⚠️ SPOILER WARNING ⚠️
This article contains major spoilers for ONE PIECE Chapter 1168 “Elbaph’s Snow” from Weekly Shonen Jump 2026 Issue #2. Please proceed with caution if you haven’t read it yet.
A Tearjerker… ONE PIECE Chapter 1168 “Elbaph’s Snow”
ONE PIECE Chapter 1168 “Elbaph’s Snow,” published in Weekly Shonen Jump 2026 Issue #2, delivers a heart-wrenching episode centered on Ida’s tragic death and Harald’s profound anguish. This chapter stands out as one of the most emotionally heavy installments in the Elbaph arc.
Publication Information
- Title: ONE PIECE
- Author: Eiichiro Oda
- Publisher: Shueisha
- Magazine: Weekly Shonen Jump 2026 Issue #2
- Release Date: December 8, 2025 (Monday)
- Chapter: #1168 “Elbaph’s Snow”
15 Years Ago: Harald’s Dream Takes Shape
The story begins 15 years in the past. Thanks to Harald’s devoted efforts, the world’s perception of the giant race was dramatically changing. The heroic activities of giant marines, the high praise for Elbaph’s seafood and lumber, and successful diplomacy – all contributed to erasing the prejudice that “giants = fearsome beings.” It seemed that Elbaph’s integration into the world community was finally within reach.
Harald delivers a speech to his people, presenting a vision of hope for Elbaph’s future. The school he commissioned Saul to build is complete, and the two share a smile watching giant children playing joyfully. Harald’s determination, “Ida, I will accomplish this,” carries a promise to his beloved.
However, behind this happy scene, a dark shadow was already creeping in.
The Truth of the Deep Sea Contract: Im’s Terrifying Domination
14 years ago, an incident occurs where Shanks disappears just before joining the Holy Knights. In his place, Harald enters the chamber of the “Empty Throne” alongside the Five Elders. There, sitting atop the throne, is Im-sama, who reigns over the world’s pinnacle.
Harald speaks of his plan to pass the crown to the younger generation, but the order given by Im-sama runs completely counter to his ideals. “Organize an army in Elbaph to rival the Marines” – this must have been a nightmare demand for Harald, who had been pursuing peace.
The Deep Sea Contract is a horrifying pact: in exchange for immortality and power, one must submit to absolute obedience to Im’s commands. It’s arguably worse than Makima from “Chainsaw Man.” Im’s scheme was to use the giant race as a military force. The thought of Harald’s state of mind, treated as an “easily manipulated king,” is heartbreaking.
Ida’s Death: Tragedy on a Snowy Day
Then comes the scene that brings the most tears in this chapter. Poisoned by Estrilda’s relatives, Ida struggles valiantly to survive. Harald returns from his final mission and desperately tries to care for her, but the medicine doesn’t arrive in time.
On a day when snow begins to fall, Ida quietly passes away while trying to hold Harald’s hand. Harald and Hyrdin cry out in anguish. Meanwhile, Loki, confined in the Underworld prison, remains silent, sinking into profound grief.
Ida was Harald’s emotional anchor and a symbol of Elbaph’s peace. Her death may have marked the beginning of the collapse of Harald’s ideals. This scene is absolutely guaranteed to make you cry.
Harald’s Final Moments and the Truth Behind “Patricide”
Placed under Im’s control, Harald must have feared becoming a complete puppet. While receiving orders to organize a giant military, he likely searched for one last chance to act on his own will.
14 years ago, Harald ultimately frees Loki and commands him, along with Yarle-sama, to stop him. Essentially, he asked them to kill him. This appears to be the truth behind Loki’s “patricide.” Loki killing Harald was an agonizing decision to fulfill his father’s final wish and protect Elbaph.
Harald chose death of his own volition to escape Im’s control. His death may have been a final gift to his son, Loki.
The Meaning Behind Shanks’ Actions
Shanks’ disappearance just before the Deep Sea Contract holds deep significance. He was likely at the Holy Land Mary Geoise to learn the truth about the World Government and Im-sama. However, forming the Deep Sea Contract would place him under Im’s control. To avoid this, Shanks chose the path of piracy.
There may also be new meaning to why Shanks lost his left arm in the East Blue. It might not have been solely to save Luffy – there could be another purpose. Shanks told Harald, “There are things I can’t talk about in the Holy Land,” which likely hinted at Im’s domination and the darkness of the World Government.
Countdown to Harald’s Final Moments
Chapter 1168 is structured to make us feel Harald’s final moments approaching relentlessly. Loki and Yarle-sama being summoned and heading to Ahlst Castle will likely be a development in future chapters. Just imagining how Harald will ask them to stop him, and what their emotions will be at that moment, is heartbreaking.
The fact that Loki killed Harald is gradually being revealed as not mere rebellion, but an act fulfilling his father’s final wish. I can’t wait for the moment when this truth is fully unveiled in upcoming chapters.
Im’s Terrifying Ambition
Those dominated by the Deep Sea Contract lose their free will and must obey Im’s commands. By forming this contract, Harald was forced to turn his beloved Elbaph into a militaristic nation. Im’s ambition was to use the giant race as a military force and completely dominate the world.
This terrifying contract system is one of the greatest mysteries in the ONE PIECE world. The Five Elders may also be bound by similar contracts.
Gra-bako Appears! Bonney is Super Cute!
Now, amidst these heavy developments, there was also a scene that healed readers’ hearts! Bonney appeared in the Gra-bako (Grand Line Straight Talk) corner! Her innocent smile and adorable expressions are truly angelic. Having these healing moments between the tragic developments of the Elbaph arc is truly appreciated.
Bonney recently had an emotional reunion with her father Kuma, capturing readers’ hearts. Getting to see her super cute appearance in Gra-bako is a blissful moment for ONE PIECE fans. Thank you, Oda-sensei!
Future Developments in the Elbaph Arc
The Deep Sea Contract and Harald’s tragedy revealed in Chapter 1168 are crucial elements that hold the key to the entire Elbaph arc. Is Loki truly a “villain,” or is he fighting to carry on his father’s will? How does Ida’s death connect to Loki’s burning of the village? Many mysteries remain.
Additionally, it’s intriguing to think about how Luffy and his crew will act when they learn this truth. Luffy is a man who values freedom above all else. How will he stand against Im’s domination?
Summary: A Chapter Deeply Etched in Our Hearts
ONE PIECE Chapter 1168 “Elbaph’s Snow” depicts the tragedy of Ida’s death centered around Harald’s anguish and the horror of the Deep Sea Contract. The stories of Ida, who died on a snowy day, and Harald, who wished for his own death, will be deeply etched in readers’ hearts.
There was a truth heavier than imagined hidden behind Loki’s “patricide.” He is not simply a villain but someone who suffered to fulfill his father’s final wish. The Elbaph arc seems set to continue with developments that will shake our emotions even more intensely.
And Bonney’s cuteness in Gra-bako was a refreshing respite amidst the heavy developments! Having these small pleasures is also part of ONE PIECE’s charm.
The next chapter, #1169, is scheduled for publication in Weekly Shonen Jump released on December 22, 2025. Pay attention to how Harald’s final moments will be depicted and how Loki and Yarle-sama will be involved. Get your tissues ready and let’s wait for the continuation!
コメント