What Are Road Poneglyphs?
In the expansive world of One Piece, the Road Poneglyph stands as the most critical artifact for any pirate aspiring to reach the top. Unlike the blue Historical Poneglyphs that detail the Void Century or the instructional stones that provide clues to other locations, Road Poneglyphs are deep red in color. There are only four in existence. Each Road Poneglyph contains coordinates to a specific point on the map. When the locations of all four points are discovered and intersected, the center point reveals the hidden location of Laugh Tale, the final island of the Grand Line where the One Piece treasure is hidden. Understanding Road Poneglyphs locations is essential because the Log Pose cannot lead a traveler to the final destination; only these ancient stones can guide the way.
Zou's Poneglyph
The first Road Poneglyph encountered by the Straw Hat Pirates is located on the back of the massive elephant Zunesha, within the Mokomo Dukedom on Zou. Specifically, it is hidden inside the Whale Tree, guarded by the Minks and their leaders, Nekomamushi and Inuarashi. This stone has a deep historical connection to the Kouzuki Family of Wano, who were the original creators of the Poneglyphs. Because Zou is a moving island that does not show up on a standard Log Pose, this Road Poneglyph is naturally protected from the World Government and casual treasure hunters. It was here that Luffy and his crew first learned the true method of how to find Laughtale, shifting their journey from a linear path to a hunt for these four specific red stones.
Whole Cake Island
The second Road Poneglyph is in the possession of the Charlotte Family, led by the former Yonko, Big Mom. It is kept deep within the Treasure Repository of Whole Cake Chateau. During the Whole Cake Island Arc, Brook managed a legendary feat by infiltrating the room and successfully taking a rubbing of the stone while Big Mom was distracted. This stone was originally acquired by Big Mom decades ago. Interestingly, Gol D. Roger also obtained a copy of this specific Road Poneglyph by using his ability to hear the "Voice of All Things" to steal the information without a direct confrontation. For the Straw Hats, securing this rubbing was a major turning point in the race for the Pirate King title.
Wano's Poneglyph
The third Road Poneglyph was located in the Land of Wano, specifically hidden in the basement of the ruined castle on Onigashima, the stronghold of Kaido and the Beast Pirates. After the massive conflict during the Raid on Onigashima, the Straw Hat Pirates, along with Law and Kid, were able to access the stone. Following Kaido's defeat, it was revealed that the stone is now located in a secret chamber deep beneath the sea level of Old Wano, accessible through the basement of the Shogun's palace. As of the end of the Wano Arc, Luffy, Trafalgar Law, and Eustass Kid all possess rubbings of the Zou, Whole Cake Island, and Wano stones, making them the primary frontrunners in the race.
The Fourth Poneglyph
The location of the fourth and final Road Poneglyph remains the greatest mystery in the series. Historically, it was located in the Sea Forest of Fish-Man Island, right next to Joy Boy's apology Poneglyph. However, when the Straw Hats arrived at Fish-Man Island, it was gone. It is believed to have been moved roughly 25 years ago. Currently, rumors in the One Piece world point to a "man marked by flames" who sails on a pitch-black ship and possesses the final stone. Various theories suggest the final Road Poneglyph locations could be Elbaf, Fullalead (Pirate Island), or even under the protection of the Revolutionary Army or the World Government in Mary Geoise.
Current Status
As the story enters its final saga, the distribution of Poneglyph rubbings has changed significantly due to recent battles:
- Monkey D. Luffy: Currently possesses 3 out of 4 rubbings (Zou, Whole Cake, Wano).
- Blackbeard: Following his victory over Trafalgar Law at Winner Island, he likely possesses rubbings for Zou and Wano, and potentially Whole Cake Island via his crew's invasion of Totto Land.
- Shanks: After defeating Eustass Kid at Elbaf, Shanks claimed Kid's rubbings, giving him at least the Wano and Whole Cake Island coordinates.
- Buggy: While the Cross Guild does not currently have rubbings, Buggy has declared his intent to join the race for the treasure.
FAQ
How many Road Poneglyphs does Luffy have?
As of the current story, Luffy has rubbings of three Road Poneglyphs: the ones from Zou, Whole Cake Island, and Wano.
Who can read the Poneglyphs?
Nico Robin is the only known person currently capable of reading the ancient script. However, the Three-Eye Tribe (like Pudding) and those with the "Voice of All Things" may eventually decipher them.
Is the last Road Poneglyph in Elbaf?
While not confirmed, Elbaf is a highly suspected location for the final Road Poneglyph due to its ties to the scholars of Ohara and Jaguar D. Saul.
