The latest One Piece chapter brings fans the long-awaited clash between Luffy and Imu. Chapter 1187, titled “Ringleader,” delivers major action sequences and a key moment for Sanji’s character development. The spoilers reveal intense battles, new attacks, and a conversation that could change everything for one of the Straw Hat crew members.
Imu Shows Terrifying Power Against Loki
The chapter picks up right after Luffy punched Imu in the previous installment. Imu responds quickly by unleashing massive demonic energy from both hands aimed at Luffy and Loki.
Imu traps Loki against an unbreakable block of ice. Loki’s hammer can melt the ice, but Imu launches another attack before Loki can free himself. This attack is called Stigma (Demonic Sword). Imu creates a talking flame on Loki’s chest, then fires a huge aura sword straight through Loki’s body at that exact spot.
The attack leaves Loki critically injured. Based on the spoilers, Loki might be out of the battle for some time. This shows Imu has more terrifying abilities that fans haven’t seen before.
Zoro and Sanji Get Their Matchups
The chapter shifts focus to Zoro and Sanji as Luffy and Imu continue fighting. Zoro starts his battle against Sommers, while Sanji faces Killingham.
Sanji remembers a conversation with Scopper Gaban. Gaban told him, “Become a king. If you truly want Luffy to become the Pirate King.”
This memory carries huge weight. Gaban, the left-hand man of the Pirate King Gol D. Roger, tells Sanji he has the qualities of someone who can use Conqueror’s Haki.
The connection matters because Gaban is Sanji’s parallel in the Roger Pirates. Just as Roger had Rayleigh and Gaban as his two strongest men, Luffy has Zoro and Sanji as his “wings.” Roger and Rayleigh both had Conqueror’s Haki. Luffy and Zoro already have it. If Gaban confirms Sanji can use it, that completes the parallel.
Fans have debated Sanji getting Conqueror’s Haki for years. His royal bloodline as a Vinsmoke prince and his ambition to find the All Blue both support this possibility. Chapter 1187 finally gives strong hints that Oda plans to make it happen.
Gear 5 Luffy Confronts Imu
The final pages show one of the most exciting moments in recent One Piece history. Luffy appears before Imu in his Gear 5 form. This means the biggest battle in the series is about to start.
Imu greets Luffy by calling him Joy Boy. But Luffy rejects that title completely. He states clearly, “Stop calling me by another name!! My name is Luffy! I’m the man who will become the Pirate King!!”
The chapter ends with a dramatic splash page featuring the English text: “Saint Nerona Imu VS Monkey D. Luffy.”
This officially sets up the confrontation fans have waited for since Imu’s introduction in Chapter 906 back in June 2018.
What the Chapter Means for Sanji
The hint about Sanji’s Conqueror’s Haki comes with interesting wording. Gaban tells Sanji he has “the qualities” of someone with Conqueror’s Haki, not that he already has it. This is different from Zoro, whose body already grew used to using it.
This means Sanji will likely need to work harder to awaken the power. But the setup shows Oda clearly has major plans for Sanji’s character.
The cover page of Chapter 1187 also connects to Sanji. It shows Reiju protecting a black duck with Sanji’s eyes and hairstyle from siblings and a father who look like the Vinsmoke family. This represents Reiju’s love for her younger brother and ties into the Sanji-focused chapter.
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Release Information
One Piece Chapter 1187 officially releases on July 5, 2026. It will be available to read for free on Shueisha’s Manga Plus and Viz Media platforms.
Good news for fans: the manga will NOT go on break next week. Chapter 1188 comes out on July 13, 2026.
The chapter is set to release at 11:00 AM Eastern Standard Time for US readers. International readers in different time zones should check their local release times on official platforms.
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