There’s a secret whisper rippling through the fandom of One Piece: someone known as the “Man Marked by Flames” (or “Man with the Burn Scar” depending on translation) may hold a key piece of the story’s climax. And now—after the narrative has moved into its Final Saga—this mystery figure has resurfaced, more relevant than ever.
Among the hottest theories: this figure might be none other than Jaguar D. Saul, the giant former Marine vice-admiral from the Ohara Incident. Could it be? Let’s unpack the evidence, the implications, and the holes in the theory. (Yes, I’m going to pick holes.)
1. What we do know about the Man Marked by Flames
Let’s start by summarizing what the manga has explicitly given us:
- The character is referenced in chapter 1056 (and subsequent chapters) as someone important in the search for the final Road Poneglyph.
- The clues:
- He is “marked by flames” or “burn scar” (Japanese naming variation).
- He sails a pitch-black ship, which generates whirlpools (or causes them) that destroy pursuers.
- He is in possession (or at least connected with) the final Road Poneglyph that leads to Laugh Tale.
- Additional narrative hints: The character might have ties to the World Government or Marines (or at least their secrets).
- Fan comment captures: “Literally the only concrete fact Oda has said … is that he has a poneglyph rubbing the other pirates don’t have.”
“(1) He has a burn scar, (2) he sails a black ship, (3) he can apparently create whirlpools…”
So: we’re dealing with a character who ticks several boxes of “big final saga reveal” in One Piece. He’s mysterious. He’s powerful. He holds ancient knowledge (Poneglyph). He has unique identifiers (burn scars + black ship).
2. Why fans believe Saul fits the bill
Now let’s match those clues against Jaguar D. Saul and see how strong the correspondence is.
2.1 Saul’s back-story and scars
Saul is a giant, formerly a Marine Vice Admiral, who participated (or was caught up) in the Ohara Incident. According to the One Piece Wiki:
“Saul endured the Buster Call on Ohara … he was frozen by Kuzan … The flames of the island melted him free and he fell into the ocean.”
He later shows large bandages over his body, a scar over his eyes, a peg-leg, etc.
So: Saul does have burn/ice-scar/trauma marks in his back-story. That ticks the “scars” side of the clue.
2.2 Saul’s connection to the ancient scholars and Poneglyphs
Saul was on Ohara. He befriended Robin. He helped evacuate / preserve the Ohara library books and later transferred them (via giants) to Elbaph.
If someone is to be connected to the final Road Poneglyph—or at least ancient knowledge—it makes sense that a character deeply tied to Ohara’s scholars and the Void Century would fit.
2.3 Saul’s current location and story relevance
In the current saga (Elbaph Arc), Saul is active. The Straw Hats meet him. He is in the giant island of Elbaph, under his own domain as a history teacher.
This places him in play, which is important because the “Man Marked by Flames” is supposed to be active (or at least his presence matters) in the Final Saga.
3. But here are the caveats
Because yes, Saul is a tempting candidate—but the fit isn’t perfect. In fact, I’d argue there are several bumps.
3.1 The “black ship and whirlpools” clue
One of the more exotic parts of the clue: the man marked by flames reputedly sails an all-black ship, surrounded by whirlpools that chase away pursuers.
Does Saul explicitly have a black ship or the ability to generate whirlpools? Not as far as we’ve seen in canon. The “whirlpool” part strongly suggests some Devil Fruit or ancient power tied to sea currents. Might Saul have this? Possibly—but there’s no direct evidence yet.
3.2 The “pitch black ship” plus government/marine ties
Some clues suggest the man may have worked with or been affiliated to the Marines/Government (Shiryu’s suggestion). Saul was a Marine, yes. But he defected. Would a defector be entrusted with the final Road Poneglyph and travel around in a black ship generating whirlpools? That seems a stretch. Historically, the role is more “keeper in hiding” than “active pirate/ship captain”.
3.3 Burn scars vs “marked by flames” semantics
Being “marked by flames” could mean literal burn scars, or a metaphorical mark, or a brand of fire-devil fruit. The clue is ambiguous. Saul has scars, yes—but they resulted from freezing and melting, rather than flames per se. That mismatch means the “flames” clue might stretch.
3.4 Alternative candidates
There are several other strong candidates floated in fandom:
- Monkey D. Dragon (Luffy’s father): some believe his tattoo or burn-mark makes him a candidate.
- Unknown new character: Many articles argue that no existing character fits all the clues, so the man may be someone we haven’t fully met yet.
Given those options, Saul being the gender-match is compelling—but the holes make him not a slam dunk.
4. If it is Saul — the implications
Let’s assume for a moment the theory is correct: Saul = Man Marked by Flames. What changes? What layers open up?
4.1 Tying Ohara to the Final Saga
Saul’s linkage would bring the Ohara Incident directly into the climax of One Piece. The burning of Ohara, the erasure of knowledge, the survival of a giant who preserved books—those themes would come full circle with the final Road Poneglyph reveal. It would give emotional weight to the entire arc of “knowledge suppressed by the World Government”.
4.2 Elbaph’s importance rises
If Saul is the holder (or at least close ally) of the man with the scroll, then Elbaph as his hiding ground becomes a central stage. The giants of Elbaph might not just be side-characters—they become gatekeepers of the final key. That deepens Luffy’s visit there, and frames the giant island as instrumental rather than just “cool new location”.
