One Piece manga drops its most important Alabasta callback yet

Spoilers for the upcoming 1130th chapter of mangaka Eiichiro Oda's One Piece manga series were released throughout the past week, teasing an informative issue. Fans allegedly see what Elbaf looks like for the first time and finally, meet Prince Loki after hearing about the character in the Whole Cake Island Arc.

However, there was also a more subtle alleged detail in the One Piece manga's upcoming chapter, which fans are somewhat divided on. This detail was an X mark appearing on Luffy's Gear 5 picture in the newspaper, which the Giant Warrior Pirates receive in the issue. Many assume that this is Nefertari D. Vivi attempting to communicate with the pair by leveraging Big News Morgans' offer of shelter in her favor.

While this is the most logical choice, Oda is known for crafting red herrings of all shapes, sizes, and sorts throughout the story so far. Likewise, it's possible that there is another explanation for the apparent callback to One Piece manga's Alabasta Arc in the latest chapter, and it lies in the Egghead Arc's events.

One Piece manga could be setting up an explanation for the X mark on Emeth's arms

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In chapter 1122 of the One Piece manga, fans saw Ancient Robot Emeth's life end with a flashback to the Void Century. Specifically, this flashback showcased Emeth's conversation with Joy Boy, in which he looked newer and more functional than in contemporary events. Fans noticed that Emeth had an X mark on each of his arms of a similar design and in a similar spot to Luffy and co's during the Alabasta Arc.

While this callback was obvious from the start, fans were unsure when Oda would further it or what it would eventually lead to as a narrative. Flashforward to the chapter 1130 spoilers, and suddenly, the explanation of Vivi drawing the X on Luffy's picture as a symbol doesn't seem so concrete. The fact that this X mark is first appearing specifically on a photo of Luffy from the Egghead Arc further implies a connection.

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Chapter 1122 of the One Piece manga also doesn't show Joy Boy as anything more than a total silhouette. It's possible this was done deliberately by Oda to hide the fact that Joy Boy also had an X mark on his arm. This theory makes sense, considering that Joy Boy was said to wield the Nika Devil Fruit as Luffy does contemporarily. This theory suggests the significance behind the X marks' latest appearance.

Additional evidence for such an interpretation of the X mark's reappearance in chapter 1130 lies in the significance the Alabasta Arc is proving to have in the final saga. The reveal of the Nefertari family as D. clan members, the introduction of Nefertari D. Lili, the significance of the Ancient Weapons, and more can all relate to the Alabasta Arc. While still speculative, there's merit to this interpretation of the latest Alabasta Arc callback.

Final thoughts

Oda could be setting up a major reveal for the X mark's repetition and significance in the One Piece manga (Image via Toei Animation)

Unfortunately, the true identity of the X mark has yet to be revealed by the series as of this article's writing. While the Vivi explanation is more realistic, there is also evidence suggesting it could relate to Luffy's role as the next Joy Boy. However, fans won't find out for quite some time, as the series is set to take a two-week break following chapter 1130's official release.

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Edited by Joseph Brogan