One Piece’s Elbaph Arc Climax Finally Sets Up The Last Straw Hat Member

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The latest chapter of One Piece, Chapter 1183, will be released on May 24th, 2026, in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #26, after a two-week pause. Fans can expect the exciting climax of the Elbaph Arc to pick up quickly. With the introduction of Saint Nerona Imu in Chapter 1179 and the ongoing conflict between the World Government and the Pirate-Giant Alliance, it seems Eiichiro Oda is on track to conclude the arc this year and start a new story.

Now that this story arc is concluding, fans are wondering who will be the final member of the Straw Hat Pirates. Recent events in chapters 1180-1182 of the story, particularly those in Elbaph, strongly suggest that the answer is becoming clear. It now seems unlikely that Prince Loki will join the crew, making Princess Vivi of Arabasta the most probable candidate for the final spot.

Loki’s Comments In One Piece 1180 Confirm His Intention To Stay In Elbaph Long-Term

The recent battle between Luffy and Loki in One Piece chapter 1175, released on March 2, 2026, was a thrilling moment for fans. This fight had been foreshadowed since chapter 1138 (released February 3, 2025) in Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #10, where the Harley hinted at their eventual collaboration. For a long time, fans anticipated this team-up, and many believed Loki would be the perfect final member of the Straw Hat Pirates. The idea gained momentum when Luffy officially invited Loki to join the crew in chapter 1152. Although Loki initially refused, Luffy’s persistence fueled speculation that Loki was destined to become the last Straw Hat.

In chapter 1180, released on April 20, 2026, Loki revealed he wanted to remain on Elbaph. This surprised many fans who anticipated he would join the Straw Hat Pirates. However, considering the events of the last forty chapters in the Land of the Giants, his decision to stay makes sense.

“Here in the real world, you deal with me and my Elbaph!” — Loki to Imu, One Piece Chapter 1180

I noticed something really interesting when Loki met Imu – he explicitly told Imu that if he was looking for him, he’d only find him in Elbaph. It struck me that Loki seems determined to fulfill the role Harald intended for him: protecting that country, even though everyone there despises him. We saw this play out in chapters 1181 and 1182, where he was fighting to defend Elbaph, the very place that rejected him from the start. Honestly, it was a fantastic moment of character development – a real testament to Eiichiro Oda’s writing skill.

Why Elbaph Must Hold On To Loki Post-Imu War

Now that Loki has decided to remain in Elbaph, some fans may be upset, perhaps feeling misled after getting their hopes up. However, to fully appreciate Loki’s choices, it’s important to consider Elbaph’s role in the upcoming war.

In One Piece chapter 1146, a Holy Knight revealed that the Giants of Elbaph could be a major advantage in the upcoming battle, depending on which side they choose. Because of this, the fight for Elbaph – considered a warm-up for the larger Great War – is crucial. Securing the Giants’ support is essential for the country’s safety, and it’s been made clear that if Loki leaves, Elbaph will be vulnerable.

A massive global war is coming, and the Giants’ decision about which side to support will be crucial in determining who wins. — Gunko, One Piece Chapter 1146

After Loki, Dorry and Brogy are the strongest warriors this country has, but neither could defeat any of the top-level fighters on their own. The country is also currently lacking a king, and it won’t be able to thrive without one. Therefore, Loki’s choice to remain in Elbaph and rule, as he announced in chapter 1180, is the best course of action, even if it’s disappointing. Elbaph needs Loki’s leadership more than he needs to leave with Luffy and his crew, and he understands this, which is why he’s staying to govern the country.

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Nefertari Vivi Is The Only True Candidate For The Position Of The Final Straw Hat

Now that Loki’s involvement seems to be over, many fans believe One Piece Chapter 1130 strongly suggests who Eiichiro Oda intends to be the final member of the Straw Hat Pirates: Nefertari Vivi, the princess of Arabasta. Currently, Vivi is with Morgans and Wapol, and she’s used them to send a message to the Straw Hats. Oda revealed this message early in Chapter 1130, which appeared in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #47 on October 21, 2024.

Nico Robin noticed something strange while Luffy was transforming: a distinct ‘X’ appeared on his arm, which she found odd. She pointed out that while his hands looked blurry during the transformation, the ‘X’ mark was surprisingly sharp and clear.

It’s been a while, but the story threads Oda established remain crucial. Once the current battle is over, Luffy and the Straw Hats are expected to receive Vivi’s message, immediately setting up a mission to rescue her. However, once saved, Vivi won’t be safe anywhere, as Imu is now actively seeking her. This likely means her only refuge will be joining the Straw Hat Pirates, effectively making her the final member of the crew.

With the introduction of Rain God Zaza in chapter 1183, Vivi’s role in the story has become much more significant. She’s now the most likely character to gain the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Zaza Devil Fruit, which allows the user to become the Rain God and create rainfall. Considering Vivi is from a desert kingdom that desperately needs rain – a point emphasized during the Arabasta arc – this power would be a perfect fit for her.

As the pleas for rain rose and fell, a figure emerged: Rain God Zaza! — Saint Killingham, from One Piece chapter 1182.

Vivi is poised to become a major challenge for Imu in the story’s final arc, making her a fitting candidate to be the Rain God deity. Considering everything, her position as the final member of the Straw Hat crew feels ideal, and we’re excited to see how it unfolds.

You can read the newest One Piece manga chapters on Manga Plus and Viz Media.

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2026-05-20 04:35