Eiichiro Oda Sets Up The Death Of The Strongest Character In The World In One Piece

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This article contains spoilers from the Elbaf arc of One Piece.

The manga One Piece is building to a thrilling climax, and the latest chapter, 1168, signals the end of its long-running flashback arc. Many fans didn’t expect this particular storyline to last as long as it has.

The end for a major character is near, and it looks like the strongest fighter in the world of One Piece will soon meet his end after 14 years. Many fans agree that King Harald is currently the most powerful character, excluding Imu, who has lived for a thousand years. Even compared to the Five Elders, Harald’s strength is unmatched among mortals. Eiichiro Oda, the author, is planning to reveal Harald’s death in the next few chapters of the manga.

King Harald Is About To Die In One Piece

Image by Viz Media

King Harald was revealed to have died 14 years ago in the One Piece story, a fact first shown at the start of the Elbaf Arc. At the time, fans didn’t know much about him or how he died. The current flashback arc focusing on Elbaf has shared a lot of details about Harald, including his beliefs and a dangerous deal he made. Ultimately, Harald’s trusting nature led to his demise after he entered into the Deep Sea Pact with Imu.

Let me introduce you to my son, Shanks. He’s Shamrock’s little brother. Once he masters the Deep Sea Pact, he’ll be just as valuable to us as Shamrock is. — Garling Figarland speaking to Harald during the Elbaf Arc

The agreement gave Imu immense power and effectively made Harald immortal, but more importantly, it put Harald completely under Imu’s control. As shown in One Piece chapter 1168, Imu intended to use Harald’s connection to the Giants to build a formidable army. When Harald refused, Imu took control and attempted to force the issue.

This explains why Harald will die in the flashback sequence. We already know that Jarul and Loki were summoned to Elbaf’s Aurust Castle right before King Harald’s death, and that’s when he ultimately died. Loki was revealed to be the one who killed Harald, but there’s clearly more to the story behind his death.

Harald Was Made Stronger By Imu Using The Deep Sea Pact

Killing Harald will be incredibly difficult, even for someone as powerful as Loki. Forty years ago, Harald was already as strong as Rocks in the world of One Piece, and he’s only gotten more powerful since then. He made a deal with Imu, which significantly increased his strength – Harald himself confirmed this. Not only did he become stronger overall, but he also gained immortality. These two abilities combined mean Harald is now even more powerful than Rocks was.

Fourteen years ago, a fierce battle took place at Aurust Castle between King Harald and Loki. These scars are remnants of that fight. While Loki was a powerful opponent, King Harald was a renowned and skilled warrior. Sadly, the extent of the damage suggests the outcome was unavoidable. Only two people remained after the battle: Chief Jarul and Loki. — Rodo, recounting the Battle of Aurust Castle

Considering his power, it doesn’t make sense that he would lose to Loki, especially since Loki hadn’t reached his full potential yet. Elder Jarul might be a key figure in what happens next. While Loki will definitely play a big role in King Harald’s death, it’s important to remember that other characters will also be involved.

Loki Will Kill The Strongest Character In The World 14 Years Ago

Although Loki will officially be recorded as the one who defeats Harald, Jarul will also be at the battle and will almost certainly fight with Loki.

Oda revealed that Shanks and Scopper Gaban raced to Aurust Castle on the day King Harald died. They both felt an incredibly strong Haki emanating from the castle and headed there right away.

No one knew what had happened to Harald, or that Imu was actually pulling his strings. Despite this, it seems they probably assisted Loki in killing his father. Loki, however, likely accepted responsibility and deeply regretted his actions, highlighting his bravery and selflessness.

Interestingly, this is the location where Loki famously consumed his Devil Fruit. Fans are eagerly anticipating discovering the full extent of Loki’s abilities, and the story will soon become even more thrilling. As the Elbaf flashback in One Piece concludes, the narrative will return to the present, setting the stage for an epic confrontation between Luffy and Imu, along with the Holy Knights.

Eiichiro Oda’s popular manga, One Piece, follows Monkey D. Luffy and his crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, on their adventure to find the legendary treasure, the One Piece. The story is currently in its final arc. A new chapter, number 1168, will be released in this week’s Weekly Shonen Jump on December 7, 2025. In Japan, it will be available at midnight on Monday (11:00 AM EST / 8:00 AM PT). Fans can read the chapter for free on Manga Plus and the Shonen Jump app, which directly supports the creator.

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2025-12-06 15:34