One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda has quickly thrown Luffy’s crew into peril with the exciting new Elbaf arc, wonderfully featuring the original Straw Hat pirates as they embark on the next thrilling chapter of their journey.

Following the lengthy Wano arc, which became the series’ longest, the tale shifted to focus on Dr. Vegapunk, the Five Elders, and the poignant narratives of Kuma and Bonney, giving the impression of a swift transition. After a brief period of celebration, Luffy’s crew awakens in the midst of their next grand adventure.

Throughout their journey, Luffy and his friends have encountered and befriended numerous Giants, playful nods to the mythological giants of Viking lore. Dorry and Brogy marked the first giant warriors the Straw Hats met, and it was a joy to see their return as they aided the crew during the invasion from the Five Elders on Egghead Island. Now, these very crew members, who once assisted the giants years prior, make a dramatic and thrilling return to the Giants’ homeland of Elbaf in chapter #1127, delivering a blend of nostalgia and freshness.

The Straw Hat Crew Gathers to Welcome Elbaf

Elbaf Was Mentioned In One Piece Chapter #116, Released 25 Years Ago

The opening chapter on Elbaf showcases impressive storytelling by showing Nami and Usopp, who are considered the least powerful of the Straw Hat crew, waking up in a gigantic, Lego-style castle inhabited by enormous pets. Had the adventure commenced with Luffy, Zoro, or Sanji, many of the dangerous situations could have been resolved swiftly, given their status as some of the mightiest pirates. However, the arrival of the Monster Trio to rescue Usopp and Nami from a life-threatening situation evoked a sense of nostalgia among fans who have long cherished Eiichiro Oda’s epic saga.

“…a charming reminder of the character bonds that endeared many fans to One Piece.”

In the earlier chapters of One Piece, during the East Blue saga, Luffy and the audience were introduced to and became smitten with the original members of the Straw Hat crew: Zoro, Nami, Usopp, and Sanji. Although the rest of the crew is dearly loved and expected to join them on Elbaf, witnessing the first Straw Hats make a thrilling entrance into the enigmatic land of Elbaf was a nostalgic joy that longtime readers perhaps didn’t realize they needed.

After Countless Adventures, the East Blue Five Together Feels Comforting

Few Arcs Have Thrown Luffy’s Crew Into Danger So Quickly

Despite chapter #1127 marking the Straw Hats’ first foray into Elbaf, Eiichiro Oda filled it with elements that delighted loyal fans. One of the highlights was observing the original members of Luffy’s crew interact, serving as a nostalgic echo of the character dynamics that captured the hearts of many fans. If the opening chapter of the Elbaf arc indicates what is to come, fans are poised for another amazing adventure in One Piece‘s concluding saga.