Enel’s journey to the moon, marking a pivotal moment in the One Piece narrative and world-building, commences officially in episode 201, titled “Adventure in the Forest! The Test of Iron!”. While the prelude to his departure is visible earlier, this is the episode where his Ark Maxim lifts off, initiating his conquest of the lunar surface.
The Genesis of a Lunar Dream: Enel’s Ambition and the Ark Maxim
Enel, the self-proclaimed God of Skypiea, possessed an unparalleled power through the Goro Goro no Mi (Rumble-Rumble Fruit), allowing him to control electricity. However, his ambition extended far beyond the skies of Skypiea. He sought a land free from conflict and worthy of a “God” – the moon. This desire fueled his creation of the Ark Maxim, a massive, technologically advanced vessel powered by his electrical abilities and built with materials from Upper Yard. This vessel wasn’t just a means of transport; it was a declaration of his divine right and a testament to his engineering prowess.
The construction of the Ark Maxim was a complex endeavor, requiring the labor of countless Skypieans, many of whom were forced into servitude. Enel justified this by claiming he was leading them to salvation, masking his true motives of seeking ultimate power and solitude. The Ark’s technology, particularly its ability to generate thunder clouds, was crucial for both its flight and offensive capabilities. These clouds powered by Enel’s electricity, became the source of the “Divine Judgment” he frequently unleashed upon his perceived enemies.
The events leading to the launch of the Ark Maxim in episode 201, showcase the culmination of Enel’s planning and the devastating impact of his reign on Skypiea. The episode underscores the growing tensions between Enel, the Shandians, and the Straw Hat Pirates, all vying for control of the Upper Yard and its historical significance.
The Journey Begins: Episode 201 and Beyond
While episode 201 marks the official commencement of Enel’s voyage, the story continues in subsequent episodes, detailing the events unfolding on Skypiea as the Straw Hats confront Enel and strive to liberate the island. Importantly, the full extent of Enel’s lunar exploits and the discoveries he makes on the moon are primarily revealed in the Enel’s Great Space Operations cover story, a series of interconnected images that ran during the manga’s serialization, detailing events after his defeat by Luffy.
The cover story is vital for understanding the true scope of Enel’s ambition and the mysteries surrounding the moon in the One Piece world. It reveals his encounters with the Space Pirates and the ancient automata that inhabited the lunar surface, providing significant clues about the advanced technology that existed in the distant past and its potential implications for the future of the One Piece storyline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Enel and the Moon
Here are 12 FAQs to further explore Enel’s lunar adventure:
1. What prompted Enel to go to the moon?
Enel believed he was a God and sought a land befitting his status – a place free from the conflict and perceived imperfections of Skypiea. He was searching for a “limitless land,” a theme often associated with the moon in mythology.
2. How did Enel travel to the moon?
Enel used the Ark Maxim, a colossal airship he built himself, powered by his Goro Goro no Mi abilities. The Ark Maxim could generate thunder clouds, providing the necessary lift and propulsion for interplanetary travel, although the journey’s mechanics are not fully explained in the series.
3. What did Enel find on the moon?
On the moon, Enel discovered an ancient, technologically advanced civilization and an army of automata known as Space Pirates. He also found evidence of an energy source called Vearth, which appeared to be the key to powering the ancient technology.
4. Who are the Space Pirates that Enel encountered?
The Space Pirates are a group of robotic soldiers, remnants of an ancient lunar civilization. They were initially dormant but reactivated after Enel’s arrival and the restoration of Vearth’s power.
5. What is Vearth and why is it important?
Vearth appears to be a form of energy or a resource crucial for powering the advanced technology on the moon. Its revival by Enel was essential for activating the Space Pirates and potentially unlocking the secrets of the lunar civilization. It is hinted to be a refined form of Earth’s soil.
6. Is Enel’s cover story considered canon?
Yes, Oda’s cover stories, including Enel’s Great Space Operations, are considered canon material, meaning they are part of the official One Piece storyline and inform the main narrative.
7. How does Enel’s lunar adventure connect to the main One Piece story?
While not directly impacting the immediate events of the main storyline, Enel’s discoveries on the moon introduced significant lore and hints about the ancient history of the One Piece world. The technology he found and the hints of a past, technologically advanced civilization could potentially play a role in future arcs.
8. What is the significance of the lunar murals discovered by Enel?
The lunar murals depict ancient figures and events, possibly related to the Void Century and the origins of the One Piece world. They offer cryptic clues about the past and suggest a connection between the moon and the lost history of the world.
9. Does Enel return to Earth after his lunar voyage?
As of the latest chapters of the manga, Enel has not returned to Earth. His current activities and future plans remain unknown, making him a potentially dangerous wildcard in the One Piece universe.
10. What implications do the Space Pirates have for the One Piece world?
The Space Pirates demonstrate the existence of advanced technology far beyond what is currently seen in the One Piece world. Their presence suggests that there may be other hidden technologies and threats lurking in the shadows.
11. How powerful is Enel compared to other One Piece characters after his lunar voyage?
It is difficult to definitively assess Enel’s current power level. However, the knowledge and technology he gained on the moon likely enhanced his capabilities, potentially making him a significantly more formidable opponent than he was during the Skypiea arc.
12. Will Enel’s story be further explored in the main One Piece narrative?
Many fans speculate that Enel will eventually return to the main story, possibly with the lunar technology at his disposal. His potential involvement could have significant repercussions for the Straw Hats and the world government. Oda has repeatedly emphasized the importance of every loose end, suggesting Enel’s return is highly probable.
The Long-Term Impact: Enel’s Legacy and the Future of One Piece
Enel’s journey to the moon, while seemingly a side story, is a testament to Eiichiro Oda’s masterful world-building. It serves as a crucial piece in the vast and intricate puzzle of the One Piece universe, hinting at a deeper and more complex history than initially imagined. His encounters on the moon and his acquisition of ancient technology could have profound implications for the future of the series. Whether he will return as an ally, an enemy, or simply a catalyst for further exploration remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Enel’s lunar voyage has permanently altered the landscape of the One Piece world and left fans eagerly anticipating his next move. The secrets he uncovered and the power he potentially gained could be pivotal in the final stages of the Grand Line saga.