The One Piece story is currently unfolding the thrilling Elbaf arc, with each chapter delivering shocking revelations from creator Eiichiro Oda. This week’s chapter 1166 is no exception. Oda not only decisively closes the historical events at God Valley but also shows how the death of Rocks D. Xebec sent shockwaves across the world.
However, what has fans buzzing is Oda’s subtle reveal of the next, and likely final, member to join the Straw Hat crew. In One Piece 1166, Oda finally hints that Loki, the prince of Elbaf, is very likely to be the last person to board the Thousand Sunny. Loki wants to follow the Sun God Nika, whom he once mistook for Rocks D. Xebec. Since Luffy is Nika, it’s clear Loki will soon join him.
Oda strongly hints Loki will join the Straw Hats soon
Loki joining the Straw Hats isn’t a huge surprise to many fans. From their first meeting, Luffy formed a bond of friendship with Loki, even if the prince hadn’t fully accepted it yet. Moreover, Luffy sensed no hostility from Loki and invited him to join the crew just before the Elbaf flashback began.
If that wasn’t enough to convince fans that Loki will be the final Straw Hat, chapter 1166 takes it further. After Rocks D. Xebec’s death, the story confirms Loki and Rocks had many important conversations.
Loki once declared, “I will not obey a government hound like Harald!” This line highlights his strong opposition to the World Government.
Loki believes Rocks is the Sun God Nika destined to destroy the world, according to Elbaf’s legend. However, Rocks replies he has no interest in destroying the world but only wants to rule and change it.
The most crucial moment is when Loki reveals his desire to follow the Sun God Nika.
Chapter 1166 clearly confirms to fans that Loki’s goal is to follow Nika and bring about the world’s destruction. While Rocks is not Nika, fans know very well that Luffy is Nika.
Currently, Loki doesn’t know Luffy is the Sun God Nika, which explains why he initially declined Luffy’s invitation to join the crew. But once the battles at Elbaf begin, Loki will surely realize Luffy is the Nika he’s been longing to follow. He refused Luffy once, but after learning the truth, he won’t refuse again.
The story also highlights Loki’s loneliness: “When the king of Elbaf raised his small hand, no one was there to hold it.” This narration underscores why he yearns to follow someone who can change the world like Nika.
Loki could be the final Straw Hat Pirate
Based on everything Oda has presented so far, it’s clear Loki is the strongest candidate for the final Straw Hat member. He wants to leave Elbaf and follow Nika, while Luffy wants him on the crew. It’s a perfect match. Fans can almost guarantee they will soon see the two fighting side by side and taking down the World Government together.
Of course, this will take some time as One Piece is still in the Elbaf flashback, which may last a few more months. Once this flashback ends, Oda will likely bring fans back to the present timeline at Elbaf, where the major battles against the Holy Knights and Imu will begin.