During the latest One Piece episode, it was revealed that Vegapunk Stella had his memories erased a few weeks back. But why did he do that?

The latest One Piece Episode 1154 holds a very significant pivot in the narrative. On one hand, the Straw Hats are finally on their way to Elbaf Island, but on the other hand, Dr. Vegapunk died. However, the episode also revealed that before dying, Vegapunk Stella, along with Shaka and Pythagoras, decided to erase their memories. But why exactly?
Well, as revealed in the anime episode itself, Vegapunk did it to protect his plan of revealing all the knowledge he obtained to the whole world via a broadcasting message set to trigger upon his death. He knew the World Government would never allow it, so he took the drastic step.
Vegapunk Erasing His Memory Is Part of a Bigger Plan in One Piece

In the recent One Piece Episode 1154, a flashback of Dr. Vegapunk is shown, focusing on Stella, Shaka, and Pythagoras’ narrative. The three of them discovered that someone had stolen a part of the Mother Flame, which was only possible by a Vegapunk.
While the initial suspect was Lilith in Stella’s eyes, it was soon discovered that York was the real culprit, and she was secretly working with the World Government. York supplied information to the World Government regarding Stella’s forbidden research on the Void Century. Knowing the World Government would get him for it, Stella drew a contingency plan.
Stella, with the help of Shaka and Pythagoras, recorded a message that will be broadcast to the whole world upon his death, revealing everything he knew about the Void Century, Ancient Weapons, and other information. However, he had to ensure the broadcast would go live and nothing would hinder it. To do so, he, along with Shaka and Pythagoras, erased their own memories of the recent events.
This essentially ensured that York or the World Government would not be suspicious of them. Additionally, the broadcast will be triggered by Vegapunk’s death, and they could not do anything to stop it. However, Vegapunk did leave himself a written note, informing of a rough idea of the future events along with an insinuation of accepting death.
Which Vegapunks Are Now Alive in One Piece After Stella’s Death?

The Egghead Island Arc was a tragic turn of events for the Dr. Vegapunks in the series. With the latest and probably the most tragic death of Stella, the knowledge held by the Vegapunks is now just fragments of what it used to be, especially since many others have passed away as well.
After Stella’s death, only three of the Vegapunks are known to be alive- Lilith, Edison, and York. Lilith and Edison escaped the island alongside the Straw Hat Pirates, despite Edison being heavily damaged during the event. Lilith is essentially the last free Vegapunk that carries the legacy, with Edison to assist her.
Meanwhile, York, who was the traitor, is now in World Government custody. However, the only reason the World Government is choosing to keep her alive is that she is the only person who can still produce the Mother Flame, making her extremely valuable. During the turn of events on Egghead Island, a total of four Vegapunks lost their lives.
Stella was the latest one to be deceased, and the others include Shaka, who was killed by York, Pythagoras, who was destroyed during the chaos, and Atlas, who sacrificed herself to ensure the Straw Hats’ escape:
- Stella- Killed by Kizaru
- Lilith- Still alive and escaped with the Straw Hats
- Edison- Alive and escaped alongside Lilith
- York- Alive and in the World Government Custody
- Shaka- Killed by York
- Pythagoras- Destroyed during the chaos
- Atlas- Sacrificed herself so that the Straw Hats could escape
Here are a few pieces of information about the One Piece anime series:
| TITLE | One Piece |
| STUDIO | Toei Animation |
| GENRE | Shonen, Action, Fantasy, Adventure |
| RELEASE DATE | October 20, 1999 |
| IMDb RATING | 9/10 |
| MAL RATING | 8.73 |
| WHERE TO WATCH | Crunchyroll, Netflix |
Do you think Stella’s plan to erase their memory was necessary? Let us know your opinions in the comments below.
All episodes of One Piece are currently available to stream on Crunchyroll and Netflix.