Jaguar D. Saul’s return might baffle One Piece fans who were convinced of his death but understanding Robin’s past might shift their perspective.

SUMMARY

In the latest chapter of One Piece, Nico Robin’s reunion with Jaguar D. Saul was met with tears and criticism for the latter not remaining dead.
Fans forget Jaguar D. Saul was only frozen and never confirmed to be dead, considering how merciful Aokiji can be.
The tragic past of Nico Robin was never about losing one friend, she had nothing to live for until she met the Straw Hats.

Spoiler Alert !!!
Contains spoilers from Chapter 1133 of One Piece!

The tragic story of Nico Robin is almost too heavy to revisit. The archaeologist hadn’t known peace since the destruction of her island and people until the Straw Hat Pirates invited her and fought for her against the World Government itself. She had one prominent friend in her flashback, Jaguar D. Saul, who saved her life from the Ohara Incident and seemingly sacrificed himself. He was frozen by Aokiji, who was also a former friend and colleague of the giant, so it’s no surprise that he’s alive and well in Elbaph.

Jaguar D. Saul saves Robin from Aokiji in One Piece. [Credit: Toei Animation]

Robin finally reunites with Saul in Chapter 1133 of One Piece and it’s executed perfectly. The giant has no clue on how to greet his old friend and resorts to playing a prank on her which promptly turns into a hug. Saying it’s heartwarming isn’t enough as even the Straw Hats began to cry. However, some One Piece fans haven’t taken this reunion well, accusing Eiichiro Oda of repetitively not permanently killing anyone in the series. This opinion might change if they considered the root of Robin’s tragic history.

Nico Robin lost everything, not just one friend

Young Nico Robin escapes from Ohara in One Piece. [Credit: Toei Animation]

The permanent deaths in One Piece have always served as the sole purpose for someone’s survival and strength. For Luffy, Ace’s death motivated him to get stronger. For Trafalgar Law, Corazon’s sacrifice drove his revenge against Doflamingo. The Heart Pirates’ captain shared a similar past with Nico Robin but his goal was to avenge Corazon, his dear father figure. These figures have never and are sure to not come back, only surviving in their memories. It would be an insult to One Piece since the progress driven by their deaths would be lost.

Robin’s past isn’t just about losing Saul. She lost her mother, Clou D. Clover, the other archaeologists, and everyone. The World Government lied to the world about her being a “demon” and said she sunk 5 ships instead of the truth of Ohara’s genocide. She was on the run for 20 years before meeting the Straw Hats and finding a reason to live. Therefore, Saul’s return makes more sense since he was never the focus of the Ohara Incident or Robin’s tragic past.

Moreover, Aokiji only froze Saul, and considering they were friends before the Buster Call, it’s not unbelievable that he let him live. He’s shown mercy plenty of times before when he knew he was on the wrong side of history. Saul’s death isn’t like Pell who blew up right on screen, only to come back later.

Jaguar D. Saul’s purpose moving forward in One Piece

Jaguar D. Saul meets Vegapunk in One Piece. [Credit: Toei Animation]

After Saul was free from Aokiji’s frozen prison, he rounded up some giants and gathered the books in Ohara, transporting and protecting them in Elbaph. He became a history teacher and went into hiding but Vegapunk met him at some point seeking the knowledge unearthed by the Oharan archaeologists.

22 years later, he tearfully reunites with Nico Robin. He knows every lie that’s been spread about her and like a true friend, hates it. Moreover, he’s a member of the D clan, meaning he wasn’t going to be easy to kill anyway. Saul had more morals than any Marine of his time and made sure to help someone in need. He’s a true D. who will shake the world with the Straw Hats.