One Piece fans might have not noticed it but Eiichiro Oda created parallel between Luffy and Roger, and Usopp and Noland using a genius trick.

SUMMARY

Luffy and Usopp have waited a long time to finally reach Elbaph Island.
Their reaction after witnessing the beauty of Elbaph speaks for itself.
However, Eiichiro Oda used their reactions to connect them with Gol D. Roger and Mont Blanc Noland.

The Straw Hat Pirates’ journey for the second phase of the final One Piece saga has officially started with a detailed description of the mysterious island of Elbaph. Elbaph has been an awaited arc for the longest time, and it holds a lot of significance to the central narrative of One Piece. This is why fans have huge expectations from the arc.

Elbaph Island | Credits: Viz Media

The tale is still in its early stages, so the crew is gaining a feel for the place while they take in the island’s breathtaking scenery. From the giant Treasure Tree Adam to the Rainbow Path, Elbaph Island is filled with surprises that no one expected, considering the fact that it is a warrior’s land. Plus, the gigantic nature of everything makes it seemingly wonderful.

Elbaph has been a dream for Luffy and Usopp since they found out about it during the Little Garden arc in One Piece. Thus, when they finally got to see it, they had completely different reactions. Their reactions might be used by Eiichiro Oda to foreshadow a parallel with Gol D. Roger, the former Pirate King, and Mont Blanc Noland, the Admiral of the Lvneel Kingdom.

Luffy and Usopp’s Reaction To The Elbaph Island

During the Little Garden Arc, when the Straw Hat Pirates met with Dorry and Brogy, they were so fascinated by the Giants that they vowed to one day sail to Elbaph and see the mesmerizing island by themselves. Among the crew, the two most excited about Elbaph were Luffy and Usopp, and they had very valid reasons behind their excitement.

In Luffy’s case, it was his chance to explore another mysterious island and add it to his exciting journey as a pirate. However, for Usopp, it held special value as it was connected to his dream of becoming a great warrior of the sea. As Elbaph was the land of warriors, Usopp wanted to visit it so that he could learn and train with the Giants and become a warrior himself.

Luffy and Usopp’s Reaction to Elbaph | Credit: Viz Media

Thus, when they finally explored the beauty of Elbaph in One Piece chapter 1132, their reactions were different but somewhat expected. While Luffy seemed happy and excited for the next part of his journey, Usopp was extremely emotional, and he could not hold back his tears at all.

Luffy and Usopp’s Reaction Mirrors Roger and Noland’s Execution

Luffy and Usopp’s different reactions to Elbaph prove that Eiichiro Oda is really a genius. The manga creator used this eccentric moment between Luffy and Usopp to draw parallels with other characters within One Piece. Luffy’s reaction mirrored Gol D. Roger’s reaction when he was executed, and Usopp’s emotional reaction mirrored Mont Blanc Noland’s reaction to his execution.

Gol D. Roger’s execution in One Piece | Credit: Toei Animation

Both Gol D. Roger and Mont Blanc Noland are similar to each other in more than one way. Both One Piece characters sailed through the seas to achieve freedom. Both of them found mythical treasures that were supposed to be hidden. Not only that, both of them were eventually caught and executed for trying to live a life of freedom.

Aside from these similarities, Roger and Noland had a major difference between them, which was reflected in their execution. While Roger was confident and smiling while facing death, Noland was sad about being called a liar and was deeply emotional. Thus, in a way, with the help of Luffy and Usopp’s reaction to Elbaph, Oda has established the connection between the One Piece characters.