@JoyBoyTheories@killerboss20001 The revelation that they were one of the 20 comes so much later. Cobra was loved by the people. A lie was concocted so the people rejected him. Luffy revealed the lie and the people *choose* to reinstate him. As seen though Koza. The people have power.
@JoyBoyTheories One Piece has heavy theming on bloodline not controlling your fate. “Being born isn’t a crime.” Your choices matter. Celestial dragons choose to participate in systematic oppression. A choice that is only granted to a few but a choice that can be rejected.
@JoyBoyTheories Anyone who rejects being a celestial dragon, as the Nefertari family did, is no longer a celestial dragon by their own rules. We see this process more explicitly with Homing.
Cobra ruled with the consent of his people until they were tricked. Luffy exposed the lie.
@JoyBoyTheories Fundamentally the conflict between Luffy and Blackbeard is one about selfish ambition and selfish dreams vs dreams that lift others up and seek to create equality for all. Not all dreams are equal and we see what Oda has a preference for.