Highlights

  • The Straw Hats face a dangerous situation on Egghead Island with the arrival of Saturn and the Marines led by Admiral Kizaru.
  • Luffy, the only one who can hold back Saturn, is depleted of energy and cannot fight.
  • The Straw Hats may be aided by the Iron Giant and Bartholomew Kuma, who could buy them enough time to escape, but they may face challenges in their next adventure in Elbaf.

  stand as one of the most formidable crews in the expansive world of One Piece. Originating with five members during the East Blue Saga, the crew has since expanded to include ten members. Their extensive travels across numerous islands have endowed them with invaluable experiences. In their latest venture, the Straw Hats made their way to Egghead Island, the residence of the brilliant Dr. Vegapunk. This visit proved enlightening, offering the crew profound insights into the world's most intelligent character in One Piece.

During their time on Egghead Island, the Straw Hats uncovered a sinister plot by the World Government to assassinate Vegapunk. In a display of solidarity, they pledged to safely escort him away from impending danger. However, their mission encountered formidable obstacles in the form of Rob Lucci, Kaku, and other Cipher Pol members. Overcoming these adversaries, the crew faced a new threat in the shape of York, who betrayed Vegapunk by divulging critical information to the Five Elders. Enthralled by the opulent lifestyle of the Celestial Dragons during a visit to Marijoa, York took Stella hostage and unleashed the powerful Seraphim on both the Straw Hats and the island's inhabitants.

In a daring confrontation, the Straw Hats managed to thwart York's plans, liberating Vegapunk from her clutches. However, the situation took a turn for the worse, signaling that more challenges lie ahead for the intrepid heroes.

Saturn's Arrival Complicated Things

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Throughout the arc, the Straw Hats remained oblivious to the looming threat posed by Saturn. By the time they became aware of the danger, it was too late to mount a defense. Saturn, accompanied by Admiral Kizaru, several vice admirals, and a formidable fleet of 100 ships, approached Egghead Island. As they entered the island's waters, they encountered resistance from Sea Beast Weapons, though Kizaru and the Marines swiftly neutralized these assailants. Subsequently, the Admiral penetrated Vegapunk's laboratory, engaging in a fierce battle with Luffy.

The intense confrontation left both combatants drained and incapacitated. It was at this critical juncture that Saturn made his decisive entrance, revealing a unique transformation that differed from conventional Devil Fruit powers. His appearance resembled a hybrid of a spider and an oni, strongly suggesting the possession of a Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruit. Saturn's combat prowess, coupled with his vast experience, posed a formidable challenge for the Straw Hats. His primary objective was the annihilation of Vegapunk and anyone allied with him.

Amidst the Straw Hats, only Luffy had the potential to confront Saturn. However, Luffy, thoroughly depleted of energy after the battle with Kizaru, found himself incapacitated and unable to face Saturn. The unfolding events signaled a grave predicament for the Straw Hats, with Saturn's overwhelming power and Luffy's current state posing a significant obstacle to their chances of thwarting this formidable adversary.

Who Can Help Them?

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The Straw Hats are in a perilous situation, and they won't survive unless someone helps them. If the Five Elders weren't above Vegapunk in the Command Hierarchy, the scientist could have used the Seraphim to stall Saturn and escape from the island. There is one particular item that may prove invaluable, and that is the Iron Giant. Vegapunk revealed that the Iron Giant was responsible for an attack on Marijoa that happened 200 years ago. Unfortunately, it ran out of energy before it could cause any significant damage to the Holy Land. It was created in the Void Century, presumably by the people of the Ancient Kingdom, to fight off the threat of the World Government.

The Iron Giant remained dormant in one place, but that changed when it heard the sound of Luffy's heartbeats, which had been previously revealed to be similar to the Drums of Liberation. After listening to the sound, the Iron Giant's eyes lit up. If the Iron Giant manages to awaken completely, then it could buy the Straw Hats and Vegapunk enough time to escape from St. Jay Garcia Saturn and the Marines.

There is also the possibility that Bartholomew Kuma might teleport himself to Egghead Island in order to protect his daughter, Jewelry Bonney. Kuma may have lost most of his free will, but it seems that there may still be some humanity left inside him. Kuma can use his Nikyu Nikyu no Mi to save the Straw Hats, Vegapunk, and Bonney. However, he first needs to get away from Akainu.

What Happens After

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Once the Straw Hats escape from Egghead Island, they will begin their next adventure, which will presumably take them to Elbaf, the nation of giants. Vegapunk and his satellites will be traveling with the crew, and it is possible they may be joined by Stussy. Vegapunk has already traveled to Elbaf, and he seems to be on good terms with Jaguar D. Saul. So it will be easy for them to reach the island.

Many fans have also speculated that Saul is probably the man with the burn mark. So he might know about the Final Road Poneglyph. With his information, the Straw Hats will take a massive leap toward claiming the One Piece. However, it is important to remember that the island is currently under the protection of Shanks, who is also in the race to claim the treasure left behind by his captain. So, the islanders might not take too kindly to the arrival of another pirate crew. Whether the Straw Hats find any success in Elbaf remains to be seen.

One Piece manga is available to read on Manga Monster.