Since Loki’s reveal, the One Piece community has been shaken. In manga chapter 1174, we witnessed Loki transform into a massive black Western dragon, a creature with power rivaling Joyboy and Imu.
But the question remains: if Loki is so overwhelmingly strong, how did Shanks manage to defeat and imprison him 8 years ago?
Loki’s power is on another level
According to the latest details from chapter 1174, Loki’s Devil Fruit power is truly nightmarish. When he shifts into his dragon form, the entire Elbaph island is engulfed in heavy snow and thunder. The most shocking part is his size. Even Luffy in his gigantic Gear 5 state is only about one-third the size of one of Loki’s horns.
Wielding the legendary weapon Ragnir and boasting strength far beyond legends like Harald or even Rocks D. Xebec, Loki is undeniably a true monster. Yet, about 8 years ago, before Shanks became one of the Four Emperors, he single-handedly (or with the help of giant warriors) subdued this mad beast to stop him from attacking Mary Geoise.
Is Shanks Oda’s favorite or does he have a hidden trump card?
Fans have proposed two intense theories. One side believes this proves Shanks is Oda’s most favored character, a true “second Roger.” Shanks defeating Loki before reaching his Four Emperors peak suggests his Haki was already overwhelmingly powerful.
The other side remains skeptical. Was it really a fair one-on-one fight? Or did Shanks use some special power, or simply receive full support from the Elbaph warriors to chain Loki? Without a clear explanation or a major power-up for Shanks in the future, this could become a major plot hole.
Deadly alliance: Gear 5 Luffy teams up with Dragon Loki
Chapter 1174 ends with an epic scene: Luffy in Gear 5 standing alongside Loki in his dragon form. This is considered the most devastating combo ever seen in One Piece history. Their power is so immense that even Imu, the World Government’s leader, can only watch cautiously from afar.
The burning question on One Piece forums now is: “Does Shanks still have what it takes to face this duo?”
Honestly, right now, the combined strength of Luffy and Loki seems unstoppable. Even Imu would struggle to survive if they unleashed their full power. The Final Saga is unfolding in ways no one expected, and Shanks’ position in this power struggle looks more fragile than ever unless he reveals a final trump card soon.