In the world of One Piece, the emotional connections between characters often drive the narrative forward. One such poignant moment is the reunion of Robin and Saul, which not only highlights their individual journeys but also encapsulates the overarching themes of survival and fate. This article delves into the significance of their reunion and the implications it holds for the future of the story.

The Reunion of Robin and Saul

Robin has arrived at Elbaf, where Saul is located… It’s an emotional reunion!!!

Robin and Saul’s “22 Years”

• Saul’s past and its impact on the present
• The significance of their reunion

In Chapter 1131, the shocking development of “Saul-sensei is!!!” and “He’s collapsed and not moving!!!” suggests a significant impact on the Elbaf arc. I was on edge the whole time. And then, in this chapter, I realized the truth when I saw Saul lying on the sandy beach, pointed out by the giants. Just like Robin, I couldn’t help but smile (laugh).

Saul recreated the moment from 22 years ago!! I thought, “I see, that’s how it is.” If this scene was prepared, then the cliffhanger at the end of Chapter 1131 was not exaggerated at all. It was precisely because of that cliffhanger that we have this moment now. Anyway, my worries have vanished!!

From there, the story progresses, tracing the initial meeting scene between Robin and Saul from Chapter 392. I read it with a smile, reminiscing about the past, but I couldn’t hold back my tears (cry). Saul, who intended to surprise Robin, was instead surprised by how much she had grown. Robin, unchanged from those days, stood there. In contrast, Saul bore a large scar on his face, a testament to the events of 22 years ago.

However, Robin’s life has not been peaceful either. She was blamed for all the sins and hunted by the world, even contemplating death, but she was able to hold on thanks to the words of her mother, Olvia, and Saul. This backstory is depicted in the preceding three pages. That’s why we can’t help but feel relieved that they both survived. The last scene of Chapter 1133 shakes my heart. I feel overwhelmed (cry).

Saul’s Journey Over 22 Years

Saul says, “You survived, Robin!!! 22 years!!” He also mentions, “That little girl is being hunted by the ‘world’!!” This “You survived, huh!!” does not refer to Robin surviving the Buster Call incident at Ohara. It refers to the 22 years that followed. It shows that Saul has been keeping track of Robin’s information.

Saul must have stayed in Elbaf for 22 years. This ties into the advice from Louis Arnaud. There is undoubtedly a perceptual difference between Saul’s 22 years as a giant (growing at half the rate of humans) and Robin’s 22 years as a human. However, the concept of “22 years” remains unchanged for both, doesn’t it? There seems to be a “time axis discrepancy” inside and outside Elbaf Island. This is a crucial point.

What’s intriguing is that in Chapter 1131, when it was said, “He’s collapsed and not moving!!” it was actually “now.” It seems that the scene in Chapter 1131 was depicted ahead of Chapter 1133. It appears that Saul did not lie there for the entirety of Chapters 1132 to 1133. The question remains, why did Saul pretend to be collapsed?

Perhaps it was because he saw a “rainbow”!! Seeing the “rainbow” over Elbaf meant that the Giant Warrior Pirates, who had come to welcome the Straw Hat crew, had returned, and Saul understood that Robin was coming. However, he didn’t know how to react upon their reunion, so he pretended to be collapsed. This is likely the case.

Saul’s Past

Saul was frozen by Kuzan, but he survived because the island’s flames melted the ice. It seems he almost drowned after falling into the sea. After that, the scholars from Ohara found the literature that had been submerged in the lake. He had to do something. Thus, he relied on Elbaf. First, Saul went to Elbaf…

He returned to Ohara with many giants (including Hildin and others) and brought a large amount of literature to Elbaf. This is likely now in the “Owl Library.” For 22 years, Saul has been teaching at a school, mainly handling history classes. It is believed that he has never left Elbaf since bringing back the literature.

Otherwise, why didn’t he go to meet Robin? If he knew that Robin was alive, why didn’t he try to inform her of his survival? He couldn’t do that. He had to remain hidden.

He must have been in a situation where he had to be considered dead. Even if there were no bones left in Ohara, it could be assumed that he fell into the sea and drifted away. Saul wanted to protect Ohara’s literature. He couldn’t cause trouble for Elbaf, which had accepted him. Therefore, he had to erase his existence along with the literature from Ohara.

For 22 years, Saul must have suffered in silence. He could only wait for Robin, not knowing if she would come.

Then came that message!! At Jump Festa 2024, Oda-sensei mentioned that he had considered a route where they wouldn’t go to Elbaf. If that future had happened, this reunion would not have taken place!!

However, I can’t imagine a route that doesn’t go to Elbaf!! It must have been decided from the beginning that they would go to Elbaf. Yet, he left such a message above, indicating that this reunion between Robin and Saul was a matter of “fate” that could have gone either way.

I think he wanted to convey this. Of course, the reunion between Robin and Saul must have been planned. It must have been conceived since the Enies Lobby arc. Therefore, the reunion is inevitable, but I can’t help but feel the sense of destiny. It’s because of the message above.

It’s all so well done! I’m really glad!!! I genuinely felt a tear coming…

Conclusion

The reunion of Robin and Saul after 22 years is a significant moment in the One Piece narrative, showcasing the themes of survival, fate, and the bonds that endure through time. Readers are encouraged to stay tuned for the next developments in this captivating story.