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Eiichiro Oda masterfully scatters easter eggs all overOne Pieceand fans lie around in wait just to catch them. He has perfected the art of foreshadowing, and he used it to hint at the death of a majorOne Piececharacter.
Edward Newgate, more popularly known as Whitebeard, had one of the most tragic deaths in the series. The scene of his death right after Ace was a huge blow to the fandom. But according to a fan theory, Whitebeard was fated to die and it was long overdue.
Eiichiro Oda Hinted at Whitebeard’s Decaying Body in One Piece
Whitebeard’s death during the Marineford War sent shivers down the world ofOne Piece. Of course, fans could not believe that one of the strongest and most compassionate pirates was dead. However,a fan theorysuggests thatEiichiro Odahad scattered hints about Whitebeard’s death for a very long time, right from the beginning of One Piece.
Every time Whitebeard was featured inOne Piece,he could be seen with medical support and nurses around him. Everyone is made aware of the fact that he is sick, andShanks even brings him healing wateras a gift. While the series made it look like Whitebeard was suffering due to his old age, the reality might be quite different.
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In every flashback ofWhitebeard’s youth, he is seen with flowing blonde hair. However, in the present, he is bald and uses a bandana to cover his head. The theory states that Whitebeard might have been suffering from cancer. His balding head seems to hold proof of his medical condition. And he might have been going through theOne Pieceversion of chemotherapy.
The healing water from Shanks was gifted not to save Whitebeard from aching joints but from an incurable disease. Thus, the death of Edward Newgate was subtly hinted at from the very first time you encounter him.
Whitebeard Took the Opportunity to Die with Glory
When Ace was captured, and the battle at Marineford became inevitable, Whitebeard found the perfect opportunity to die a glorious death. He went there to save Ace but also because he knew he was dying, and this could be his last big fight for the next generations to remember. If he survived, he would be able to save Ace, but if he died, he would become a part of history’s greatest battles.
The theory claims that this was why Whitebeard never retreated during the battle, despite Ace’s death. He did not have any reason to retreat, because he could avenge Ace as well as have a glorious death all in one go. And his plan worked! Hedied a heroic deaththat will be remembered by all pirates.
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Nonetheless, if Whitebeard indeed had an incurable disease during the battle of Marineford, he needs some applause. He removed his medical support just to save Ace and even forgave his own crew member who stabbed him. This goes on to prove just how strong Whitebeard is. He fought against the strongest of Marine Admirals and made them sweat, and he did all of that with his ailing body.
You can readOne Pieceon Viz Media and watch the anime on Crunchyroll.
Aaheli Pradhan
Anime Content Writer
Articles Published :1558
Aaheli is an Anime Content Writer at FandomWire with 1300+ published articles. With five years of experience under her belt, she is a living, breathing encyclopedia for anime and manga. From Shonen and Shojo to the most niche anime, nothing escapes her radar. Her poisons of choice are Assassination Classroom, Gintama, Ouran High School Host Club and every Ghibli movie ever. She believes in living a slow life, surrounded by incomplete art projects and her beloved cats.
