One Piece: Zoro's next power-up will be a new type of haki to defeat immortals

Time of India

2 days ago

In the Elbaf arc, Zoro is about to unlock a new Haki ability—one that targets the soul and may help him defeat the strongest enemies yet.
In the upcoming Elbaf arc—assuming that everyone can get past this pointless little Kadai beast and not be distracted by it—Zoro is going to be introduced to a new Haki ability altogether—one that attacks the soul directly, and that is going to be necessary if he is to defeat the strongest enemies introduced so far.
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One Piece is easily one of the most popular anime and manga series on the planet. It centers on a pirate crew captained by Monkey D. Luffy as they hunt for the fabled treasure called the 'One Piece.' Each of his crew members are extremely formidable, but one of the most beloved characters is the super-human swordsman Roronoa Zoro.
Zoro is a master swordsman with serious disposition, massive strength. For good reason, as he's had some of the biggest baddies of the entire series—and now, as a foray into the climax of the Elbaf arc, fans think he's on the verge of unlocking a huge new ability that will turn everything from a fistfight into a street fight.
Zoro already has conqueror's haki—But it's not enough
During the Wano arc, Zoro had a climactic battle against the equally powerful King, whose bounty was 1.39 billion berries. Through this brutal struggle, Zoro achieved Conqueror's Haki, one of the most rare and potent forms of energy in the One Piece universe. This advanced type of Haki gives the user the ability to dominate others with their spirit and even imbue their weaponry with it for tremendous effect.
Zoro's sword Enma enabled to unleash this dormant power by forcing his Haki beyond its limits.
'Then I will become the King of Hell!' — Zoro, after defeating King
After this battle, Zoro's bounty increased to 1.111 billion berries, ensuring he is one of the most deadly pirates in existence. Even that power, though, may not be enough to face the new villain's threat on Elbaf.
Imu and the immortal army are the biggest threat yet
In the ongoing Elbaf arc, the story has definitely escalated to a new degree. The enigmatic ruler of the world, Imu, finally stepped into the main story line.
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Imu is more than a political leader. They are extremely powerful, apparently immortal, and even lead a demon army called the Holy Knights.
These foes are unlike any the Straw Hat Pirates have confronted in the grand quest. Even Luffy's most powerful punches with Gear 5 and Conqueror's Haki were futile against them.
Which has fans of the series asking one very important question—how can these new foes be defeated?
Zoro's next power-up will be soul-cutting haki
Going off clues in the manga as well as speculation from fans, it's suggested that a unique form of Haki is required to take down opponents that can't be killed through traditional means.
This Haki goes directly after the magical soul of one's opponent, skipping right over their corporeal form and even their immortality.
This special ability hasn't been fully detailed yet, it appears to be what's used by Scopper Gaban, a legendary former crewmate of Gol D. Roger. Gaban, who is currently stuck in the Underworld, shown using attacks that damage immortal beings – an ability no one else has been able to use up until now.
'His attacks are doing damage. What was his secret to success and how did he accomplish it? — Chopper, flabbergasted at Gaban's strength
It's hoped that Gaban will have the chance to teach this skill to Zoro in the near future, and perhaps the other Straw Hats as well.
Zoro's training in Elbaf could make him admiral-level
Once Zoro figures out the secret to cutting immortal bodies, he's going to be more powerful than ever before. Fans maintain that he would be able to go up against foes in minutes like the giant warrior Dorry or even have a fighting chance against Admirals of the Navy.
Not just that, this would get him one step closer to beating his long-time foe—Dracule Mihawk, the world's strongest swordsman. Zoro's trained his whole life for that moment, and the Elbaf arc should finally set him up for it.
One Piece chapter 1151 release date and time
The next chapter of One Piece will come out .
Sunday, 8 June 2025 (US/UK), TBC
Legit platforms: Manga Plus, Viz Media
12 AM JST (Monday)
Or, you can read it for free and legally through these services, which sync up the same day as Japan's official release.
Zoro is consistently the most beloved character in all of One Piece, so each time he levels up it never fails to get fans pumped. This new Haki ability to cut through souls would make them the biggest game changers, particularly as the so-called Straw Hat Pirates gets ready to topple the biggest antagonist and main masterminds of One Piece.
With Imu's demon army on the attack and the Final Saga at a zenith climax, Zoro's next power-up may very well determine the fate of the entire world.