One Piece: Oda Has Already Set Up A Tragic Fate For Luffy At The End Of Elbaf

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This article contains spoilers from One Piece’s Elbaf Arc.

One Piece fans are really excited about how the Elbaf arc is developing, and it’s already shaping up to be amazing. Currently, the story is focusing on Loki’s past, which has been fantastic. Everyone also anticipates that the battles coming after this flashback will be incredible.

Fans of *One Piece* are eagerly anticipating the next chapter as the Straw Hat Pirates resume their journey, this time facing off against the Holy Knights and the world’s ruler, Saint Imu Nerona. While unexpected, it appears a battle between Luffy and Imu is coming soon, and it’s likely to be Luffy’s biggest challenge yet. Despite Luffy’s strength as one of the most powerful pirates, confronting the ultimate enemy so early puts him in a vulnerable position. Many believe the author, Oda, is hinting at a heartbreaking outcome for Luffy in Elbaf, and fans won’t have to wait long to find out.

Luffy Could Lose Vs Imu In Elbaf

Imu Is One Piece’s Final Villain

  • It’s too soon for Luffy to beat Imu
  • Luffy could finally be captured in One Piece

Most fans now believe the central conflict of the Elbaf arc will be a fight between Luffy and Imu. While the Holy Knights are present in Elbaf, Imu is considered the primary antagonist. The key players in this arc will likely be Luffy, Loki, Zoro, Sanji, and Hajrudin, and there are plenty of opponents for them, including Sommers, Killingham, Dorry, Brogy, and Gunko. It appears the author, Oda, plans to create individual matchups between these characters.

Allow Mu to show thee the dominance of a God! — Imu in Elbaf

It’s highly probable that Oda will have Luffy face off against Imu, and if that happens, it will be an incredibly tough fight. While Luffy is undeniably strong and should be able to compete with Imu, it’s unlikely he’ll actually win so early in the Final Saga.

Okay, let’s be real – Imu is absolutely dominating right now, and I don’t see anyone taking him down anytime soon. It’s just too early in the story for him to be defeated. Honestly, I think the only way this fight can go is with some kind of interruption, or – and it’s tough to say – a loss for Luffy. While it’s possible Imu might not be able to fully use Gunko’s power, I’m actually hoping for a Luffy defeat! It would be a much more interesting twist, in my opinion.

Luffy, having sensed the immense power of Saint Imu, silenced Chopper with a wave of his hand, saying, “No need to say anything, I get it now.”

Luffy’s Vivre Card Could Come Into Play

Luffy’s Capture Could Trigger The Greatest War

A major reason Luffy might face defeat in Elbaf is that it would allow the author, Oda, to utilize a storyline element he established during the Dressrosa arc. Back then, a special card linked to Luffy, called a Vivre Card, was created, and pieces were distributed to members of his Grand Fleet, as well as to allies like Bellamy and Sabo. They each hold a piece, hoping to find Luffy if he ever needs help. Oda has already hinted that the Grand Fleet will be involved in a significant future event. The Vivre Card will only activate if Luffy’s life is threatened, causing it to burn. This suggests Luffy would need to lose a battle – potentially in Elbaf – for this to happen.

If this were to occur, it would kick off what could be the biggest rescue mission in *One Piece*, reminiscent of the Marineford arc before the time skip. This time, Luffy would be the one captured, and his crew – the Straw Hat Pirates – would team up with their allies, the Grand Fleet and the Revolutionary Army, to save him.

The newest chapter of One Piece, Chapter 1161, will be released this week, following the usual Sunday schedule. While it becomes available in Japan at midnight on Monday, most fans around the world will be able to read it on September 28, 2025. You can read the chapter for free on Manga Plus.

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2025-09-25 15:34