One Piece Chapter 1189 Leaks: Straw Hats Face Devastating Blows in Elbaf Arc

The Tension Mounts in the Land of Giants

As the epic Elbaf arc continues to unfold across both the manga and anime, fans have been treated to a whirlwind of revelations. Following deep dives into the history of God Valley and the poignant backstory of Brook and the Kingdom of Esperia, Eiichiro Oda has shifted the focus back to the present. The stakes have never been higher as the Straw Hat crew finds themselves entangled in a series of brutal confrontations. However, the latest leaks for Chapter 1189 suggest that the tide is turning violently against Luffy and his companions.

Luffy vs. Imu: A Desperate Struggle

The center of the storm is the clash between Monkey D. Luffy and the enigmatic sovereign of the World Government, Imu. In a shocking display of power, Imu reveals a devastating new weapon: the 'Sword of the Sea King.' The leaks indicate a harrowing scene where Imu uses these dual blades to transpierce Luffy, pinning the future Pirate King against a tree in a moment of extreme vulnerability.

While Luffy struggles for survival, the narrative shifts to Usopp, who is gripped by a sudden, overwhelming sense of dread. This premonition has sparked intense speculation among the community—could this be the definitive awakening of Usopp's Observation Haki? As the crew's resident sniper feels his captain's peril from afar, fans are wondering if this will finally be Usopp's definitive moment of glory within the Elbaf arc.

Shadows of the Past and New Alliances

The chapter also provides critical updates on other key players. Gunko, previously trapped in ice, has finally been liberated as the frost melts, though he remains unconscious for the time being. Meanwhile, the plot thickens with a flashback involving Loki. He recalls a pivotal conversation with Shanks that occurred on the day of his father's death. During this exchange, Shanks warned Loki that the World Government was preparing for an imminent global war and identified the true ultimate enemy: the 'King of the World.'

The Arsenal of the 19 Kings

The horror of Imu's power is further detailed as the sovereign distributes legendary armaments to their subordinates. Sommer is granted the 'Sword of Wrath' to battle Zero, while Killingham receives the 'Lance of the Sacred Command' to face off against Sanji. A major lore revelation accompanies this: these weapons are not mere tools, but ancestral relics that once belonged to the 19 Kings of the World who ruled 800 years ago.

As the chapter reaches its climax, Imu prepares to deliver a final, lethal blow to Luffy using the 'Axe of Xingtian.' Just as the strike is about to land, Gaban makes a dramatic entrance, intercepting the attack and saving Luffy from immediate demise.

Looking Ahead: A Frustrating Wait

While the cliffhanger is electrifying, fans will have to exercise patience. It has been announced that the One Piece manga will enter a scheduled break starting next week. Consequently, the resolution of these battles and the aftermath of Gaban's intervention will not be revealed until Chapter 1190, which is slated for release on August 6, 2026.