You need to remember the one piece is only a means to an end for Luffy
I'm not considering what it means to Luffy, I'm considering what it means to the story.

From a writing perspective, it is very clear, and I would say self-evident, Oda is and has been planning for Blackbeard to at least partially succeed in his goals for a long time.

Blackbeard has and continues to be a man steeped in mystery Oda has been teasing and hinting over decades.

It's difficult making compelling characters. Villains are especially hard to crack, and Oda knows what he has in Blackbeard. It's very clear that he does for the simple fact he's been so meticulous in drip-feeding information on and about him.

If Luffy is the "new Joyboy" as is so clearly telegraphed, Blackbeard is the "new" version of the foil he is meant to do battle with for the fate of the Third World - a world Blackbeard is determined to capture.
 
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