Spoiler Alert !!!This article contains spoilers from One Piece Chapter 1188.
Chapter 1188 of One Piece is packed with action, shocking reveals, and one of the biggest lines in the Final Saga. While fans finally get to see Gear 5 Luffy fight Imu, the chapter also answers an important question about Joy Boy.
From Luffy’s new Gear 5 form to Imu’s chilling final words, here’s everything that happened in One Piece Chapter 1188 and what the ending could mean for the story.
Luffy’s Gear 5 Genie Form Fails to Overpower Imu
The chapter begins with a surprising moment. Imu briefly remembers Joy Boy, and the legendary Void Century warrior’s smile appears similar to Luffy’s. However, shortly afterward, Imu realizes Joy Boy is long gone. This again strongly hints that Imu personally knew Joy Boy during the Void Century.
Credit: Shueisha
Credit: Shueisha
Credit: Shueisha
Credit: Shueisha
Luffy then jumps into battle using Gear 5. He even creates a funny genie-like form with a long beard and oversized sleeves, showing the limitless imagination of his Nika powers. Even with all of Gear 5’s freedom, Imu stays calm throughout the fight. Luffy throws several attacks, but Imu easily avoids or blocks them. Imu also uses strange black flames and shadow-like attacks that keep chasing Luffy around the battlefield.
The chapter also includes a funny moment when Luffy thinks Loki has died. As Luffy promises not to waste Loki’s sacrifice, Loki immediately shouts that he is still alive. Jinbe quickly protects Loki from Imu’s attacks, while Brook wonders who Imu really is and believes they could be someone even above the Five Elders.
Luffy continues fighting and even lands a powerful Gear 5 punch on Imu. However, it is clear that Imu is still in control of the battle.
Near the end of the chapter, Imu creates a giant black sword called “Blade of Nothingness – Vohu“. The attack is powerful enough to slice through the battlefield and leave everything around it dried up and lifeless. The chapter ends with Imu stabbing Luffy using the massive black blade, putting the Straw Hat captain in serious danger and proving that Gear 5 alone is not enough to defeat the ruler of the world.
One Piece Chapter 1188: Imu Hints at Joy Boy’s True Power
The biggest moment of One Piece Chapter 1188 comes in the final pages. Imu looks at Luffy and says they already know he is not Joy Boy. Then Imu says something even more shocking. “Joy Boy was not this weak.” These few words could become one of the biggest reveals in the Final Saga. Imu is one of the only people still alive who actually knew Joy Boy.
Imu stabs Luffy in One Piece Chapter 1188. | Credit: Shueisha
That makes this comparison much more important than a normal insult. According to Imu, the original Joy Boy was much stronger than the current Gear 5 Luffy, hinting that the legendary warrior possessed an even greater level of power than fans have seen so far. However, this does not mean Luffy is weak. Instead, it shows that he has not reached his full potential yet.
One Piece Chapter 1188 also reminds fans that the fight against Imu will not be easy. Even after awakening Gear 5, Luffy still has room to become stronger before the final battle. He may have awakened the power of Nika, but he still has a long way to go before he can match the legendary Joy Boy and defeat the world’s greatest enemy.
Series TitleOne PieceManga AuthorEiichiro OdaChapter 1189 Release Date (US)July 26, 2026Manga Rating (MAL) – as of July 12, 20269.21 / 10Where to ReadManga Plus by Shueisha, Viz Media
Now the big question: Do you think Luffy will unlock an even stronger form before the Final Saga ends? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
One Piece manga is currently available to read on Manga Plus by Shueisha.
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