosei stronger than Fujitora as a Zoro opponent? Maybe? It all depends on where Oda decides to go with this.
- Blackbeard and his 10 Titanic Captains. Not including Aokiji
- Shanks. Has 10 members including Rockstar (if he is a legitimate member), Mihawk would fill that 11th position for Zoro (not joining his crew, just to battle Zoro)
Anyway, this is what I think we can probably expect left at the MOST, and it all depends on what Oda decides to elaborate on and how packed he wants to make these final arcs. Since Oda LOVES hierarchies (typical of Shonen), I can totally see Kong commanding 4 other commanders/WG employees that run the WG, while he himself only submits to the Gorosei/Im. I can totally see the 5 other "Zodiac" Vice-Admirals existing since 2 already sort of prove that others lost to Fuji/Ryo for the Admiral spots. Its very likely Vegapunk runs the SSG in a similar manner, and CP-0 is probably like this too. Reason being is that all 3 of 4 Yonko seem to have rankings like this, the Revolutionaries do as well, Doflamingo's crew did, and more.
Really the extraneous stuff comes from Oda elaborating on the Underworld or Level 6 escapees still, or what Elbaf villain is chosen (whether they are known or not).
I also think Kid will have a major battle with Luffy eventually too (eventually closing out the Supernova plotlines after Bonney and Urouge receive focus), but it depends on how this arc ends and if Kid isn't made to look "lesser" than Luffy after this arc.
We have to remember that Oda will focus on his 10 (likely 11) main characters, so it is likely these people that will face off against the higher up enemies in the end.
Edit: I also think Doflamingo called it the "Throne Wars" for good reason. Wano is only 1 war out of many. One that may pool over to the several wars in the foreseeable future. Another between another major group at Elbaf may occur. It really depends on how Oda wants to take down all of these groups of people, they clearly exist and clearly won't by the end of the story.
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I'm almost certain that Blackbeard is going to be the main villain of the Laugh Tale arc or the arc just before it because i cant see Luffy getting the One Piece without going straight through Blackbeard to get it.
So therfor it cant be Blackbeard, it has to be either Sakazuki or Imu, if Imu is just a figure head like Spandam then Sakazuki will be Luffy's final opponent since as fleet admiral it's probably his job to protect Imu just like the admirals protect normal Tenryuubito.
I really hope Imu can fight though and serves as final boss.
So therfor it cant be Blackbeard, it has to be either Sakazuki or Imu, if Imu is just a figure head like Spandam then Sakazuki will be Luffy's final opponent since as fleet admiral it's probably his job to protect Imu just like the admirals protect normal Tenryuubito.
I really hope Imu can fight though and serves as final boss.
This has been haunting me ever since you mentioned it, and I kinda hate you for it 
I've given it some thought, consider this:
As you know, I'm of opinion that they would never ever fight (never ever). However, there is one thing which is bothersome to think about: what would need to happen for Shanks to become an obstacle? He never seemed to care about one piece, whether it's just because he's been part of Roger's crew or personal preference, I dunno. Then, the only way he could become an obstacle is being in cahoots with the world government, which would be a problem when/if Luffy (and co.) try to take it down. But maybe him visiting them is just to take us off track. He always had good intentions. Visited Whitebeard as well - were they conspiring? No.
If he's secretly having shady plans, Oda would not show us him visiting the government. It would be giving it away too much, if what he is aiming for is essentially a surprise. Then he would spoil his own surprise this way, no? It seems like another case of his diplomatic nature, he certainly isn't shy to state what needs to be done.
My bet is Shanks will try to patch things up as usual because he has faith in Luffy to make the world a better place and be given the hat in that period. If he gets killed or not by someone after that, well........... It would make for a powerful storytelling impact if he was. (pls don't)
Him getting the hat and dying could get the emotional impact which clearly has to happen. Or even worse: before getting the hat.
