The climax of One Piece's Elbaf arc pitted Monkey Luffy against his greatest-ever challenge in the form of the King of the World, Nerona Imu. Luffy’s battle against Imu has highlighted quite a few of his strengths but also exposed a lot of his weaknesses. Although Luffy has made great strides over the years, having also been made an official Yonko in chapter 1053, the climax of the Elbaf arc, specifically One Piece chapter 1193, which was officially released on September 13, 2026, in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump Double Issue #42-43, has confirmed to us that Luffy isn't the strongest next-generation pirate any longer. This title goes to none other than Loki, the Accursed Prince who set sail to the sea with a skeleton crew 14 years ago to avenge his father.
One Piece's Elbaf arc entered its final phase with the descent of Nerona Imu, the King of the World, upon the country in Chapter 1179 on April 5, 2026. Since then, Imu has been on quite a run, facing one character after another and easily disposing of them in battle. In Chapter 1180, which was officially released on April 20, 2026, in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #21, Nerona Imu began his fight against Loki, the Accursed Prince. This fight was extremely exciting, as not only did it show Imu's Akuma no Mi capabilities for the very first time, but at the same time, it also showed us what Loki could do in battle. Against all odds, Loki was able to hold out against Imu for quite a while before eventually falling to the Blade of Hatred: Stigma in One Piece Chapter 1186.
"Elbaf is the only place you'll ever find me in. Here, you deal with me. Got that, you idiot?" — Loki begins fighting Imu, One Piece Chapter #1180
However, immediately after, in One Piece Chapter 1191, Loki was resurgent once again. He joined the battle against Nerona Imu again in the underworld of Elbaf, and in Chapter 1193, he has now taken on his strongest form, that is, his Mythical Zoan hybrid Ryu Ryu no Mi Model: Nidhoggr form. Given that Luffy and Loki have been the main highlight of the battle against Nerona Imu, it goes without saying that fans have often compared them. However, based on their performances, it is quite clear to see that Loki is the stronger of the two right now.
Hajrudin: Remember, Mr. Ya! Elbaf will never give in. Our Warriors are always prepared to die in glorious battle! And even if I die, there's still Loki!
Loki: That's right, brother, square up!
Luffy: And look! I'm all better too! Gomu Gomu no....
Luffy, Loki, and Hajrudin Together: Triple General Gokoku Sovereignty!!
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