The Elbaph arc of One Piece is currently delivering a massive seismic shift in the power rankings of the New World. While we’ve long debated who truly rules the seas following the downfall of Kaido and Big Mom, the latest events in the manga have provided a definitive answer. If you thought Luffy’s Gear 5 made him untouchable, Chapter 1179 and the revelations surrounding Saint Nerona Imu might change your mind. Elbaph has officially crowned “Red-Haired” Shanks as the mightiest pirate alive, showcasing a level of Haki that draws comparisons more to the legendary Joy Boy than to any contemporary Yonko.
Elbaph as the Ultimate Power Benchmark: Shanks vs. Loki
Even when Shanks isn’t physically present in every panel of the Elbaph arc, his presence looms over the island of giants like a force of nature. It is here that we’ve received a shocking revelation: Shanks was the only person in the world capable of stopping the catastrophic threat known as Loki.
- Subduing the World-Ender: Loki is said to possess the power to destroy the entire world, yet Shanks defeated and imprisoned him single-handedly six years ago.
- Surpassing the Legends: Loki previously defeated King Harald, who was stated to be even stronger than the legendary Rocks D. Xebec. By pacifying Loki alone, Shanks is placed on a tier equal to—or perhaps even exceeding—the likes of Roger and Rocks.
- An Unreachable Standard: While Luffy still struggles against the immortality of the Five Elders and the Holy Knights, Shanks is portrayed as an individual operating in an entirely different league of mastery.
Unparalleled Haki: A Class of His Own
What truly transforms the “Red-Haired” Emperor into a monster isn’t a Devil Fruit power, but pure, concentrated Haki. In recent chapters, Eiichiro Oda has left no doubt that Shanks’ Haki is currently the closest the world has seen to that of Joy Boy.
- Long-Distance Admiral Paralysis: Back in the Wano arc, Shanks flexed his Conqueror’s Haki from miles away, paralyzing Admiral Aramaki (Ryokugyu). He didn’t even need to be physically present to nullify a Logia transformation and force a high-ranking Marine to retreat in pain.
- The One-Shot of Eustass Kid: During the Egghead arc, we witnessed his brutal efficiency. Kid, a pirate who survived a war with Big Mom, was taken out along with Killer in a single sword swing. In comparison, even Kaido had to exert significant effort to deal lasting damage to the “Worst Generation.”
The Mystery of the Final Saga
Shanks’ full power remains one of the series’ greatest mysteries, but the exposition provided by Scopper Gavan makes one thing clear: Elbaph serves to illustrate the massive gulf that still exists between Luffy and his mentor. Shanks currently sits at the absolute peak of the pirate hierarchy, with the mysterious Saint Nerona Imu being the only figure in the world who might stand above him.
Editor’s Insight
For us fans, it’s fascinating to watch Oda finally reveal the cards of a character we’ve been waiting over 25 years to see in action. For a long time, Shanks was viewed primarily as a diplomat or a “peacekeeper,” but Elbaph shows his terrifying side. He is a predator who maintains the world’s balance through sheer, overwhelming force. While there’s a slight worry that his dominance might overshadow Luffy’s growth, the moment these two finally meet—or stand side-by-side against Imu—will undoubtedly be the peak of shonen history. Shanks is no longer just a mentor; he is the gold standard every Pirate King hopeful must surpass.
FAQ
Q: When is the next One Piece chapter coming out?
A: Chapter 1180 is scheduled to be released on Manga Plus on April 19, 2026, at 11 a.m. EST.
Q: Is Shanks officially stronger than Luffy right now?
A: Based on the feats described in the Elbaph arc, yes. Shanks possesses superior Haki and has defeated world-tier threats like Loki, whom Luffy is likely not ready to face alone yet.
Q: How did Shanks defeat Admiral Aramaki without fighting him?
A: He used an extremely potent burst of Conqueror’s Haki from a great distance, which was enough to cause the Admiral physical pain and force him to deactivate his Devil Fruit powers.
Q: Who is Loki and why does his defeat matter?
A: Loki is the Prince of Elbaph, cursed with a power that can end the world. The fact that Shanks took him down solo six years ago cements his status as the current apex of the One Piece world.
