This article contains spoilers from One Piece's Elbaf Arc.
One Piece is currently in the Elbaf arc, which began about a year or so ago. This arc has continued to deliver some of the most exciting action, as well as major revelations to the fans, and it'll only get hotter moving forward. Elbaf has been absolutely phenomenal so far, but as is often the case with One Piece, what comes next will be even more chaotic and exciting. Right now, One Piece is focused on the Holy Knights and Imu, but soon after, the focus will shift to more important characters, some of which are fan favorites, such as the strongest Haki user, Shanks.
When Elbaf first began, most fans of One Piece expected Oda to give Shanks the center stage, and that's because he's heavily connected to this country. However, as is quite clear now, Shanks will only come into the spotlight after the arc is done. Fans have been waiting years to see the true power of Red-haired Shanks and his Haki, as well as get major plot revelations about him. But, up until now, Oda hasn't given them much. That's precisely what One Piece post-Elbaf will be, and fans absolutely cannot wait.
Shanks Has The Strongest Haki, And He Will Be The Next Focus
Oda, the author of the story, made it quite clear long ago that the next focus of One Piece in the Final Saga will be the new Emperors. After Wano, the order of the Emperors changed forever, and the ones currently holding the positions are the biggest players of all. Luffy is there, of course, and so is Buggy, and fans already know that Blackbeard won't stop rising up the ranks. Finally, there is Shanks, who is the only old Yonko left from before the timeskip.
I won't say that's not fair, Navy man. But raiding the worn-out new green leaves that changed the era of piracy forever? Don't you think you're doing too much? Are you that afraid of the new era? — Shanks
With Elbaf revealing so much about Red-haired Shanks, it is time that Oda throws some focus on him, and that's exactly what looks like it will happen. Loki already knows where Shanks is headed next, and Luffy wants to know. After Loki is freed and the threat of Imu is dealt with, it will be time for Luffy to follow Shanks and seek him out. All the buildup can only lead to a reunion between Luffy and Shanks.
This also connects to Luffy's current powers. Fans know well that Luffy needs to upgrade his Haki in Elbaf, and this would be perfect for him before he meets the one with the strongest Haki, Shanks. Even then, Oda will finally have the chance to show the fans what real Haki power is when Shanks comes into the picture, revealing abilities like Conqueror's Haki Infusion, Observation Killing, and even his long-ranged Haki, among other things.
Luffy And Shanks's Meeting Is Coming
Luffy and Shanks absolutely have to meet in One Piece. This reunion will happen, no matter what, and it's quite easily the biggest of them all. It didn't happen in Elbaf, but it can most certainly come after the arc is over. Luffy will seek out Shanks, and when they do meet, fans will definitely see them fight. It is here that Oda will reveal the true power of Shanks's Haki, and show everyone why Shanks is the strongest Haki user in One Piece, with his immense control over Conqueror's Haki.
Shanks, Blackbeard, And Buggy Will Be The Next Major Players
In the grand scheme of things, Elbaf is only a stepping stone for the Straw Hat Pirates. It's a gateway into bigger things and fans will see just that once the arc wraps up. This is the time for the Four Emperors to establish themselves as the strongest presence in the world, and fans will definitely see Shanks, Blackbeard, and even Buggy make big moves. Oda will use these characters in exciting ways, and out of them all, Shanks will be the one he will enjoy writing the most. It is no secret that Oda loves Shanks, and that he even sees him as the coolest of all.
The wait has been long, but it is time for Oda to give the fans what they really want, and that's a proper showing of what Shanks can really do with his tremendous Haki, as well as some major lore reveals about him.
Eiichiro Oda's One Piece will return this week. The official release date of One Piece Chapter 1166 is November 23, 2025. Fans can read the chapter for free on Manga Plus. In Japan, the chapter comes out officially on Monday. One Piece won't be on break next week either.