First Mentioned on Fish-Man Island
The name Joy Boy first appears in the Poneglyphs on Fish-Man Island. However, this is not just a historical fragment. The apology letter he left behind carries the weight of a broken promise. Through this letter, we understand that Joy Boy was not an ordinary hero, but a figure who experienced disappointment. This makes him more human and real.
Connection to the Noah Ship
The massive ship named Noah was actually part of Joy Boy's plan from centuries ago. He couldn't fulfill his promise to the Fish-Man people, but the ship still lies beneath the water, a silent witness to that vow. Joy Boy's goal was to bring the Fish-Men to the surface, but due to time, circumstances, or betrayal, this never came to pass.
The Alliance with Poseidon
Joy Boy attempted to form an alliance with Poseidon, one of the ancient weapons. At that time, Poseidon was a power capable of controlling the sea kings. Joy Boy planned to unite the merfolk with the rest of the world alongside him. However, this alliance failed, leaving only regret behind.
The Symbol of the Void Century
Joy Boy is one of the greatest symbols of the Void Century, which took place 800 years ago. While almost nothing is known about this era, Joy Boy's existence is one of the rare clues illuminating that dark century. Through the messages left on the Poneglyphs, fragments of a suppressed history have reached the present day.
Joy Boy's Legacy Continues
Joy Boy is not just a character from the past. His will is being revived in the modern age alongside certain characters who carry the “Will of D.” This makes him not just a historical figure but an active philosophy. The idea that he should be a figure continuing his path is still very much alive.
The Connection with Luffy
In the Wano Arc, it was first directly stated that Luffy could be Joy Boy's “return.” This was one of the series' biggest leaps. Joy Boy's name was first clearly associated with a character in such a direct way. This connection was further strengthened by Luffy's “beating heart” scene.
Zunesha's Testimony
When the massive elephant Zunesha admitted to being Joy Boy's contemporary, the One Piece universe was shaken to its core. This confirmed that Joy Boy was not merely a legend but a concrete historical figure. Zunesha's obedience to Joy Boy's commands alone elevates him to nearly mythological leader status.
The World Government's Fear
While Joy Boy's past actions remain unclear, the World Government's efforts to keep information about him hidden speak volumes. This censorship policy suggests that his ideas are still seen as a threat today. The manipulation of history seems unable to suppress Joy Boy's will.
The Path to Laugh Tale
The Roger Pirates were the first group to reach the legacy Joy Boy left behind. Upon arriving at Laugh Tale, they learned his story, and behind their laughter likely lies a tragic yet enlightening truth. Roger's statement, “We came too early,” suggests that Joy Boy's plans have not yet been fully realized.
A Global Balancing Element
Joy Boy's plans concerned not only the fishmen but the structure of the entire world. His vision was of a future where discrimination and wars of supremacy in the seas had come to an end. Though this vision remains unfulfilled, its revolutionary nature continues to resonate even today.
The Intersection of Will and Destiny
Joy Boy's story places the concept of “will” at the center of the One Piece universe. He was not a figure determined by fate but one who charted his own path. However, his journey remained unfinished, and this unfulfilled will was passed on to future generations. Luffy's unwitting assumption of this legacy truly embodies the theme of “the cycle of will” in the series.
One of the First Figures to Use the Poneglyph Script
Joy Boy's ability to leave messages through the Poneglyphs makes him one of the first humans to decipher or use this script. This reveals that he was not just a warrior, but also someone who valued knowledge and culture. Poneglyph knowledge is currently only passed down within the Kozuki family, which strengthens the possibility of Joy Boy's connection to the Kozukis.
The Truth Behind the Smile
Considering his name, “Joy,” and the meaning of Laugh Tale, Joy Boy's story seems like a fun journey at first glance. However, the tragedy he actually experienced makes this “smile” theme much more tragic. This contrast is one of the best examples of how One Piece blends humor and melancholy.
Joy Boy and the Ancient Weapons Trilogy
There are theories that there are indirect connections between Joy Boy and Pluton and Uranus, aside from Poseidon. If these three ancient weapons were part of Joy Boy's plan, it's possible to say that he wanted to fundamentally change the world order. This makes him not just a legendary figure but also a revolutionary who opposes the system.
The Common Thread Between the Kozuki and D's
The Kozuki family and those who carry the “Will of D.” constantly cross paths with Joy Boy. The convergence of these two distinct lineages toward the same goal suggests that Joy Boy may have been connected to all these structures in the past. Such connections add layers of complexity to the story, both politically and emotionally.
