As “One Piece” enters its final phase with the Egghead Island arc, fans of Eiichiro Oda’s epic saga are eagerly anticipating the introduction of new characters and storylines that the creator has hinted at over the years. One such character, a pirate with an eye patch, has sparked considerable intrigue among the fanbase. Despite being a quintessential pirate trope, this would be the series’ first character to don the iconic eye patch, according to Oda.
In a 2007 discussion marking the series’ 10th anniversary, Oda revealed his plans to introduce a pivotal pirate character sporting an eye patch. This statement surprised many fans, as the traditional pirate aesthetic had not yet been explored in “One Piece.” The announcement came during the release of “One Para,” a collection of Oda’s thoughts on the future of the series. Information from this talk was later translated and shared by @Sandman_AP on social media platform X, stirring speculation among the series’ followers.
Oda’s original statement emphasized the unique role this character would play in the unfolding narrative: “A pirate with an eye patch will appear in the final phase of One Piece. I’m itching to draw that character as soon as possible. Maybe people have a preconception that many pirates wear eye patches, but actually, I’ve never drawn any pirates with eye patches.” This revelation has led to widespread fan theories regarding the identity of the eye patch-wearing pirate.
Among the most popular theories is that Monkey D. Luffy, the protagonist, will become the eye patch pirate after losing an eye in battle. This theory aligns with Oda’s known penchant for detailed foreshadowing and dramatic character development. As “One Piece” has already ventured into its climactic run, it seems only a matter of time before this mysterious figure is revealed.
The anticipation surrounding this character underlines Oda’s skill in weaving complex narratives and maintaining suspense, keeping fans engaged and guessing as the long-running series approaches its conclusion. As the final chapters of “One Piece” unfold, all eyes are keenly set on the emergence of the eye patch pirate, who is expected to bring a significant twist to the adventurous tale.