In the vast world of One Piece, the secret of the Void Century is the most crucial mystery. It not only relates to the legendary treasure but also holds the key to understanding the true nature of the World Government’s power structure.
The narrative has consistently provided insights into why the greed and corruption of the World Government are increasingly threatening the very fabric of society. This is especially evident when considering how far the suppression has gone to conceal the secrets of the Void Century.
Joyboy is a character whose influence pervades the story, and his impending downfall plays a significant role in the Void Century. Although One Piece initially introduced Joyboy in the Fish-Man Island arc, the essence of his character is primarily explored in the Egghead arc.
Vegapunk’s insights offer a fleeting glimpse into Joyboy’s past. While we still lack a complete picture, it is clear that the events that have transpired over the years are profoundly tragic. There is much yet to be uncovered about the intricacies of his past.
Joyboy’s Burden of Hope and Regret in One Piece
In One Piece chapter 1114, Vegapunk reveals that Joyboy was the first to express a significant desire in history. He sought to free the nations from the long-standing oppression against the backdrop of a world dominated by the World Government.
In chapter 1115, the scientist mentions the root cause of the prolonged conflict lasting 100 years, identified as the Great War 800 years ago, which stems from a divergence of ideals. Since Vegapunk is uncertain about what triggered the war, he cannot accurately ascertain the correctness of his assumptions.
As a figure from the distant past, Joyboy fought against the oppressive forces of different nations. He stood alone against the twenty ruling nations. Sadly, he ultimately faced the consequences of his actions in a battle that marked the end of the Void Century.
Immediately following Joyboy’s demise, a significant portion of the world was devastated due to a catastrophic event. Joyboy understood the implications of his potential defeat and bore the burden of hope for future generations while facing regrets for failing to fulfill his promise and being unable to liberate the world.
The Haunting Aftermath of Joyboy’s Death in One Piece
The Great War hundreds of years ago serves as the pivotal point leading to the world’s current state in One Piece. After Joyboy’s death, much of the world was ravaged by a catastrophic event. Nations were submerged underwater, with the sea levels rising by 200 meters, swallowing entire cities. The world that humanity currently inhabits is merely a fraction of what existed before.
Moreover, the oppression from the World Government continues even 800 years later, forcing humanity to endure poverty, exploitation, extermination, warfare, and countless hardships. The conflict remains unresolved, and the future must confront these dire circumstances.
Joyboy’s Allies and the Collapse of His Ideals
To this day, we know about Princess Shirahoshi (Poseidon) from 800 years ago, Zunesha, and Emeth, who were the few figures connected to Joyboy. Zunesha is acutely aware of the events surrounding Joyboy’s existence and suffers from the trauma of what transpired alongside him. It remains unclear what exactly Zunesha has endured, but it has been silently suffering beneath the waves for ages. It’s not difficult to speculate that it directly relates to the Void Century.
As for Emeth, who has lost a close friend, she continues to carry Joyboy’s legacy and strives to fulfill the ideals he set forth. Before parting ways, Joyboy asked Emeth to carry out something significant when the moment was “right.” In the Egghead arc, Emeth will utilize Joyboy’s haki to protect Luffy. Emeth is one of the few characters aware of Joyboy’s “return” potential.
In the poneglyph at the Sea Kings’ domain, Joyboy apologizes to Princess Shirahoshi for failing to fulfill his promise. The bond between the two characters has been hinted at throughout One Piece, further enriched by the difficult legacy Joyboy has left behind.
