After several intense chapters, One Piece chapter 1168, titled “Snow of Elbaph,” takes fans back to the painful history of the Giant Kingdom, revealing the real reasons behind King Harald’s death and Shanks’ disappearance.
The chapter opens with a narrator explaining how the image of giants worldwide has changed. Thanks to trade, heroic acts by giant Marines, and especially King Harald’s diplomacy, giants have gradually gained acceptance and respect from the world.
In Elbaf, Prince Loki is imprisoned in the “Underworld Detention Area” after destroying the Brewers’ village.
Harald returns from his final mission and talks with Ida at their usual bar. Ida, who is seriously ill, expresses hope that Elbaf will soon join the world. Harald is optimistic: “Of course, Ida! Soon, we will be connected with the world again! Just like old times! We will be able to adventure together once more!”
But just as Ida happily holds Harald’s hand, her arm goes limp and she passes away. Notably, on the day Ida dies, heavy snow falls across Elbaf, creating a sorrowful atmosphere. Harald and Hajrudin mourn by her bedside while Loki remains silent in prison.
The most shocking details come next, involving the God Knights organization.
Fourteen years ago, Shanks disappeared just before he was promoted to the rank of “God Knight.” As a result, Harald was next in line to receive this honor.
Harald is taken by the Five Elders to the Empty Throne room at Pangea Castle. There, Harald expresses his intention: “When Elbaf becomes part of the World Government… I am considering giving up the crown and passing it to someone younger and purer…”
However, Imu’s response leaves Harald stunned: “That… is something I will decide.”
Harald is shocked to see someone sitting on the Empty Throne, a symbol of world rule that should have been vacant.
When Harald asks, “Why… is someone sitting on the Empty Throne…?” Imu replies, “I have been watching you, Harald.”
A giant roar echoes. Imu replaces Harald’s mark with the “Deep Sea Pledge,” the same mark seen on Killingham, a current God Knight.
Harald exclaims, “I feel my power… increasing tremendously!” Imu declares that Harald is now an “Immortal Knight,” serving him.
This pact grants Harald immortality but comes with a terrifying condition: he must never disobey Imu’s orders.
Imu’s first command is for Harald to create a “Abyss” (Pentagram) in Elbaf as a binding mark. Harald complies and creates the Abyss in the throne room of Aurust Castle.
The next order is to turn Elbaf into a military nation with forces as strong as the Marines. Harald tries to resist with his remaining conscience but fails as his body moves on its own.
In his final moments, Harald orders his soldiers to tie him to a pillar and summons Jarul and his sons immediately. Hajrudin is offshore, so only Loki and Jarul are called to Aurust Castle. Loki is released from prison.
Chapter 1168 ends with the famous image of King Harald holding a sword, accompanied by narration: “Now back to the main story. On that day, a great massacre occurred at the castle, leading to the death of Elbaf’s beloved king, the wise ruler Harald…!”
This chapter clarifies how the God Knights operate, they are “Immortal Knights” bound to Imu by the “Deep Sea Pledge.” Harald’s death is a tragedy caused by this pact and is directly linked to Shanks’ disappearance 14 years ago.
One Piece will take a break next week.