One Piece continues its thrilling Elbaf arc with Chapter 1136, “The Land That Awaits the Sun,” delivering a potent mix of lore, character development, and escalating tension. This chapter dives deeper into the mysteries of Elbaf and the enigmatic figure of Loki, while also introducing a compelling new threat in the form of a “Shanks” look-alike. The chapter expertly balances the Straw Hats’ ongoing adventures with the simmering conflict that threatens to erupt.
Elbaf’s Lore Unveiled
The chapter opens with Luffy enjoying a feast, while Jarul, the oldest Giant, expounds on the significance of Elbaf as the “Sun World.” He explains that many humans mistake the “Underworld” for the island, never reaching its true depths. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Elbaf’s unique mythology. The Straw Hats are seen enjoying the party, with some giants expressing curiosity about Jinbe and Brook, as they have never seen other races before. Usopp, in his usual style, boasts about his past exploits, including his supposed defeat of Oars, a legendary giant warrior. Road, the giant who previously caused trouble, is forced to apologize, adding a touch of humor.
A key element of the chapter is the discussion surrounding the Sun God, Nika. Road reveals that many in Elbaf dream of becoming the next Sun God. This sparks a debate among the giants, who hold varying interpretations of Nika. Some see him as a liberator, others as a destroyer, and still others as a god of laughter. Jarul mentions the ancient Elbaf mythology, called “Halley,” written in a language that cannot be translated, suggesting that the various interpretations of the Sun God have been passed down throughout history. This adds layers to the existing lore around Nika.
Loki’s Ambiguous Role
Chapter 1136 significantly advances the narrative around Loki, the imprisoned prince of Elbaf. The giants emphasize Loki’s guilt in King Harald’s death, revealing that Jarul was stabbed trying to stop him, though his helmet saved him. It is further explained that Shanks captured Loki at sea six years ago, after which he was imprisoned. This revelation piques Luffy’s interest, who wonders if Shanks came to Elbaf and where he is now.
The chapter shifts focus to the Underworld of Elbaf, where Loki is confronted by the hooded figures, revealed to be members of the Holy Knights. One of them bears a striking resemblance to Shanks. They offer Loki a position, but he vehemently refuses, stating that he wouldn’t willingly become scum like the Celestial Dragons. This response highlights Loki’s potential disdain for the World Government and further complicates his motivations. The Holy Knights, also known as God’s Knights, are in the Underworld of Elbaf because they used the power of the summoning circle. The ability to use the summoning circle seems to belong to the Shanks look-alike, which suggests that he is an important character.
Loki’s role remains ambiguous, and it’s unclear whether he is a force for good or evil. It’s possible that he is using chaotic and extreme methods to prevent Elbaf from being controlled by the World Government. His capture by Shanks could be tied to the tense relations between Elbaf and the World Government. This adds to the mystery surrounding the character and makes the audience question whether he will become an anti-hero ally for the Straw Hats.
The Intriguing God’s Knights
The chapter also provides key information about the God’s Knights. The woman who accompanies the “Shanks” look-alike is revealed to be Gunko, who bears a slight resemblance to Koala. Gunko displays an unusual ability to unravel the long sleeves of her blazer into bandages with arrow tips. This showcases her fighting style. When a wolf appears, seemingly summoned by Loki, Gunko easily captures it and, along with “Shanks,” tries to use it as leverage to convince Loki to join them. Loki refuses and states that a warrior doesn’t reject when it’s their time to go. This exchange highlights Loki’s pride and his dedication to his cause. The scene ends with Loki vowing to use his rage over his friend’s death to fuel his eventual destruction of the world.
The presence of the God’s Knights in Elbaf confirms that they are the invaders, and their encounter with Loki sets up a potential conflict. Their motives remain unclear, but their offer to Loki suggests they seek to manipulate him for their own purposes.
Luffy’s Impulsive Actions
Meanwhile, Luffy learns of Shanks’s connection to Loki and his presence on Elbaf. Driven by his personal interest, he decides to go see Loki. Zoro and Nami join him, wary of his intentions. This suggests that Luffy’s personal connection to Shanks could lead him to make rash decisions. The impending meeting with Loki could lead to a chaotic situation, where Luffy might even side with Loki if it benefits him. This further emphasizes Luffy’s impulsive nature, which mirrors Loki’s chaos.
The dynamics between Luffy, Zoro, and Nami, add to the intrigue of the situation, as the “Romance Dawn Trio” takes on a mission with uncertain outcomes. Nami, always pragmatic, is more interested in the treasure that may be present in the castle where Loki is imprisoned.
Chapter’s Impact
Chapter 1136 is a very impactful installment in the Elbaf arc. It masterfully interweaves lore reveals with character-driven interactions and sets the stage for future conflicts. The introduction of the God’s Knights and the ambiguous motives of Loki have significantly increased the tension. The reveal of the “Shanks” look-alike adds a layer of mystery and intrigue, as fans are left wondering if this is a twin, a clone, or a different character. The chapter ends with multiple parties heading towards Loki, guaranteeing an explosive confrontation in the future. This setup makes Chapter 1136 an essential read, as it provides many questions that fans are looking forward to being answered in the upcoming chapters of the manga.
