Law's Eventual Back-stab

seiryu

Previous Law comments acknowledgement (spoiler tag to skip over as needed): So yes, I remember that Law has directly stated he wants to aim to be Pirate King and is also a fellow D Clan member. My counter to this is the pattern of Law's true intentions being different from what he initially says. Law is super introverted (look at how small his crew and circle of friends are vs. Luffy and his mass of underlings). Because of this, it is not a lie in what he says, but he has an alternative motive for what he says, does, etc. So this is why I think there is complete overlap between Law saying he wants to take down Kaidou (real motivation being just screwing over Doffy with intent to die in the process) with the current situation of Law saying he wants to be Pirate King to his crew. Law is clearly driven by rational decision making. He knows that networking and a means of Poneglyph translation is necessary to become Pirate King. His small crew is proof of the unwillingness to truly aim to be Pirate King. Even if he takes the easy way out of stealing the coordinates of the Road Poneglyphs, he doesn't have the crew to fight contenders off. A legit contender not only has to be Yonkou level, but needs mass underlings to keep the network of information safe and continuous. We have no idea what the true motivation is now, but it will be something important. It almost has to deal with his ties to Corazon and his multiple names. Moreover, if it wasn't a facade, why would his crew be so surprised/shocked? Beppo has been with him from almost the start, so this is directly implied to be something new. All the breadcrumbs indicate that Law has a hidden goal with the Pirate King goal being a fake front (some truth behind it but his heart is literally not in it). I won't go too in depth on it, but Oda is back on his game and as a result future breadcrumbs are being scattered in them midst of the recent excitement. The biggest one for me is the end of chapter 976 and Law's expression. Luffy and the rest of the allies are ecstatic, Kid is shocked, and Law looks pissed. Their comments reflect this as well. This is huge because of the implications. If Law wanted to see Luffy succeed in becoming Pirate King, Law would be happy like the rest of the allies. Even if he was neutral and only sees Luffy as a rival for Pirate King (Kid and their race to take down Kaidou/become Pirate King), there wouldn't be the disgust and grimace (Law's mouth). This implies that Jinbei is a direct hindrance to Law's true dream/goal (can't skip over the above spoiler if you don't think Law has an ulterior motive behind his empty words of saying he wants to aim for One Piece/Pirate King). There is multiple pieces of evidence that Law wants to stick with Luffy for now. Despite saying he wants to leave, he still goes above and beyond (cutting away at his lifespan using huge Rooms often, contributing to plans, trying to keep the chaos of the Mugiwara crew in check, etc.). Law undoubtedly recognizes that Luffy is someone that wants to bring about change. The D aspect of Law is drawn to this and wants to see Luffy succeed in this, but only to a certain extent. Law also has to acknowledge Luffy's strength. He was distraught when Doffy recovered from his ultimate technique (Gamma Knife). Law knows he ranks under Luffy in terms of destructive power. All of these breadcrumbs imply the current trend of Law sticking around and being a great ally for now. I fully expect the alliance to end on friendly terms too (Law is not needed for the wars against Shanks or Blackbeard). However, Law's true intentions means that towards the end of the series, he will likely be acting in direct conflict with Luffy. Personally, the Corazon ties implies Law would want to see the downfall of the Government that led to the death of his "treasure". I'm SUPER curious if any legit info gets released with the upcoming side story on Law (next serialization of the Ace novel). When the history of Law's other names gets revealed, it should give insight on what direction Law's true dream is. Since it is confirmation of something potentially 4-5 years from now, this is the biggest breadcrumb Oda dropped in the past couple months. I posted the Kinemon cliffhanger because it was unusual for Oda to repeat cliffhangers in back to back chapters. Having a facial expression out of place makes it easier to pick up on Law, but I guess both have completely different context with Kinemon's case getting fully confirmed in the first pages of chapter 976.

Marco Polo

Interesting analysis! I initially took Law’s reaction to Jinbe becoming a Straw Hat to mean the same as Kidd’s (jealousy/envy), but like you say that contradicts a lot of his actions. Both his crew and Kidd’s are severely lacking in terms of firepower, and Law didn’t manage to get any crew additions in Dressrosa, so unless some of the Wano samurai end up joining him (unlikely) I think he knows his best route to the top is with Luffy. The real question is, will Law just disappear into the night and come back in the final war? Or will his perceived lack of future purpose make him expendable to Oda? I’d honestly be gutted if Oda killed him off.

