※This article contains spoilers for One Piece Chapter 1169. Please be cautious if you haven’t read it yet.
Publication Information
- Title: ONE PIECE
- Chapter: 1169 “I Must Die as Soon as Possible”
- Author: Eiichiro Oda
- Publisher: Shueisha
- Magazine: Weekly Shonen Jump 2026 New Year Issues 4-5
- Release Date: December 22, 2025
The Final Chapter of 2025 Features a Lead Color Spread! The Rocks Pirates Look Absolutely Amazing
I just read One Piece Chapter 1169 “I Must Die as Soon as Possible,” published in the Weekly Shonen Jump 2026 New Year Issues 4-5 released on December 22, 2025! This chapter features a lead color spread—a fitting treatment for the final One Piece chapter of the year.
The moment I opened the color spread, I couldn’t help but shout, “This is too cool!” All 14 members of the Rocks Pirates assembled in matching black suits. The coordinated outfits amplify their coolness to the max, and honestly, this single image alone is enough to bring tears to my eyes. I’m completely captivated.
Everyone is so massive that Stussy and Gloriosa look small in comparison, but in reality, they’re much taller than average humans. Every single one of them is huge. Everything about them is huge.
What I love about One Piece characters is that even though they’re pirates, they give off this reassuring vibe that they’d protect you better than the government. In terms of scale, regular humans would be about the size of the cake that Mom is eating. I almost want to be eaten by her… just kidding! This sense of scale is what makes One Piece so captivating.
The Timeline Revealed Through Shanks and Gaban’s Conversation
Now, let’s dive into the main story. I’ll skip discussion of the special supplement “ONE PIECE mini magazine Special Edition LEGEND & NEXT” included in this issue.
The main story continues from Chapter 1152, and we now know that the conversation between Gaban and Shanks took place at this point in the timeline. In the scene at Gaban’s house, Gaban tells Shanks, “I heard from Garp that Roger had a son.”
Shanks’s response was wonderful: “Yeah, he’s like a brother to me!!” The way he describes Ace really conveys Shanks’s character. Gaban responds, “Well, you and Buggy are ‘our’ sons,” showing how the Roger Pirates crew truly cherished Shanks and Buggy like family.
Even without blood ties, Shanks grew up in the big family that was the Roger Pirates. That’s why he can call Ace his “brother.” The warmth of this conversation creates a poignant contrast with the tragedy that follows.
The Details of Im-sama’s Contract Ability Revealed!
The story then shifts to Elbaf 14 years ago. Shanks provides detailed information about Im-sama’s contract. He refers to it as an “ability,” so we don’t know if it’s related to a Devil Fruit, but it seems to have a range of effect similar to Observation Haki.
It’s revealed that there are two types of contracts through Im-sama’s ability. The “Shallow Sea Contract” allows control only within a specific range, while the “Deep Sea Contract” enables control anywhere in the world. Those who join the Holy Knights gain immortality but are forced into complete obedience—a terrifying system.
Harald was beloved as a wise king, but by entering into the Deep Sea Contract, he fell under Im-sama’s control. Shanks intended to warn Harald not to make the Deep Sea Contract, but it was already too late. Im-sama’s “Black Reversal Domination” gradually consumed Harald’s body and even robbed him of his consciousness.
The scene where the wise king Harald goes berserk like a demon was truly shocking. Even the surrounding guards became demonized—a testament to how terrifying Im-sama’s power truly is.
Harald’s Final Command: “I Must Die as Soon as Possible”
To escape Im-sama’s control, Harald orders his guards to kill him. This scene was impossible to watch without tears. He instructs the palace soldiers to bind him to a pillar with chains, and in the end, he takes up a sword and tries to sever his left arm to break free from Im’s control.
The chapter title “I Must Die as Soon as Possible” perfectly captures Harald’s desperate situation. A beloved king forced to wish for his own death to escape Im-sama’s control—what a tragedy.
Yarul and Loki are also summoned, and what Harald told them, especially what he entrusted to Loki, is intriguing. There was also the shocking revelation that “the legendary Devil Fruit is necessary to kill me.”
With his immortal body, ordinary weapons couldn’t kill Harald. That’s why the power of the “legendary Devil Fruit” kept in the treasure vault was necessary. Loki has been condemned as a “father killer” until now, but perhaps he actually moved to fulfill his father Harald’s final wish.
The weight of the decision Harald made as both a father and a king. The weight of the mission entrusted to his son Loki. The truth of what happened in Elbaf on that day 14 years ago is finally coming to light.
