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One Piece Pulse

Coverage and analysis of the Elbaf arc and late‑Final Saga chapters 1172–1174, including Zoro’s battles, Gunko’s past, God Knights, Imu’s weakness, and broader war setup

Coverage and analysis of the Elbaf arc and late‑Final Saga chapters 1172–1174, including Zoro’s battles, Gunko’s past, God Knights, Imu’s weakness, and broader war setup

Elbaf Arc & Chapters 1172–1174

The One Piece Final Saga’s Elbaf arc continues to surge forward as a defining crossroads where legacy, power, and destiny collide with unprecedented force. Building on the seismic revelations from chapters 1172–1175—including Zoro’s Rokutōryū evolution, Princess Shuri’s true identity, the faltering God Knights, Imu’s new vulnerability, and Loki’s chaotic entrance—the narrative momentum has only intensified. Coupled with a bold cross-media promotional blitz featuring Netflix’s surprise theatrical drop, Crunchyroll’s upcoming anime premiere, and exclusive IGN Fan Fest 2026 clips, One Piece is once again redefining global engagement and fan immersion.

Elbaf Arc: Narrative Evolution and Strategic Depth

At the core of the Final Saga, the Elbaf arc has transformed into an epic crucible where individual destinies and geopolitical forces intertwine:

  • Zoro’s Rokutōryū Mastery Reaches New Heights
    In chapters 1172–1175, Zoro’s Six-Sword Style undergoes a profound evolution. His combat technique now reflects not just raw strength but a nuanced blend of Elbaf’s warrior ethos and his enigmatic “D” lineage. Zoro’s new techniques emphasize tactical balance—melding offense and defense with adaptive intuition. This growth underscores his thematic role as the embodiment of honor, perseverance, and resilience, deepening his significance in the saga’s climactic battles.

  • Gunko’s Shocking Reveal as Princess Shuri
    The revelation that the fierce warrior Gunko is actually Princess Shuri, heir to Elbaf’s throne, has dramatically expanded the arc’s political and cultural stakes. Shuri’s dual identity enriches the lore of giant society and injects fresh complexity into the ongoing war. Early glimpses of her Devil Fruit powers suggest a versatile fighting style that incorporates both direct offense and strategic leadership. Her emergence destabilizes Elbaf’s internal power structures and complicates alliances involving the World Government and Revolutionary Army.

  • The Decline of the God Knights
    The once-dominant God Knights, elite enforcers loyal to the World Government, have suffered critical defeats and internal strife. Their weakening grip on the battlefield signals a shifting power balance and introduces moral ambiguity, moving beyond simple villain archetypes. This decline enhances the narrative’s complexity and raises questions about loyalty, survival, and the future of governmental control.

  • Imu’s Vulnerability to Haki—A Game-Changing Revelation
    One of the arc’s most startling developments is the discovery that Imu, the enigmatic shadow ruler, is susceptible to Haki. This vulnerability humanizes an otherwise seemingly invincible antagonist and elevates Haki mastery to a pivotal strategic tool in the Final War’s landscape. The implications ripple across fan theories and competitive play, particularly influencing the OP-15 Trading Card Game meta, where Haki-focused decks now gain new relevance.

  • Loki’s Disruptive Debut
    Introduced in chapter 1174, Loki’s arrival injects fresh unpredictability. His potent Devil Fruit abilities and ambiguous loyalties have made him a focal point of speculation. Loki’s presence unsettles Elbaf’s political and military equilibrium and hints at unexpected alliances and conflicts as the war escalates.

Netflix and IGN Fan Fest 2026: Expanding the Arc’s Global Footprint

Netflix has amplified One Piece’s global reach with an unprecedented theatrical event on March 10, 2026, debuting special Season 2 episodes ahead of the streaming release. This surprise drop creates an immersive, communal experience that bridges longtime fans with newcomers, enhancing anticipation ahead of Crunchyroll’s April 5, 2026 anime premiere.

