A Homage to Water Seven
Harald’s efforts and policies have finally come together — Elbaf-born Marines are making a name for themselves, and Elbaf seafood and timber have become wildly popular. The world seems to be entering a full-on “Elbaf boom.”
This brings to mind Water Seven right after the Sea Train line first opened. ↓
The Water Seven / Enies Lobby arc gave us Robin’s rescue, Franky joining the crew, the clash with Usopp and their eventual reconciliation — one massive event after another. But the most unforgettable moment of all, above everything else, is still the farewell to the Going Merry.
So this week’s title, “Snow of Elbaf,” most likely refers to that mysterious snow that made all of Merry’s memories come flooding back. ↑
And then there’s the final exchange between Harald and Ida — “Let’s travel together again like the old days.” “I’d love that ♡ I’ll be looking forward to it!!”
That’s a clear echo of Merry’s final words: “I wanted to carry everyone further.” “I always wanted to keep adventuring with you.” “But I was happy.” It’s unmistakably a homage to the Going Merry’s farewell. ↓
If you can read Oda’s intent here, the cover page’s meaning becomes clear as well.
The illustration featuring Hatchan (eight tentacles), a sheep, and falling snow most likely visualizes the Straw Hats — all eight of them present at Merry’s farewell — with memories and grief descending on them gently like snow.
The sheep (Merry) handing Hatchan (the eight) a pair of gloves inscribed with “thank you” also mirrors Merry’s last words to the eight Straw Hats — that same heartfelt “thank you.”
Loki Kills the Immortal Harald
Since Harald made a pact with Im and became an immortal knight, he likely regenerates from injuries automatically — much like the God’s Knights do.
And yet Loki killed him — which is exactly why the citizens and Hajrudin hold such deep resentment toward Loki.
Back in Chapter 1152, Gaban explained to Luffy and the crew that “Conqueror’s Haki is effective against the God’s Knights” — and noted that Loki had experience with this firsthand.
In other words: Loki killed Harald using Conqueror’s Haki. Loki’s status as a Conqueror’s Haki user is now confirmed.
The Underworld Detention Block
For the “crime” of wiping out Estrilda’s clan, Loki was placed in a detention block.
This is the same Block Country where Luffy and the crew were first imprisoned — Road even said at the time, “This place was originally built as a detention facility for giants.” ↓
But if the walls were thin enough for Luffy to punch through, Loki’s strength should have been more than enough to break out at any time. So why did he stay quietly inside? Could it be that after Ida’s death, he was simply too devastated to leave — just shutting himself away in grief?
If so, that’s almost exactly the same situation as Marvel’s Loki in Thor: The Dark World — yet another intentional parallel, it seems.
The Nami Parallel Continues
Harald, who only just before his dream came true realized he had been deceived all along. Im, who never had any intention of granting Harald’s wish from the start.
This situation directly mirrors Nami and Arlong’s deal. ↓
Even the regret over the tattoo on his left arm is the same.
That’s all for today. See you next week.