With the return of Eiichiro Oda to Jump last week after a short break, all eyes are on One Piece 1173 right now, as the incredible battle between the fighting force of Elbaf and the Demon Army led by Imu has officially begun. The previous chapter marked the announcement of war, which means all the action will finally kickstart in this week's chapter. Fans are eagerly waiting to see what Oda delivers, especially concerning the characters of Zoro and Sanji.
Last week's chapter ended with Zoro stating that he had a plan to deal with the threat of Imu’s Demon Army and save Lord Jarul of Elbaf. Now, fans are eager to see what Zoro has planned in One Piece chapter 1173, and how he manages to prevent the death of one of the biggest legends of the world. Oda will also likely advance the plot of Sanji rescuing the Straw Hat Pirates, as they have been absent from the story for far too long. To do that, however, he must get past Saint Somers of the Holy Knights.
Zoro's Plan Against Dorry And Brogy Will Be Revealed In One Piece 1173
Jarul's Life Faces Danger From Dorry And Brogy
- Zoro’s group is trying to save Elbaf's biggest legend
- Oda will highlight Zoro's newly acquired skill
One Piece 1172 ended with Zoro declaring that he has a plan to save Lord Jarul of Elbaf. Zoro's group arrived at Warrior's Village towards the end of the chapter, but he has not taken any action yet, which is why all eyes are currently on One Piece 1173. Zoro was seen unsheathing his sword at the end of the chapter, which means that whatever Zoro does, it likely sees him make use of his incredible swordplay. The important thing to note is that being caught between two Domi Reversed Giants would mean that the warriors would get reversed as well. In that case, the best thing for Zoro to do here would be to separate the two. The only way that Zoro can do this is by cutting a part of Elbaf itself.
Don't worry, I have a plan! — Zoro to Hajrudin, One Piece 1172
One Piece 1173 might just go on to show the fans Zoro's incredible swordplay, powered by Conqueror's Haki. Zoro might go on to utilize the power of Enma to bring out his Conqueror's Haki and then launch a powerful strike that splits the land in half. By splitting the land in two, Zoro and the others won't have to worry about getting caught in between two giants, and the fear of being Domi Reversi'd would go away as well.
Then, Zoro's own team can split into two parts, with each going after one of Dorry and Brogy. It is highly likely that Hajrudin will go in one direction and Zoro in another. It must also be remembered that the likes of Scopper Gaban are present at the scene as well, and One Piece 1173 might see him make use of his powerful Haki to put a stop to the advances of Dorry or Brogy. Gaban being with Zoro also means that he can guide him in using Conqueror's Haki efficiently, and fans absolutely cannot wait to see that.
Sanji Will Rescue The Straw Hat Pirates From Gunko's Arrows
Nami, Usopp, Jinbe, And Robin Are Currently Trapped
One Piece 1173 might also give the fans a glimpse of the remaining Straw Hats who are currently trapped by Imu, or rather, Imu's Vessel, Gunko. Ever since the Straw Hats came across Gunko in battle, they have been imprisoned, and it is up to Sanji to rescue all of them. Meanwhile, Nico Robin is currently trapped in the thorns prepared by Saint Sommers, which means it is time for him to face Sanji's wrath.
Hey, tell me which way the library is! I think Nami-san and others are in danger. — Sanji
In the previous chapter, Sanji started his advance towards the Straw Hat Pirates who are currently near the burning Library. Sanji will likely make it to the library in no time, which means it is up to him to save all the trapped members of the Straw Hat Pirates, as well as rescue Nico Robin and put out the fires that are currently burning down the Owl’s Library. In doing so, Sanji will also come face to face with Saint Sommers, and seeing what he has done to Nico Robin and all the others, Sanji will only go on to be infuriated even more.
The battle against Saint Sommers is going to be pivotal for Sanji to tap into his latent powers and awaken his Conqueror's Haki. The only way to defeat the Holy Knights is by utilizing Conqueror's Haki attacks repeatedly, as has been highlighted by Oda himself time and again. As such, this is the perfect opportunity for Sanji to tap into this power before he goes on to fight against even bigger enemies in this arc, such as either Dorry or Brogy.
The Holy Knights Will Move Into Action Against Zoro And Sanji
The Wings of the Pirate King Will Face Worthy Enemies
As is quite clear in the story already, the main threats in Elbaf currently are Imu, who has possessed the body of Gunko, as well as Saint Killingham and Sommers. Luffy and Loki will most likely combine their strength in the battle against Imu, but Killingham and Sommers must be taken on by Zoro and Sanji on their own. Sanji is already progressing towards Sommers at a rapid pace and might actually confront him in One Piece 1173. Meanwhile, Zoro, who is currently planning to split apart Dorry and Brogy, might come across Saint Killingham rather soon. In that case, their battles against the Holy Knights might kick start soon, and fans are eager to see how they perform and improve their Conqueror's Haki overall.
I've already completed the job. I might as well take a nap here. — Saint Sommers
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At the same time, both Killingham and Sommers themselves need big moments in the story as well. While they are both incredibly strong, they have been rather underwhelming so far in this arc because of not received enough moments of shine. The battle against Zoro and Sanji will be perfect for Oda to elevate their character and make them into formidable villains in this arc. Perhaps, One Piece 1173 will play into that in great detail.
Luffy and Loki Will Arrive At The Sun World In One Piece 1173
The Strongest Duo Of Elbaf Will Spring Into Action
Finally, fans are eagerly waiting to see the return of Luffy and Loki to the Sun World. Given that they have already taken care of the Draugr that fell in the Underworld, it is time for them to head up to the Sun World and begin the counter-attack against Imu and the Demon Army. Both Luffy and Loki should arrive on the Sun Realm anytime now, and this event might take place in One Piece 1173, which would be huge for the Prince of Elbaf. Loki could go on to reveal his Devil Fruit powers to the fans for the very first time.
In either case, the counter-attack against Imu's army has officially begun, and from here on out, it will be all-out war in the land of the Giants as One Piece continues to heat up in its most exciting arc in the Final Saga yet.
The official release date of One Piece Chapter 1173 is February 8, 2026. In Japan, One Piece drops at 12AM JST on Monday, which is 11:00 AM EST, or 8:00 AM PT. Fans can read the chapter for free on Manga Plus and the Shonen Jump apps.