Adding to this momentum, IGN Fan Fest 2026 unveiled exclusive new clips from Season 2, highlighting the Elbaf arc’s fiercer adversaries and escalating conflicts. These previews have reinforced Netflix’s promotional campaign and broadened the arc’s visibility across the international anime community. The synergy of theatrical, streaming, and fan event content underscores Netflix’s commitment to establishing One Piece as a flagship global property.

Cross-Media Synergy: Merchandise, TCG, and Fan Engagement

The Elbaf arc’s narrative pulse is matched by a strategic expansion into multiple media and merchandise platforms, creating a multi-layered ecosystem that fuels fan enthusiasm:

  • OP-15 Trading Card Game Meta Shifts
    The latest OP-15 trailer introduced cards inspired by recent manga revelations, including giant-themed decks reflecting Princess Shuri’s influence and Haki-centric counters targeting Imu’s faction. These additions have shaken the competitive meta, sparking active debate about potential ban lists and strategy adaptations. The TCG’s evolving landscape mirrors the manga’s shifting power dynamics, encouraging players to think tactically in tune with the story.

  • Ichiban Kuji Luffy Leader Card Campaign
    Bandai Spirits’ Ichiban Kuji lottery has been a major hit, featuring an exclusive Luffy Leader Card that has galvanized collectors and competitive players alike. This campaign exemplifies how narrative highlights drive merchandise demand and deepen fan investment.

  • YuMe Toys Collaborations
    YuMe Toys announced a new product line aligned with Elbaf’s giant culture themes, expanding merchandise that celebrates the arc’s cultural and political significance. This partnership with Toei Animation enhances the availability of high-quality collectibles that resonate with the arc’s expanding fanbase.

  • Crunchyroll’s Anime Release Strategy
    Crunchyroll confirmed the Elbaf arc anime debut on April 5, 2026, preceded by a special March event. The arc promises enhanced animation and sound design, aiming to deliver a premium viewing experience worldwide. This release coincides with ongoing English dub production for the Final Egghead arc, ensuring synchronized global access and engagement.

Narrative and Meta Implications: Power, Legacy, and Uncertainty

The convergence of recent plot developments and cross-media initiatives recalibrates One Piece’s Final Saga on multiple levels:

  • Elbaf as the War’s Decisive Epicenter
    Princess Shuri’s rise and the God Knights’ fall position Elbaf as the political and military fulcrum that will shape the Final War’s outcome. The interplay of giant heritage and “D” lineage deepens the saga’s exploration of leadership and legacy.

  • Haki’s Elevated Role
    Imu’s Haki vulnerability creates new strategic paradigms, spotlighting characters capable of wielding Haki with precision as potential key players in the war’s climax.

  • Narrative Complexity and Unpredictability
    Loki’s ambiguous motives and formidable power inject uncertainty, challenging fan expectations and keeping alliances fluid. This complexity reinforces One Piece’s hallmark storytelling depth.

  • Cross-Media Ecosystem as a Narrative Amplifier
    The integration of manga, anime, TCG, and merchandise creates a vibrant fan ecosystem that transcends traditional storytelling, fostering active participation and sustained enthusiasm.

Current Status and Outlook

As the Elbaf arc approaches critical turning points, its narrative and thematic richness continue to captivate the global One Piece fandom. The arc’s layered conflicts—ranging from Zoro’s personal growth to political upheavals and the unraveling of ancient powers—promise a crescendo that will define Eiichiro Oda’s legacy.

Meanwhile, the ongoing cross-media rollout, highlighted by Netflix’s theatrical event, IGN Fan Fest exclusives, and Crunchyroll’s upcoming anime premiere, ensures that One Piece remains at the forefront of international pop culture conversation.

Fans and analysts alike watch eagerly as the stage is set for the Final War’s epic showdown, where destinies will collide and the true meaning of the “D” legacy and Elbaf’s warrior spirit will be revealed.

Recommended Further Reading and Viewing

With every new revelation, episode, and card release, the Elbaf arc forges ahead as a multifaceted epic that redefines One Piece’s Final Saga—blending fierce battles, political intrigue, and personal growth into a global phenomenon that continues to captivate and inspire worldwide audiences.

Sources (12)
Updated Feb 27, 2026