Although it may be hard for some One Piece fans to believe, it's been just over two years since the Straw Hat Pirates departed from Wano Country (Chapter 1058, released August 28, 2022), making the Egghead Arc one of the series' five longest arcs of all time. Now, with the release of Chapter 1125, it seems as though Monkey D. Luffy and his crew are finally departing from Dr. Vegapunk's futuristic island, which should officially bring an end to what has been the most unexpectedly important narrative sequence in all of One Piece.
However, as exciting as the Egghead Arc has been, Chapter 1125 held a final set of surprises for fans, including the official introduction of a brand-new member of the World Government's highest-ranking regulatory body. The upcoming Elbaf Arc may very well be the most important leg in Luffy's entire journey, but for now, Chapter 1125 is one of the most significant chapters in an already-eventful string of releases.
The Pieces Settle After a World-Changing Conflict
Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates are no strangers to large-scale conflicts; between their assault on Enies Lobby, the Summit War, and the Raid on Onigashima, One Piece's main characters have been involved in several massive battles. Still, even by their standards, their battle on Egghead Island was a deviation from the norm, and in Chapter 1125, readers finally get a glimpse of the full impact that the Straw Hat Pirate's victory had on the World Government, starting with its highest-ranking council: the Five Elders.
Earlier in the Egghead Arc, One Piece introduced Figarland Garling — a distinguished Celestial Dragon who served as the Supreme Commander of the God's Knights. This character seemed sure to play a major role in the series' final saga, and much to the delight of fans, he returns once again in Chapter 1125, bringing with him the shocking news of Saint Jaygarcia Saturn's dismissal from the Five Elders.
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This sort of development clearly shows that the World Government is also readying itself for war, and it perfectly provides the type of forward momentum that One Piece needed after Dr. Vegapunk's long-winded speech in previous chapters. Only time will tell what St. Figarland Garling has planned for the future, but for the time being, his introduction is a sign that Imu, the Five Elders and the World Government still have plenty of tricks up their sleeves.
Speaking of the mysterious Imu, Chapter 1125 provides the most clear demonstration of the character's abilities since their introduction in the Reverie Arc. After Figarland Garling announces himself as the new God of Science and Defense, Jaygarcia Saturn is seemingly stripped of his powers by Imu despite the two characters being, at the minimum, dozens of miles away from each other.
Watching Saint Jaygarcia Saturn rapidly age as black smoke pours out of his body stands out as one of the most horrifying moments in One Piece, which is only appropriate since it serves as the introduction to the tyrannical Imu's mysterious powers. One Piece has often been criticized for its reluctance to kill major characters, and while this remains true (especially considering Vegapunk's potential survival), it's nice to see a heinous figure like the former God of Science and Defense appropriately punished for his despicable actions.
One Piece Gathers Steam as It Heads Into Its Most Anticipated Arc of All Time
Although the biggest developments in Chapter 1125 stem from Garling's appointment to the Five Elders, the World Government isn't the only group that appears in the chapter. Edison, who now houses the identities of Shaka, Atlas, and Pythagoras, escapes York's grasp by elevating Punk Records high into the sky, and the Revolutionary Army, who are still situated in Kamabakka Kingdom, react to Vegapunk's worldwide message. This includes Monkey D. Dragon, who ends Chapter 1125 by stating that a race for high ground is sure to ensue.
This demands a swift resolution because it won't be long before the people of the world begin to fight over safe ground! – Monkey D. Dragon
Admittedly, the sight of Monkey D. Dragon staring into the distance as he reflects on events has grown a bit stale over the years. That said, his presence still commands the intention of readers, and if what he says about a worldwide race for high ground is true, then Elbaf — a location that has been shown to be high above sea level — could be even more important than previously thought.
With virtually every major character in One Piece now aware of the cataclysmic state of affairs, the clock is ticking for Money D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates to find Gol D. Roger's legendary treasure. Thankfully, if Chapter 1125 is any indication, then the legendary manga's final saga is going to be an absolute blast for fans.
One Piece Chapter 1125
9/ 10
- Author
- Eiichiro Oda
- Artist
- Eiichiro Oda
- Release Date
- July 22, 1997
- Genre
- Adventure , Fantasy , Manga
- Adaptation
- One Piece
- Publisher
- Shueisha, Madman Entertainment, Viz Media
Pros
- The introduction of Imu's mysterious powers are a horrifying sign of things to come
- After Dr. Vegapunk's long-winded speech, Chapter 1125's forward movement was a welcome change of pace
- Monkey D. Dragon's final words are an appropriate conclusion to the series' most politically-significant arc
Cons
- Monkey D. Dragon's lack of action continues
