Among the many mysteries in One Piece, Joyboy has topped the chart of the enigmatic list, but the recent lore drops have started to shed light on this character’s past. Dr. Vegapunk’s message reveals that Joyboy belonged to the Great Kingdom, which had advanced civilizations and Ancient Weapons as well. Even though Joyboy belonged to a robust faction, the war during the Void Century ended with Joyboy’s defeat, and it is likely that the Great Kingdom also met its end with Joyboy’s fall.

Eiichiro Oda’s magnum opus, One Piece, has finally entered its final saga after two decades since the start of the series. Though it could be considered a very long time for a single series to explain its morals and lore, Oda has done his best to keep the series very entertaining even after a thousand chapters. In fact, the final saga of the series so far has been the most entertaining and intriguing part of Oda’s One Piece. All the mysteries that had been laid over in two decades are now being unraveled, rewarding fans for their patience with captivating revelations and developments.

However, the true intrigue lies in knowing how Joyboy and the Great Kingdom met their defeat, even with the advanced technologies and the Ancient weapons they had. The answer to the Great Kingdom’s fall may be revealed sooner or later, but the subtle details laid out in the series explain that Joyboy’s defeat could be related to his biggest mistake, which incidentally also hints at Joyboy’s heartbreaking apology to the Fish-Men.

Joyboy’s Kindness Is Likely the Cause of the Fall of the Great Kingdom

Joyboy’s Kindness and Compassion Could Have Led to His Defeat

One Piece Chapter #1115, “Pieces of a Continent”, reveals details about the ongoing conflict during the Void Century between the alliance that would become the World Government and Joyboy’s faction, concluding with the former’s victory. Vegapunk’s message doesn’t reveal the exact reason for Joyboy’s defeat. However, Oda may have already hinted that it could be related to Joyboy’s innocent mistake. It is safe to assume that if Luffy is not the outright reincarnation of Joyboy, he shares at least significant similarities with the enigmatic figure, especially given they both ate the Nika Devil Fruit.

If Luffy is somewhat similar to Joyboy, then it’s plausible that Joyboy’s personality was akin to Luffy’s, making the previous wielder of the Gum-Gum fruit very innocent and kind. Joyboy’s kindness and innocence are perhaps the reasons that led to his and the Great Kingdom’s defeat. Since Joyboy had possession of both Ancient Weapons and advanced technologies, the rest of the world during the time may have feared the Great Kingdom. The only solution that the rest of the world perhaps saw to stand against the Great Kingdom was by forming a united organization that today is known as the World Government.

However, the strength of the Great Kingdom was possibly too much, and the World Government may have seen no other option but to admit defeat and wait for the right opportunity to gain the upper hand. Feeling compassionate toward the coalition of the Twenty Kingdoms, Joyboy might have granted them access to the advanced civilization’s technology. The World Government, seizing this opportunity, might have used the advanced technologies and Ancient Weapons to overthrow the Great Kingdom, ultimately sinking it into the ocean.

Joyboy’s Failure to Save His Nation Also Resulted in Unfulfilled Promises

Though it was confirmed that Joyboy was defeated, it was never stated that he met his demise in this battle. Thus, it is possible to assume that Joyboy continued to live and sought opportunities to make amends for his mistakes. Joyboy’s journey may have taken him to the seas and made him the first ‘pirate’ to ever exist. Perhaps, Joyboy’s promise to Fish-Man Island, and his following apology, were all part of this story.

Joyboy’s heartfelt message to the Fish-Men marked the first time he was mentioned in One Piece, so it likely holds great significance. While everything concerning Joyboy’s role in the war of the Void Century and his eventual defeat is still a matter of speculation, it would definitively make sense for One Piece to reinforce the connection between Joyboy and Luffy by revealing that the first pirate’s kindness was the cause of his downfall.