I've given it some thought, consider this: As you know, I'm of opinion that they would never ever fight (never ever). However, there is one thing which is bothersome to think about: what would need to happen for Shanks to become an obstacle? He never seemed to care about one piece, whether it's just because he's been part of Roger's crew or personal preference, I dunno. Then, the only way he could become an obstacle is being in cahoots with the world government, which would be a problem when/if Luffy (and co.) try to take it down. But maybe him visiting them is just to take us off track. He always had good intentions. Visited Whitebeard as well - were they conspiring? No.
If he's secretly having shady plans, Oda would not show us him visiting the government. It would be giving it away too much, if what he is aiming for is essentially a surprise. Then he would spoil his own surprise this way, no? It seems like another case of his diplomatic nature, he certainly isn't shy to state what needs to be done.
My bet is Shanks will try to patch things up as usual because he has faith in Luffy to make the world a better place and be given the hat in that period. If he gets killed or not by someone after that, well........... It would make for a powerful storytelling impact if he was. (pls don't)
Him getting the hat and dying could get the emotional impact which clearly has to happen. Or even worse: before getting the hat.
This has been haunting me ever since you mentioned it, and I kinda hate you for it I've given it some thought, consider this:
As you know, I'm of opinion that they would never ever fight (never ever). However, there is one thing which is bothersome to think about: what would need to happen for Shanks to become an obstacle? He never seemed to care about one piece, whether it's just because he's been part of Roger's crew or personal preference, I dunno. Then, the only way he could become an obstacle is being in cahoots with the world government, which would be a problem when/if Luffy (and co.) try to take it down. But maybe him visiting them is just to take us off track. He always had good intentions. Visited Whitebeard as well - were they conspiring? No.
If he's secretly having shady plans, Oda would not show us him visiting the government. It would be giving it away too much, if what he is aiming for is essentially a surprise. Then he would spoil his own surprise this way, no? It seems like another case of his diplomatic nature, he certainly isn't shy to state what needs to be done.
My bet is Shanks will try to patch things up as usual because he has faith in Luffy to make the world a better place and be given the hat in that period. If he gets killed or not by someone after that, well........... It would make for a powerful storytelling impact if he was. (pls don't)
Him getting the hat and dying could get the emotional impact which clearly has to happen. Or even worse: before getting the hat.
I've given it some thought, consider this:As you know, I'm of opinion that they would never ever fight (never ever). However, there is one thing which is bothersome to think about: what would need to happen for Shanks to become an obstacle? He never seemed to care about one piece, whether it's just because he's been part of Roger's crew or personal preference, I dunno. Then, the only way he could become an obstacle is being in cahoots with the world government, which would be a problem when/if Luffy (and co.) try to take it down. But maybe him visiting them is just to take us off track. He always had good intentions. Visited Whitebeard as well - were they conspiring? No.
If he's secretly having shady plans, Oda would not show us him visiting the government. It would be giving it away too much, if what he is aiming for is essentially a surprise. Then he would spoil his own surprise this way, no? It seems like another case of his diplomatic nature, he certainly isn't shy to state what needs to be done.
My bet is Shanks will try to patch things up as usual because he has faith in Luffy to make the world a better place and be given the hat in that period. If he gets killed or not by someone after that, well........... It would make for a powerful storytelling impact if he was. (pls don't)
Him getting the hat and dying could get the emotional impact which clearly has to happen. Or even worse: before getting the hat.
To me, it just makes narrative sense. Blackbeard being the final villain isn't at all emotional, it never was built up to be that emotional. Luffy giving back the hat (be it friendly or through a battle) to Shanks is entirely emotion. A potential conflict with Shanks is a hell of a lot more personal due to how much Luffy looks up to him.
It's really just that right now until we know more about Shanks. His crew is also set up like Blackbeard's to have strong/personal 1v1 battles.
And for the record, I don't think he's bad at all, but his methodology of achieving something possibly "good" will be different from what Luffy sees, and that may cause a conflict.
I don't see Blackbeard killing Shanks, that would be EXACTLY how Whitebeard/Ace died, and tbh would lose its impact because it already happened. It's also super cliche. What's not cliche is Shanks being a more complicated character than just "Luffy's mentor".
Just my 2 cents on him
Of course we have to question it, it's the point of good writing and cliffhangers. Still doesn't mean inherently that it's a negative scheming thing. It's not hard to imagine he's visited them before. Being trustworthy enough to even enter was written into his character from the start.
