Luffy's Message

[Gladiator777]

@robbybedfart:

Also, why does everyone think the second letter is an A, to begin with? It looks to me like an O that's sharing a single crossed out X with the top letter.

http://a.imageshack.us/img686/8671/armj.jpg

There's a curve to his arm, we aren't seeing the whole thing. The third letter could be an Ω symbol, for instance.

The tatto can be read on other ways, like Backward, upside Down….etc
also the First Top letters which are presumed to be S and A are both crossed with the same cross.

The 2 Y = may reffers to the 2nd half of Grandline.
The 2nd letter is probably not a "0" or an Omega considering its size and the "2" Size.

The 1st letter may be an "8" which referes to the number of SHs excluding Luffy and Sunny go (its already waiting fro them)

whenever i look at the tatto, i see this :
The 2 First look like a "Number+Letter" probably a 8o, and they are both corssed
the 2 last look also like a "Number+letter", probably 2y, and they are not crossed

[UBERHAKI]

I got this from someone else but its the best theory so far…

SA2Y = SAH(ni)EE or Sunny. 2 in Japanese is Ni

[iPenguin]

Why would the tattoo be the message if it can't even be made out clearly? I doubt the crew can read it any easier than us, the audience. The bells are the message.

[Mr. Habaneroo]

But….what exactly would that mean? Because it's kinda obvious that they would meet at the Sunny in the first place.

[JERK DISEASE]

Why would the tattoo be the message if ITS A FUCKING TATTOO.

1. It's an impractical thing Luffy does not display clearly in the picture.
2. It's an impractical thing that would possibly not even be photographed, even the press could have simply gotten the wrong angle.
3. It's an impractical thing because it wouldn't be reported on either.
4. No one's fucking mentioned it, they're all talking about the bells.
5. And.Above.All.Else.
TATTOOS ARE PERMANENT. WHY WOULD YOU MAKE A PERMANENT MESSAGE FOR ONE THING.

@UBERHAKI:

but its the best theory so far…

Acutually it's bad and probably near the very bottom.

[Mr. Habaneroo]

@JERK:

Why would the tattoo be the message if ITS A FUCKING TATTOO.

1. It's an impractical thing Luffy does not display clearly in the picture.
2. It's an impractical thing that would possibly not even be photographed, even the press could have simply gotten the wrong angle.
3. It's an impractical thing because it wouldn't be reported on either.
4. No one's fucking mentioned it, they're all talking about the bells.
5. And.Above.All.Else.
TATTOOS ARE PERMANENT. WHY WOULD YOU MAKE A PERMANENT MESSAGE FOR ONE THING.

Acutually it's bad and probably near the very bottom.

P3ALwKeSEYs
Finally .

[Robby]

@JERK:

5. And.Above.All.Else.
TATTOOS ARE PERMANENT. WHY WOULD YOU MAKE A PERMANENT MESSAGE FOR ONE THING.

He had a war paint, tattoo-like symbol during the Davy Back fight all over his chest. Same could apply here IF it were meant to be a one time message, but its pretty assuredly not.

There's also Vivi's note of "is that a fashion statement?" though she may have just been referring to the multitude of bandages.

In any event, I don't think that letters on his arm are the message given how circumstantial it would need to be to get them in any presumed photos, and much is being made about the bells, I'm just trying to figure out what they say. Aparently no one here has better insight or a more creative imagination beyond "its clearly a meet me here" message.

But its not a coded message saying "meet back at Sabondy" in any way, shape or form, thats just stupid given they'll be following Rayleighs card in any event.

Should probably just wait on it, we've gotten what we can get out of it for the moment. Oda will make the meaning clear when he makes the meaning clear.

[Sea]

I don't think the tattoo has anything to do with the message.

[Airflow]

Yeah I think it's just Luffy's way of remembering Ace. I'm not really feeling anything from a badly angled shot like that.

[Mr. Habaneroo]

@robbybedfart:

He had a war paint, tattoo-like symbol during the Davy Back fight all over his chest. Same could apply here IF it were meant to be a one time message, but its pretty assuredly not.

There's also Vivi's note of "is that a fashion statement?" though she may have just been referring to the multitude of bandages.

In any event, I don't think that letters on his arm are the message given how circumstantial it would need to be to get them in any presumed photos, and much is being made about the bells, I'm just trying to figure out what they say. Aparently no one here has better insight or a more creative imagination beyond "its clearly a meet me here" message.

But its not a coded message saying "meet back at Sabondy" in any way, shape or form, thats just stupid given they'll be following Rayleighs card in any event.

