SUMMARY

Luffy’s identity as Joyboy’s successor shocked fans, hinting at his vital role in the battle against the World Government.
Rayleigh’s training of Luffy may have been influenced by his knowledge of Luffy’s connection to Joyboy and Roger’s ideals.
Oda subtly foreshadows events, hinting at Luffy’s importance through Rayleigh’s interest and the Roger Pirates’ secrets.

Luffy being the successor to Joyboy is perhaps one of the biggest twists in the One Piece manga series. Knowing that the story’s main character had a link with the mysterious Warrior of Liberation changed how fans understood the tale created by Eiichiro Oda. Nonetheless, Oda may have already hinted at this connection long before the reveal of Luffy’s Gear 5.

In chapter #1116 of the manga, it was revealed that Rayleigh and the rest of the Roger Pirates were aware of the world of the series becoming flooded, as Joyboy revealed this in the message he left behind in Laugh Tale. This could imply that his desire to help Luffy become stronger was motivated by his knowledge of the Straw Hat Captain’s role in the battle against the World Government.

Rayleigh Could Have Known Luffy Was Vital to Joyboy’s Plan

Luffy being Joyboy’s successor may have interested Rayleigh

After the devastating defeat the Straw Hat Crew suffered during the Marineford War arc of the One Piece manga, Rayleigh chose to train Luffy to become stronger. The Dark King, a title Rayleigh acquired as Roger’s second in command, was impressed by Luffy’s determination and desire to become the next King of the Pirates. However, it is also likely that the older gentleman was aware of Luffy’s identity as Joyboy’s successor. The Roger Pirates are the only known crew to have arrived at Laugh Tale, the last island in the world where Joyboy hid his treasure.

Luffy first learned how to use Haki under Rayleigh’s tutelage.

For many years, the truth about what the first pirate chose to hide on this island remained a mystery. However, in chapter #1116, Vegapunk revealed that inside Laugh Tale, was the history of the void century, as well as the reason why Joyboy did not destroy the powerful and dangerous Ancient Weapons. Rayleigh, being one of the few individuals who knew about this information, could have become aware of Luffy’s importance to the Warrior of Liberation’s plan. His harsh training was created to prepare Luffy for the many hardships that he would come across.

Luffy’s Would Have Been Worthy of Rayleigh’s Training No Matter What

The Straw Hat captain would have impressed Rayleigh due to how similar he is to Roger

While Oda could have been using Rayleigh’s interest in Luffy to foreshadow his importance, the Straw Hat Captain’s identity was not what caught Rayleigh’s interest. What first motivated the Dark King to train Luffy was his determination to become the new King of the Pirates, as well as his actions against the cruel Celestial Dragons. The Straw Hat Captain is the living embodiment of Joyboy and Roger’s ideals, being a noble warrior who brings joy and freedom to anyone who needs it. Rayleigh would have trained Luffy simply because of how similar the young man is to his late best friend.

The events of One Piece chapter #1116 change the perception of the Roger Pirates, as the reason behind them hiding Joyboy’s secret remains a mystery. They could have been purposefully withholding it as a means to protect the new Joyboy. One of Oda’s most impressive abilities is how he subtly foreshadows events in his series. Luffy’s identity and his connection with Rayleigh could have been another one of One Piece’s creator’s masterfully hidden revelations.