Hmm also if Elbaf were to turn into a rescue arc then first the SHs would need to lose here and regroup elsewhere. Now, Elbaf is big enough for them to not have to leave the island to escape. On the other hand having to escape two arcs would be lazy writing on Oda's part
Agree on the nerf part for the SHs. AdvCoC will probably be used to "internally damage Imu's connection/Imu directly" bypassing Gunko's body
Yh don't think it's gonna be an escape arc this time. Like a lot of folks have already predicted, Elbaf probably kick starts the Final War.
Tbh I'm also a bit skeptical about the "moving islands" bit just coz like you've said there is still lots more to explore in Elbaf. Mainly the Heavenly World but I just don't see how Imu takes an L here.
Bolded bit would be one way to go about it with a high probability as well but regardless of whether Imu is restricted due to using Gunko as his medium, an L here wouldn't be a great look.
Big Boss makes a fuss and comes out to take care of bidness himself only to end up failing would be a monumental L
Think or rather I hope Imu goes whoop ass on everybody on Elbaf just to establish the threat that the SHs will have to take out end game. Also I haven't really seent his discussed yet but would be kinda mad if Imu can control the minds of the giants coz I doubt he will continue with this hostage farce that Sommers and them have been up to.