Oda Reveals the True Antagonist of the Elbaf Arc — And It Isn’t Imu
Elbaf Arc Main Antagonist Revealed in One Piece
After more than a year of speculation, Eiichiro Oda has finally delivered one of the most unexpected twists of the Final Saga. In the ongoing Elbaf storyline, many fans believed the central villain would be Imu, the enigmatic ruler of the world. Instead, Oda has shifted the spotlight entirely: the real antagonist of the Elbaf arc is none other than Loki, the king of the giants.
This surprising revelation has reshaped expectations for the future of One Piece. What once seemed destined to become a direct confrontation between Luffy and Imu has now transformed into a more personal and symbolic conflict—one that strikes at the core of Elbaf’s culture, legacy, and the very meaning of freedom.
The Elbaf Arc Twist: Loki Emerges as the Central Villain
Elbaf has always been portrayed as a land defined by raw strength, ancient traditions, and enormous pride. Fans initially viewed Loki as an ally to the Straw Hats—a fierce but honorable king who embodied the spirit of the giant race. In a dramatic twist, Oda has now repositioned him as the primary obstacle standing between Luffy and the progression of the Final Saga.
According to recent developments, Loki has fallen victim to the sinister power known as Domi Reversi, a devastating technique that Imu once used to dominate the mind of Rocks D. Xebec. Under its influence, Loki has become a demon-like servant, stripped of his free will and controlled by Imu from afar. What should have been a powerful ally has now become the most dangerous threat on Elbaf.
This narrative shift not only deepens the emotional stakes but also reinforces the idea that the greatest battles in One Piece are often fought within the characters themselves—between their past and future, their values and their corruption.
Domi Reversi: The Dark Technique Behind Loki’s Fall
Among all the abilities introduced in the Final Saga, Domi Reversi stands out as one of the most frightening. It allows Imu to dominate a person’s will, bending them into puppets devoid of consciousness or freedom. This technique symbolizes the full extent of Imu’s oppressive power, revealing just how overwhelming a direct confrontation would be for Luffy at this point in the story.
Rather than overpowering Loki with brute force, Imu has turned him into a tragic victim. This transformation is not merely physical—it is moral, spiritual, and symbolic. Loki, once respected as a ruler, now serves as a representation of corrupted authority and the loss of self-determination.
For Luffy, facing Loki is no longer about defeating an enemy. It is about freeing someone who has been robbed of their autonomy. As noted by multiple analysts, Loki becomes the embodiment of everything Elbaf once stood against. The proud king who upheld honor and strength has become a living reminder of how absolute power can destroy even the greatest among giants.
In contrast, Luffy embodies the unbreakable force of freedom—an ideal that stands in direct opposition to the Domi Reversi’s oppressive nature. Their clash reflects the fundamental ideological struggle that defines the entire Final Saga.
Luffy vs. Loki: A Battle Written in the Stars
The showdown between Luffy and Loki has been foreshadowed from the very moment they met. Luffy, guided by pure instinct, openly declared that he would stop Loki if he ever caused trouble. Now that time has come.
Their battle is expected to become one of the emotional pillars of the Elbaf arc. More than a contest of strength, it will test Luffy’s resolve and determination as he attempts to liberate Loki from Imu’s control.
Oda cleverly draws a parallel between Luffy and Shanks through this confrontation. Years ago, Shanks defeated Loki in a legendary fight. Now, Luffy faces the same challenge, echoing Shanks’ legacy while stepping into his own role as the leading figure of the new era.
The upcoming duel will not simply be about power—it will be a clash of ideals. Loki, manipulated and corrupted, represents the tyranny of control. Luffy, unwavering and free, fights to protect the right of others to choose their own path. Through this battle, Luffy solidifies himself as the pirate who refuses to bow to authority, no matter how overwhelming it may be.
Major Battles Brewing Across Elbaf
While Luffy prepares to face Loki, the rest of the Straw Hat crew finds themselves pulled into equally dangerous conflicts. Oda is setting the stage for a truly ensemble-driven arc, giving each major character a moment to shine.
Zoro and Sanji, in particular, are expected to take on Dorry and Brogy, the legendary giant warriors. Once symbols of honor, brotherhood, and ancient pride, they too have fallen under the influence of Domi Reversi. Their forced transformation makes them tragic adversaries—heroes turned into weapons against their will.
These battles maintain the intense narrative rhythm of the arc and reinforce the emotional weight of Imu’s manipulation. Every fight carries consequences, not just for the Straw Hats but for the entire culture of the giant nation.
Meanwhile, Imu is presumed to withdraw temporarily to Mary Geoise, leaving Elbaf in chaos. This gives Oda the freedom to explore the internal conflict on the island while gradually building toward the inevitable confrontation between Luffy and Imu. By staggering these conflicts, Oda ensures the Final Saga progresses without rushing into the climax prematurely.
One Piece Chapter 1166: A Pause Before the War Breaks Open
As excitement reaches new heights, One Piece is officially entering a short break. Chapter 1166 is scheduled for release on November 23, 2025, exclusively on Manga Plus and the Shonen Jump app.
This pause allows Oda to refine the next sequence of events, which will likely mark the beginning of the decisive showdown between Luffy and Loki. Meanwhile, the Straw Hats will continue facing the devastating consequences of the Domi Reversi, each battle pushing them closer to the truth behind Imu’s terrifying abilities.
With Loki now revealed as a tragic antagonist and not merely an obstacle, the emotional stakes of the Elbaf arc have reached their highest point. Oda once again demonstrates his mastery of storytelling by transforming a character once presumed to be an ally into one of the most impactful villains of the Final Saga.
Loki’s corruption highlights the destructive nature of Imu’s power, while Luffy’s determination to save him underscores the series’ central theme: freedom cannot be controlled, manipulated, or erased.
As Elbaf moves toward its dramatic conclusion, fans can expect a convergence of ideals, battles, and character growth—woven together with the emotional depth and narrative brilliance that only One Piece can deliver.
Elbaf Arc Main Antagonist Revealed in One Piece, Elbaf Arc Main Antagonist Revealed in One Piece, Elbaf Arc Main Antagonist Revealed in One Piece, Elbaf Arc Main Antagonist Revealed in One Piece, Elbaf Arc Main Antagonist Revealed in One Piece, Elbaf Arc Main Antagonist Revealed in One Piece, Elbaf Arc Main Antagonist Revealed in One Piece, vElbaf Arc Main Antagonist Revealed in One Piece, Elbaf Arc Main Antagonist Revealed in One Piece, Elbaf Arc Main Antagonist Revealed in One Piece, Elbaf Arc Main Antagonist Revealed in One Piece, Elbaf Arc Main Antagonist Revealed in One Piece,
