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The Elbaf arc ofOne Piecehas been phenomenal so far, and fans can’t get enough of the quality that Oda is delivering at the moment. However, at the same time, it must also be said that this arc is quite confusing at the moment. WhileElbaf has given fans big reveals, some legendary characters, powerful Devil Fruits, and even exciting battles, it is still keeping its main villain hidden.
The Holy Knights were believed by many to be the main villains of Elbaf for the longest time, but the recent One Piece chapter,One Piece1148, basically confirms that this isn’t the case. But, fans needn’t worry as Oda has already implied in his story when the main threat to Elbaf will make their appearance.
The Holy Knights Aren’t The Main Villains Of Elbaf
When the Holy Knights first came to Elbaf, fans knew that they would be very overpowered. In a way, that is still true. To the vast majority of theOne Piece, including the likes of some Yonko like Luffy, or Admirals, the Holy Knights and the Five Elders are simply unbeatable. This is down to their biggest strength, and that is the power of immortality. In Egghead, Oda showedthe power of immortality with the Five Elders. Now, the Holy Knights have displayed the same ability, which simply means that they can’t be beaten by the vast majority. But, there is clearly a way to counter immortality, andOne Piecechapter 1148 has basically shown the fans just that.
Burn down your schools and libraries and submit to the World Government! — Sommers
In One Piece chapter 1148, Oda officially showed the fans that the immorality of the Five Elders can be countered. It was Scopper Gaban, the left hand of the Pirate King Roger, who countered the power of the Holy Knights and exposed their weakness. This basically confirms that these three Holy Knights aren’t the main villains for two reasons.
The first reason is that one of them is down already, and while two remain, none of them will be strong enough to pose a threat to Gaban.The Straw Hats are tied, which means the other two must be beaten as well, and soon. It is highly likely that this will happen.
The second reason is that the Monster Trio is in the Underworld. There is absolutely no way that the Monster Trio won’t fight the main enemies or the arc. The safest and likeliest conclusion here is that these three Holy Knights aren’t the main villains here.
The Main Villain Will Appear After Loki’s Flashback
It Could Be Shamrock Figarland or Someone Even Stronger
Fans might be wondering whothe main villain of Elbafis and when they’ll appear, but the answer is clear. In terms of power, the main villain has to be someone strong enough to fight Luffy and the Wings. As such, someone like Shamrock Figarland, or someone even stronger, makes perfect sense. It could even be Imu themself, given that an Abyss had been established with Elbaf. It could also be Loki, although in this case, Loki won’t be a villain, but someone who simply fights Luffy and eventually sides with him.
Don’t overstay your time in Elbaf! — Louis Arnot
The Loki Flashback Will Be Dealt With First
As for when the main villain of Elbaf will come, the answer is clear. First,the three Holy Knights need to be dealt with. This is because the children of Elbaf need to be saved, as is the case with the Straw Hat Pirates and the School and Library of Elbaf. Once this is done, the conflict in the Underworld must be resolved. In other words, Loki will be freed and fans will likely see hai flashback too. Once that is done, Oda will officially introduce the main threat, and fans will likely see Luffy and Loki fight together.
One Piece chapter 1148 will be out soon, in a week. As usual, One Piece is going to drop on Sunday. In Japan, One Piece drops at 12AM JST on Monday. However, the vast majority of international readers will see the chapter available on May 11. The official release date of One Piece Chapter 1148 is July 16, 2025. Fans can read the chapter for free onManga Plus.
