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With Elbaf Arc, One Piece marks the beginning of its final saga. It is also one of the most anticipated arcs in the series. From giants to gods, the island is packed with mystery. And there’s more to it.
Eiichiro Oda is all set to unfold these mysteries in the coming chapters. This also applies to the Sun God Nika as well as Loki’s true identity. The recent chapter, however, had fans in tears. This has a pretty good reason to it.
As Straw Hats prepares to unite, Oda has his twist to the tale. This involves Robin’s makeover that completely shook the fans. Interestingly, it thwarts the previous race-swapping allegations that the mangaka faced.
One Piece fans react to Robin’s makeover on X
Apart from its riveting storyline, One Piece is remarkable in its diversity. this is especially true for most characters. The series is laden with themes of political strife and individual identity. But there’s more to it.
Along with piracy and corruption, it captures the rotten ideologies of power systems. Be it the World Government or the Navy, Oda excels in highlighting the stark reality in his series. This also applies to the genocide of Oharan scholars.
Oharan Scholars are viewed as whistleblowers in the Navy’s eyes. Knowledge is viewed as forbidden and exclusive. The genocide of the scholars itself is a highlighting of the corrupt powerplay. And there’s more to it. The World Government’s suppression of narratives is tied to real-life events.
This extends to Nico Robin’s identity as an archaeologist. As an Oharan scholar and archaeologist, her role is pivotal in deciphering pone glyphs. While her character underwent major changes, Oda might undo his decision with this move.
On X several users responded to Oda’s decision to style her in the pre-time skip design.
Now we just need to leave her at a beach for a few hrs
— Muri (@KMYSJW) November 5, 2024
NOW YALL CAN STOP WITH THE COMPARISONS BETWEEN PRE AND POST TIMESKIP ROBIN AND LEARN TO APPRECIATE BOTH🤦🏻♀️ pic.twitter.com/MKK4qtwbKc
— vic 🎃 (@zororobinwife) November 5, 2024
I lowkey saw this coming cuz Demonio Fleur had her old hair but it was partially just blind hope
— girl bah (@hottercheese) November 5, 2024
You making me read spoilers, and I never do 😭
— hiki burner guy (@hecoolguyuhh) November 5, 2024
My prayers have been answered pic.twitter.com/Ifk8WIJKjh
— DenjiTaka (@Denjitaka) November 5, 2024
The response to the character’s transformation is refreshing. Considering the appreciation of diversity, it contrasts with a major criticism. And it has majorly to do with the race-swapping allegations.
Eiichiro Oda and the baseless race-swapping allegations
When it comes to the post-time-skip designs, Eiichiro Oda faced major flak. This was regarding the female characters. This, however, isn’t new considering the objectification allegations.
What’s even more ridiculous was fans’ race-swapping allegations regarding most characters. This also included Nico Robin.
It was in an SBS interview that Oda revealed the Straw Hats’ nationalities. Interestingly, no one would have guessed Jinbei to be Indian. What’s more preposterous was the sheer response to Nico’s nationality.
Fans’ response to miscasting Lera Abova as Miss All Sunday was one such example. The sheer ignorance of the mangaka’s vision highlights the toxicity within the community. It was only later on that most users accepted the author’s decision.
Oda’s decision to bring back the character’s pre-time skip design is a sheer delight to fans. Interestingly, it renders a wave of nostalgia in his series.
One Piece is available for streaming on Crunchyroll. The manga is available for reading on Viz Media.
