Monkey D. Luffy has officially ascended to the position of Yonko. one piece Episode 1053 released in the 29th issue of Chuesha Weekly Shonen Jump on June 20, 2022. In this chapter, the Straw Hat Pirates rise to a new level with the Buggy Cross Guild, joining the ranks of Blackbeard and Shanks. Since then, the Straw Hats have continued to grow significantly in power and influence, as has their captain, Monkey D. Luffy.
Monkey D. Luffy, the Emperor of the Sea, has tremendous power at his disposal, one of the most powerful mythical zoomorphic Devil Fruits originating from Hitohitonomi (Model: Nika). one piece. Additionally, he has the powerful Conqueror's Haki, which he uses with great precision. Nonetheless, one of the more recent pirates to appear in the story, Prince Loki of the Damned ranks above him in terms of overall power. Loki's power is such that only Red-haired Shanks can defeat him to date, and even characters stronger than Rocks D. Xebec, such as King Harald, were no match when he was in his hybrid form.
One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda sets Hybrid Loki to be stronger than Luffy
in one piece In episode 1175, released in the 14th issue of Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump on March 2, 2026, Eiichiro Oda officially introduced one of the most legendary Devil Fruits in the series, Ryu Ryunomi, model: Nidhoggr. This devil fruit, which Loki ate 14 years ago, was guarded by Ragnir in Elbaf for centuries and was eventually consumed by no one but the cursed prince. The power of this devil fruit is so great that when Scoffer Gavan and Shanks witness him fighting against King Harald, they are both shocked. Loki was already an incredibly powerful character before consuming this Devil Fruit, but this ability, along with the Ragnir buff he obtained in One Piece Chapter 1170, Shueisha Weekly Shonen Jump No. 2 #6-7, January 5, 2026, took him to a whole new level.
“The mythical Zoan Ryuryunomi…It is said that the person who eats it can transform into the largest dragon in the world. The size of the creature is proportional to the initial size of the person who ate the fruit. This dragon is said to emit lightning and its jet-black wings turn day into night when it flies.” — Jarul explains Nidhoggr abilities in One Piece Chapter #1175.
To truly understand this, one need only look at the life of King Harald, who was officially defeated in battle in the same chapter. King Harald was a monstrously powerful being, as powerful as Rocks D. Xebec. In fact, these two people were equal in power as Oda described in several chapters, especially in One Piece Chapter 1155 on July 21, 2025 and later in One Piece Chapter 1158 on September 1, 2025. Harald was already as strong as Rocks D. The Covenant of One Piece Episode 1168, officially released in the 2nd issue of Shueisha Weekly Shonen Jump on December 8, 2025.
Harold: This crazy power… It's rising inside me. It's really cold!
Mars: This is the power of immortality.
Warcury: It sends shivers down my spine.
Nusjuro: He is now beyond any monster. He is now a weapon.
— An exchange showing Harald's growth in power after the Depths Covenant, One Piece Chapter #1168
Due to the power of the Depths Covenant, Harald has greatly improved his overall health, and has also gained immortality and the powers of regeneration, among other things. The version of Harold that Loki went into battle with in Chapter 1170 of One Piece was much stronger than Rox, and thanks to the power of Ryuryunomi (Model: Nidhoggr), Loki was able to not only overwhelm but surpass him.
In terms of strength, Loki's offensive abilities were taken to the next level when he utilized his hybrid form. It is this hybrid form that currently ranks higher than the Yonko Luffy, even though the latter is strong enough to rival the Kaido Yonko or even hold his own against Admiral Kizaru and the Five Elders. Loki, especially in his hybrid Nidhoggr form, is on a whole other level and ranks above the top tier of the One Piece universe.
One Piece has officially fixed the Straw Hat Pirates' biggest flaw.
One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda is finally giving the Straw Hat Pirates a new power-up in Elbaf, fixing their major flaw.
How did Loki become a pirate after King Harald's death?
Most fans don't associate Loki with pirates. but, one piece Chapter 1171 officially confirms that after King Harald's death, Loki operated against the World Government on the Grand Line with a skeleton crew and pirate ship. Strictly speaking, Loki has never flown a pirate flag, but he has been branded one by the world's governments. He probably hunted government ships in the Florian Triangle, just as Harald had been operating there in the years before his death. Especially for this activity, the world government awarded him a special bounty of 2.6 billion Berries.
“Years ago, a massive ship was glimpsed at sea, commanded by a captain of truly enormous stature. This ship was not identified as it lurked deep within the foggy regions. However, it only targeted World Government ships.” — Nerona Imu describes Loki's exploits as a pirate. One piece 1178 pieces
In reality, Loki's bounty should have been much larger. However, his bounty was rather low, as the world governments did not confirm to themselves that Nidhoggr had returned to the world, or that the wielder of his powers was none other than Prince Loki. All things considered, Loki has a completely different level of power compared to Luffy, and has the potential to become even stronger when he awakens his Devil Fruit.
Why the gap between Luffy and Loki widened further due to Loki's Devil Fruit awakening
Devil Fruit Awakening is a unique concept that comes into play when the user's mind and body finally catch up with their abilities, as explained by Yonko Kaido in One Piece Chapter 1045 of Weekly Shonen Jump's 18th April 2022 issue.
“Awakening is what happens when your body and mind catch up with your abilities. And it is definitely an outrageous power!” – Kaido explains Devil Fruit Awakening, One Piece Chapter 1046.
Monkey D. Luffy awakened his Devil Fruit in episode 1044 of One Piece, and it was clear to see just how incredible his rise in power was. His awakening transformation is of a higher level than his Gear 4 form. The same goes for the other Awakenings we've seen. For example, Law's Ope Ope no Mi awakening was able to cause fatal damage to Big Mom, fractured several of her bones and damaged her internal organs. Normally Ope Ope no Mi would never do this much damage.
The same would be true for Loki. He is using Ryuryunomi and Model Nidhoggr, but his abilities do not seem to have been awakened yet. If that's the case, then Loki hasn't utilized his awakened form yet. If he awakens the Devil Fruit, which is highly likely at this point, the gap with Luffy will widen even further. Loki is already one of the strongest beings in the world of One Piece, and so far only Shanks has been able to defeat him. If his Devil Fruit is awakened, his overall power will likely be higher than Shanks's, and although he will no longer call himself a pirate, he will still be one of the most dangerous characters in the One Piece world.
All of creator Eiichiro Oda's latest One Piece chapters are available to read through MANGA Plus and Viz Media.
