One Piece Is Finally Setting Up Armament Haki For A Straw Hat

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I remember when One Piece finally clarified what Haki was all about – it was back in chapter 597, released on August 30th, 2010, in Weekly Shonen Jump issue #39. It’s been over 16 years since then, and it’s a little surprising that only four members of the Straw Hat Pirates have been confirmed to use Armament Haki. Considering they’re now a powerful Emperor crew in the New World, you’d expect more! But things are changing. We’re getting close to the end of the Elbaph arc, with chapter 1183 expected around May 24th, 2026, and it looks like Eiichiro Oda is finally preparing some serious power-ups for the crew. It seems like Cyborg Franky is in line for a significant boost to his Armament Haki.

One Piece Teased Subconscious Haki Usage For Cyborg Franky In Chapter 1119

Franky is a key member of the Straw Hat Pirates, officially joining the crew in chapter 437, which was published on December 11, 2006. He’s the shipwright and has become much more powerful since then, particularly during the timeskip when he underwent extensive self-modification using technology from Karakuri Island. As a cyborg, Franky is already incredibly strong, but with the Straw Hat Pirates now recognized as one of the great powers, it’s crucial that all crew members develop Haki to enhance their abilities.

All of the major pirate crews in One Piece – like the Red Hair Pirates, Big Mom Pirates, Blackbeard Pirates, Beast Pirates, and Whitebeard Pirates – have several members who can use Haki. The Straw Hat Pirates, however, have fewer Haki users, with only four confirmed members who can use Armament Haki. Recently, the author, Eiichiro Oda, hinted that Cyborg Franky might also develop this ability during the climax of the Egghead Arc. In chapter 1119 of the manga, published on July 1, 2024, Luffy asked Franky to unleash a strong attack. Luffy planned to absorb the energy from the attack and redirect it towards Mars. This involved a combined effort from Jewelry Bonney, Sanji, Franky, and Luffy. Luffy specifically mentioned that all three supporting members used powerful Haki, and he was able to successfully channel that energy towards Mars, effectively blasting him away from Egghead.

Bonney: What?? We’re hurting him?

Sanji: Keep the pressure on, Bonney!

Franky: Push him like they’re trying to squeeze the life out of his lungs

Luffy: Of course it’s gonna hurt! You guys are all using Haki!!

— Exchange between Luffy, Bonney, Franky, and Sanji in One Piece Chapter #1119

Franky suddenly using Haki was a surprise to many One Piece fans, including myself, as it hadn’t been hinted at before. It was a welcome development, though, because a common criticism of the series is that characters outside of Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji don’t get enough power-ups. It was great to see the author, Eiichiro Oda, acknowledge this weakness and start to fix it. Now, as the story progresses into the Elbaf Arc, Franky has a real chance to strengthen his Armament Haki and become a more powerful pirate.

Seriously, Nami, are you really trying to run from the Emperor of the Sea? Do you want to help Luffy become Pirate King, or not? — Franky, One Piece Chapter #989

Why Elbaph Arc’s Climax With Chapter 1183 Could Set Up A Franky Battle

The next chapter of One Piece, chapter 1183, will be released in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #26 on May 24, 2026. This chapter promises major developments as the Straw Hat crew faces off against the World Government, including Nerona Imu and the Holy Knights, on Elbaph. The groundwork for intense battles was laid two weeks ago, with Luffy and Loki preparing to fight Nerona Imu, while Zoro and Sanji will battle Super Sommers and Super Killingham, respectively.

Zoro: Hey, get the job done right!

Sanji: Right back at you!!

— Zoro and Sanji exchange, One Piece Chapter #1182

The main characters are facing tough battles, but the rest of the Straw Hat crew also have their hands full dealing with the strengthened MMAs of Killingham, who has been empowered by Nerona Imu. This renewed conflict could be the perfect opportunity for Franky to consciously use Armament Haki – a power he briefly accessed before in chapter 1119. Using Haki again during the peak of the Elbaf battle against the MMA Army would greatly increase his strength and allow him to fight at his best.

Franky’s Overall Power Level With New Vega Cola And Armament Haki

As a long-time Franky fan – seriously, I’ve been with him since Water 7! – I was absolutely thrilled to see him officially take down Sasaki in Wano, back in Chapter 1019! Beating one of Kaido’s top guys, a Tobi Roppo member no less, is a huge deal. It basically solidifies Franky’s place among the strongest fighters in the world, putting him right up there with the Yonko commanders. And with his recent upgrade? I think he’s got the potential to go even further! We’re talking about a Franky who could potentially trade blows with heavy hitters like Jack the Drought or Charlotte Cracker, and maybe even hold his own against powerhouses like King and Katakuri. It’s incredibly exciting to think about what he’s capable of now!

In the Egghead arc of the manga, specifically chapter 1176 released on March 9, 2026, creator Eiichiro Oda introduced a significant power boost for Franky. Vegapunk demonstrated a method for Franky to convert natural heat into Super Vega Cola, which dramatically increased his strength, bringing it to a level comparable to Jinbei’s.

Okay, so listen up, Franky! I’m Vegapunk Lilith, and honestly, seeing how incredibly engineered you are – seriously, you’re on par with a Pacifista! – it shocked me to find out you’re still running on just cola! I mean, Franky, fuel isn’t just about what you drink, it’s about passion! Try out my Super Vega Cola, and I’m telling you, your power is going to go absolutely through the roof! It’s a game changer!

If Franky gains both Super Vega Cola and masters Armament Haki, his strength would likely reach the level of powerful commanders like Queen, Smoothie, Katakuri, and King. He’s expected to become even more formidable as he combines his Haki skills with his scientific knowledge, making him one of the strongest fighters around. This increase in power, potentially during the climax of the Elbaf arc and beyond, would address long-standing fan concerns about the Straw Hats not being powerful enough. With major battles against high-ranking World Government officials coming up, a significant power boost for Franky seems very likely.

You can read the latest One Piece manga chapters by Eiichiro Oda on Viz Media and Manga Plus.

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2026-05-24 04:35