One Piece: Oda Might Just Have Revealed A New Yonko

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This article contains spoilers from One Piece‘s Elbaf arc.

In the world of One Piece, the Yonko are incredibly powerful and influential pirates who essentially rule the New World. They’re so strong that even the Navy usually avoids direct conflict with them. Currently, the Yonko consist of Luffy, Buggy, Shanks, and Blackbeard. Luffy and Buggy are the newest members, having taken the place of Kaido and Big Mom after the events of the Wano War.

I’ve always been curious, like many fans, about who the original Yonko were. Specifically, since Shanks became one six years ago, someone powerful must have stepped down. It’s been a long-standing mystery, but it seems like Oda is finally giving us the answer in the Elbaf arc. Considering everything we’ve seen in the story, I believe the Yonko who held the title before Shanks was Loki, the Accursed Prince, and there’s a lot of evidence pointing to that.

Loki Could’ve Been A Yonko Over 6 Years Ago

Image by Viz Media

Loki is a remarkably strong character and the Prince of Elbaf, leading many fans to believe he could become one of the Yonko – the most powerful pirates in the world. However, understanding this possibility requires looking back at the origins of the Yonko title. The Yonko didn’t exist during the time of Gol D. Roger, as the concept of a ‘Great Pirate Era’ hadn’t yet emerged, and therefore, there was no need for such a title.

Before Red Haired Shanks, nobody was able to beat Loki! — Scopper Gaban

The period after the Great Pirate Era saw the rise of the Yonko – the four most powerful pirates. With Roger already deceased and Shiki imprisoned, Whitebeard, Big Mom, and Kaido emerged as the three strongest pirates. Silver Axe, known as Shiki’s rival, was likely the fourth.

Years later, Loki likely became one of the powerful Yonko. As the Prince of Elbaf, he possessed immense strength. After Harald’s death, Loki began his voyages and quickly gained notoriety for causing widespread destruction, mirroring the infamous Rocks pirates. The world saw him as a serious danger, and even Big Mom, one of the Yonko, believed forming an alliance with Loki would make her unbeatable.

Loki Has A Yonko Level Bounty

Image by Viz Media

A reward of 2.6 billion berries was offered for Loki’s capture. This is a significant amount, as even when Blackbeard achieved Yonko status, his bounty was only 2.247 billion berries. This puts Loki’s bounty firmly in the same league as the Yonko.

I am the Sun God who will destroy the whole world. — Loki

It’s important to remember that the title of ‘Yonko’ isn’t given by the World Government. Instead, it’s the people themselves who recognize the four most powerful and influential pirates as the Yonko. Loki gained a fearsome reputation 14 years ago, and with his overwhelming strength and the backing of Elbaf, he undoubtedly earned his place among them.

Shanks Became A Yonko After Beating Loki

Image by Toei Animation

The strongest argument for Loki once being a Yonko comes from Shanks. While Shanks was already a powerful figure, he only achieved Yonko status six years ago, after defeating and capturing Loki, taking him to Elbaf. This victory alone proves how feared and dangerous Loki was, as it propelled Shanks to Yonko level. Even Gaban stated Loki was unbeatable before Shanks’ victory. Considering Loki was a major threat, comparable to a national disaster, it’s logical he was considered a Yonko before Shanks rose to prominence.

The newest chapter of Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece, Chapter 1166, will be available in this week’s Weekly Shonen Jump. It officially releases on November 23, 2025. In Japan, it comes out at midnight on Monday, which translates to 11:00 AM Eastern Time or 8:00 AM Pacific Time. Fans can read it for free on Manga Plus and the Shonen Jump app.

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2025-11-25 00:36