The reunion between Nico Robin and Jaguar D. Saul in One Piece Chapter 1133 is a moment fans have eagerly awaited for over two decades. This heartwarming moment is not just about two characters meeting again—it embodies themes of survival, resilience, and the power of knowledge. Let’s dive into the harrowing journeys of Robin and Saul, their struggles, and the emotional moment that brought them back together.
Robin’s Past: The Tragedy of Ohara and the Weight of Survival
Robin’s journey begins with the tragedy of Ohara, a vibrant island of scholars dedicated to uncovering the truth of the Void Century. The Ohara Buster Call, ordered by the World Government to silence the pursuit of forbidden knowledge, wiped the island off the map.
As a child, Robin witnessed the horror firsthand: her mother Olvia’s sacrifice, Professor Clover’s impassioned speech before being silenced, and the destruction of the Ohara library, the world’s greatest treasure trove of ancient knowledge. Saul, the kind-hearted giant and former Marine, sacrificed himself to save Robin, becoming one of her last emotional connections to Ohara.
Saul’s parting words, “Keep living, Robin. You are not alone.” coupled with his infectious laugh, “Dere shi shi,” gave her the will to survive even as she carried the stigma of being labeled a “devil child.” These traumatic events set Robin on a lonely path, always hunted and mistrusted, yet determined to honor Ohara’s legacy.
Saul’s Journey: From Death to the Shores of Elbaf
Many believed Saul had perished during the Buster Call, frozen by Aokiji’s ice. However, Chapter 1133 reveals how Saul miraculously survived. The flames of Ohara melted the ice, allowing him to escape. Scarred and changed, Saul found refuge on Elbaf, the land of giants.
In Elbaf, Saul found solace in preserving the books salvaged from Ohara’s ruins. As the steward of the Owl Library, he devoted his life to teaching history and protecting knowledge, keeping the will of Ohara alive. While Saul’s body bore the scars of the past, his spirit remained unbroken, driven by the memory of Robin and their shared mission.
Robin Finds Out Saul Is Alive
For years, Robin believed Saul was dead. However, during the crew’s adventures in Egghead Island, she learned from Vegapunk that Saul was alive and safeguarding the books of Ohara. This revelation reignited hope in Robin’s heart and set the stage for their eventual reunion.
When the Straw Hat Pirates arrived in Elbaf, Robin’s determination to see Saul was palpable. Supported by her crewmates, she headed to the Owl Library, her heart racing with anticipation and fear. Would Saul recognize her? Would he still laugh that peculiar “Dere shi shi”?
The Emotional Robin-Saul Reunion
The moment Robin saw Saul again was nothing short of magical. Students of the Owl Library rushed to inform Robin and the Straw Hats that “Saul-sensei” had fallen by the shore. Robin, her heart pounding, saw the familiar figure lying face down on the sand. Despite her worry, she quickly realized what Saul was doing—recreating their first meeting. to surprise her. With a mix of fondness and exasperation, she called him “stupid” for his antics.
When Robin came near him, Saul, looking up growled at her to surprise her. But Robin was no longer the timid child she once was. With his trademark laugh, said, “Dere shi shi… You’ve grown well, Robin. You look just like Olvia.”
In this heartfelt exchange, he praised vegapunk for his sacrifice in delivering Ohara’s voice to the world. He shared his anger at the lies the world had spread about her, but Robin stopped him mid-sentence, encouraging him to focus on the positive and praise her for living so long. Saul praised Robin not just for surviving, but for thriving. They had both endured. This moment of mutual validation brought Saul to tears, and he embraced Robin, overwhelmed by her strength and resilience. Tears roll down from Robin’s cheeks too.
The Straw Hats Bear Witness
The rest of the crew, except for Zoro, Jinbe, and Luffy, couldn’t hold back their tears as they watched the emotional reunion. Luffy, in his usual carefree manner, simply smiled, recognizing the weight of the moment but letting Robin have her space. This was her victory—a triumph over two decades of loss and isolation.
The Legacy of Ohara: Knowledge as the Weapon of the Future
Saul and Robin’s reunion is more than just a personal victory; it’s a symbol of the enduring power of knowledge. The books Saul saved from Ohara, now housed in the Owl Library, represent the potential to change the world. Saul’s words to Robin echo this belief: “Ohara’s knowledge will change the world.”
With the secrets of the Void Century, the Will of D, and Joy Boy’s legacy intertwined in the books of Ohara, the reunion also signifies a turning point in the One Piece saga. Robin and Saul’s efforts to preserve the truth are bound to play a crucial role in the unfolding story, challenging the World Government’s centuries-long grip on power.
Conclusion: A Reunion Worth the Wait
The reunion of Nico Robin and Jaguar D. Saul was not just a meeting of two beloved characters; it was the culmination of years of struggle, sacrifice, and survival. It reminded fans of the core themes of One Piece: the importance of friendship, the value of knowledge, and the resilience of the human (and giant) spirit.
As Robin and Saul look toward the future, their bond serves as a testament to the unyielding spirit of Ohara and the promise that one day, the truth of the Void Century will be revealed. For fans, this long-awaited moment was worth every second of the 22-year wait.