4.3 Revisiting Saul’s “D.” status
Saul carries the initial “D.” We know the “Will of D.” is hugely thematic in One Piece. If Saul ends up being the Man Marked by Flames, it adds significance to his role: he’s a “D.”, he preserves forbidden history, he may hold the Poneglyph. That would link him to the central mythos far more than previously assumed.
4.4 Emotional stakes for Robin
Saul was a major figure in Robin’s backstory. If he emerges as one of the central figures of the final saga, then Robin’s arc of healing and knowledge becomes even more poignant. She’s not just surviving; she’s connected to the man guarding the ultimate key. That’s satisfying payoff.
5. Why Oda might not make it Saul
Because let’s be clear—given how tight and precise Eiichiro Oda’s storytelling is, I can list reasons why this theory could be false (and perhaps stronger because of that).
5.1 Predictability risk
If Saul = Man Marked by Flames, then it’s a reveal fans are increasingly telegraphed. Oda tends to subvert expectations. If the community latches onto it too hard, Oda might twist it or give a misdirection.
5.2 “Black ship and whirlpools” doesn’t match perfectly
As mentioned, Saul doesn’t strongly tick the ship/whirlpool clue. Oda may want the reveal to come with everything aligning neatly (or as neatly as Oda ever aligns anything). If one big clue doesn’t fit, he might go with a different character.
5.3 The “final guardian” role might require new blood
Sometimes the stakes of “final saga” require a brand-new character rather than an existing secondary character. If the man is someone new, the reveal has more shock value. Making Saul the figure might feel like a satisfying wrap-up—but also might feel safe.
5.4 Keeping some secrets hidden
Oda still has many mysteries: the Will of D., the Void Century, the true nature of the final Road Poneglyph. If Saul is the key, then Oda needs to build out how he got access, what he’s been doing, etc. There may simply not be enough time in the current saga for a full Saud reveal and all associated storytelling.
6. My verdict (with some sarcasm)
Here’s where I, Berry C., lean.
On balance: I believe Saul is a strong candidate. Enough clues line up: scars, Ohara connection, “D.” initial, current relevance. The theory feels ripe.
But: I also think Oda will add a twist. Maybe Saul is involved—maybe he holds the Poneglyph or is guarding it—but perhaps he is not the “Man Marked by Flames” in full. Maybe that title belongs to someone else and Saul is an ally. Or maybe Saul used to be the figure but passed the mantle. Or maybe the “black ship/whirlpool” part is intentional mis-direction.
In short: I’m confident but cautious. It’s one of those theories with real merit—yet we should keep our tinfoil hats on.
7. Questions worth watching as the saga unfolds
Here are some red flags / flags to watch that will either confirm or shake the theory:
- Does Saul’s ship ever get referenced (or shown) as a black ship surrounded by whirlpools? If yes → strong match.
- Will the phrase “Man Marked by Flames” be used by an in-story character who knows Saul (or references his history)?
- Will the narrative explicitly connect the holder of the final Road Poneglyph to Ohara’s survivors (Saul is one of them)?
- Will there be a scene where the “marked by flames” scar is revealed, and the nature of the scar (fire vs ice vs some other cause) is explained?
- Will there be a twist showing that perhaps the “burn scar” is metaphorical (e.g., branded by the World Government) rather than literal flame burns?
8. Why this mystery matters (and why you should care)
Beyond pure fandom thrill, the identity of the Man Marked by Flames is more than a cameo reveal—here’s why it matters to the story’s core.
8.1 It ties together major themes
What One Piece has been about for years: hidden history, suppressed truth, the fight for freedom, those who carry the Will of D. The man marked by flames seems to straddle all of these. Uncovering him is identifying one of the pillars of the final saga.
8.2 It gives breadth to the world
If the man is Saul or someone like him, the narrative expands: Ohara → Elbaph → New World → final treasure. The world feels full and interlinked, rather than random.
8.3 Emotional payoff
For long-time readers, the return of Saul (or someone connected to the past) is emotional. It tells us your history matters, your losses matter. It weaves tragedy and hope. That’s more satisfying than a random “new guy” drop.
8.4 Stakes for Luffy & Company
If the man holds the final Road Poneglyph, then the Straw Hats aren’t just chasing history—they’re chasing someone who’s protected it for decades. That raises the stakes: they may confront an allied figure, or someone who’s morally ambiguous, rather than a pure villain. The conflict is richer that way.
9. In conclusion
The “Man Marked by Flames” is not just a mystery for fans to chew on. He’s one of the last pieces of the One Piece puzzle. If this figure ends up being Jaguar D. Saul (or someone strongly tied to him), then the destruction of Ohara, the emergence of Elbaph, and the suppression of ancient knowledge all get retroactive significance.
But—and this is important—don’t assume it’s done yet. Oda is known to mislead, pivot, surprise. The theory may collapse under further reveals, or get a twist that makes us question what “marked by flames” really means.
I invite you to keep the theory alive—and to watch for those subtle cues Oda drops. Because when the reveal hits, it won’t just be a “who is this guy” moment—it’ll reshape why we’ve been on this journey.
What do you think? Is Saul the man? Or is this theory just a comforting pattern-match that Oda will smash with a curveball?