After the release of 1105, lots of discussion has surrounded the unknown group going to Egghead, with the Straw Hat Grand Fleet, the Blackbeard Pirates, giants led by Saul, and the Revolutionary Army being suggested. However, a certain organization hasn't gotten much attention, despite having greater potential than the groups mentioned previously...
That group in question is NEO MADS.
I previously wrote about the potential future role of NEO MADS, and while most of those ideas are unlikely to pan out given new developments in 1104 and 1105, the general premise that NEO MADS will play some significant role still remains. Many points from that theory will be relevant here as well, along with some new evidence.
First off, why would NEO MADS be going to Egghead? Caesar and Judge's connection to Vegapunk is a solid motivator for them to go to Egghead. As we see in the cover pages of 1067-1078, Caesar and Judge have a grudge against Vegapunk, with 1077 and 1078 showing their mutual hatred of Vegapunk as their reason for working together. If they are going to Egghead, it's likely to get some sort of revenge on Vegapunk.
Logistical issues other groups encounter, such as distance in the case of the Revs, don't apply for NEO MADS. They're already somewhere in the New World, and could've been sailing towards Egghead from Totto Land before the current arc began. They also have justification for firing on a Marine vessel, as Germa 66 and Caesar are no longer affiliated with the World Government. NEO MADS also has enough military force to be a credible threat to the Marine fleet assembled at Egghead. Though their engagement with the Big Mom Pirates weakened their capabilities, their army of clone soldiers are enough to threaten the 30,000 Marines assembled. Vice Admirals would also make perfect background opponents for the Vinsmoke siblings, since they're likely near the same level of strength.
The main issue is that it would be a bit unexpected, since Germa hasn't been relevant to the main story since Whole Cake Island. However, the Germa cover story is still technically unfinished, and unlike any previous cover story, has tied in very closely with the events going on in the main narrative. Perhaps entering the main story will be the resolution for their cover story? It is also a bit difficult to envision what NEO MADS would do after showing up, aside from being a place for Stussy and Sentomaru to go so the Elbaf arc doesn't have more characters.
We'll just have to wait and see who shows up at Egghead, but it seems that NEO MADS is very likely.
That group in question is NEO MADS.
I previously wrote about the potential future role of NEO MADS, and while most of those ideas are unlikely to pan out given new developments in 1104 and 1105, the general premise that NEO MADS will play some significant role still remains. Many points from that theory will be relevant here as well, along with some new evidence.
First off, why would NEO MADS be going to Egghead? Caesar and Judge's connection to Vegapunk is a solid motivator for them to go to Egghead. As we see in the cover pages of 1067-1078, Caesar and Judge have a grudge against Vegapunk, with 1077 and 1078 showing their mutual hatred of Vegapunk as their reason for working together. If they are going to Egghead, it's likely to get some sort of revenge on Vegapunk.
Logistical issues other groups encounter, such as distance in the case of the Revs, don't apply for NEO MADS. They're already somewhere in the New World, and could've been sailing towards Egghead from Totto Land before the current arc began. They also have justification for firing on a Marine vessel, as Germa 66 and Caesar are no longer affiliated with the World Government. NEO MADS also has enough military force to be a credible threat to the Marine fleet assembled at Egghead. Though their engagement with the Big Mom Pirates weakened their capabilities, their army of clone soldiers are enough to threaten the 30,000 Marines assembled. Vice Admirals would also make perfect background opponents for the Vinsmoke siblings, since they're likely near the same level of strength.
The main issue is that it would be a bit unexpected, since Germa hasn't been relevant to the main story since Whole Cake Island. However, the Germa cover story is still technically unfinished, and unlike any previous cover story, has tied in very closely with the events going on in the main narrative. Perhaps entering the main story will be the resolution for their cover story? It is also a bit difficult to envision what NEO MADS would do after showing up, aside from being a place for Stussy and Sentomaru to go so the Elbaf arc doesn't have more characters.
We'll just have to wait and see who shows up at Egghead, but it seems that NEO MADS is very likely.
