One Piece Theory: Zunesha Was Punished by the Kozuki Clan During the Void Century Zunesha's link with Momonosuke reveals that it has a history with the Kozuki Clan dating back to the Void Century.
One Piece's never-ending mysteries often keep fans guessing about the most likely result. Zunesha is yet another enigma in the series who appears to be connected to Joy Boy, an important character believed to have lived during the Void Century. Zunesha is powerless against Jack's unrelenting pursuit in the "Zou" storyline and begs someone to order it to fight. By destroying Zunesha, the Beast Pirates aim to exterminate the Mink tribe and the 1,000-year-old civilization. Jack not only destroys the entire kingdom, but he returns to slay Zunesha and vanish the Mink tribe.
What's more, despite her enormous size, Zunesha makes no effort against the invaders. It claims that it was punished for a heinous act and has been unable to do anything but wander for ages. Only Luffy and Momonosuke, who have the same abilities as Pirate King Roger and Kozuki Oden, can hear its voice. Zunesha counterattacks after gaining permission from Momonosuke and defeats Jack once and for all. This entire incident, as well as the events that follow, imply that Zunesha's punishment and the Kozuki Clan must be linked in some way.
So far, what do fans know about Zunesha?
Zunesha is a Naitamie-Norida elephant, a kind of massive elephant whose legs extend all the way to the ocean floor, allowing her to stroll in the middle of the ocean. So far, Zunesha is the only animal from this species to appear in the series. They have two knee joints in addition to their unusually long legs. Zunesha has extraordinary vision, letting it observe distant objects and locations with great clarity. Zunesha's eyes are comparatively tiny, with turquoise-ringed irises, in contrast to his unusual skill. The elephant's depressed sockets obscure the irises, but the similarities between its eyes and those of Mihawk and Imu are striking.
Additionally, because to her advanced age, Zunesha's skin is wrinkled and frail, allowing Jack to inflict harm on his legs with cannons. It is unknown whether this species is eternal, but one thing is certain: these elephants live for well over 1,000 years. Zunesha has been carrying the Mink Tribe for over a decade. Thus far, it is the series' oldest living organism, having a lifespan that predates even the Void Century.
Zunesha stands almost 35 kilometers tall, making her the series' tallest character. Zunesha has been roaming the sea for an unknown crime it committed in the past, unable to do anything but walk until specifically authorized to do so. In the "Zou" storyline, after obtaining Momonosuke's consent to battle, Zunesha effortlessly destroys Jack's fleet by swinging its massive trunk. Dr. Miyagi of the Mink Tribe expresses his wish to question Zunesha about its objective, assuming that the latter has been wandering for generations with a specific destination in mind.
It can also speak telepathically with people who have the "Voice of All Things." The extent of the telepathy is unclear, but given how Zunesha communicates with Momonosuke in the "Wano Country" arc, it must be rather extensive. Momonosuke allegedly said that during the Void Century, Zunesha was Joy Boy's companion. Zunesha still recalls Joy Boy and displays wistful thoughts whenever Luffy's Devil Fruit is awakened.
Why does this theory appear to be plausible?
Luffy and Momonosuke also hear Zunesha's voice for the first time during Jack's onslaught. Zunesha's plea for permission to fight implies that it doesn't matter who provides permission, as long as it is granted. Only Momonosuke tells Zunesha to fight back, while Luffy is still trying to figure out what is going on. In addition, Zunesha arrives at Wano to assist the Kozuki clan but is met by a vast fleet of Marine battleships. Then, through the Voice of All Things, Zunesha talks with Momonosuke, requesting permission to fight for his cause and open the frontiers of Wano.
Zunesha heralds Joy Boy's return and confirms the former's fate as a "Warrior of Liberation" upon Luffy's Devil Fruit Awakening. Following Kaido's loss, Zunesha and Momonosuke discuss Wano once again, with the young shogun predicting that now is not the time to open Wano's frontiers. Zunesha accepts Momonosuke's choice and departs Wano, disappearing into the mist. All of these circumstances may appear to be coincidences on their own, but Oda has a reputation for never presenting anything redundant. The fact that Zunesha is willing to go to such lengths for the benefit of the Kozuki clan shows that the two have a history.
Nevertheless, despite being sentenced to eternal punishment, Zunesha exhibits no hatred against the one who convicted it; rather, it blames itself for its transgressions. Luffy and Momonosuke are the only two characters here who have heard Zunesha's voice. Yet, the fact that only Momonosuke and Zunesha share such a relationship is remarkable, given that Luffy has very no interaction with the elephant despite his ability to communicate with it. The fact that Luffy does not command Zunesha to fight implies that there is more to this than meets the eye. Despite the fact that Zunesha sees Joy Boy in Luffy and has complete trust in him, the two have yet to interact in the series.
Given the historical links, Zunesha is quite likely to serve its sentence under the command of someone in the Kozuki Clan – especially, the clan's leader.
Nonetheless, the fact that Zunesha has been walking somewhere is a mystery because the destination is unclear. The Kozuki Clan is shrouded in mystery and is thought to have played a significant part in the Void Century.
It's also likely that the Kozuki Clan from over 800 years ago predicted a great event would occur in the distant future, leaving behind Poneglyphs as clues to the past. Toki is likewise so fascinated with the far future that she goes through time to see the ostensibly important event. As a result, if the Kozuki Clan is indeed behind Zunesha's punishment, it is all the more likely that the giant elephant has a destination and a future purpose.
