One Piece theory: Could Gol D. Roger’s body be hidden at Laugh Tale?

The Pirate King’s final resting place might not be what fans expect. For almost 25 years and through 1,000+ chapters, One Piece has mesmerized fans across the globe with its grand narrative, deep character development, and intriguing lore. The greatest mystery of the series remains Laugh Tale, the fabled final island that is home to the One Piece treasure. Fans are beginning to get excited as Luffy’s arrival there approaches, but a crazy new fan theory has emerged — what if Gol D. Roger himself, the Pirate King, is STILL at Laugh Tale?I know that sounds insane, but in the hands of the master Eiichiro Oda there are hidden clues and emotional, full-circle moments all over the place. If you’re unfamiliar with the anime or manga, Gol D. Roger was the person who created the "Great Pirate Era" when he was executed by the World Government. There’s one very odd aspect that long-time fans may have picked up on — Roger’s body was never seen or discussed again.That could be a sign that something huge is on the horizon.Roger’s Body Has Never Been Found or Seen Since His Death. Outside of maybe the death of Ace, in One Piece death is a big deal. When heavy hitters like Whitebeard and Ace died, they received elaborate burials, and the resulting graves turned into shrines of respect. For Gol D. Roger — the most legendary pirate in all the world — there is no tomb, no burial at sea, no one knows what became of his corpse following his execution in Loguetown.This absence just as clearly feels like a choice. Oda doesn’t let something like that slip. What if Roger’s body was brought to Laugh Tale by his crewmates?Rayleigh, Crocus, and Gaban All Lead the Straw HatsIt’s been a few months now since the Straw Hat Pirates have repeatedly crossed paths with members of Roger’s old crew. Crocus in the first half of the Grand Line, Rayleigh training Luffy during the two-year time skip, and Gaban likely showing up in Elbaf. This pattern just looks too systematic to be a coincidence.Each of these meetings has had particular significance as key turning points in the Straw Hats’ journey. So why not allow Roger himself to join us for this final phase — not in the flesh, of course, but still in a very real and powerful way.A Tribute, a Remembrance, or a Last Farewell?Another fantastic one is that Roger’s skeleton or corpse is located within Laugh Tale alongside a tone dial or even a recording of his final message. This would give fans a chance to follow his entire gigantic flashback of a life, his maiden voyage to when he visited Laugh Tale and uncovered the True History of the world — something even Luffy hasn’t done yet.This wouldn’t merely be emotional — it would be epic. Roger’s last message might just go on to detail it all: the Void Century, the Will of D., Joy Boy, and what the true meaning of the One Piece is. If so, then it’s only fitting that Roger “shows up” one last time.Whitebeard, Crocus, and the Last RideIn One Piece, there are quiet but staggering suggestions that Roger remains tied to the story’s conclusion. Before his own death, Whitebeard informed Blackbeard that Roger was “waiting for someone.” Arguably the most impactful moment happens when Crocus, the Roger Pirates’ doctor, engages a portrait of Roger himself when the Straw Hats first depart Reverse Mountain, explaining that Luffy seems like “the one.”So, whom is Roger waiting on? Seems like all signs point to Luffy — the man who picked up Joy Boy’s will and is continuing on their path to bring together the whole world. When Luffy finally comes to Laugh Tale, Roger’s last tale could be the final key to unlocking the truth.With only one Road Poneglyph left to find, Luffy and the Straw Hats are closer than ever to reaching Laugh Tale. With five years worth of episodes remaining, Oda has sworn that the end of One Piece will be an emotional and fulfilling experience, one loaded with answers. Whether it’s through someone discovering Roger’s remains, or finding a recording left for them at Laugh Tale itself, a complete flashback of Roger’s journey would be the ideal way to connect the past to the present.Fans already understand that Roger was simply born too early to turn the world on its head. It turns out Luffy will be the one to finally complete what Roger started. When he does, the full meaning of Gol D. Roger’s dying words—and his legacy—will finally be known.You can read One Piece officially on Viz Media, Manga Plus, and the Shonen Jump app, with the next chapter, One Piece 1141, coming out on March 2nd, 2025. Whether you’re a new reader or a longtime fan, you can get up to speed for free and experience the excitement as the series heads toward its epic conclusion.