Should probably just wait on it, we've gotten what we can get out of it for the moment. Oda will make the meaning clear when he makes the meaning clear.

Personally, and I know it sounds kinda stupid in a way, I think that Rayleigh and Kuma planned something out before the war so that after the war he can paw Shackey, the Sunny, and the rest of them somewhere safe for the meantime and they'll regroup there. I don't know how Kuma's able to do that if he's been completely remodeled for the WG, but that's all I've got going for me. :happy:

[Zik]

It's funny reading this thread knowing Oda made the message easy for the SHs to get but vague for the readers and now everyone is just throwing shit at the wall to see if it sticks.

[GreatLiver]

It's obvious. Luffy joined a frat.

[Chimcham]

Sabo is hiding in the Tattoo!

[I survived the buster call]

Look, the key is right on this page–Rayleigh says it himself here (bottom center panel). The key is that whatever it is is something that is totally unlike Luffy–or uncharacteristic of him, anyway. So maybe the bells are it, or a part of it, or maybe they're meant to draw attention away/be a distraction from that which is the actual message (and no--I do not think it's the armband/tattoo). It's Rayleigh's idea (not Luffy's)--and unlike Luffy--so not something that was set up in advance and we'll see in a flashback (like teh "x" in Alabasta)... otherwise why worry if they'll get it or not.

As for the tattoo/armband--I still think there's the possibility that it might include a simple line drawing as opposed to letters or numbers...

[danielprot]

I read lots of posts in this thread, many of them talking about the "tatto" but jsut a few talking about the act he performed.

It's not just the bells..

1- he stole a vessel and sailed a ring around MF.
2- he rang the bell 16 times.
3- he threw some flowers in the ground
4- he performed the "silent prayer"

The 1st action is said to be a ritual for a burial at the sea.. Everybody in the crew, except for brook, were in the merry's burial, so they could get something from this act..

I believe Oda gave us that tatto only for distraction. The message must be in the actions.

[WhiteEagle]

OH MY GOD GUYS I THINK I GOT IT
We're such IDIOTS!!
He said "3 days" til they meet back, right?
NO, 2 YEARS

[Mr. Habaneroo]

@danielprot:

I read lots of posts in this thread, many of them talking about the "tatto" but jsut a few talking about the act he performed.

It's not just the bells..

1- he stole a vessel and sailed a ring around MF.
2- he rang the bell 16 times.
3- he threw some flowers in the ground
4- he performed the "silent prayer"

The 1st action is said to be a ritual for a burial at the sea.. Everybody in the crew, except for brook, were in the merry's burial, so they could get something from this act..

I don't see how Merry's funeral would have to due with the message. Didn't Rayleigh come up with it in the first place?

@danielprot:

I believe Oda gave us that tatto only for distraction.

Nope. It's just that, for some strange reason, people thought that it was the message when in reality all it is is something new on Luffy's body. It wasn't mentioned once other than Vivi's statement.

@danielprot:

The message must be in the actions.

P3ALwKeSEYs

@WhiteEagle:

OH MY GOD GUYS I THINK I GOT IT
We're such IDIOTS!!
He said "3 days" til they meet back, right?
NO, 2 YEARS

What?

[Bucephalus]

wouldn't you think Luffy would give the crew a better shot of the tattoo if that was really the message

of course it's the bell

[WhiteEagle]

@Mr.:

What?

IT'S 3D CROSSED OUT, 2Y BELOW
3 DAYS? No, 2 years!

[Bucephalus]

@WhiteEagle:

IT'S 3D CROSSED OUT, 2Y BELOW
3 DAYS? No, 2 years!

why would Luffy go through all the trouble of getting a tattoo to communicate with his crewmates only to not show a clear shot of it in the press' photo

also why are people speculating what it says, anyway?

it could say almost anything

[WhiteEagle]

@Bucephalus:

why would Luffy go through all the trouble of getting a tattoo to communicate with his crewmates only to not show a clear shot of it in the press' photo

It's an armband goober :P
They're worn all the time in east asian funerals

[Mr. Habaneroo]

That didn't really answer the question…. well Bucephalus's anyways.

[WhiteEagle]

Shouldn't need explanation :P
Luffy wasn't the photographer, and probably wanted it to be low-key anyway. One step further from saying "HAY GUYZ LETS MEET BACK IN 2 YEARZ NOT 3 DAYZ" straight to the reporter.
So, looks like Rayleigh went to Luffy sayin, "hey, I gots some Haki to teach ya, you're gonna need a couple years though!" so the first thing they did was let the crew know.

