One Piece’s Elbaph Arc Is Officially Giving Haki Power Ups To The Straw Hats

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I’m watching the Elbaph Arc in One Piece reach its peak! Things really kicked off in Chapter 1179 when Saint Nerona Imu actually showed up, and now the Holy Knights are fully engaged. Eiichiro Oda’s editor confirmed in Chapter 1181 that the battle for Elbaph is officially underway, and it’s a fight against what seems to be the strongest power in the world, led by the King himself. It’s going to be a huge challenge for the Straw Hats, and they’ll definitely need to get much stronger to have a chance.

Eiichiro Oda is planning significant power boosts for certain members of the Straw Hat Pirates during the upcoming Elbaph Arc. These improvements, likely involving Haki abilities, will come in the later chapters of the arc as the story progresses. Once they gain these new skills, the Straw Hats will become incredibly powerful, potentially reaching a level comparable to the most formidable pirate crews like the Red Hair Pirates (led by Shanks) and the Blackbeard Pirates (led by Marshall D. Teach).

One Piece Chapters 1152 And 1180 Officially Set Up Major Haki Power Ups For Two Straw Hats

Eiichiro Oda, the author of One Piece, has established significant power increases for two key members of the Straw Hat Pirates, referred to as the “Wings of the Pirate King.” This development coincides with the introduction of the Holy Knights to the story. In chapter 1152 of One Piece, released in Weekly Shonen Jump Issue 30 on June 23, 2025, Oda confirmed through the character Scopper Gaban that the only way to defeat the Holy Knights is by imbuing weapons with the Color of the Supreme King, also known as Conqueror’s Haki.

Gaban explained that the Holy Knights aren’t invincible and can only be permanently defeated using Conqueror’s Haki. He noted that Zoro has awakened this ability but hasn’t learned to control it yet, something he needs to work on. Interestingly, the author, Eiichiro Oda, deliberately kept Sanji’s potential for using Conqueror’s Haki a mystery in the same chapter.

So, it appears multiple people possess Supreme King Haki. You, the swordsman, especially seem comfortable using it!

Chapter 1181 of One Piece continues to build up the Straw Hat Pirates’ power, hinting at significant Haki upgrades for Zoro and Sanji. This comes after the reappearance of Sommers and Killingham – key antagonists from the Elbaph Arc – who were directly empowered by the World King, Imu, in Chapter 1179 (released April 6, 2026, in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump). Imu granted them the power of Omen, greatly increasing their strength and allowing them to resume their mission of kidnapping children and returning them to the Holy Land. According to the author, Oda, Zoro and Sanji will need to master the Conqueror’s Haki to defeat these enemies, which explains the current focus on increasing their power.

Eiichiro Oda Has Set Zoro and Sanji Up For Haki Buffs To Defeat Sommers And Killingham

Following the events unfolding in the Elbaph Arc, Roronoa Zoro and Sanji are poised to become significantly more powerful within the Straw Hat Pirates. As the battle against Nerona Imu and his forces nears its end – the crew expressed a desire to finish quickly in Chapter 1180 – Zoro and Sanji will likely be tasked with stopping the Giant children from causing further destruction in Warland.

Zoro and Sanji, like the legendary duo Silvers Rayleigh and Scopper Gaban before them, are considered the ‘Wings of the Pirate King.’ Both Rayleigh and Gaban possessed Conqueror’s Haki, a powerful ability necessary to fulfill the role of the Pirate King’s strongest fighters. To overcome their current opponents, the Holy Knights, Zoro and Sanji will also need to unlock this same power, and this arc will focus on them doing so.

Scopper Gaban questioned Zoro’s lack of Haki control, stating that a power is useless if you can’t consciously use it, especially when supporting someone as powerful as an Emperor of the Sea. He wondered how Zoro could be of help without mastering this ability, as revealed in One Piece chapter 1152.

I’m so hyped to see Zoro finally master Conqueror’s Haki – he really needs that boost right now! And Sanji? Forget just Black Leg Style, I’m predicting he’ll infuse his kicks with Conqueror’s Haki and flames – it’s going to be insane! I think that’s how they’ll power him up next.

Why Usopp, Robin, And Nami Could Be Next In Line To Gain Haki In Elbaph

Besides Zoro and Sanji, other members of the Straw Hat crew may also gain Haki abilities during the Elbaph Arc. While Somers and Killingham are the main villains in this arc, along with Imu, the mysterious MMA organization still poses a threat. Now that Killingham is back, the MMA could become even more powerful, giving Usopp, Robin, Nami, Franky, and Brook important roles to play.

Instead of controlling people from the shadows, have the courage to face your enemies directly, you coward! — Usopp to Imu, One Piece Chapter 1177

Characters who don’t have Devil Fruit powers, like Nami and Usopp, need Haki to effectively fight the powerful enemies emerging in the story. Many fans believe the next major storyline will focus on Usopp, and even the author, Eiichiro Oda, agrees. Giving Usopp a significant Haki upgrade and letting him defeat these enemies would greatly develop his character. Similarly, Nami needs stronger abilities to compete with the top fighters in the One Piece world, and a Haki boost, similar to what Nico Robin received, would be incredibly beneficial.

Franky’s Status As An Armament Haki User in Elbaph

Interestingly, Franky may have unknowingly activated Haki during the fight against Mars in Chapter 1119 of the Egghead Arc. This chapter, released on Manga Plus on July 1, 2024, shows Franky hitting Luffy, who immediately cried out in pain, stating that the group was using Haki.

Luffy said it’s expected to feel pain when using Haki, after being attacked by Franky, Sanji, and Bonney in One Piece chapter 1119.

It seems Franky might have unintentionally awakened a powerful ability called Haki – something characters like Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji have also experienced. His current fight could be the ideal chance for Franky to not only use Haki again, but to actually learn how to control it. Mastering this ability is likely crucial for the Straw Hat Pirates to become stronger as they approach the climax of the Elbaph arc.

All the latest manga chapters of Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece are available to read on Manga Plus.

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2026-05-10 04:35