Is Scopper Gaban the Man with the Burnt Scar in One Piece?

One Piece fans love a good mystery, and right now, one of the biggest questions in the series is: Who is the Man Marked by Flames, aka “Firescar”? Some new emerging theories point to Scopper Gaban, the legendary left-hand man of Gol D. Roger. But does he really fit the bill? Let’s break it down.

Who is the Man Marked by Flames?

First introduced in the Wano arc, the Man Marked by Flames is rumored to possess the missing fourth Road Poneglyph. The Blackbeard Pirates describe him as someone who sails on a pitch-black ship and sinks any vessel that gets too close—often using mysterious ocean vortexes.

Shiryu even speculates that he might be working for the World Government, as hiding the final Road Poneglyph would prevent anyone from reaching Laugh Tale and claiming the One Piece.

Why People Think It’s Scopper Gaban

Scopper Gaban has been one of the most enigmatic figures in One Piece for years. As Roger’s left-hand man, he was present at Laugh Tale, meaning he knows the truth about the One Piece. That alone makes him a prime candidate for Firescar.

But the biggest clue? His actual scar. In Chapter 1139, when Gaban finally made his first real appearance in Elbaf, fans noticed a burn-like scar on his forehead. That’s a major connection to the “Man Marked by Flames” title.

The Problems with This Theory

While the scar checks out, other details don’t line up perfectly. Firescar is said to sail on a pitch-black ship, but Gaban has been living in Elbaf for decades. The mysterious man supposedly creates ocean vortexes—something that, so far, Gaban has never been seen doing.

Firescar’s connection to the World Government is unclear, while Gaban was a known pirate with Roger. Could Gaban still be the guy? Maybe, but there are some serious red flags.

Other Possible Candidates

If Gaban isn’t Firescar, who else could it be? Some other contenders include Jaguar D. Saul, who has burn scars from being frozen and thawed by Kuzan and is alive, hiding in Elbaf. Another possibility is a completely new character, as Oda loves introducing new, powerful figures late in the story.

There’s also a chance Firescar is someone tied to the Government. If he really is protecting the last Road Poneglyph for them, he might be a secret Marine or CP0 agent.

So, Is Gaban Firescar or Not?

Right now, it’s possible—but not guaranteed. Gaban’s scar is a strong hint, but the lack of a black ship and the vortex power make his case shaky. There’s always a chance Oda is using misdirection to keep us guessing.

At the end of the day, whether Gaban is Firescar or not, his return to the story is HUGE. He’s one of the last remaining Roger Pirates who can give us insight into what happened at Laugh Tale. And if he does hold the final Road Poneglyph, Luffy’s path to becoming the Pirate King just got a whole lot more interesting.

About One Piece

One Piece is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda. It has been serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine since July 22, 1997.

The man who had acquired everything in this world, the Pirate King, is Gol D. Roger. The final words he said at the execution tower were “My treasures? If you want it, I’ll let you have it. Look for it; I left all of it at that place.” These words sent many to the seas, chasing their dreams, headed toward the Grand Line, in search of One Piece. Thus began a new age!

Seeking to be the greatest pirate in the world, young Monkey D. Luffy also heads toward the Grand Line in search of One Piece. His diverse crew is joining him along the way, consisting of a swordsman, marksman, navigator, cook, doctor, archaeologist, and cyborg-shipwright, this will be one memorable adventure.