Judgement

I've been feeling like Law will backstab the Straw Hats at some point, too... I do have a question, though seiryu : what makes you think his ultimate goal would not be to become Pirate King? He does play it smart by only being an ally to the one who's most likely going to become PK (Luffy), but I'm wondering why you think it is not his ultimate goal to become PK himself. He might be really introverted like you suggested, but he might also just be cunning and aware of the risks of maintaining a big network (being backstabbed himself, or being ratted out to somebody). In the latter case, he might be laying low to strike when Luffy least expects it. And that might also be a moment we least expect it!

seiryu

> Interesting analysis! I initially took Law’s reaction to Jinbe becoming a Straw Hat to mean the same as Kidd’s (jealousy/envy), but like you say that contradicts a lot of his actions. Both his crew and Kidd’s are severely lacking in terms of firepower, and Law didn’t manage to get any crew additions in Dressrosa, so unless some of the Wano samurai end up joining him (unlikely) I think he knows his best route to the top is with Luffy. The real question is, will Law just disappear into the night and come back in the final war? Or will his perceived lack of future purpose make him expendable to Oda? I’d honestly be gutted if Oda killed him off. I big part of the allure of Law is his complexity. I have to assume it will be like all other protagonists and Law just continues on his own adventure after the Kaidou or Big Mom war. Considering the final war is a coup against the Government, everyone with anti-Government ideals will join in since it their once in a lifetime shot. Per the norm, we probably get updates on key people through the news so Law won't completely drop off. I have a hard time thinking Law gets killed off now. We still don't know his full history (all those names are going to have meaning). Plus, this panel confirms a key future role. The ability to take the Tenryuubito treasure like Doffy mentioned is probably part of it, but Law is going to do something else that's plot altering. He's being built up too much to not.> I've been feeling like Law will backstab the Straw Hats at some point, too... I do have a question, though seiryu : what makes you think his ultimate goal would not be to become Pirate King? He does play it smart by only being an ally to the one who's most likely going to become PK (Luffy), but I'm wondering why you think it is not his ultimate goal to become PK himself. He might be really introverted like you suggested, but he might also just be cunning and aware of the risks of maintaining a big network (being backstabbed himself, or being ratted out to somebody). In the latter case, he might be laying low to strike when Luffy least expects it. And that might also be a moment we least expect it! I don't think it is a full lie (taking down Kaidou was just a partial lie too). With his D side, he probably wants the Government to go down (what becoming Pirate King implies since they learn the truth that can screw the Government over). It is a partial lie because there is something else that takes precedence over the partial truth of wanting to become Pirate King. That's the beauty though. Oda's putting it all in front of us, but it's still 100% up in the air on what and when. Oda just has to stick to how he originally creates the plot. The biggest moments remain a full mystery.

weebywitch

You bring up very interesting points regarding his reaction, especially in light of how he reacted to the formation of the Grand Fleet. Remember that? I’ve always felt that he was conflicted when it came to Luffy’s presence in his life. Like he’s trying to use him but his resemblance to Corazon in some ways and the overall Luffyness throws a wrench in his well-laid plans in a multiplicity of ways.

seiryu

> You bring up very interesting points regarding his reaction, especially in light of how he reacted to the formation of the Grand Fleet. Remember that? I’ve always felt that he was conflicted when it came to Luffy’s presence in his life. Like he’s trying to use him but his resemblance to Corazon in some ways and the overall Luffyness throws a wrench in his well-laid plans in a multiplicity of ways. Ah, no I didn't remember that panel and it is quite similar. Definitely some big differences in terms of extent of the emotion Law is experiencing at the time, but the eyes and mouth are very similar for sure (how we interpret emotion as living being; since animals do the same things). For sure on the conflict and overlap with Corazon. I actually don't think Law isn't used to "bad luck". Throughout his life he's dealt with the world just putting him in crappy situations (even when Kid or Luffy aren't there to make it more direct). He just hates how parts of it were avoidable. For example, he knows they still have to take on Kaidou but he's just trying to prolong the inevitable. He knows more so than everyone else in the alliance how futile their mission is. And this is what makes him so interesting. What currently drives him is such a mystery and it probably takes years of manga content to get an answer.

Riker

I think Law will eventually leave Luffy but I see them doing that one friendly terms. I do not think Law will backstab/betray Luffy.

