The latest events in One Piece have given Scopper Gaban a much more important role than simply being a former member of the Roger Pirates who appeared to assist the new generation.
Despite losing an arm during his confrontation with Imu, Gaban continues to put himself between the mysterious ruler and Luffy. He even urges the Straw Hat captain to leave Elbaf with his crew as quickly as possible. His actions are particularly intriguing because Gaban previously criticized Luffy and argued that the young pirate was not yet worthy of becoming the Pirate King.
So why would a man who questioned Luffy’s qualifications risk his life to protect him? Based on the revelations surrounding One Piece Chapters 1190 and 1191, there are at least three possible explanations.
1. Imu Specifically Wants Luffy Dead
One of the biggest clues may be Imu’s determination to eliminate Luffy. During their confrontation, Gaban appears to recognize that Imu’s particular interest in killing Luffy could itself be evidence of how dangerous the Straw Hat captain has become to the World Government’s ruler.
Imu has apparently existed since an ancient era and possesses knowledge connected to Joy Boy and the lost history of the world. With Luffy now possessing the power of Nika, Imu’s fixation on him is unlikely to be accidental. Luffy’s connection to Nika ties him directly to the events of 800 years ago and the unfinished conflict surrounding Joy Boy.
If Imu considers Luffy a genuine threat to his power, Gaban may have realized that the Straw Hat captain’s survival is essential to the larger battle unfolding in the world. That could explain why Gaban does more than simply help Luffy escape. He actively confronts Imu, creating an opportunity for Luffy to survive.
Even after losing an arm, Gaban continues urging Luffy to take the Straw Hats away from Elbaf. Although Luffy refuses, Gaban’s behavior suggests that he is willing to prioritize the younger generation’s survival over his own.
2. Gaban May Know the Truth About Nika and Joy Boy
Gaban is far from an ordinary former pirate. As a key member of the Roger Pirates, he was among the very few people who reached Laugh Tale and discovered the secrets hidden there. That means Gaban could possess knowledge that remains inaccessible to almost every other character in One Piece.
Chapter 1190 makes this particularly interesting by having Gaban refer to Joy Boy’s words. The detail suggests that the discoveries made during Roger’s final voyage have continued to influence Gaban decades later. Then, in Chapter 1191, Gaban provides additional information about Imu when Luffy asks about the mysterious ruler. He even describes Imu in terms connected to the concept of a “god.”
If Gaban truly understands at least part of what Roger discovered at Laugh Tale, he could have a much clearer picture of the relationship between Imu, Joy Boy and Nika than most characters. And Luffy is currently the person carrying Nika’s power. Gaban may therefore have realized that Luffy isn’t simply another young pirate chasing the title of Pirate King. He could be a crucial figure in the continuation of the conflict that began centuries ago.
3. Gaban May Believe Luffy Is the Person Roger Was Waiting For
This could be the most important reason behind Gaban’s decision. The Roger Pirates reached Laugh Tale and discovered the truth about the world. Yet Roger ultimately realized that they had arrived too early. Roger understood that he and his crew were not the people who would ultimately complete the unfinished story.
In other words, the Roger Pirates may have realized that another generation would eventually appear to continue the path they had begun. And Gaban may now see that person in Luffy. During his conversation with Imu, Gaban recalls how Roger’s crew reached Laugh Tale too early and how someone else would eventually appear to surpass them. Those words become particularly significant when viewed alongside Luffy’s journey and his connection to Joy Boy.
Luffy possesses the power of Nika, is moving closer to becoming the Pirate King and embodies the freedom and determination that have defined his journey from the beginning. More importantly, he may represent the generation capable of accomplishing what Roger could not.
Is Gaban Protecting Roger’s Legacy?
Gaban’s actions could therefore have a much deeper meaning than simply protecting an ally. He may be protecting Roger’s unfinished dream.
Gaban has previously shown an interest in witnessing Roger’s dream reach its ultimate conclusion. If Roger truly believed that another person would eventually appear to complete the journey, then protecting Luffy could be Gaban’s way of helping that prophecy—or expectation—become reality. This would also explain the apparent contradiction in Gaban’s behavior.
He can believe that Luffy is not yet worthy of being Pirate King while simultaneously recognizing that Luffy could be the person destined to reach that point. In fact, his harsh treatment of Luffy may be intended to test whether the Straw Hat captain truly possesses what is necessary to carry the next generation forward.
Gaban’s Role at Elbaf May Be Bigger Than Expected
The Elbaf storyline is increasingly connecting characters from Roger’s generation with the mysteries surrounding Luffy, Joy Boy and Imu. Gaban’s willingness to sacrifice himself despite his injuries suggests that he understands something Luffy himself may not yet fully grasp.
Whether he knows the complete truth about Imu and Joy Boy remains unclear. Likewise, there is no official confirmation that Gaban believes Luffy is the exact person Roger was waiting for. But the clues from Chapters 1190 and 1191 make one possibility increasingly compelling: Gaban may be protecting Luffy not because he thinks the Straw Hat captain is already the Pirate King, but because he believes Luffy is the person who can finally complete the story Roger’s generation was unable to finish.
If that interpretation proves correct, Gaban’s sacrifice at Elbaf could become one of the most important passing-of-the-torch moments in the final saga of One Piece.
Sources: gamek