Following a scheduled break after the debut of One Piece Chapter 1190, Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump is returning with the next major installment of the series. One Piece Chapter 1191 is officially slated to drop on August 23, 2026, featured in Issue #39 of Weekly Shonen Jump, with a global digital release on Manga Plus at 11 am EST.
This upcoming chapter drives the Elbaf arc forward as Monkey D. Luffy prepares to clash once more with Nerona Imu, the King of the World, in the wake of Scopper Gaban’s profound sacrifice in the previous chapter.
Luffy Is Set To Save Scopper Gaban In One Piece Chapter 1191
Chapter 1190 featured a brutal confrontation between the former Pirate King’s left hand, Scopper Gaban, and the supreme ruler, Nerona Imu. Given Gaban’s advanced age and the severe near-fatal injuries he sustained from Gunko after protecting his son back in Chapter 1149, the outcome was inevitable. The chapter concluded with Gaban lying defeated in the Underworld, having lost his left arm. This mirrors Shanks sacrificing his arm to save a young Luffy in the very first chapter of the series—a stark parallel that places the responsibility back on the Straw Hat captain to now protect Gaban.
Shanks: Luffy, I’m sorry! Makino told me what happened. You stood up for me. Stop crying! You’re a tough guy, remember?
Luffy: Shanks, what about your arm?
Shanks: It’s a small price to pay. It’s just an arm.
— Shanks saves Luffy, One Piece Chapter #1
As One Piece Chapter 1191 arrives on August 23, 2026, it is expected to lean heavily into this emotional turning point for the protagonist. With Gaban stepping in to save Luffy, the burden now falls on the Emperor of the Sea to rescue the veteran legend from the jaws of death, setting the stage for the continuation of the fierce showdown between Luffy and Imu.
“On your feet, Straw Hat Luffy! I’m disappointed in you! Aren’t you ashamed of being saved by an injured old man like me? Your white form? Emperor of the Sea? Don’t get full of yourself!” — Scopper Gaban to Luffy, One Piece Chapter #1190
Why Luffy Vs Imu Round 2 Will Finally Begin
The upcoming rematch between Luffy and Imu promises to be entirely different from their initial encounter. While the Sun God was previously overpowered with ease, he has had a chance to analyze his mistakes and devise a fresh tactical approach. Although a massive power gap remains, Luffy must utilize every ounce of resourcefulness to survive.
After receiving a severe reality check from Gaban about what it truly takes to claim the throne, Luffy is driven to step up. Though Gear 5 fell short before, unlocking deeper layers of his Devil Fruit could exponentially elevate his Haki, bridging the gap against a compromised Nerona Imu.
Additionally, Imu’s strength is expected to take another hit once Zoro and Sanji conclude their respective fights against Sommers and Killingham. With Imu steadily weakening, Luffy just might find the opening needed to drive him out of Elbaf, a trajectory that Chapter 1191 will heavily establish.
One Piece Chapter 1191 Will Set Up Luffy’s Growth In Power
The core focus of Chapter 1191 revolves around Luffy’s progressive evolution in strength. Reflecting on his defeat and observing Gaban’s Haki expertise, the protagonist is on the verge of a major breakthrough, with the upcoming chapter serving as the vital narrative setup for this progression.
“That’s right! Listen, in this sea, the higher you climb, the more enemies you gain! The ‘Pirate King’ is a title given to someone whose death is rejoiced! Because everybody wants to sit on that throne! If you think you can become the ‘Pirate King’ peacefully, cheerfully, and merrily, go back to your home!” — Scopper Gaban, One Piece Chapter #1190
This growth runs parallel to Zoro and Sanji pushing past their limits against the Holy Knights. As established by Nerona Imu in Chapter 1171, the loss of each Covenant exacts a heavy toll, weakening Imu directly whenever a linked fighter falls. Chapter 1191 is expected to balance updates on these side battles while Luffy steps back into the fray.
Fortunately, the manga will not take an immediate break following Chapter 1190. Chapter 1191 is scheduled for release on August 30, 2026, marking the third consecutive chapter in Eiichiro Oda’s current run before taking a standard two-week hiatus. Following that brief pause, the series will return on September 13, 2026, with Chapter 1192, ushering in an uninterrupted schedule for the rest of the month and pushing the Elbaf arc closer to its explosive climax.
The latest One Piece manga chapters by Eiichiro Oda are available to read for free via Manga Plus and Viz Media.