The latest One Piece chapter 1189 has fans on edge as the battle at Elbaf escalates in unexpected ways. After easily overpowering Gear 5 in the previous chapter, Imu gives Luffy no chance to fight back, unleashing a series of ancient weapons from the Void Century that push the Straw Hat captain to the brink of death.
However, at the most desperate moment, a legend from the Roger Pirates makes a dramatic return.
Imu pins Luffy with two ancient swords
Chapter 1189 picks up right after the events of chapter 1188. While many expected Imu to stop after stabbing Luffy with the Blade of Nothingness: Vohu, the new chapter shows otherwise.
The World Government’s supreme leader summons another sword called the Sea God Sword and without hesitation stabs Luffy through the body again.
Not stopping there, Imu uses both swords to pin Luffy to a massive tree trunk. Immobilized and suspended between the two blades, the Straw Hat captain is trapped in one of the most brutal scenes of the Final Saga.
This is no longer a typical battle but a public execution. Imu’s goal is not just to defeat Luffy but to crush the symbol of freedom in front of the entire world.
Usopp senses Luffy is in danger
At that moment, Usopp suddenly freezes despite not witnessing the fight directly. His instincts warn him that Luffy is in grave danger.
This detail reminds many of the Enies Lobby arc when Usopp sensed Luffy reaching his limit during the battle with Rob Lucci and kept encouraging him to get back up.
After all these years together, the bond between Luffy and the Straw Hats’ sharpshooter seems to have grown far beyond ordinary friendship.
Shanks has long known about the “King of the World”
Amid the chaos at Elbaf, another secret is revealed.
After the Gunko ice seal melts, Loki recalls a conversation with Shanks on the day King Harald died. According to this memory, Shanks warned that the World Government had been preparing for a great war for a long time and that the true enemy was not the Navy or any pirate crew. Shanks referred to this enemy as the “King of the World.”
Readers immediately understand Shanks was talking about Imu. However, Loki only knows the title and has never heard the real name of this mysterious figure. This means Shanks has known the world’s greatest secret long before the events at Elbaf.
Imu arms the Holy Knights with ancient weapons
Chapter 1189 also reveals Imu equipping the Holy Knights with legendary weapons.
Saint Shepherd Sommers receives the Sword of Wrath to face off against Zoro. This is the same sword Imu previously used against Loki.
Shortly after, Saint Killingham is given the Spear of Holy Command and tasked with stopping Sanji.
Notably, all the weapons introduced so far, the Sword of the Wailing Void, Sea God Sword, Sword of Wrath, and Spear of Holy Command, are said to have belonged to the 19 founding kings of the World Government over 800 years ago.
This means Imu did not create these treasures but inherited all their power and authority from the Void Century.
Scopper Gaban appears to save Luffy at the last second
After pinning Luffy to the tree, Imu prepares to deliver the final blow. This time, he summons a new weapon called the Xingtian Axe and readies to strike Luffy, who is now completely defenseless.
Just when it seems all is lost, a legendary figure suddenly arrives. Scopper Gaban, the left hand of Pirate King Gol D. Roger, rushes into the battlefield and blocks Imu’s axe just before it can hit Luffy.
After weeks of fan speculation about Gaban’s return, the character finally makes his entrance at the most critical moment. Although the chapter ends before the showdown between Gaban and Imu truly begins, the Roger Pirates legend’s appearance sparks new hope for the Straw Hats against the “King of the World.”
Unfortunately, fans will have to wait longer to see what happens next, as One Piece will take a one-week break after chapter 1189.