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One Piece, as a series, has never shied away from engaging in various philosophical debates. Whether it’s the overarching idea of freedom versus order, or the complicated issue of how the Fishman should handle their relationship with the surface, each newOne Piecearc seems to introduce more topics to spark conversation in the community. Although many times these arguments can feel particularly one-sided, with Oda taking an obvious stance in the story itself, these philosophical moments are still one of the most interesting parts of the series in general.
Now, asOne Piecedives further into its Final Saga, the Elbaf Arc has introduced yet another philosophical debate into the world ofOne Piece. On the island,the powerful Straw Hat Crewhas discovered that the giants may not be as fully consumed by war and battle as the crew may have originally perceived. Through this, Oda has crafted an interesting debate on Elbaf, discussing the complicated concept of war and honor, versus peace and knowledge.
The Giants In One Piece Have A New Set Of Ideals
Giants Now Focus On Trading More Than War
Elbaf, since its earliest introduction to the story in the Little Garden Arc, has always been presented as the powerful and honorable land of the Giants. Following the values of the Warrior God, Elbaf’s warriors,like the Giants Dorry and Broggy, believe that fighting is a way of life. Due to this, many, like the former Emperor Big Mom, consider Elbaf to be a mighty nation, full of some of the strongest warriorsOne Piecehas to offer. Due to this, characters, like Usopp, idolize the strong ideals of the Giants, hoping to one day become strong warriors just like them.
It’s shameful for warriors to cry! - Luffy to the Giant children
However, as the Straw Hats and the audience would soon learn, this view of Elbaf is simply a look at Elbaf’s past. The most recent king of Elbaf, King Harold, who was murdered by his son,the mysteriousOne Piececharacter Loki, believed that war and fighting were not the only way of life. Instead, King Harold preferred trading with other nations, as opposed to starting wars. From here, King Harold put many reforms into place, attempting to make Elbaf a more peaceful place. This includes employing Jaguar D. Saul to found a school for the children of Elbaf that promotes this way of life from an early age.
The New Generation Of Giants Are Far From Warriors
Luffy Is Too Violent For Most Giant Children
During theStraw Hats’ time in Elbaf, the crew is quickly learning about the new Elbaf ideals. Currently, Luffy’s more aggressive and combat-oriented lifestyle seems to be clashing with the peaceful ideals of the giant children. In the latest chapters, Luffy is frustrated by the children of Elbaf, who, in his opinion, act in a very “non-warrior” way. With the children being frequently scared and cowardly, often clinging to adults like the New Giant Pirate, Gerd, it seems that Luffy doesn’t fully appreciate the new generation of Elbaf as much as he respects Elbaf’s warriors.
However, Colon,the Giant child who has associated with Shanks, on the other hand, is completely unlike all the other children of his generation. Instead, Colon is gutsy and willing to spar with Luffy at a moment’s notice. Much like with Luffy, the other children of his giant generation don’t appreciate his violent ways. On the flip side, Luffy himself appreciates his willingness to fight.
This Change In Ideals Presents An Interesting Debate
Should The One Piece Giants Focus On Peace Or Fighting?
From here, Oda has revealed a major philosophical theme that permeatesOne Piece’sElbaf Arc. While the Giants should be peaceful and focus on learning, knowledge, and trade, at the same time, they can’t grow too soft or weak, in fear of losing their former way of life. At the same time,One Pieceis a world full of combat and struggles. Sometimes, being able to fight is an important aspect of survival. If the Giants become too weak, they may become a target for the World Government. At the same time, choosing a peaceful way of life seems to be another great choice for the Giant people, acting as preservers of ancient knowledge and history, rather than warriors.
It’s not like a peaceful Elbaf is a bad thing. - Usopp to Luffy
This conflict between the new and old culture ofthe Giants of Elbafis a great conversation to dive into. In the end, when the Giants and Elbaf reach their big conclusion, perhaps the Giants will reach a compromise between their new and old values. Maybe, rather than being passive scholars, or warring fighters, the Elbaf Giants will become staunch defenders of the knowledge of theOne Pieceworld.
