Jaguar D. Saul of Elbaf is the name most mentioned in the One Piece community after anime episode 1163, with his tearful reunion with Nico Robin. From someone believed to have died in the Ohara tragedy to a character holding many secrets in Elbaf, Saul is becoming a crucial piece of the story.
Let Hobiverse take a look back at his journey of survival and the significance of his return.
Who is Jaguar D. Saul? The Giant Bearing the "Will of D"
Jaguar D. Saul's origin is a peculiar piece in the world of One Piece. Unlike the warriors born in the war-torn land of Elbaf, he hails from South Blue.
Despite his giant stature, Saul possesses the mysterious initial D in his name – a mark of those who are ready to create storms against the gods.
Once holding the prestigious rank of Vice Admiral in the Marines, Saul gradually lost faith in the World Government after witnessing many cruel decisions. He decided to defect, save the scholars of Ohara, and drift to this island.
In Ohara, Saul befriended 8-year-old Nico Robin. His promise to protect Robin at all costs before her mother, Nico Olvia, became his guiding principle for survival amidst the Buster Call bombardment.
The Mystery of How Jaguar D. Saul of Elbaf Survived the Buster Call Disaster
For years, fans believed that Saul perished under Kuzan's (Aokiji's) ice. However, many valuable details subtly indicate that Kuzan intentionally chose a temporary freezing solution with his "Ice Time Capsule" technique to preserve his friend's life before the Buster Call fires consumed the island.
After the Marine fleet withdrew, Saul awakened and began an important mission. He, along with a group of giant warriors, quietly salvaged tens of thousands of priceless books that had been thrown into the lake. These books were the last legacy of the Ohara scholars who had sacrificed their lives.
To protect this trove of knowledge from the World Government's hunt, Saul transported all of it to the sacred land of Elbaf. The extreme frostbite wounds from Kuzan's ice combined with the embers of war left Saul with extensive scars, forcing him to keep himself heavily bandaged.
Which Anime Episode and Manga Chapter Did Robin Reunite with Saul?
This historic reunion event was subtly depicted by author Eiichiro Oda in Manga Chapter 1133. The most valuable highlight is the detail of Robin asking Brook to cut her bangs just like when she was 8 years old.
This was not just a change in appearance but also Robin returning to her childhood memories before reuniting with the person who once saved her life.
Anime episode 1163 elevated this scene with excellent graphics and sound quality, scoring 9.2 on review sites. Robin's choked cry: "Aren't you going to praise me for surviving, Uncle?" echoed through the gigantic library.
The emotional embrace and Saul's characteristic "Dereshishishi" laugh created moments that brought tears to viewers' eyes.
After episode 1163 aired, many fans admitted that this was the first time they cried since Ace's death. On international forums, thousands of comments called the reunion between Robin and Saul one of the most precious moments in One Piece history, proving the enduring appeal of the storyline after more than two decades.
See details of this meeting at: Which episode did Robin and Saul meet? The reunion after 22 years in Elbaf
The Strategic Role of Jaguar D. Saul of Elbaf in the Holy Land and the Final Age
In Elbaf, Saul is no longer a fugitive former Marine; he is now the guardian scholar of the "Owl Library." This place houses all the books salvaged from Ohara, making Elbaf the world's largest repository of knowledge.
The value of this library lies in its being the most formidable spiritual weapon against the World Government's concealment.
Saul's role became crucial when he introduced Robin to the "Harley's Ancient Book" (Harley's Divine Book) bearing the Sun symbol. This ancient book contains key clues about the Void Century.
Thanks to Saul's guidance, the Straw Hats are gradually linking ancient characters with ancient murals in Elbaf on the Adam treasure tree.
The immense knowledge preserved by Saul became the foundation for Vegapunk's subsequent research in Egghead. The shocking worldwide speech of the genius scientist before his death actually had deep roots in the pages saved at Ohara.
Is Saul the "Man with the Burn Scar" (Hinokizu)?
Saul's appearance in Elbaf quickly sparked the theory that he is Hinokizu – the man with the burn scar who possesses the final Road Poneglyph. The international fan community on Reddit is divided into two distinct opposing viewpoints:
-
Proponents: The extensive scars on Saul's bandaged body caused by the Ohara disaster perfectly match Hinokizu's physical description.
-
Opponents: Saul mostly lives in seclusion in Elbaf to guard the ancient library and does not travel on a black ship capable of creating whirlpools, as rumored.
To date, author Eiichiro Oda has not officially confirmed Hinokizu's true identity.
Nevertheless, the conversation between Kid and Law indirectly confirmed that Saul is indeed the legendary "bandaged scholar" revered by the two giant leaders, Dorry and Brogy.
The survival of Jaguar D. Saul of Elbaf is not merely a random miracle. He is the living bridge that transfers the flame of knowledge from the brave Ohara scholars to those who will determine the future – the Straw Hat Pirates. Visit Hobiverse now to find quality models recreating the legendary characters of this great journey.
Image source: One Piece Wiki
See more
