This article contains spoilers from the Elbaf Arc of One Piece.
Key Insights
- Blackbeard’s Ambitious Beginnings: Once a subordinate of Whitebeard, his rise to power began with the murder of Thatch.
- Hinted Connections: Oda suggests a potential link between Blackbeard and the infamous Rocks D. Xebec through shared ambitions and ship names.
- Anticipation Around Relationships: Although the nature of Blackbeard’s ties to Rocks remains uncertain, fans are intrigued by the potential implications.
Table of Contents
- Blackbeard’s Rise to Power
- Blackbeard’s Ship and Rocks Connection
- Is Blackbeard Related to Rocks D. Xebec?
As one of the pivotal characters in the Final Saga of One Piece, Blackbeard stands out as a key antagonist among the Four Emperors of the Sea. His quest for the One Piece positions him among the most formidable pirates in the story, with his complex narrative having been built up for years by creator Eiichiro Oda.
With the Elbaf Arc currently underway, there is heightened anticipation for Blackbeard’s role and the unraveling of the mysteries surrounding his character. Notably, Oda has recently hinted at an intriguing link between Blackbeard and the legendary pirate Rocks D. Xebec.
Blackbeard’s Ascension in One Piece
- Origin as Whitebeard’s Crew Member: Blackbeard served loyally under Whitebeard.
- Treachery and Ambition: After betraying his mentor by murdering Thatch, he embarked on a quest for ultimate power.
Initially, Blackbeard operated in the shadow of Whitebeard, concealing his burgeoning strength. Notably, he remained below the radar for years, managing to accumulate no bounty until his infamous betrayal. His ambitions materialized dramatically when he seized the Yami Yami no Mi after killing Thatch, marking the inception of his master plan.
As he rose to infamy during the Summit War Saga, Blackbeard orchestrated the breakout of prisoners from Impel Down, later attacking Marine Headquarters, ultimately killing Whitebeard and taking his Devil Fruit. His success propelled him into the high ranks of piracy, making him one of the Four Emperors, with a staggering bounty of 3.996 billion berries. His ongoing quest for power is reinforced by his recent attempts to acquire the Mero Mero no Mi, hinting that his eyes might soon be set on the Ancient Weapons as part of his ambition for world domination.
Oda’s narrative hints that Blackbeard’s ambitions may rival even the current holder of the title, Imu. Furthermore, historical context reveals that long before, Rocks D. Xebec harbored similar dreams of becoming the “King of the World,” which draws intriguing parallels to Blackbeard.
Blackbeard’s Vessel and Its Significance
Blackbeard Navigates the Saber of Xebec
Interestingly, Blackbeard’s motivations mirror those of Rocks, as both aspire to claim the title of the world’s sovereign. This possible admiration from Blackbeard towards Rocks suggests that there might be a deeper relationship at play, especially considering the name of his ship, the Saber of Xebec. Oda previously addressed this connection in a Q&A, leaving fans speculating about its significance.
Question: “Blackbeard’s ship is known as the ‘Saber of Xebec’, but surely that has some connection to Rocks D. Xebec?”
Oda: “Xebec is the name of a type of ship, so while the name could just be a coincidence, maybe it really isn’t a coincidence.”
Oda’s response does not dismiss the connection but instead encourages further speculation, indicating that the relationship between Blackbeard and Rocks may be more profound than initially thought.
Exploring Blackbeard’s Potential Link to Rocks D. Xebec
An Admirer’s Legacy
Currently, the nature of any familial connection between Blackbeard and Rocks remains speculative. However, direct lineage may not be essential for the narrative to hold weight. Similar to the admiration Shanks held for Roger, it is plausible that Blackbeard idolizes Rocks. Alternatively, there is a chance of a familial link, despite differing surnames suggesting this might not be the case.
Regardless, the excitement surrounding the ties between Blackbeard and Rocks enriches the narrative of the Final Saga. Oda has hinted at expanding the focus beyond the Straw Hat Pirates, ensuring that Blackbeard and others receive the spotlight. Fans eagerly await revelations about Blackbeard that may surprise and captivate them, adding layers to his character as the saga progresses.
For now, readers must be patient as Luffy’s narrative unfolds during the Elbaf Arc. Nevertheless, Blackbeard’s role in the overarching quest for the One Piece will surely be pivotal, and his cunning strategies promise to leave a lasting impact. Stay tuned as Blackbeard schemes and plots, embodying the chaos and intrigue that defines his character.
One Piece is available for reading through Viz Media, with chapters accessible for fans on the Manga Plus app. The next chapter, One Piece Chapter 1131, is scheduled for release on November 11, 2024.
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