weebywitch

> Ah, no I didn't remember that panel and it is quite similar. Definitely some big differences in terms of extent of the emotion Law is experiencing at the time, but the eyes and mouth are very similar for sure (how we interpret emotion as living being; since animals do the same things). For sure on the conflict and overlap with Corazon. I actually don't think Law isn't used to "bad luck". Throughout his life he's dealt with the world just putting him in crappy situations (even when Kid or Luffy aren't there to make it more direct). He just hates how parts of it were avoidable. For example, he knows they still have to take on Kaidou but he's just trying to prolong the inevitable. He knows more so than everyone else in the alliance how futile their mission is. And this is what makes him so interesting. What currently drives him is such a mystery and it probably takes years of manga content to get an answer. For me I was more referring to his expressions in combination with the statement regarding the future plans of some being unknown and that being right next to him. Like way to place some implications there, Oda. Furthermore, his name is fascinating to me. It’s a reference to the Napoleonic wars, right? But is it also saying like that battle and the upsetting or reversal of naval law or customs. Because that’s what happened. Is that what he’s all about? He pilots a submarine, he’s a D. I was never implying that he was unused to misfortune, simply that the presence of someone whose very being reminds him of the fact that there’s not always a happy ending behind that combination of a smile and reckless good intentions in such a cruel world out to take from you can be both healing and hurtful. It doesn’t matter if Luffy’s antics go well or not—it’s still a double-edged sword to be in his presence. I’d say it’s especially true for someone who’s spent their life trying to meticulously plan to circumvent the repeated loss of just such a person. I think Law still wants the world to burn in some ways, I really don’t see that part of him as healed—the WG is his enemy, he’s super opposed to everything they represent. In his heart, “no good deed goes unpunished.” Is likely his mantra. So yes, I’m curious about his plans.

seiryu

> I think Law will eventually leave Luffy but I see them doing that one friendly terms. I do not think Law will backstab/betray Luffy. Then why is Oda putting all of these breadcrumbs indicating conflict? I'm gonna be blunt, but it seems like this response is based on just reading the title only. > For me I was more referring to his expressions in combination with the statement regarding the future plans of some being unknown and that being right next to him. Like way to place some implications there, Oda. Furthermore, his name is fascinating to me. It’s a reference to the Napoleonic wars, right? But is it also saying like that battle and the upsetting or reversal of naval law or customs. Because that’s what happened. Is that what he’s all about? He pilots a submarine, he’s a D. Wait, do we agree or are we disagreeing on Oda putting breadcrumbs of Law with the two panels posted? I'll be the first to admit I suck at history, so I have no idea what the other names are tied to. All I remember is that he had multiple names on top of the D. The thing for me is that we don't have any other character with this trait. Ace didn't have multiple names and just stuck with Portgas. In typical Oda fashion, the history/story behind the inspiration will play a key role in the name's significance for sure. As of right now, I don't think we can gleam too much from the name until Oda gives the backstory. Portgas has no meaning until we learn of Roger's wife. Since Law has multiple names, we might get separate stories for the his father and mother. Based on what you're typing here though, it sounds like the name does directly carry over to multiple aspects of Law's character design though.> I was never implying that he was unused to misfortune, simply that the presence of someone whose very being reminds him of the fact that there’s not always a happy ending behind that combination of a smile and reckless good intentions in such a cruel world out to take from you can be both healing and hurtful. It doesn’t matter if Luffy’s antics go well or not—it’s still a double-edged sword to be in his presence. I’d say it’s especially true for someone who’s spent their life trying to meticulously plan to circumvent the repeated loss of just such a person. I think Law still wants the world to burn in some ways, I really don’t see that part of him as healed—the WG is his enemy, he’s super opposed to everything they represent. In his heart, “no good deed goes unpunished.” Is likely his mantra. So yes, I’m curious about his plans. Ah, I got ya and I'd fully agree with all of this. I'm super biased that the Sengoku scene was significant closure (to a certain extent). Based on body language alone, Law literally drops his guard and relaxes (reflecting an emotional connection to Sengoku through their mutual love of Corazon). I definitely think there has been partial healing (and seeing Doffy lose and get captured is probably an equally significant variable as the Sengoku talk). Even I underestimated the complexity/depth of Law as a character since Oda is excessively simplistic with his trend of sticking to the character's defining eccentricity. This only implies whatever Law does towards the end of the series will be proportional to the amount of time spent for his character development (which in some ways will exceed some of the Mugiwara).

Riker

> Then why is Oda putting all of these breadcrumbs indicating conflict? I'm gonna be blunt, but it seems like this response is based on just reading the title only. Okay, I read it properly now and I agree with you.