The True “Early Arriving” King
When Gol D. Roger reached Laugh Tale, he uncovered the great secret but did nothing because he had “come too early.” This statement implies that Joy Boy's plans were tied to a specific timeline. No matter how powerful someone was, they couldn't change the system if they didn't adhere to this timeline. Luffy's arrival is therefore critical.
Joy Boy's Unfulfilled Promise
The Noah ship and the alliance with Poseidon are centered around a promise Joy Boy “made but couldn't keep.” The fishmen remembered this promise for centuries, even sanctifying it. The weight of that promise doesn't just lie in a ship—it lives on in the collective memory of the people.
Not Just a Person, but an Identity
Whether Joy Boy is the name of a single individual or a title passed down through generations remains unknown. Some theories suggest that the name is bestowed upon those who carry a specific legacy. In this case, Luffy might not just be an heir but has taken on the role of the “new Joy Boy.”
Of Course, Not Everyone Has Forgotten Him
The reaction of some characters in Wano to the name Joy Boy shows that it is much more than just a legendary name among the people. Especially Kaido's comment, “You're not Joy Boy either,” shows that even his enemies take this identity seriously. This proves that Joy Boy is still influential even in modern times.
The Only Character Whose Story Never Ends
While the pasts of many characters in the One Piece universe have been told, Joy Boy’s story remains unfinished. He is like a key left for the end. As the finale approaches, Joy Boy’s identity, purpose, and legacy could become the central focus of the entire series. In other words, his story may shape the endings of others.
Joy Boy’s Story as a Metaphor for Awakening
The legacy that has been passed down from Joy Boy's era to the present day may actually represent the “awakening” process of individuals. In particular, Luffy's scene in “Drums of Liberation” reflects not only physical strength but also a mental and spiritual awakening. Connecting with Joy Boy's will brings not only physical power but also a conscious transformation.
Who Were Joy Boy's Enemies?
Although Joy Boy's enemies are not explicitly stated, the structure opposing his plans likely formed the foundation of today's World Government. This means that today's authority was born to suppress his ideas. Joy Boy's enemies did not disappear; they simply transformed and became institutionalized.
Could It Be a Love Story Buried in History?
Some theories suggest that there may have been a romantic connection between Joy Boy and the Poseidon of that era. The tone of the apology letter seems to carry a more emotional subtext than a typical political disagreement. If this is true, Joy Boy's story is also a tragedy of love.
Shanks' Silent Connection
Shanks’ guidance of Luffy as the new Joy Boy suggests he knows much more about this legend. Shanks seems to know about Joy Boy’s existence even before going to Laugh Tale. His silence might actually be one of the most eloquent narratives in the series.
Joy Boy’s Story Is a Resistance
If Joy Boy's name is still being censored today, it is proof that he is not just an individual but a symbol of rebellion. He is not a figure who emerged to break the old order and lost; he lives on as an idea that will triumph in the future. His name is not a symbol of a lost war but of a postponed victory.
Drums of Liberation and Musical Code
The “drums of freedom” heard during Luffy's transformation are synonymous with Joy Boy's name. This rhythmic motif is not just sound; it is a call. This scene, one of the rare moments in the series shaped by music, is the moment when Joy Boy's spirit returns to the world.
Joy Boy's Struggle Against Racial Discrimination
Considering the context of Fish-Man Island, one of Joy Boy's goals was to eliminate racial discrimination across the world. This is a theme often overlooked in the One Piece universe but central to Joy Boy's legacy. He sought to unite humans and fish-men, which was his most fundamental motivation for becoming a revolutionary.
It's Likely That Vegapunk Also Researched Him
Vegapunk possesses extraordinary knowledge of past technologies and history. It's almost inevitable that part of Joy Boy's story is recorded in Vegapunk's archives. Though no direct connection has been established yet, it's possible that clues about Joy Boy may surface among the information on Egghead Island.
Oda's Last Card
Joy Boy is one of the characters Eiichiro Oda revealed the latest in the story. This delay kept the curiosity alive and slowly built up the theme of “the will to change the world,” one of the cornerstones of the series. Joy Boy's true face will most likely be the only detail that determines the ending of the story.
What Remains of Joy Boy?
Joy Boy's story has come to an end, but his influence persists. He was neither a king nor a god. He was a man who failed to fulfill his promise. However, this failure continued to inspire hope across generations. Perhaps this is the essence of One Piece: completing an unfinished sentence.