One Piece: The Truth About Harald’s Death, Explained

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This post contains spoilers for One Piece.

The long-running flashback in One Piece is almost over. Originally, fans thought it would only explain the death of Harald, but it’s become much bigger, now also covering the events of God Valley, something creator Eiichiro Oda decided to add.

Things really shifted when Oda decided to fully explain what happened during that past event. He didn’t just show us who was in the Rocks Pirates, but also gave us key information about their leader, Davy D. Xebec. After finishing the story about God Valley, the focus then moved to Loki and his memories of Harald.

Harald Was Betrayed By Imu

  • Harald was tricked by Imu
  • Harald wanted Loki to stop him

When Harald learned about Xebec’s death, he was devastated and blamed himself for not being able to save him. Soon after, he immediately traveled to the Marine Headquarters to advocate for Elbaf to join the World Government. To demonstrate how serious he was, Harald broke his own horns. His dedication and strong feelings ultimately convinced the World Government’s leaders.

Imu planned to control Harald like a puppet, intending to use him to complete assignments for the World Government. Harald’s job was to eliminate pirates and other criminals. He quickly gained a reputation as a fearsome figure, striking fear into the hearts of criminals worldwide. This led to his recognition as a Holy Knight and the granting of the Shallows Covenant.

Image by Viz Media

Harald was happy with how things were going, so he kept working even without a clear goal. After ten years of service, he received the Depths Covenant, which gave him many new powers, but also made him completely controlled by Imu. Harald was initially thrilled with this advancement, but he quickly realized it was a terrible mistake. He discovered that Imu intended to use the Depths Covenant to make him a completely obedient slave.

Why Loki Had To Kill Harald

Loki’s Father Put Him In A Difficult Position

Throughout most of the story arc on Elbaf, the islanders believed Loki was responsible for their king’s death. But that wasn’t the truth. Imu actually wanted to use the king, Harald, so they ordered him to return to Elbaf and build a powerful fleet of Giants to challenge the Navy. Harald didn’t want to do it, but he was forced to obey because of a binding agreement called the Depths Covenant.

I realized Elbaf was in serious danger if Imu succeeded in their plans. That’s why I immediately called for Jarul, Loki, and Hajrudin. When Jarul and Loki arrived at Aurust Castle, they walked into a chaotic scene – soldiers were falling left and right. Knowing we didn’t have much time, I quickly told them everything: I’d been betrayed by Imu.

All that matters is Elabf’s future!!! —Harald

The King of Elbaf told Loki to eat a powerful, legendary Devil Fruit before the situation escalated. Loki agreed and tried to eat it, but Ragnir, the treasure’s protector, intervened. After a struggle, Loki managed to defeat Ragnir and eat the fruit. He then immediately went to confront Harald.

Loki Carried A Massive Burden On His Back

Loki demonstrated Conqueror’s Haki, confirming Harald’s belief that his son possessed a powerful form of this ability. Knowing he was running out of time, the king thanked Loki for the difficult task of ending his life. Despite Loki’s repeated expressions of hatred, Harald understood his son was in pain and simply responded, ‘I love you too.’

Learning the truth about what happened makes it hard not to feel sorry for Loki. He secretly carried the weight of having killed both his father and the king of Elbaf, and he kept it hidden to protect his father’s reputation, even if it meant being seen as a cruel person. With all the details of Harald’s past now revealed, the story is likely to wrap up this flashback soon and return to current events on Elbaf.

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2026-01-08 21:39