The upcoming manga chapter brings a major fight between the Accursed Prince and the World Government’s mysterious leader. Eiichiro Oda continues the Elbaf arc with non-stop action after Chapter 1180 showed Imu easily defeating Zoro and Sanji. Fans are now waiting to see if Prince Loki can stand against the King of the World.
Chapter 1181 will continue directly from the cliffhanger where Loki stepped in to protect Elbaf. The previous chapter ended with Imu using a new power called “Omen” to defeat the Straw Hats’ strongest fighters without breaking a sweat. Loki admitted he killed King Harald, which sets up a very personal fight with Imu who came looking for the killer.
Chapter 1181 Release Date and Global Timings
One Piece Chapter 1181 will release on April 27, 2026 at 12 AM JST in Japan. For international readers, the chapter arrives earlier on April 26, 2026 because of time zone differences.
Here are the release times for major regions:
United States
- Pacific Time (PDT): 8 AM on April 26
- Eastern Time (EDT): 11 AM on April 26
- Central Time (CDT): 10 AM on April 26
- Mountain Time (MDT): 9 AM on April 26
- Alaska (AKDT): 7 AM on April 26
- Hawaii (HST): 5 AM on April 26
Other Regions
- Canada (Eastern): 11 AM on April 26
- United Kingdom (GMT): 4 PM on April 26
- Europe (CET): 5 PM on April 26
- India (IST): 8:30 PM on April 26
- Brazil (BRT): 12 PM on April 26
- UAE (GST): 7 PM on April 26
- Philippines (PHT): 11 PM on April 26
- Australia (AEDT): 2 AM on April 27
- New Zealand (NZDT): 4 AM on April 27
Where to Read the New Chapter Online
Readers can find One Piece Chapter 1181 on official platforms right after release. MANGA Plus by Shueisha and Viz Media (website or Shonen Jump App) offer the latest chapters for free. These platforms provide high-quality translations and support the creators.
What Happened in Chapter 1180
The previous chapter showed Imu’s physical form for the first time. He attacked Zoro’s group to rescue Saint Sommers. When Gerd tried to defend, Imu cut off some of her fingers. Zoro used his King of Hell: Oni Giri attack, but Imu deflected it easily with his tail.
Imu then created a black flame and hit Zoro, leaving him badly injured. Using his “Omen” technique, Imu revived Saint Sommers. He spread his black wings and flew to Sanji’s location. After reviving Saint Killingham the same way, Sanji attacked with kicks. None of them worked. Imu wrapped black flames around his leg and kicked Sanji, causing a huge explosion.
The chapter ended with Imu heading to Loki’s location. The two powerful fighters prepared to face each other.
What Fans Expect in Chapter 1181
Loki vs Imu will likely take up most of the chapter. Loki needs to use his Devil Fruit powers. He previously said his dragon form is too big to fight small opponents. So fans expect to see Loki’s hybrid form, possibly the Ryu Ryu no Mi, Model: Nidhoggr. This form should give him better speed and power against Imu.
The battle will probably show Loki putting up a good fight but eventually getting overpowered. Imu is on a completely different level. He easily handled both Zoro and Sanji at the same time. Loki might be stronger than them, but beating the King of the World seems very unlikely.
Luffy is still eating to regain his strength. He needs more food before using Gear 5 again. So Luffy probably won’t join the fight in Chapter 1181. That means Loki has to hold off Imu alone for now.
Magazine Break Information
Eiichiro Oda is not taking a personal break after Chapter 1181. However, Golden Week holidays in Japan mean the entire Weekly Shonen Jump magazine will be on break next week. So Chapter 1182 will release on May 11, 2026 instead of the usual schedule.
“Saint Nerona Imu Descends! Elbaf is in a Major Crisis…!?”
This preview from official sources confirms the chapter focuses on the crisis in Elbaf. Imu’s presence has changed everything for the giants and the Straw Hats.
Some hints suggest the chapter may include a Void Century flashback showing Joy Boy. The connection between Joy Boy and Imu might be similar to Naruto’s Hashirama and Madara — close friends who became bitter enemies. This lore could explain why Imu hates the Sun God Nika so much.
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Why This Chapter Matters
The Elbaf arc has reached its peak. Imu stepping onto the battlefield changes everything. For years, fans only saw this character in shadows. Now Oda is finally showing what the World Government’s true leader can do.
The fight between Loki and Imu also matters for Elbaf’s future. Loki admitted he killed King Harald. But Imu came looking for the killer, which creates a strange situation. Why does the World Government care about an old king’s death? The answer may connect to secrets about the Void Century and why Imu rules the world.
The black flame ability called “Omen” remains a mystery. It can heal Imu’s allies and hurt enemies. This might be a corrupted form of Haki or something completely different. Chapter 1181 could explain more about how this power works.
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