The tension throughout the monumental Elbaf Arc has reached a boiling point as Eiichiro Oda pushes the narrative into uncharted territory. With One Piece Chapter 1198, the global manga community has erupted into intense debates following the shocking confrontations in the Sun World of Elbaf. Between Prince Loki’s devastating cursed presence and Monkey D. Luffy’s escalating divine synchronicity with Sun God Nika, Oda is preparing readers for what might be the most consequential mythological revelation in the entire saga. A compelling theory has emerged connecting Loki’s mysterious chained past, Saint Figarland Garling, the clandestine operations of the Holy Knights, and the sinister silhouette of Imu atop the Empty Throne.
The Cursed Bloodline of Elbaf: Prince Loki’s Legendary Devil Fruit
Ever since Loki was introduced bound in massive Seastone chains beneath the colossal Adam Wood roots of Elbaf, fans have questioned the true extent of his power. In recent chapters, glimpses of his overwhelming Conqueror’s Haki sent shockwaves across the ancient giant realm. Why would King Harald and the giant elders keep their own royal heir sealed away in the underworld if he was merely a rebellious son? The answer points directly to the legendary Devil Fruit Loki consumed after slaying his own father.
The prevailing theory suggests that Loki’s fruit is not simply a standard Mythical Zoan, but a primordial counterpart to Sun God Nika—potentially modeled after Surtr, the legendary Norse giant destined to bring Ragnarok, or a corrupted eclipse entity tied directly to the Void Century. In Nordic myth, Loki brings about the end of the gods, and in Oda’s world, the World Nobles of Mary Geoise fancy themselves as living deities. When Loki openly mocked Saint Killingham during recent skirmishes, he signaled that his vendetta is not merely directed at his fellow giants, but squarely aimed at dismantling the celestial hierarchy of Mary Geoise.
Imu’s Direct Interference and the Holy Knights’ Infiltration
The presence of the God’s Knights—commanded by Supreme Commander Saint Figarland Garling—confirms that the World Government views Elbaf as an existential threat. During the turbulent events of Chapter 1197 and Chapter 1198, Saint Killingham’s fierce duel with Sanji demonstrated that the Gorosei and the Holy Knights are actively seeking to secure ancient artifacts buried beneath Elbaf’s sacred soil. Longtime readers will remember our previous analysis in our breakdown of the Void Century War Relics beneath Elbaf, where the connection between ancient giant weapons and the Great Kingdom was first unpacked.
If Imu is actively manipulating events from the shadows to prevent the full awakening of Elbaf’s royal heir, it means Loki holds the missing piece of the puzzle that Joy Boy left behind 800 years ago. When Monkey D. Luffy unlocked Gear 5 on Wano Country, the Drums of Liberation echoed across the seas. However, in Elbaf, the ancestral land of the Sun God religion, Luffy’s transformation triggers an unexpected resonance with Loki’s dark flames. Could it be that the Sun God requires a shadow counterpart to truly fulfill the ancient dawn prophecy?
Monkey D. Luffy and the Feral Awakening: Is Gear 5 Evolving?
One of the most jaw-dropping leaks surrounding Chapter 1198 hints at Luffy tapping into an uncontrolled, primal frequency of Gear 5. Faced with the combined menace of the Holy Knights and the apocalyptic aura unleashed in Elbaf’s deeper layers, Luffy’s white cartoonish form briefly flickered with ferocious, untamed haki. While anime fans recently witnessed similar explosive peaks in modern shonen—such as the recent hype covered in our Solo Leveling Season 2 trailer breakdown and the ferocious dark combat seen in MAPPA’s upcoming Chainsaw Man Reze Arc movie—Oda’s approach to Luffy’s power progression remains rooted in thematic duality.
Rather than merely granting Luffy another raw power boost, Oda appears to be testing Luffy’s will. Gear 5 represents ultimate freedom, laughter, and liberation; however, ancient giant folklore in Elbaf warns that whenever the Sun descends into pure wrath, it scorches friend and foe alike. If Loki is unchained by Luffy or an accidental clash of Advanced Conqueror’s Haki, the Straw Hat Pirates will find themselves caught between two apocalyptic forces: a rogue Giant Prince bent on global retribution, and the omnipotent reach of the World Government.
Predictions for One Piece Moving Forward: The Battle of Ragnarok
As the Elbaf Arc hurtles toward its climax, several key developments are poised to reshape the final saga of One Piece:
- Loki’s True Allegiance: Despite his villainous introduction, Prince Loki will likely forge a chaotic, begrudging truce with Monkey D. Luffy, recognizing the Drums of Liberation from ancient giant nursery rhymes.
- The Role of Scopper Gaban: Legends of the Roger Pirates continue to surface around Elbaf’s periphery, suggesting an old veteran may soon step forward to guide the Straw Hats toward the final Road Poneglyph.
- Imu’s Impending Move: With the Mother Flame weapon proven capable of eradicating entire islands like Lulusia, the World Government cannot allow Elbaf and the Giant Warrior Pirates led by Dorry and Brogy to unite under Luffy’s banner.
- Sanji and the Holy Knights: Sanji’s clash with Saint Killingham highlights the growing threat of Mary Geoise’s elite enforcers, setting up personal duels that will rival the legendary Marineford war.
Eiichiro Oda has continually promised that the final saga of One Piece would surpass Marineford in both scale and emotional stakes. If the terrifying theories regarding Chapter 1198 hold true, Prince Loki is not the final villain of Elbaf—he is the spark that will ignite the total war between the World Government and the champions of the Dawn.
What do you think about Prince Loki’s mysterious Devil Fruit and Luffy’s evolving Gear 5 in Chapter 1198? Will Loki become an ally or an unstoppable monster? Share your thoughts and wildest theories in the comments below!
