The world of “One Piece” is filled with mysteries, but none is more compelling or pivotal than the enigma of the Void Century—a period of 100 years that occurred approximately 800 years before the current timeline, shrouded in secrecy and erased from history by the World Government. The Void Century is not just a historical gap; it is the key to understanding the world’s power structure, the origins of the World Government, and the ultimate purpose of the legendary treasure, One Piece.
The Birth of the World Government
At the heart of the Void Century lies the creation of the World Government, a powerful organization that now controls most of the world. According to fragments of history, 20 kingdoms banded together at the end of the Void Century to form this governing body. They overthrew an unnamed, ancient civilization, erasing its existence from history. This event marks the beginning of the World Government’s reign, but the details of their rise to power and the nature of the civilization they destroyed remain shrouded in mystery.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Void Century is the existence of the “Poneglyphs”—indestructible stone tablets scattered across the world, inscribed with ancient texts. These Poneglyphs were created by the people of the ancient civilization, possibly to preserve the truth about the Void Century, the true history of the world, and a weapon of immense power known as the “Ancient Weapons.”
The Ancient Kingdom and Its Legacy
The ancient civilization that opposed the 20 kingdoms during the Void Century is believed to have been highly advanced, possessing technology and knowledge far beyond what is available in the current timeline. It is suggested that this civilization was the builder of the Poneglyphs and the guardian of the Ancient Weapons: Pluton, Poseidon, and Uranus—devices capable of mass destruction, which are scattered across the world.
The significance of this civilization extends to the prophecy of the “Will of D.” The “D” is a mysterious initial carried by certain individuals in the world of One Piece, including the protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy. Those who bear the “D” are often seen as enemies of the gods, hinting at a deep-rooted connection to the ancient kingdom. The “D” is believed to represent the will of the people who were defeated in the Void Century, and their descendants may be destined to bring about the downfall of the World Government.
The Role of the One Piece
The ultimate treasure, the One Piece, is intricately tied to the Void Century. It is widely believed that discovering the One Piece will reveal the true history of the world, including the events of the Void Century. This treasure is hidden on the final island of the Grand Line, Raftel (now known as Laugh Tale), which only Gol D. Roger, the former Pirate King, is known to have reached. Upon discovering the One Piece, Roger is said to have laughed, indicating that the treasure is not just a physical object but also the revelation of the forgotten truth of the world.
Conclusion: A Battle for the Future
The Void Century remains one of the greatest mysteries in “One Piece,” its secrets fiercely guarded by the World Government. As Luffy and his crew draw closer to uncovering this hidden history, the stakes rise, setting the stage for a confrontation that could reshape the entire world. The revelation of what happened 800 years ago will not only answer questions about the origins of the World Government and the Ancient Weapons but also determine the fate of the current world, the legacy of the “Will of D,” and the true meaning of freedom.