One Piece Chapter 1152, “A Horrible Day,” just hit like a cannonball in the Elbaph Arc, and fans can’t stop talking about it. The big question on everyone’s mind: Could Loki, the mysterious Prince of Elbaph, actually become the next Straw Hat? This chapter’s packed with jaw-dropping moments, from Zoro’s Haki reveal to Loki’s tragic past, and it’s got the fandom buzzing with theories. I’ve dug into the details, fan reactions, and all the hints Eiichiro Oda’s dropped so far. Let’s dive into what went down and whether Loki’s got a spot on the Sunny.
What’s Going On in Chapter 1152?
This chapter throws us deep into the chaos of Elbaph, with the Straw Hats and their giant allies gearing up for a showdown against Imu and the God’s Knights. Loki, the giant prince with a massive 2.6 billion berry bounty, takes center stage, and Oda’s peeling back layers of his story. We get a wild mix of action, lore, and those classic Luffy moments that make you laugh and cheer at the same time.
Zoro gets a huge moment when Scopper Gaban, a grizzled veteran from the Red Hair Pirates, confirms he’s got Conqueror’s Haki. Fans have been calling this since Wano, but seeing it spelled out is electric. Luffy knew all along, but Zoro’s been in the dark, and Gaban gives him a good-natured roasting to step up and master it. It’s a big deal for Zoro’s growth and hints at some epic fights coming up.
Then there’s Luffy, doing what he does best: making bold moves. He straight-up asks Loki to join the Straw Hats, hoping it’ll convince Hajrudin to free him from his chains. It’s such a Luffy thing to do, but it doesn’t go over well. Zoro and Sanji raise their eyebrows, Hajrudin’s not thrilled, and Loki himself shuts it down, saying he doesn’t follow anyone. Still, Luffy’s got that stubborn spark in his eye, and we all know he doesn’t give up easily.
The chapter also digs into Loki’s past through some heavy flashbacks. We learn he was framed for killing his father, King Harald, 14 years ago. Turns out, Harald’s own soldiers were the culprits, which flips the “Accursed Prince” narrative on its head. Another flashback, set over a century ago, paints Harald as a destructive force, hinting at why Elbaph got tangled with the World Government. There’s even a nod to Shanks and Gaban being in Elbaph during Harald’s death, where they sensed a strange Haki and heard about a stolen legendary Devil Fruit. It’s classic Oda, leaving us with more questions than answers.
The stakes are high as the Straw Hats and New Giant Warrior Pirates prepare to face Imu’s forces in the Sun World. Gaban warns that only the strongest Conqueror’s Haki can take down the seemingly immortal God’s Knights, setting up a battle that’s gonna be nuts.
Could Loki Join the Straw Hats?
So, let’s get to the heart of it: Is Loki about to become the tenth Straw Hat? There’s a lot to unpack here, and the fandom’s split right down the middle.
On one hand, Loki feels like a perfect fit. Luffy’s got this uncanny ability to see the good in people, and he’s already saved Loki’s life and shared his precious meat with him. That’s Luffy’s love language, and it’s how he won over crewmates like Zoro and Robin. The fact that Loki’s been wrongfully blamed for his dad’s murder hits hard, too. It’s the kind of tragic backstory that screams Straw Hat, reminding me of Robin’s Ohara days or Franky’s exile in Water 7. Plus, Loki’s a powerhouse—rocking a mythical Devil Fruit, advanced Haki, and a giant-sized weapon called Ragnir. A giant on the crew would shake things up in the best way, adding a new dynamic alongside Chopper and Jinbe. Oda’s been teasing Loki since Chapter 858, and with Luffy’s dream of a ten-man crew, the timing feels right. Fans on X are eating it up, with some calling this chapter “absolute gold” and betting Loki’s arc is leading to a Sunny boarding pass.
But then there’s the other side. Loki’s kind of a beast, maybe too much of one. His bounty outshines Zoro’s, and his “Sun God” title alongside Luffy’s Nika feels like it could steal the spotlight. Some fans worry he’d throw off the crew’s balance, making Luffy look less like the captain. Then there’s the practical stuff—Zoro and Sanji joke about Loki’s size and appetite, and yeah, fitting a giant on the Sunny sounds like a nightmare. More than that, Loki’s fiercely independent. He straight-up says he’s not here to follow anyone, which doesn’t exactly vibe with being a crewmate. Posts on X point out he might be better as a heavy-hitting ally, like Vivi or the Grand Fleet, helping in the final war without signing up full-time. It’s a tough call.