Raftel originally a happy place?
This is my speculation on the original plan for Raftel, not how it might be in the future.
Initial Idea
When Crocus 1st mentioned the name Rafuteru, i didnt see the name Raftel, instead, i would be reminded of the word – Laughter.
We know the Japanese wouldnt spell English words as how they should properly be, but more of how English words “sound”.
Raftel in Japanese is ラフテル
pronounced Rafuteru
which to me, for the very 1st time, before even seeing the name “Raftel” would think it translates to “Laugh-ter”.
those familiar with Japanese translation would know the “R and L rule” e.g. this name –
モンキー・D・ルフィ
is pronounced Monki Di Rufi
officially spelled as Luffy
so even though RAFTEL is the official spelling, i speculate during conceptualization of the island, maybe Oda was thinking of the word LAUGHTER.
To me, the main ideology of One Piece, being in a shonen manga magazine, is primarily a manga about fun exploration and adventure. So i believed when he started at that time, when Oda was at his creative pureness, wanted Raftel, the final island of the StrawHats’ or actually the main character, Luffy’s journey, to be the ultimate fun destination.
So how would Raftel the Island of Laughs be?
Possibly a still populated island (can be a sky-island) that features the cultures and science of the AK, which were constructed on the basis for the enjoyment of life as the last free spirited civilisation. Generally, a happy place.
I also believe Raftel is where One Piece is finally found. Roger’s words – ” That’s where i left it!” must still be applicable.
However, there’s still much work to be done after touching down at Raftel, after finding out what One Piece is, before the completion of the StrawHats’ individual dreams. Many other speculations and theories have these dreams covered;
eg Reverse Mountain needs to be blown away to connect the 4 seas to form All-Blue (Sanji’s Dream)
Current
Over the years we have experienced more serious arcs and complex plot twists in the manga to signify the maturity of Oda as a story teller as well as to cater to his longtime readers growing up from teenagers into thinking adults.
So in referrence to the current story development, Raftel could be massively different from his initial idea.
Thanks for reading this!
*Theory by Kurisu