One Piece: Why Is Zunesha So Important To Joy Boy’s Return?

There’s something magical about One Piece that keeps us hooked after all these years. The wild adventures, the deep world-building, and the way Oda slowly connects everything, even things we saw hundreds of episodes ago, to the current story. One moment that really made fans stop and go, “Wait… what?” was when Zunesha, that giant elephant carrying the island of Zou on its back, said: “Joy Boy has returned.” It was a really big moment for the series.

You probably remember how Zunesha first showed up out of nowhere during the Zou arc in One Piece. We were all wondering why there was a literal elephant island walking through the ocean. But of course, this is One Piece. There’s always more beneath the surface. And when Zunesha popped up again during the Wano arc, hearing the Drums of Liberation and recognizing Joy Boy’s return, it became clear this creature is deeply connected to the ancient legend.

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Zunesha’s First Appearance In One Piece

Let’s go back to the Zou arc for a second. Zunesha was introduced in Chapter 802 of the manga, and its anime debut followed not long after. This elephant was massive, ancient, and had a whole civilization living on its back. The Mink Tribe called it home. And more importantly, Zunesha could talk, at least to certain people like Momonosuke and Luffy, who have the Voice of All Things.

Later in the arc, Zunesha helped save everyone by destroying Jack’s fleet. That was our first clue that it had insane power. But what stuck with fans was what it said afterward - that it was punished a long time ago and was only allowed to walk the seas, endlessly. Who punished it? Why? That mystery was left hanging for years, until Wano started dropping more clues.

Wano Arc: “Joy Boy Has Returned”

Fast forward to the Wano arc - one of the best arcs in the series, where Zunesha returns. But this time, it’s not just there to stomp on enemies. It shows up near Onigashima during the final battle between Luffy and Kaido. And then it says the line that shook the fandom: “I can hear it… the drums of liberation. Joy Boy has returned.”

This was the moment everything clicked. Zunesha wasn’t just some old creature in One Piece, it actually knew Joy Boy, and not as a legend, but as someone it once followed. It could sense that Luffy, now awakened and in Gear 5 form, was carrying Joy Boy’s will. That line also confirmed that Joy Boy wasn’t just a name, but a title or a role; something that could be passed on.

This also gives Zunesha a bigger role in the story’s lore. It’s one of the few living beings that actually experienced the Void Century. It might even know what the Ancient Kingdom was really like.

What Makes Zunesha So Important Now?

Zunesha’s importance goes beyond just history, as it’s one of the very few characters who knows the truth about the world and is waiting for the right moment to act. When it offered to open Wano’s borders, it was following through on something it believed Joy Boy would want.

But Momonosuke wasn’t sure if it was the right time, so he told Zunesha to wait. That moment was huge because it showed that Zunesha doesn’t act on its own. It listens to those who carry the will of the Kozuki or Joy Boy. That also hints that maybe, back in the day, Joy Boy led a group of allies - maybe even the Ancient Weapons, and Zunesha was one of them.

Also, let’s not forget that Zou holds one of the Road Poneglyphs. The fact that one of the most important clues to finding Laugh Tale is on Zunesha’s back can’t be a coincidence. That makes it even clearer that Joy Boy and Zunesha were part of the same movement. Maybe Joy Boy left the Poneglyph there on purpose, trusting Zunesha to protect it.

Final Verdict: Zunesha Is Joy Boy’s Oldest Ally

Zunesha isn’t just an ancient animal or a giant elephant, but a creature hiding many secrets about the One Piece world. It’s been walking for centuries, carrying secrets on its back and waiting for the right person to return. When it heard Luffy’s heartbeat and declared Joy Boy’s return, we all felt it; something major was about to change.

With the story heading toward its end, there’s no doubt Zunesha still has a role to play. Whether it helps Luffy reach Laugh Tale, fights in the final war, or simply reveals the truth about Joy Boy’s first journey, it’s more important than ever.

Release Year	MAL RATING	Animation Studio	Gere	Watch On
October 1999	8.73	Toei Animation	Action, Adventure	Netflix

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