weebywitch

> I'll be the first to admit I suck at history, so I have no idea what the other names are tied to. All I remember is that he had multiple names on top of the D. Trafalgar itself is the Battle of Trafalgar which I extrapolated to also be his full name’s meaning due to the fact that they changed the way water battles were waged at the time in order to win (fighting via double perpendicular attack formation of ships, iirc, instead of fighting in single parallel rows). So, in my mind, it’s Trafalgar D (upset or reversal or destruction of) Water/Naval/Marine Law. Or that’s my take. *shrug* As you know, I like to randomly think of things—both going way too deep and totally off the cuff. ^_^

seiryu

Rohan Thanks for reading! > Trafalgar itself is the Battle of Trafalgar which I extrapolated to also be his full name’s meaning due to the fact that they changed the way water battles were waged at the time in order to win (fighting via double perpendicular attack formation of ships, iirc, instead of fighting in single parallel rows). So, in my mind, it’s Trafalgar D (upset or reversal or destruction of) Water/Naval/Marine Law. Or that’s my take. *shrug* As you know, I like to randomly think of things—both going way too deep and totally off the cuff. ^_^ Thanks! I would 100% agree with this because Law was the first one to break the mold with his submarine. It matches some of his key character traits too. I know others used the concept prior, but Law is the only one that looks and functions as a fully operational submarine.

weebywitch

> Rohan Thanks for reading! Trafalgar itself is the Battle of Trafalgar which I extrapolated to also be his full name’s meaning due to the fact that they changed the way water battles were waged at the time in order to win (fighting via double perpendicular attack formation of ships, iirc, instead of fighting in single parallel rows). So, in my mind, it’s Trafalgar D (upset or reversal or destruction of) Water/Naval/Marine Law. Or that’s my take. *shrug* As you know, I like to randomly think of things—both going way too deep and totally off the cuff. ^_^ Thanks! I would 100% agree with this because Law was the first one to break the mold with his submarine. It matches some of his key character traits too. I know others used the concept prior, but Law is the only one that looks and functions as a fully operational submarine. Exactly. I didn’t think I needed to mention the submarine because it was so obvious but I’m glad you got where I was going and that it makes sense... I definitely did include it in my thought process. I’m not claiming that any of this is unique obviously as I didn’t create the history but it is fascinating. Just the very notion of hidden depths, subterfuge, the things that yellow itself represents as a color (or black for that matter but it’s more universally applied to all pirates)... all of these can be called into play when analyzing him and his motives. Yellow can represent positive things like sunshine, joy, creativity, enlightenment, courage, cowardice, betrayal, madness, egoism, signs of physical illnesses like jaundice, pigments come from harmful elements like lead, cadmium and chrome. Just things to think about. I seriously doubt that his design elements were accidental. Even when without the submarine, the yellow remains—in Stampede for example. In the trim of the Wano outfit, in every outfit, there’s yellow.

seiryu

> Exactly. I didn’t think I needed to mention the submarine because it was so obvious but I’m glad you got where I was going and that it makes sense... I definitely did include it in my thought process. I’m not claiming that any of this is unique obviously as I didn’t create the history but it is fascinating. Just the very notion of hidden depths, subterfuge, the things that yellow itself represents as a color (or black for that matter but it’s more universally applied to all pirates)... all of these can be called into play when analyzing him and his motives. Yellow can represent positive things like sunshine, joy, creativity, enlightenment, courage, cowardice, betrayal, madness, egoism, signs of physical illnesses like jaundice, pigments come from harmful elements like lead, cadmium and chrome. Just things to think about. I seriously doubt that his design elements were accidental. Even when without the submarine, the yellow remains—in Stampede for example. In the trim of the Wano outfit, in every outfit, there’s yellow. My bias is that Oda took inspiration from the "Yellow Submarine" song. Oda definitely loves the color theme with key characters and running with personality implications (kinda like the blood type determining personality traits; the more universal application). But yea, gotta love the complexity of Law.

weebywitch

seiryu

> My bias is that Oda took inspiration from the "Yellow Submarine" song. Oda definitely loves the color theme with key characters and running with personality implications (kinda like the blood type determining personality traits; the more universal application). But yea, gotta love the complexity of Law. That song is a bit happy go lucky for Law (at least to be the entirety of the explanation in my opinion)... but I can see why you’d think so. (We’re talking about The Beatles, right?) Ah, if you've never heard it it's got a mixed mood of emotions. Definitely a unique and almost strange melody. I would describe it as a facade of positive vibes because there's a desire to escape and run away in this magical yellow submarine. But yes, The Beatles.

weebywitch

> Ah, if you've never heard it it's got a mixed mood of emotions. Definitely a unique and almost strange melody. I would describe it as a facade of positive vibes because there's a desire to escape and run away in this magical yellow submarine. But yes, The Beatles. Yes I’ve heard it. But only once or twice. I know the lyrics. It always sounded perky to me even the lyrics speak of friends running off together in safety in the vessel and living together. Like I said, even if you’re correct about the mixed messages of the song, it’s still the yellow symbolism. I’ll confess to not being into the Beatles much like you’re not into history. I could research others’ interpretation of the lyrics but I’ll just leave it be. We’ll say the symbolism can be drawn from both. Nothing wrong with layers after all.