The Identity of the Mysterious Laughter “Ge-gge-gge-gge!!”
And then that final laugh! “Ge-gge-gge-gge!!” I can’t wait for the next chapter.
This mysterious laughter that echoed when Loki headed to the treasure vault—could this be related to the lightning-like ability that the current Loki wields? There’s also a depiction of the giant hammer “Ragnarok” based on Norse mythology moving on its own, so perhaps the hammer itself has eaten a Devil Fruit.
Some theories suggest that the “Ge-ge-ge-ge!!” voice represents multiple souls. Does Ragnarok possess some kind of will, or is it the power of the legendary Devil Fruit that Loki ate? Some speculate it might be a weapon that ate the “Inu Inu no Mi, Model: Fenrir.”
Ragnarok is a weapon that can only be wielded with the physique and superhuman strength of the ancient giants—even Hajrudin, who has Harald’s blood as a mixed-blood giant, cannot wield it. The fact that Loki wielded it so naturally suggests this laughter holds a great secret.
Finally Returning to the Present! The Elbaf Flashback Reaches Its Climax
This week, we’ve finally reached a point where it seems we’ll return to the present. The Elbaf flashback is nearing its conclusion.
The story has progressed steadily from the God Valley Incident 38 years ago to 14 years ago. Without returning to present-day Elbaf and with no appearance from Luffy and the crew, an entire chapter was devoted to narrating the one tragic day for the royal family—demonstrating how crucial this flashback is.
The Elbaf arc of ONE PIECE has become the longest flashback arc to date, which shows just how much the history and truth of this giant nation are connected to the core of the story. Harald’s tragedy, Im-sama’s control system, Loki’s encounter with the legendary Devil Fruit and Ragnarok—all of these are crucial elements that will significantly impact future developments.
Is Loki truly evil, or is he a tragic son who fulfilled his father’s wish? Now that we know the truth, thinking about Loki’s situation—bound to the Adam tree in the underworld—evokes complex emotions. And in the present, Luffy is confronting Loki. Will the next chapter depict the moment when past and present connect?
Both the Beginning and End of 2025 Were Set in the Royal Castle
The first chapter of 2025 began with Shamrock and Gunko (present day) infiltrating Aullust Castle, and the final chapter featured the tragedy that occurred at Aullust Castle 14 years ago. It’s no coincidence that both were set in the royal castle.
This way of linking them really demonstrates Oda-sensei’s masterful composition skills. Creating a contrast between the beginning and end of the year, connecting past and present—it’s truly a meticulously calculated storytelling approach.
The special treatment of ending the year with a lead color spread also conveys the importance of Chapter 1169. Including the Rocks Pirates color spread, the staging that builds anticipation for 2026 was perfect.
Expectations for the Next Chapter: What Will the First Chapter of 2026 Bring?
After this break, Chapter 1170 is scheduled to be published in the Weekly Shonen Jump released on January 5, 2026. As the first chapter of 2026, I’m already excited to see what developments await us.
Will it conclude the flashback arc, or will we return to the present and see the reactions of Luffy and the crew? Personally, I’m curious about the moment when Loki eats the legendary Devil Fruit and the developments immediately after he defeats Harald. Will the identity of that mysterious laughter “Ge-gge-gge-gge!!” also be revealed?
Shanks’s movements are also important. Where did Shanks go after failing to stop the Deep Sea Contract? He’s declared that he’s “going to get the One Piece,” so his next move will undoubtedly have a major impact on the story.
With this chapter, Im-sama’s terrifying nature has been revealed to yet another degree. The true power of the being who reigns at the pinnacle of the World Government is gradually becoming clear. The truth hidden for 800 years, and the historical reality that the world nearly perished once before. Toward the final saga, the story is definitely approaching its core.
Conclusion: One Piece Is Still the Best
One Piece Chapter 1169 “I Must Die as Soon as Possible” decorated the climax of the Elbaf flashback with the luxurious treatment of a lead color spread.
The Rocks Pirates color spread is so cool that those are the only words that come to mind. It’s an utterly captivating image. And the main story, from Harald’s tragedy to Loki’s truth, mesmerized us with its dense content.
The details of Im-sama’s contract ability, Harald’s final command, and the mysterious laughter “Ge-gge-gge-gge!!”—all elements that heighten our anticipation for the next chapter.
In 2025, One Piece showed us truly wonderful developments. And in 2026, a story beyond our expectations surely awaits. One Piece is still the best.
Let’s look forward to Chapter 1170, the first chapter of the new year!
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