One Piece Reveals New Straw Hat Backstory, But It’s Not Zoro’s

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Following a two-week pause, Chapter 1183 of One Piece was released on May 24, 2026, in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #26. The chapter focused on the ongoing, massive fight between Loki and Ragnir against Nerona Imu on Elbaph. It also explored the backstory of Dead Bones Brook, a key member of the Straw Hat Pirates.

I remember when the connection between Brook and Gunko was first shown in chapter 1149 of One Piece – it felt like Eiichiro Oda was setting something big up for the future, maybe about a year down the line. Now, almost a year later, I’m really glad to see him finally diving into that backstory right in the middle of the Elbaf arc. It’s been incredibly exciting to watch unfold!

One Piece Chapter 1183 Started The Backstory Of Brook 70 Years Before The Events of Elbaf

Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #26 carried One Piece Chapter 1183, and its most significant part was most certainly where Brook’s backstory started being explored. Brook’s first backstory was revealed by the author in the Thriller Bark Arc, specifically in chapter 487, which was released in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump issue #10 in February 2008. Very few Straw Hats go on to get more than one backstory, and not even Zoro has received this level of care from the author. Sanji and Luffy are the only ones in the series to have received this honor so far. Now, Brook is getting his own second flashback, and, needless to say, it has already proven to be exciting. Brook’s flashback takes us back to the Esperia Kingdom, the land of instrument makers, which was once a remote kingdom in the West Blue.

Brook reminisced about his childhood in a faraway land called Esperia, a country that has since disappeared. He described it as a vibrant place filled with music and artisans who skillfully made all sorts of instruments. He and she were both young at the time, a long, long time ago.

The kingdom first appeared in chapter 489 of One Piece, when Brook became a member of the Straw Hat Pirates on February 25, 2008. Now, after 18 years, it’s finally being explored in a recent flashback, which is exciting for me and countless other One Piece fans globally.

Brook’s first back story in One Piece takes us back 50 years ago, where his time with the Rumbar Pirates is explored. The second back story, which began in One Piece Chapter 1183, is set 70 years in the past and is set in the Esperia Kingdom, known to be a very special place for music, where instruments are made and music holds utmost importance. While Brook is primarily known as a musician right now, back then, his role was slightly different. Instead of being just a musician, Brook was actually a leader of the battle convoy, specifically the ‘Raider Squad,’ and one of the strongest people on the island. His music was largely hated due to how early he woke everyone up daily and how loud he played, which most certainly amused me because we have, over the years, witnessed him deliver songs of immense quality.

Brook’s Role As The Leader Of The Battle Convoy In Esperia

Chapter 1183 of One Piece showed us just how powerful Brook was over 70 years ago. While his appearance was different then, his strength was clearly impressive. His signature move, Hanauta Sancho: Yahazugiri – first seen in Chapter 455 – was incredibly effective. When the kingdom was attacked by enemies trying to kidnap Lady Candelle, Brook swiftly defeated them all. The chapter emphasized the unique ability of his technique: enemies were cut without even realizing they’d been hit, demonstrating the sheer power Brook possessed at that time.

I told my captain everything would be alright. She’s incredibly resilient, and no one could ever take her down! Honestly, I’m surprised it took them this long to realize what had happened. Before the ship even left the harbor, I’d already taken care of everyone – I’d cut them all down.

This flashback did a great job of showing the relationship between Brook and both Princess Shuri and her mother, Candelle – something I was really hoping to see. This connection is crucial because it explains why Imu is so fixated on women with blue hair, and why Gunko specifically serves him in Marijoa. We, as One Piece fans, are finally getting answers to these mysteries, and it’s clear this backstory will be very important in the upcoming war.

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Brook’s Second Backstory Explains His Connection To Shuri And Candelle

In One Piece chapter 1049, published on May 16, 2022, Eiichiro Oda revealed details of Brook’s history with Princess Shuri, showing him as her caretaker. Chapter 1183 further developed this relationship, depicting Brook training and raising Shuri like a daughter. Their connection stemmed from Brook’s bond with Shuri’s mother, Lady Candelle.

Princess Shuri exclaimed to Brook, “I really pushed myself today! Do you think I’ve gotten any stronger? I’m just like Mama!” (One Piece, chapter 1183)

Candelle isn’t a major character and only appeared briefly in One Piece chapter 1183, attending an opera. However, it’s clear Eiichiro Oda intends to present her as both incredibly beautiful and powerfully strong. She was renowned for her beauty, attracting marriage proposals from people around the world, but she was also a skilled fighter, wielding a blade as shown in the latest chapter. Her abilities were comparable to Brook’s, both in combat and musical talent. In fact, Brook himself acknowledged Candelle’s strength and ability to handle any opposition. While her musical style was the opposite of his, both Candelle and Brook were the biggest stars in Esperia.

Seventy years in the past, the Kingdom of Esperia was home to two remarkable figures. There was Candelle, who was once a battle convoy captain and now serves as the Queen. And then there was Humming Brook, a somewhat disliked musician, but a deadly swordsman known for his incredibly fast attacks that left opponents unaware they’d been cut – he led the Raider Squad. — Narrator, One Piece Chapter 1183

Lady Candelle has clearly captured Brook’s heart, and his infatuation with her is obvious, even though she’s married. Chapter 1183 of One Piece really deepened Brook’s character, making him feel more human. We’re likely to learn more about Brook’s past in future chapters, and it promises to be fascinating. The story seems set to explore the backstories of Lady Candelle, Princess Shuri, and Brook in the coming chapters. I’m really excited to see how Eiichiro Oda handles this, especially considering how well he developed Sanji’s past and the histories of characters like Jewelry Bonney.

You can now read the newest One Piece chapters, created by Eiichiro Oda, on Viz Media and Manga Plus.

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2026-05-26 00:39