Egghead Island was the next destination for the Straw Hat Pirates after they departed from Wano Country. Upon leaving Wano, the members of the Worst Generation went their separate ways: Kid headed to Elbaf, where he faced a crushing defeat from Shanks and the Red-Haired Pirates.
Law journeyed towards Winner Island but was ambushed and destroyed by Blackbeard. Meanwhile, Luffy made his way to Egghead Island, an island of the future, where he encountered Vegapunk. With the island’s futuristic theme, it was clear that this arc would be centered on technology.
Luffy’s encounter with Vegapunk sets the stage for a new adventure into futuristic technology (Photo: One Piece/Toei Animation)Including the many groundbreaking inventions created by Vegapunk. Oda introduced the fans to concepts like future islands and technology dating back to the Void Century.
Through this arc, fans were introduced to Vegapunk’s remarkable inventions such as Punk Records, the Satellites, and his covert research on the Poneglyphs.
The Antagonists of Egghead Island
Egghead Island had a variety of powerful antagonists. From the start of the arc, fans witnessed betrayal by York, who turned against Vegapunk. As the story progressed, the Marines and one of the Elders joined the fray.
Kizaru and Saturn took the lead as the primary antagonists for most of the arc, and in its final stages, the Five Elders emerged as the main opposition, setting the stage for an intense battle. Despite this, the Straw Hat Pirates’ primary objective throughout the arc was to protect Vegapunk and find a way to escape the island.
The arc’s focus on action and conflict was less about analysis and more about fulfilling these goals, making it distinct from other One Piece arcs.
The Straw Hats’ Objectives on Egghead Island
On Egghead Island, the Straw Hat Pirates had various objectives, some of which were successfully achieved, while others were left unresolved. When they first arrived, their main goal was to gather information about the island and learn more about Vegapunk’s scientific advancements.
This served as an opportunity for Oda to expand on the connection between the Poneglyphs, scientific progress, and the Void Century. Fans were introduced to the history of Ohara through Saul and learned that Vegapunk was carrying the will of the Ohara people, continuing their research on the Poneglyphs.
This led to the arc’s central conflict, a battle against the Marines and the World Government.
Protecting Vegapunk and Escaping from Egghead
Vegapunk was well aware of the imminent threat to his life from the Navy due to his research on the Poneglyphs, which the World Government despised. As a result, Vegapunk sought protection from Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates.
This led to a massive conflict on Egghead Island, where Luffy fought to protect Vegapunk but failed. Although the main Vegapunk (Stella) met his end, his death set off a chain of events that formed a key part of the arc’s story.
Revealing the Secrets of the Void Century
Before his death, Vegapunk shared his findings from years of research. He revealed to the world that the world of One Piece had once been made up of massive continents that sank beneath the ocean as a result of a war fought 800 years ago.
He spoke of Joy Boy, his death, and the creation of the Ancient Weapons, tying all of this together with the One Piece. According to Vegapunk, whoever finds the One Piece will hold the power to shape the future of the entire world.
Jewelry Bonney’s Role in the Egghead Arc
Jewelry Bonney, a member of the Worst Generation, played an important role in the Egghead Island arc. She was deeply intertwined with both Egghead Island and Vegapunk’s research. Her past, as well as the story of her father Kuma, was explored during the arc, adding emotional depth to the storyline.
Kuma’s flashback was particularly impactful, shedding light on his relationship with Vegapunk, his daughter Bonney, and the circumstances that led to him becoming a Pacifista.
The Straw Hat Pirates took on the responsibility of assisting Bonney, and together, they fought against the World Government intending to escape the island.
Escaping from Egghead Island
The main goal of the arc was to help Vegapunk, Bonney, and Kuma escape Egghead. While Stella (the original Vegapunk) died, one of his satellites, Lilith, survived. This allowed Vegapunk to live on in another body and escape the island.
The battle between the Straw Hats and powerful foes takes center stage on Egghead Island (Photo: One Piece/Toei Animation)Bonney and Kuma also managed to survive, largely thanks to the timely arrival of the Giant Pirates, who helped create an escape route. The final act of assistance came from the Iron Giant, who, using his stored Haki from Joy Boy, provided the Straw Hat Pirates with a chance to escape.
With this, the Straw Hat Pirates departed, and the Iron Giant met his end, marking the completion of the arc’s major goals.
Egghead Island’s Conclusion Sets the Stage for Larger Events in the Final Saga
The Egghead Island arc ended with the Straw Hat Pirates’ departure from the future island. Although some buffer chapters may follow to further develop the arc, the main story has concluded. The arc mainly focused on the Egghead Incident, Vegapunk’s revelations, and Bonney’s backstory.
It also provided crucial information about the world’s history, setting up the challenges the Straw Hats will face as they prepare for the final stages of their journey.
