Article summary:
To reach Laugh Tale, you need 4 red stones. Luffy has 3 of them (Big Mom's, Kaido's, and Zou's). But where is the fourth? It is held by a mysterious "Man Marked by Flames" (Hinokizu). Eustass Kid and Blackbeard are actively searching for him. In 2026, the clues point toward a legend everyone thought was dead.
This character is the final guardian. Without him, no one can become the King of the Pirates. He sails on a black ship capable of creating giant whirlpools to swallow enemy ships. But who is hiding behind this nickname?
A ghost ship protecting the ultimate secret.
The Missing Poneglyph from Fish-Man Island
25 years ago, when Roger visited, the 4th Road Poneglyph was located on Fish-Man Island, next to Joy Boy's apology message. But when Luffy arrived, the stone had disappeared.
Someone moved it to keep it safe. It wasn't the Government (which would have hidden it in Mariejois), but an independent pirate or revolutionary. This is the missing piece of the puzzle.
Suspect No. 1: Jaguar D. Saul
The strongest theory in 2026 points to Jaguar D. Saul, the giant and friend of Nico Robin. Everyone thought he had died on Ohara, frozen by Aokiji.
But Vegapunk confirmed that he survived and is hiding on Elbaf, covered in bandages (because of burns from the ice or the Buster Call's fire). He may have recovered Ohara's books and possibly the final Poneglyph to protect it until the arrival of "the child of prophecy."
This would explain why Kid's ship was heading toward Elbaf before being intercepted by Red-Haired Shanks.
Suspect No. 2: Monkey D. Dragon
The other candidate is Luffy's father. His ship, the Wind Granma, is black. He controls the wind and whirlpools (see: Dragon's powers). In addition, he has a strange mark on his face (tattoo or burn?).
Keeping the final Poneglyph would be a strategic move to prevent dangerous pirates like Blackbeard from reaching the One Piece before the right time.
Conclusion: Heading to Elbaf!
Everything indicates that the Straw Hats' next destination is Elbaf, the land of the Giants. This is where the answer lies and probably where Robin will have her most emotional reunion.
To follow the crew's progress, keep an eye on our One Piece Arcs page.
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