One Piece: Luffy or Koby – Who Will Rescue Garp From Blackbeard’s Clutches?

Essential Insights

Garp has survived Kuzan’s assault, with Luffy and Koby now viewed as potential heroes in a critical rescue operation.
The implication of Garp’s captivity could incite a significant Marine response against Blackbeard, impacting Navy morale significantly.
Koby’s possible rescue of Garp would highlight his development as a hero, while Luffy remains focused on his overarching journey.

With the recent revelation in the One Piece manga that Garp has withstood Kuzan’s offensive on Hachinosu, the pivotal question now centers on who will come to his aid: Luffy or Koby? After being drawn into a confrontation with Kuzan while attempting to aid Koby, Garp sustained severe injuries but narrowly escaped death. Blackbeard, meanwhile, sees this turn of events as a fortuitous advantage. While he has taken Koby captive to leverage a deal with the World Government, Garp represents an even more significant asset. As the “Hero”of the Navy and a living embodiment of justice, Garp’s capture carries immense weight, impacting both his standing and the message it sends to the Marines.

The crucial inquiry is: who will step in to rescue Garp? Although Luffy and Koby are both driven by strong motivations, it remains unclear who among them will ultimately succeed in liberating Garp from the clutches of Blackbeard’s crew. Luffy’s inability to save Ace during the Marineford conflict casts a long shadow; saving Garp offers him a chance to heal that painful memory of loss. Conversely, Koby’s potential role is equally engaging; he could validate his mentor’s faith in him and emerge as the next “Hero of the Marines,”continuing Garp’s legacy into the future.

Luffy’s Case for the Rescue

The relationship between Luffy and Garp is steeped in affection and a sense of rebellion. Although Garp guided his upbringing toward a path in the Marines, Luffy’s decision to embrace a pirate’s life has created a divide between them. Regardless, the profound respect and care Luffy has for his grandfather is undeniable. He would not hesitate to abandon everything in order to rescue him. Furthermore, the emotional burden of facing another beloved figure in peril—especially in the wake of Ace’s death—could propel Luffy into making a decisive move against Blackbeard, fueled by a personal vendetta.

Luffy’s recent skirmishes with the Marines on Egghead Island demonstrate his readiness to confront powerful foes. However, attacking Blackbeard in his stronghold poses a significant risk. Blackbeard and his crew are not to be underestimated, and a direct attack could threaten Luffy’s life and jeopardize his crew’s safety. Nonetheless, Luffy has a history of choosing the more perilous route when a loved one is in jeopardy. While his crew’s concerns about the risks may grow, they would also likely support him, recognizing this as a deeply personal confrontation. Should Luffy decide to take action, it would effectively serve as a declaration of war against Blackbeard.

Koby’s Argument for the Rescue

Koby’s evolution from a timid Marine rookie to a competent hero is a captivating storyline within One Piece. Through Garp’s guidance, Koby has evolved into a brave Marine with unwavering justice. Recently, he has even introduced his signature technique, Honesty Impact.

For Koby, successfully rescuing Garp would mark a pivotal point in his career. The fact that Blackbeard attempted to leverage Koby for his own purposes illustrates his rising prominence, and liberating Garp could firmly establish Koby as one of the Navy’s leading figures. He has emerged as the new Hero of the Marines, mirroring Garp’s rise to prominence following the God Valley Incident, and may play a similar key role in Luffy’s saga as Garp did in Roger’s.

WG Cannot Overlook Garp Like They Did with Koby

With Garp’s fate uncertain, there may be an imperative for the Marines to initiate a rescue operation. Garp’s significance in the Navy transcends that of a mere soldier; he embodies the principles of strength and honor. Leaving him under Blackbeard’s authority could severely damage the Navy’s reputation and demoralize its forces. This precarious situation may lead to a large-scale Marine response against Blackbeard’s territory, potentially led by high-ranking officials such as Sengoku or even Akainu.

Who Will Step in to Rescue: Luffy, Koby, or the Marine Forces?

It appears likely that Oda may opt for Koby to be the one to save Garp, facilitating a crucial character development moment that solidifies Koby’s progression and autonomy as a Marine hero. While it would be thematically impactful for Luffy to rescue Garp—especially given that he would ideally have his crew’s full backing—this scene might come too early in the climactic final saga.

Blackbeard stands as one of Luffy’s chief adversaries, and it’s challenging to envision him engaging such a formidable foe before the narrative reaches its ultimate conclusion. Moreover, Luffy’s focus is on completing his grand journey, and he may remain unaware of Garp’s predicament until after the battles conclude.

This direction not only ensures Koby’s character shines as deserved but also nudges Luffy and his team toward rigorous training for the inevitable confrontations that lie ahead. The prevailing theory suggests that each Straw Hat will face unique challenges within their individual Yggdrasil realms—training that could prepare them for the arduous reality of the final conflict.

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