But it would be strange if Oda wrote a character seemingly so "pure" (pure loosely used, pure in comparison to other pirates) and trustworthy, just to add negative connotation to him as a plot twist. It would be out of place as he already spent half his life gushing over and rooting for Luffy. Not to mention it would crush all beliefs instilled in Luffy. You don't break belief of a simple shonen protagonist at the very end.
I know what you mean, not evil, just of different standing. But it hardly is possible as he already made a bet on Luffy's significance at the beginning, and intends to pass him the torch (with his remaining arm, already gave him the first hehehe).
Blackbeard killing Shanks wouldn't be far off because they were already in conflict over who knows what. They have history. And Ace died differently, he gave his life for Luffy against Akainu. While Blackbeard easily might already want Shanks dead. Andddddd that would create additional tension between the two D's on cue.
Anyway, I have a hunch we will both probably be very wrong ahahah
But it would be strange if Oda wrote a character seemingly so "pure" (pure loosely used, pure in comparison to other pirates) and trustworthy, just to add negative connotation to him as a plot twist. It would be out of place as he already spent half his life gushing over and rooting for Luffy. Not to mention it would crush all beliefs instilled in Luffy. You don't break belief of a simple shonen protagonist at the very end.
I know what you mean, not evil, just of different standing. But it hardly is possible as he already made a bet on Luffy's significance at the beginning, and intends to pass him the torch (with his remaining arm, already gave him the first hehehe).
Blackbeard killing Shanks wouldn't be far off because they were already in conflict over who knows what. They have history. And Ace died differently, he gave his life for Luffy against Akainu. While Blackbeard easily might already want Shanks dead. Andddddd that would create additional tension between the two D's on cue.
Anyway, I have a hunch we will both probably be very wrong ahahah
if Shanks die ... it won't be a fight, lose , die ...
either he will get himself killed for a MUCH higher plan
or
he will stay until the end by plot armor
Shanks is most mysterious man in the one piece or maybe one of mysterious man in manga history
if people were able to predict him seeing Gorosei ... they would be successful to predict story arc
Shanks-Teach-Luffy story arc is the biggest story line yet in one piece .... this plot would be above monkey level plot
either he will get himself killed for a MUCH higher plan
or
he will stay until the end by plot armor
Shanks is most mysterious man in the one piece or maybe one of mysterious man in manga history
if people were able to predict him seeing Gorosei ... they would be successful to predict story arc
Shanks-Teach-Luffy story arc is the biggest story line yet in one piece .... this plot would be above monkey level plot
I have no idea, I feel like Oda purposefully confuses us because he doesn’t want the end of OP to be too predictable.
The only thing I’m sure of is Akainu won’t be the final villain because Blackbeard has always been portrayed as a more important villain.
- I don’t believe the "Shanks mastermind" theory for a second, it makes no sense
- Kid hasn’t been portrayed as a villain and Wano pretty much killed any chance of it happening
- Smoker, Koby and Kong are technically antagonists but they’re not villains so they don’t fit the bill
- Dragon shouldn’t even be in the poll
- Rocks will probably be introduced way too late to be the final villain
I think it’s either Imu or Blackbeard, I’m leaning more towards Imu right now. Blackbeard is one of his targets so I think Luffy and Blackbeard could team up after their fight to take down Imu and the WG at Mary Geoise.
The only thing I’m sure of is Akainu won’t be the final villain because Blackbeard has always been portrayed as a more important villain.
- I don’t believe the "Shanks mastermind" theory for a second, it makes no sense
- Kid hasn’t been portrayed as a villain and Wano pretty much killed any chance of it happening
- Smoker, Koby and Kong are technically antagonists but they’re not villains so they don’t fit the bill
- Dragon shouldn’t even be in the poll
- Rocks will probably be introduced way too late to be the final villain
I think it’s either Imu or Blackbeard, I’m leaning more towards Imu right now. Blackbeard is one of his targets so I think Luffy and Blackbeard could team up after their fight to take down Imu and the WG at Mary Geoise.
