The Elbaf Arc Should Be Short And Sweet

This article contains spoilers from One Piece’s Elbaf Arc

Summary

• Elbaf Arc full of discovery and reunions
• Elbaf should avoid becoming too long
• Transition arc for Straw Hats’ final battle prep

Now that One Piece’s Elbaf Arc is well underway, fans are extremely excited to see what the highly anticipated island has to offer. With so many mysteries lurking on the island, such as Shanks’s connection to Elbaf or the prince Loki’s, role on the island, the Elbaf Arc is an extremely important event in the history of One Piece. With so much to explore and discover, the Elbaf Arc could easily become one of the biggest One Piece arcs in the story so far. However, this may not be the healthiest choice for the story.

So far, One Piece’s post-time skip has a reputation of arcs overstaying their welcome. With arcs like Wano and Dressrosa easily breaking the 100 chapter mark, and other arcs, like Whole Cake Island nearing triple digits, it’s hard to justify another massive arc, no matter how interesting the story may be. In fact, it may be easier to explore the island of Elbaf if the adventure there is kept short and sweet.

Elbaf Is A Great Change Of Pace In One Piece

So Far Elbaf Is An Arc Full Of Discovery And Reunions

For those that don’t know, One Piece is well into its Final Saga, starting the second arc of the end of One Piece. After the events of Egghead Island, the Straw Hat Crew now journeys to the land of giants, Elbaf. This island specifically has been mentioned in the series since as early as the Little Garden Arc and has been very highly anticipated by most of the One Piece community.

We’re off to the land of dreams, Elbaf! – Usopp

After arriving at Elbaf, the crew has already been kidnapped by the giant, Road, met an evil Prince, Loki, and finally discovered the Kingdom of Elbaf in its full glory. Additionally, Robin was finally reunited with an old friend from her childhood, Jaguar D. Saul, who she thought perished on Ohara Island many years ago. With so many moments of discovery and touching reunions, Elbaf Island has been a treat for One Piece fans.

One Piece’s Elbaf Should Avoid Becoming Too Long

Too Many Chapters May Make A Great Arc Too Bloated

• 40 Chapters May Be The Perfect Length
• The Arc Should Focus On Exploration And Revealing History

However, just because the arc itself is amazing, it doesn’t mean that it needs to be a long arc. In fact, even an arc like Egghead Island was 63 chapters long. Although some fans wish the arc would be way longer, rivaling the length of an arc like Wano, making Elbaf only around 40 chapters long may be the ideal length.

Firstly, Elbaf, as an arc, could be a nice change of pace after the intensity of the Egghead Island Arc. Instead of constantly dealing with some high-level threat, this arc could mainly focus on exploring and discovering the mysteries of the island of giants. Researching things like the recovered Ohara Library, finding out Shank’s connection, or reconciling the damage that Big Mom caused between human-giant relations are all moments that could be solved, without needing a major antagonist or threat standing in the way.

Elbaf Could Be A Perfect Transition Arc

The Straw Hats Could Train And Prepare For Their Final Battle On Elbaf

Additionally, One Piece’s Elbaf Arc could also focus on gearing the Straw Hat Crew up for the Final Saga. Many of the characters, especially Usopp, could pick up a few new tricks to give them all one last power boost before they need to take on the final threats of the series. Plus, here Luffy may discover some sort of key that lets him unlock the full potential of his Devil Fruit and Gear 5.

Most fail to find words to adequately describe its immense grandeur. – Louis Arnote

If One Piece’s Elbaf Arc is only focusing on these two concepts, and not focusing entirely on a large battle against an antagonist, then there’s no reason for the arc to run overly long. The exciting part of Elbaf is the discovery of the island itself and the culture of the giants, not whatever battle could potentially take place there. Any long, drawn-out battle on the island will only serve to cheapen the wonderful world-building that Oda had crafted to design the island in the first place.

In the end, it’s impossible to tell right now what Oda’s plans are for the Elbaf Arc in One Piece. Whether or not the arc will be long or short is still up in the air. No matter what happens in the end, One Piece’s Elbaf Arc is sure to be an amazing ride for fans.