We last saw Moria in chapter 925 invading Blackbeard’s fortress on Pirate Island, outraged at the apparent death of his subordinate Absalom. His recent reintroduction can only mean one of two things:
1-Moria dies and his devil fruit is stolen by Blackbeard.
2-Moria is set to join Wano War to confront Kaido.
Why would Oda reintroduce a character only to kill him off screen? In my opinion Moria reluctantly agrees to go in Wano. His goal will be to defeat Kaido first and then Blackbeard. In a sense, the same as for Luffy.
While Moria obviously hasn’t been friendly towards Luffy in the past, Luffy teamed up with former enemies several times throughout the series, and considering that Kaido was the one who ruined Moria’s entire life, I’d wager his hatred for Kaido outweighs his hatred for Luffy and he’d take delight in the opportunity to take Kaido down.
Nightmare Luffy was the reason Luffy was able to defeat Oars in Thriller Bark, and Luffy was unstoppable being filled with just the strength of the shadows of random pirates and marines who were captured on the island.
If Moria assists Luffy in defeating Kaido, imagine a Nightmare Luffy “2.0” that would not only potentially combine with Gear 4, but Luffy’s allies such as Law, Kid and the Nine Red Scabbards alongside the entire Straw Hat crew offering their shadows to assist Luffy and power him up.
It’s important to note just how many narrative elements of the current story saga were first introduced during Thriller Bark. Gecko Moria was introduced and we learn Kaido’s name for the first time. Samurai Ryuma and Shusui are introduced and we first hear about Wano Country, the Land of Samurai, in the New World. Charlotte Lola, Big Mom’s daughter, is introduced, and forms a bond with Nami, promising her mother will someday assist Nami on her voyage. We are also introduced to the ‘Continent-Puller’ Oars who bears a striking resemblance to Onigashima.
