One Piece Chapter 1188 Preview: Nerona Imu Faces Luffy’s Conqueror’s Haki
Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece is officially back on its original rhythm of three back-to-back chapters, and the next stop is a major one. One Piece Chapter 1188 is scheduled to release on July 12, 2026, in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #33, with a listed time of 11:00 AM EST. After Chapter 1187 ended by setting up Nerona Imu versus Monkey D. Luffy, the upcoming issue is positioned as the start of that long-awaited confrontation—an all-out clash between two “kings” for the fate of the world.
At the same time, Chapter 1188 is expected to keep the momentum rolling across multiple fronts. This week’s installment continues the Elbaf Arc’s rapid march toward its conclusion while also spotlighting battles involving Luffy’s allies—specifically Zoro and Sanji, who are each pulled into their own fights as the arc accelerates. With that kind of parallel action, the series appears ready to deliver high-energy set pieces rather than a single, isolated duel.
One Piece Chapter 1188 Will Officially Start Luffy vs. Imu
The headline moment for Chapter 1188 is, naturally, the direct showdown between Luffy and Imu. Chapter 1187 opened with Monkey D. Luffy entering the conflict against Imu, but the “King of the World” didn’t allow him to settle in. Imu responded immediately with a distinctive power called Stigma, which took Loki out in one strike. Luffy managed to avoid the worst of it, but the encounter still set the stage for the next phase: a full confrontation between the two.
With the tension fully snapped into place, Luffy leaned into Gear 5 almost right away, and Imu reacted by speaking about the return of Joy Boy.
Imu: So thou hast finally shown thyself, Joy Boy!
Luffy: Don’t go calling me whatever you want. I’m Monkey D. Luffy, the man who will become the King of the Pirates.
— Exchange between Luffy and Imu, One Piece Chapter 1187
After eight centuries, One Piece is essentially restarting its most important battle—placing the Sun God directly against Imu. Since Luffy is entering this fight with full energy, it’s reasonable to expect him to push hard early. Still, Nerona Imu is unlikely to hold back, especially considering why the story has brought everyone to Elbaf in the first place: the plan is to remove the threats associated with both Nika and Nidhoggr at the same time. That means Chapter 1188 should balance spectacle with pressure, as both fighters aim to eliminate the other while pursuing their own end goals.
There’s also a strong chance the chapter will show Nika in a more serious, less playful light than fans may be used to. Up to this point, Nika as the Warrior of Liberation has often come across with a lighthearted, almost carefree tone during battles. Even during Luffy’s fight against Kaido, the cheerful vibe was present—and for some viewers, that attitude didn’t land the way they wanted. Imu, however, represents a different scale of threat entirely. Against someone like the Devil God of the One Piece world, the series has already made it clear Luffy’s mindset shifts. Chapter 1188 is expected to reflect that change, raising the stakes and bringing the intensity fans want from this kind of opponent.
The Straw Hat Pirates are, in the Elbaf arc climax, welcoming a new king into their ranks—setting the stage for what’s likely to be a turning point not just for Luffy, but for the crew’s position in the story.
Sanji and Zoro’s Conqueror’s Haki Could Be a Major Focus
Beyond Luffy and Imu, Chapter 1188 is also expected to pay close attention to Luffy’s “wings,” Zoro and Sanji. Because the prior chapter leaned especially hard on Sanji, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Oda continue developing that thread. Sanji’s potential to wield Conqueror’s Haki was already confirmed in Chapter 1187, and the next step would be making that conquering ability fully visible—pushing him to a higher tier of power.
The Editor’s Note from the previous chapter also teased that the question of who truly possesses the “qualities of a King” will be answered in the next release. That raises the likelihood that Chapter 1188 may address the idea of Supreme King Haki directly. It also fits thematically: Luffy and Imu are squaring off as two kings, while Zoro and Sanji—two more key leaders within the Straw Hats—are positioned to reveal what “kingly” power looks like from their side.
“Who truly wields the qualities of a King? Lead cover and colorspread in One Piece next week!” — One Piece Editor teases Supreme King Haki lore for One Piece 1118
Zoro, for his part, has already reached Supreme King Haki during the Wano arc. However, One Piece Chapter 1152 clarified that he still doesn’t fully understand how to properly use it. Scopper Gabant previously scolded Zoro for failing to apply the power effectively, and Chapter 1188 could finally be the moment where Zoro learns how to channel it with more control and intent.
Sanji’s situation is similarly positioned for growth, but in a different direction. In his case, self-deprecation has been described as a factor that’s been suppressing his Color of the Supreme King. Chapter 1188 may be the first time Sanji truly commits to the idea of unleashing Conqueror’s Haki without holding himself back.
Sanji: Hey, Gramps! Can I use Supreme King Haki?
Gaban: You should have the potential for it. However, in your case, for some reason, I sense a very strong self-deprecation. You must be a King too if you truly want Luffy to become the Pirate King.
— Scopper Gaban confirms Sanji’s Conqueror’s Haki potential, One Piece Chapter #1187
As these battles continue, the chapter’s focus on Zoro and Sanji would underline how the “king” theme isn’t limited to Luffy’s fight with Imu—it’s about whether the crew’s strongest members can align their will with that standard.
Shuri and Brook May Finally Reunite After Decades
While Chapter 1188 is expected to revolve heavily around the kings of Elbaf, it’s also likely to advance another major storyline: the ongoing thread involving Brook and Shuri. In the previous chapter, Ragnir succeeded in freeing Princess Shuri from the ice prison where she had been trapped. Now that Shuri is released, the next narrative step is Brook reaching her and helping pull her out of Imu’s influence.
How Brook accomplishes that remains unclear, and the story may still have an extra layer of complication—Shuri could potentially be under Imu’s control even after she awakens. Either way, the goal is set: a reunion between Brook and Shuri is being prepared for later, though it may not arrive as quickly as fans might want. The series may stretch the moment with additional build-up before it finally pays off.
In the broader arc context, Zoro’s strength has already grown significantly, and he has reportedly surpassed many of the top-tier fighters from the Final Saga. That kind of progression makes it even more likely the chapter will show the crew’s internal power scaling while also moving the Shuri-and-Brook plot forward in parallel.
However, there’s one more timing detail players will want to note: One Piece is expected to enter a break immediately after Chapter 1188. The reason is straightforward—Oda will have delivered three chapters consecutively, and the schedule will then shift into a two-week hiatus before Chapter 1189 returns.
One Piece Chapter 1188 release details
One Piece Chapter 1188 drops officially on July 12, 2026, in WSJ Issue #32 at 11:00 AM EST, and will be available to read via Manga Plus and Viz Media.