[Mikan]

Luffy wasn't the photographer, and probably wanted it to be low-key anyway. One step further from saying "HAY GUYZ LETS MEET BACK IN 2 YEARZ NOT 3 DAYZ" straight to the reporter.

How would the crew be able to read it though? Can you really say with 100 percent certainty that it says 3D2Y? If we can't make it out, the crew, seeing the same picture, can't either. If he wanted the crew to see it, he'd be doing something with his arm. It's not like "3D2Y" would give him away. (Not to mention, it's an English abbreviation.)

[MasterKingJC]

I can't understand why people can't just wait one week.
It's Oda. You can't figure him.

[amai-mikan]

Er could the 2 stand for Mr. 2 Bon Clay? His death was never actually shown correct?

[WhiteEagle]

"3 days– No, BON CLAY years" doesn't work :P
Thanks for playing, folks, but I won Oda's game!

[Bucephalus]

@WhiteEagle:

"3 days– No, BON CLAY years" doesn't work :P
Thanks for playing, folks, but I won Oda's game!

jesus christ

you're cocky as fuck

[Mr. Habaneroo]

@WhiteEagle:

"3 days– No, BON CLAY years" doesn't work :P
Thanks for playing, folks, but I won Oda's game!

J_fNY6uLlF0

I love you so much.

[WhiteEagle]

Thank you, thank you!
bows
Both for the trophy and calling me cocky :P Added to the fun and victory!

[Superbear 22]

This is way I ween myself from using forums too often.

[Mr. Habaneroo]

@WhiteEagle:

Thank you, thank you!
bows
Both for the trophy and calling me cocky :P Added to the fun and victory!

You deserve it more than everyone. :happy:

[Knuckle]

Quoting myself from chapter 594 discussion :

For the tattoo on Luffy's arm, i see it like this : "3D2Y" : "we will not meet in 3 Days like Ray-san told us (see chapter 507), but in 2 Years".

For the 16 rings and sailing in circle around Marinford, i see it as a diversion from the real message (the tattoo). Coming from a wise guy like Ray-san, it's rather a good idea.

[Mr. Habaneroo]

@Knuckle:

Quoting myself from chapter 594 discussion :

umDr0mPuyQc
In other words…..stop focusing on the tattoo! Why would Oda give us hints in something that HASN'T BEEN MENTIONED. We've only seen it once and it's not even a clear picture.

[Sai-chan]

Luffy rang the bell 16 times, which means, 'end of the old year, begining of the new year.' Maybe he's saying that once they become reunited, they'll exit the 'old year' (the grand line) and enter the 'new year' (the new world)?

As for the tatoo, I'm pretty sure it's just something he dicided to get in detication to Ace and Sabo, or something.

[Quexinos]

It DOES kind of look like a crossed out 3D now that you mention it. I just doubt the tattoo is the message… and when did Ray say they'd meet in 3 days? Wasn't that way back when they started running from Kuma? A lot of time has passed, why would he reference it now?

As for waiting a week, I Just have this feeling we aren't going to learn what this message is in just one week.

Plus two years is pretty vague. I mean 2 years from when he rings the bell or two years from when they got separated? Two years to the exact time or... what? Know what I mean?

EDIT
you know I just thought about this two years idea... and it sorta makes sense. That's why Nami says "He doesn't even care how we feel" and Chopper and Ussop get the message and both tear up. Those are pretty strong emotions for just changing locations... of course this is assuming that the tattoo means anything which I'm still not sure about.

[WhiteEagle]

Yes, all makes sense once old preconceptions fade :P
It's not a tattoo though (especially not a permanent one), most likely an armband (worn in east asian funerals)

[iMustang]

@Sai-chan:

As for the tatoo, I'm pretty sure it's just something he dicided to get in detication to Ace and Sabo, or something.

That's my theory too. It looks to me like the first 2 letters are crossed out, and if you remember Ace's tattoo it says:

A
xSx
C
E

And it looks to me like Luffy's says

xSx
xAx
2
Y

It would make sense if Ace's tattoo had S crossed out for Sabo, and then Luffy's would have S and A crossed out for both of them.

Some of these theories are pretty good, but only another chapter or two will show us the answer

[Quexinos]

Where are you people getting an A as the second letter? That's either an O or a D
and if it was just for Sabo and Ace what does that Y 2 mean?

[Mavado]

I only have one reaction to those who thinks the ringing of the bell is the real message:
W-_sABor77E
@Quexinos:

Where are you people getting an A as the second letter? That's either an O or a D
and if it was just for Sabo and Ace what does that Y 2 mean?

