one piece Episode 597 of the August 30, 2010 story aptly explained the concept of hockey to fans. Shueisha Weekly Shonen Jump No. 39. 16 years have passed since then, and only four users of the Armament faction have been confirmed to date within the Straw Hat Pirates. Considering that Luffy's crew is now the crew of the Emperor of the New World, these numbers are certainly overwhelming. However, with the series reaching the peak of the Elbaph arc and the latest Chapter 1183 expected to be released on May 24, 2026, the Straw Hats are expecting a major power-up. The series' author Eiichiro Oda is finally setting up upgrades for the Straw Hat crew, including an armament hockey boost for Cyborg Franky, one of Monkey D. Luffy's companions.
In episode 1119 of One Piece, Cyborg Franky's unconscious use of Haki was mocked.
Frankie, one of the strongest members of the Straw Hat Pirates, works as a shipbuilder for the crew who officially joined in episode 437. Released in the 2nd issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump on December 11, 2006.. Since then, Franky has powered up significantly, notably performing surgery on himself during the time skip and upgrading himself using the various technologies available on Karakuri Island. As a cyborg, Franky is incredibly powerful, but that doesn't mean he can't get stronger. Since the Straw Hat Pirates are now part of the Emperor's crew, having Haki is essential.
All of the Emperor's crew were introduced. one pieceThere are several hockey users, including the Red Hair Pirates, Big Mom Pirates, Blackbeard Pirates, Beast Pirates, and Whitebeard Pirates. The Straw Hat Pirates are greatly disappointed in that there are only four official users of Armament Haki. Interestingly, Eiichiro Oda quietly teased Armament Haki for Cyborg Franky during the climax of the Egghead arc. In episode 1119, which was officially released in the 31st issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump on July 1, 2024, there is a scene where Monkey D. Luffy is asked to deliver a powerful attack to Franky. The idea was for Luffy to absorb all the energy generated by Franky's attack and send it to Mars. This attack combo was performed by Jewelry Bonnie, Sanji, Franky, and Luffy. Monkey D. Luffy himself stated that all three members utilized their powerful Haki and successfully directed it towards Mars, blowing him clean off Egghead.
Bonnie: What?? Are we hurting that person?
Sanji: Keep the pressure on, Bonney!
Frankie: Push him away like you're trying to squeeze the life out of his lungs.
Luffy: Of course it will hurt! You all are using Haki!!
— Exchange between Luffy, Bonnie, Franky, and Sanji in One Piece Chapter 1119
In this case, Franky's utilization of Haki was a surprise to me and many other One Piece fans. Because up until this point, this power had never been teased to him. Nonetheless, it was a welcome change, as one of the main criticisms of the series was the lack of power development for characters other than the monster trio. We were all happy to see Eiichiro Oda recognize the Straw Hat Pirates' shortcomings and address them. As the story progresses towards the end of the Elbaf Arc, Franky has a major opportunity ahead of him to utilize Armament Haki and level up as a pirate.
Are you running away from the Emperor of the Sea? Is Nami working hard too? Should we make our captain the pirate king or not? — Frankie, One Piece Chapter #989
One Piece has officially won Solo Leveling at the Crunchyroll 2026 Awards.
The Crunchyroll Anime Awards results were officially announced on May 23, 2026, and One Piece officially beat Solo Leveling.
Why the Climax of the Elbaph Arc May Start the Battle of Franky in Chapter 1183
one piece Chapter 1183 will officially be released in the 26th issue of Shueisha Weekly Shonen Jump on May 24, 2026. This chapter will be important as the various Straw Hats across Elbaf are currently dealing with the forces of the World Government, specifically Nero or Imu and the Holy Knights. Two weeks ago, we saw Eiichiro Oda prepare for an exciting battle for us to witness. We have prepared for exciting battles, with Luffy and Loki facing off against Nero and Imu, and Zoro and Sanji facing off against Super Somers and Super Killingham, respectively.
Zoro: Hey, get the job done right!
Sanji: I'm right back!!
— Zoro and Sanji exchange, One Piece Episode 1182
Although this is the main battle, the other Straw Hats have their own challenges before them with Killingham's MMA now activated thanks to receiving the Omen from Nerona Imu. This new fight with enhanced MMA sets up a potential moment for Franky to utilize Armament Haki. Having used it unknowingly once in One Piece Chapter 1119, it would be appropriate for Frankie to utilize Haki once again in the climax of Elbaf against the MMA forces. This will greatly improve his overall power level and allow him to compete at the highest level.
Frankie's overall power level with the new Vega Cola and Armament Hockey
Cyborg Franky officially defeated Sasaki, one of the Yonko Kaido's elite Tobi Roppo, in the Wano Country Arc in episode 1019 of Shueisha Weekly Shonen Jump Issues 33-34 on July 19, 2021. Since Sasaki was already an elite Yonko officer, Frankie receiving a new upgrade means he's officially pushed into Yonko commander territory with new power-ups. That's something that makes me happy as someone who's been following his journey since Water 7 Arc. With the new Armament Haki upgrade, Franky can become strong enough to take on powerful Yonko commanders on the same level as Jack the Drought, Charlotte Cracker, and even hold his own against characters like King and Katakuri, but that's not all.
Eiichiro Oda also officially set up another power upgrade for the cyborg Franky in the Egghead arc, specifically chapter 1176, which was officially announced in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #15 on March 9, 2026. In this chapter, Vegapunk showed Franky how to convert natural energy, specifically heat energy, into Super Vega Cola. This Super Vega Cola granted Franky a high level of strength, making him related to Jinbei.
It's Super Vega Cola! Your insides are designed to perfection like a Pacifica. So I was surprised to learn that coke gives you energy!! You see, Frankie, fuel is passion!! Use this new one and your raw power will explode!!! — Vegapunk Lilith to Franky, One Piece Episode 1176
If Franky is given both Super Vega Cola and Armament Haki, his overall power level should be in the same league as Elite Yonko Commanders like Queen, Smoothie, Katakuri, and King. Soon, Franky will master Haki and combine it with his scientific abilities. This would make him an elite fighter that few can compete with. With Elbaf's climax and Cyborg Franky's power-up imminent beyond the arc, Eiichiro Oda finally comes out and addresses the criticism from many fans that he hasn't given the Straw Hats enough power over the years. Now, with the battle against elite global government officers looming, this power-up will be on the horizon.
All the latest chapters of the One Piece manga written by Eiichiro Oda can be read through Viz Media and MANGA Plus.
