As the Elbaf arc of One Piece unfolds, the story inches closer to its long-anticipated conclusion, bringing the Great War that fans have eagerly awaited for over a decade into view. One Piece Chapter 1152 – The Straw Hat Pirates are steadily amassing incredible strength in preparation for the impending conflict, but one crucial element remains missing: the final member of their crew.

Luffy initially envisioned a crew of at least ten members, and so far, he has gathered nine companions. This strongly suggests that one more character will ultimately join the Straw Hat Pirates. While the identity of this final member remains officially unconfirmed, clues from the Elbaf arc indicate that Luffy may have already set his sights on this last Straw Hat.

Loki’s Role in Elbaf

From the moment Loki was introduced, fans recognized his potential significance within the narrative. As anticipated, he made his appearance in the Elbaf arc, revealing a surprising reputation. Despite being the prince of the Giants, Loki is largely reviled by his people, earning the title of the Accursed Prince and being viewed as a blemish on Elbaf’s legacy. Although he is the son of the former King Harald, Loki’s unpopularity suggests that he may struggle to find acceptance, even if he ultimately earns the people’s respect.

“You know Shanks? Where is he?” — Luffy to Loki

The Inevitable Team-Up

It is clear that a collaboration between Luffy and Loki is on the horizon. With the looming threat of Imu casting a shadow over Elbaf, infighting is not an option. Both Luffy and Loki must unite to confront this greater menace. This necessity is further illustrated in the Elbaf mural, which depicts a scene of Loki and Nika fighting alongside each other during the Great War against Imu.

“Please help him, Hajrudin! Otherwise, he will die!” — Luffy

Imu’s overwhelming power indicates that Luffy will require the assistance of this pivotal character in the One Piece universe.

While some may interpret the mural as merely showcasing a battle against Imu, it clearly illustrates Luffy alongside all his allies, reinforcing the idea of unity in the face of adversity.

The Case for Loki Joining the Straw Hats

With One Piece Chapter 1152 set to release soon, anticipation is building among fans. The chapter is scheduled to drop on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at 12 AM JST in Japan. However, international readers can expect to access it on the same day. As always, fans can read the latest installment for free on Manga Plus.

In conclusion, the narrative hints strongly suggest that Loki could be the final addition to the Straw Hat crew. His character arc, combined with the pressing threats they face, makes his eventual inclusion not only plausible but also a compelling development for the story.