Chapter 1166 of One piece provided one of the biggest reveals of the Elbaf arc so far: author Eiichiro Oda subtly but almost definitively hinted at the strongest candidate to become the latest member of the Straw Hat Pirates. The chapter not only summarizes the shocking events of God Valley and the shocking death of Rocks D. Xebec, but also highlights a crucial clue pointing to Loki, the prince of Elbaf, as the one who may ultimately board the Thousand Sunny.
Loki’s potential as the last Straw Hat has long been discussed by fans, but chapter 1166 elevates this speculation to near-confirmation. Oda reveals that Loki has always wanted to follow the sun god Nika, who he once mistakenly believed to be Rocks D. Xebec. Now that the truth is clear and fans know that Luffy is Nika, the idea of Loki joining Luffy’s pirate crew is stronger than ever.
Oda strongly suggests that Loki will join the Straw Hats
Loki’s connection to Luffy was established early on. From their first meeting, Luffy showed a natural friendliness towards him and even invited Loki to join the crew. Even though Loki refused, he never showed hostility and Luffy sensed no malice from him. It was simply too early because Loki had not yet discovered Luffy’s identity as Nika.
Chapter 1166 reveals that Loki has shared important conversations with Rocks in the past. Loki once declared, “I will never follow a government dog like Harald!” showing his deep distrust of the world government and his desire to follow someone capable of reshaping the world.
The key moment comes when Loki admits his dream: he wants to follow the sun god Nika.
Although he mistakenly believed that Rocks was Nika, the chapter confirms Loki’s true aspiration to accompany Nika in changing or even destroying the world. Now that readers know that Luffy is Nika, Loki’s future path becomes clear.
Currently Loki still does not know Luffy’s true identity. That’s why he rejected the Straw Hat captain’s previous offer. But once the battles at Elbaf begin, Loki will inevitably realize that Luffy is the real Nika he has been waiting for. When this happens, he will not refuse a second invitation.
Oda even emphasizes Loki’s loneliness through the narrative: “When the little hand of the Prince of Elbaf was raised, there was no one to hold it.”
This sentence sums up why Loki seeks a leader who can change the world: a role Luffy is destined to play.
Loki is the most likely last Straw Hat member
Based on the narrative direction, emotional situation, and Loki’s stated desire to follow Nika, it’s increasingly clear that Loki is the strongest candidate for the Straw Hats’ final spot. Luffy wants Loki on the ship and Loki wants to follow Nika. The pieces align perfectly.
Fans can expect Loki and Luffy to eventually fight side by side, perhaps even against the World Government itself. However, this moment will take time. Elbaf’s flashback arc is still ongoing and could last several more months before returning to the current timeline, where the massive battles against the Holy Knights and Imu will begin.
But when the story returns to the present, Loki’s destiny likely awaits him: to become the last Straw Hat Pirate and join Luffy on his journey to change the world.
Sources: gamek