Says the guy who started this topic claiming that it was an A…

[WhiteEagle]

Also, I forgot to respond to this

@Quexinos:

when did Luffy say they'd meet in 3 days?

Is OneManga takin these down? Well, it's page 10ish of ch 511 if they do, bottom right panel

[Quexinos]

I didn't say Luffy, I said Ray O_o

but thanks.

Says the guy who started this topic claiming that it was an A…

It was before I really looked at it. I was posting theories anyway I didn't have any thoughts on it. When Robby posted that it wasn't an A, I retracted that.
and I'm a girl :P

[toiim]

Wait, just to clarify, how long has the crew been seperated?

[Quexinos]

I don't think an official timeline or anything has ever been given. A few weeks I'd say.

[Mr. Habaneroo]

@Mavado:

I only have one reaction to those who thinks the ringing of the bell is the real message:
W-_sABor77E

At least it's better than the tattoo theory…. I've partially changed my mind from the bells being the message to the whole action of what Luffy, Rayleigh, and Jinbei did as being the message somehow.

[ponx]

The clue is pretty obvious. IT'S SOMETHING THATS NOT LIKE LUFFY, AND ONLY HIS CREW WOULD KNOW ABOUT IT AND NO OTHERS (well, except those who understands him, like Rayleigh or Vivi. Or we as the readers supposedly know it, Heck, we've been with him for 10 years ffs)

So why dont we just break it down to see it easier.

1. Luffy, Jimbei, and Rayleigh show up and steal a marine's ship and do a sea burial ritual.
Would Luffy do this? The stealing, yes. But the ritual? we haven't seen Luffy dies this kind of thing, and I don't know if its a common tradition in OP verse or not, if not then its likely that some of his crew wont know the meaning of it. So I'll just take the circling ritual for what it is. A burial rite, no hidden message.

2. Luffy storming in the plaza alone, rang the bell 16 times, threw a bouquet, and bowed his head.
Storming in alone is a typical Luffy, the meaning of the bell itself is known only to the marines I think, so it doesn't make sense to use it to deliver a message (except if the number 16 is the message, which I doubt. But can anyone tell me what the number 1 and 6 in japanese are and if they mean anything? 1 is Ichi I think, and 6 is Roku. Ichi Roku???? I'm not good in jap so if anyone can correct me)
As for throwing the bouquet and bowing his head, honoring the dead is not unlike Luffy (we've seen him saying prayers to Bellemere's tomb, waaay back at the end of Arlong's arc).

Conclusion, during the whole ordeal, the only thing that I think is not like Luffy, is the fact that he returned to Marineford and did all those things. But he hidden message is something else, which why I'm banking it to be the tattoo.
Yes its weird that its not made that obvious, but then again, we haven't been shown the newspaper in its entirety so maybe its shown somewhere. And the theory about 3D2Y makes sense also. Rayleigh said to meet up in 3 days, it was crossed (according to the slight pic we see). 2 years to train and get stronger also makes sense. This is not Naruto, Bleach or DBZ where we get instant power up out of nowhere, and no room where 1 hour there equals x days on earth. Here, they train, and it takes time.

Anyway, thats what I think

[Redspear]

no way

3 days after separation luffy landed
2 days on amazon lily
2 days sailing to Impel
1 day in Impel
1 day in Marineford
2 weeks in amazon
1 more week to now.

a month

[kmohyudin]

Hey I still think the Tatoo doesn't say SA2Y but instead its a picture of:
Crossed out S
A Bird
A Fish
An Unknown

So what it means is, Not Shabondy but at the bird-fish i.e Flying Fish Raiders base…

[ponyjc]

I think the whole thing is the msg.

I think that luffy attacking marineford to do his ritual mourning Ace's death shows he's ok now and getting over it. Ray and Jimbei being with him also shows that he's in good care and waiting for them with rayleigh if they want to go. They were all in a hurry, prioritizing on going to help luffy but now the news paper shows he doesnt need help. The 16 bells means a new age I think, and that when they come back to be ready to kick some ass.

now the crew will take their time getting to luffy, like zoro (if he ever gets it) will train some more instead of just leaving, robin will see what the Rev Army wants and maybe meet dragon, etc etc..nami was mad coz she was all crying and worrying turns out he's fine and she got the town pissed at her for nothing xD

[JERK DISEASE]

@WhiteEagle:

"3 days– No, BON CLAY years" doesn't work :P
Thanks for playing, folks, but I won Oda's game!

What the hell are you talking about you gibbering chimp.