Okay, so I want to thank anyone who takes the time to read this theory. I’ve had this idea for some time now, with that being said I’ve never felt like I had the proper medium to share it in detail. Thank you to Morj for building the space.
Now on to the theory:
“We eventually realize that there once existed another country, nothing remains of it.” (Clover Ch. 395 Page 7) Over 800 years ago there existed an Ancient Kingdom of incredible technology, however it is all but confirmed that during the period known as the Void Century the World Government formed and became the dominant power, the Ancient Kingdom fell with the only proof of their existence being the Ponyglyphs. What would it have looked like to the King of that Ancient Kingdom to watch his country fall?
I think back in the story to benevolent Leaders such as Cobra, Gan Fall, Riku, Neptune, even Oden and the common trait they all shared is that they viewed their citizens as the kingdom not the country. Wouldn’t the ruler of the Ancient Kingdom feel the same? Time and again we are shown examples of Good Kings and Bad Kings and the Good rulers are always self sacrificing for their people, Bad rulers put themselves first. It is here where we can see how a group of people would be considered a treasure.
In fact the idea that treasure can be more than just gold or jewels is one of the first emotional conflicts we ever get in the story. In chapter 18, Luffy and Buggy enter into a conflict over the Straw Hat that Shanks gave Luffy.
So we know how a treasure can be something more abstract, and we are shown examples of benevolent rulers treasuring their people. That leaves us with; why do I theorize that the One Piece is the citizens of the Ancient Kingdom?
The first clue I have is that the first Pirate King, Gol D Roger, himself said that the crew reached Laugh Tale “too early.” (Stampede, Ch. 968 page 13) This alone can’t give us enough information however in the same arc we are introduced to a very important character, Lady Toki. The important things to note about Lady Toki is that she was born in the Void Century and that she has the ability to travel forward in time as well as the ability to send others forward in time as well. Yet one of the only times the ability is used is when Toki sends the Scabbards and Momonosuke forward in time so that someone is there to fight Kaido? Perhaps she’s using a plan similar to the original plan to safeguard people in the future?
This leads me into another point, the existence of the 3 Ancient Weapons, Uranus, Poseidon and Pluton. Pluton was a ship with enough fire power to level islands, it was sealed away at the bottom of Wano, the very place Toki wanted to travel to. And Wano was also where the Poneglyphs came from.
The Poneglyphs themselves add to this theory, these indestructible cubes carry instructions on how to use the Ancient Weapons, they also can be used to find the last Island. The Last Island, the Ancient Weapons, Wano and Lady Toki are all connected. I think it’s safe to say that something important will be in Laugh Tale but not until the right time according to Roger.
So now we come back to the original idea, The Ancient Kingdom is falling, the benevolent King fearing the worst outcome for his people has an idea to save them with Lady Toki’s help. Only when he knows they will survive does he creates a plan to ensure their safety when they arrive 800 years in the future. He and Lily send the Poneglyphs around the world with the hope that someone will carry their message to Laugh Tale in order to meet the ones who arrive.
Is this not why Joy Boy had to apologize for not returning to fishman island? Is this not the reason the Ancient Weapons are preserved or reincarnate in the case for Poseidon?
I hear you ask; “Why do you think it’s the people and not some other object?” To that I ask you to recall every single arc in the story, have we ever seen a people wronged by a villain and not bear witness to their downfall? I think at least some people who are there to see the fall of the World Government need to be from the Kingdom that was destroyed by them.
Maybe you’re wondering; “Then why is it called One Piece?” Let me ask you this, when you wish someone a safe journey don’t you tell them “I hope you make it there in One Piece?”
That’s about all I can write at this time but I have more I will continue to add, thank you to anyone who takes the time to engage with this theory.