The latest chapter of One Piece has dropped a major hint that changes how fans view one of the series’ most beloved characters. Tony Tony Chopper, the Straw Hat Pirates’ doctor, did something in Chapter 1177 that no one expected. He stopped a demon transformation with a single punch. This moment has led many to believe that Marshall D. Teach, better known as Blackbeard, may have been after Chopper’s Devil Fruit during his attack on Drum Island years ago.
What Happened in One Piece Chapter 1177
The spoilers and early summaries for Chapter 1177 have been circulating since March 16, 2026. In the chapter, the battle on Elbaph continues as the Straw Hats fight against the Holy Knights. The situation grows worse when two giants fall victim to Imu’s Domi Reversi technique, turning them into demons.
While treating Scopper Gaban, Chopper watches as a warrior tries to protect him but fails to stop the transformed giants. The reindeer doctor then takes action. He uses a Rumble Ball to enter his Monster Point form and strikes one of the possessed giants. The giant claims the attack did not hurt. But in the next panel, a shadowy, demon-like figure exits the giant’s body. The transformation reverses, leaving everyone shocked, including Chopper himself.
Earlier in the arc, readers learned that killing someone under the Domi Reversi effect could break the spell. But Chopper did not kill the giant. He simply hit him, and the demonic influence vanished. This unexpected result has made fans question what makes Chopper’s abilities so special.
The Forest God Connection
The Harley text, introduced roughly 40 chapters ago, tells the story of the world’s history across three chapters. One section describes the Second World and mentions a figure called the “forest god” who tamed demons. Fans now believe this forest god may be connected to Chopper’s Devil Fruit.
Chopper ate the Hito Hito no Mi, a Zoan-type fruit that lets him turn into a human hybrid and a full human. For years, it seemed like a simple fruit with no combat value. But if the forest god legend is real, Chopper’s fruit could be a Mythical Zoan with a much deeper power. The ability to “tame demons” fits perfectly with what happened in Chapter 1177. Chopper did not defeat the giant with strength. He removed the demon inside him.
Blackbeard’s History With Drum Island
This new information brings new attention to a past event. Before the Straw Hats arrived at Drum Island, Blackbeard and his crew attacked the kingdom. The damage was so severe that Dr. Kureha and Chopper were among the few medical professionals left.
At the time, fans thought Blackbeard attacked Drum Island for no clear reason. He had already obtained the Yami Yami no Mi and was on the run. But if Chopper’s Devil Fruit is actually a rare Mythical Zoan, the attack makes sense. Blackbeard may have known what the Hito Hito no Mi truly was and wanted it for himself.
Some fans on forums have pointed out that Chopper himself showed fear during the timeskip when the topic of Devil Fruit hunters came up. Usopp joked that no one would want Chopper’s fruit. But what seemed like a gag may have been a hint from Oda.
Why Blackbeard Wants Specific Devil Fruits
Blackbeard already holds two Devil Fruits. He has the Yami Yami no Mi, a Logia, and the Gura Gura no Mi, a Paramecia. Many fans believe he wants a third fruit, likely a Zoan, to complete a set. His Jolly Roger shows three skulls. He carries three pistols. His beard is braided into three sections. This three motif appears throughout his design.
If Chopper’s fruit is a Mythical Zoan tied to a god or forest spirit, it would fit Blackbeard’s pattern perfectly. He already stole the darkness fruit. He stole the power to destroy the world. Now, some think he wanted a fruit connected to life, healing, or demons.
One fan theory even suggests that Blackbeard’s ultimate goal is to obtain a third fruit called the “Devil Devil Fruit,” a Mythical Zoan that would make him a true demon. If Chopper’s fruit can counter demonic powers, it would be the natural enemy of such a transformation.
Fan Reactions and Theories
Across social media and forums, the reaction to Chapter 1177 has been strong. Many readers now believe Chopper’s role in the final war will be much bigger than expected.
On the Worstgen forums, one user wrote:
“Maybe Chopper’s human devil fruit really is special, and if that is the case, maybe Blackbeard’s goal at Drum Island was to get that devil fruit.”
Another fan added:
“Chopper reverting DR Giant will be due to his devil fruit, as it was hinted when BB was hunting strong DF users and Chopper said he must be careful, as a gag, but it will turn out it isn’t a gag.”
The idea that Chopper’s fruit could be the key to stopping Imu’s demon transformations has also gained traction. If the forest god truly tamed demons in the ancient past, and Chopper carries that power, he becomes one of the most important fighters against the World Government.
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What This Means for the Story
If this theory proves true, several past events take on new meaning. Blackbeard’s attack on Drum Island was not random. Chopper’s fear of being hunted was not a joke. The Rumble Ball, which Chopper created himself, may have helped him access powers beyond what a normal Zoan user can do.
It also raises questions about other Devil Fruits. Luffy’s fruit was revealed to be the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika, not the Gum-Gum Fruit. Both Luffy and Chopper ate fruits with similar names. Both were underestimated by everyone around them. Both may carry the will of ancient gods.
Official Release and What Comes Next
Chapter 1177 has not yet been officially released in English. The official release is expected in the coming days through Viz Media and Manga Plus. Readers in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and India can read the chapter for free through these platforms when it drops.
The full chapter will provide clearer details on how Chopper stopped the giant’s transformation. Until then, fans continue to piece together the clues Oda has left over the years.
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