The Void Century is One Piece’s greatest mystery—a 100-year period erased from history. What happened? Who erased it? And what does it mean for the world? Here’s everything we know and the strongest theories.
What Is the Void Century?
The Void Century refers to 900-800 years before the current storyline—a period with no recorded history. The World Government forbids its study, and possessing knowledge of it is punishable by death.
Why It Matters
- The Ancient Weapons were created during this period
- The Great Kingdom existed and was destroyed
- Joy Boy made promises that remain unfulfilled
- The World Government was founded at its end
- The Poneglyphs were created to preserve hidden truth
The Great Kingdom
Professor Clover (Ohara) revealed that a Great Kingdom existed during the Void Century. It possessed advanced technology, ideals threatening to the world nobles, and was eventually destroyed by the alliance that became the World Government.
Confirmed Facts
- The kingdom created the Poneglyphs
- Its name was almost revealed before Clover’s death
- It stood against the 20 Kings (World Government founders)
- Its destruction is what the WG is hiding
Leading Theories About the Kingdom
Theory 1: The Kingdom was “D.”
The Will of D. carriers might be descendants of this kingdom. The initial “D.” could stand for Dawn, indicating hope against the darkness of the World Government.
Theory 2: Laugh Tale Connection
The Great Kingdom’s remnants may be on Laugh Tale (Raftel), explaining why Roger laughed—he discovered the truth and found it ironic.
Joy Boy
Joy Boy is a legendary figure from 900 years ago. He:
- Left an apology to the Fish-Man Island
- Made promises he couldn’t keep
- Is connected to the One Piece treasure
- Will “return” according to prophecy
Joy Boy and Luffy
Luffy’s Gear 5 awakening confirms his Devil Fruit is actually the Human-Human Fruit, Model: Nika—the Sun God. The Gorosei call this transformation “Joy Boy’s return.”
This suggests Joy Boy wasn’t a name but a title for whoever carries Nika’s spirit.
The Ancient Weapons
Three weapons of mass destruction were created during the Void Century:
Pluton
A warship capable of destroying islands. Blueprints were held in Water 7 (now destroyed). The actual ship is confirmed to be in Wano.
Poseidon
The ability to command Sea Kings. This power manifests in a mermaid princess each generation. Currently, Princess Shirahoshi is Poseidon.
Uranus
Unknown. Theories include:
- A flying weapon (related to sky islands)
- Control over weather
- Connected to the Moon civilization
The 20 Kings and Im
Twenty kings formed the World Government by defeating the Great Kingdom. Their descendants are the Celestial Dragons. But one shadowy figure sits above even them: Im.
Im occupies the Empty Throne that supposedly no one should sit on. Im has:
- The power to order island destruction
- Knowledge of the Void Century
- Potentially lived for 800+ years
Why Erase History?
The World Government’s fear of the Void Century suggests:
- The WG committed atrocities: The “justice” narrative is a lie
- The Great Kingdom’s ideals could resurface: Freedom vs. control
- The Ancient Weapons could be reclaimed: Used against the WG
- Joy Boy’s promise could be fulfilled: The world could change
Poneglyphs: The Hidden Truth
The Great Kingdom created indestructible stone tablets to preserve history. Only Kozuki clan members can read them—and Robin, who learned from Ohara’s scholars.
Four Road Poneglyphs reveal Laugh Tale’s location. The Rio Poneglyph contains the true history when all are gathered.
Final Theory: What Is the One Piece?
The most popular theory combines everything:
- The One Piece is Joy Boy’s treasure—possibly the truth itself
- It reveals how to use Ancient Weapons to “destroy” the Red Line
- Destroying the Red Line creates the “All Blue” and reunites the seas
- This fulfills Joy Boy’s promise to Fish-Man Island (sunlight access)
- Luffy will accomplish what Joy Boy couldn’t
When Roger found it, he “laughed” because he was too early—the world wasn’t ready. Luffy will arrive at the right time.
Related: One Piece Devil Fruits: Complete Classification Guide