In the wake of the recent Sun World events covered in the last installment, fans anticipated that One Piece chapter 1145 would delve deeply into Loki’s backstory, which had been teased previously. Released this past weekend, the chapter indeed revisited the Underworld, but its execution diverged from expectations, showcasing more than just Loki’s narrative.
Rather than exclusively highlighting Loki’s storyline, One Piece chapter 1145 also revisits the chaos unfolding in the Sun World. The situation escalates with the youth of Elbaph caught in the flames ignited by Loki’s Ragnir, alongside ongoing battles against nightmarish creatures throughout Sun World.
Unexpected Connections: Loki and Rocks D. Xebec
Medical Attention and New Alliances
The chapter, titled “The Blaze in Branch 8’s Forest No. 2,”opens with a stunning color spread illustrated by Midori Matsuda, the esteemed character designer for the series’ anime adaptation. This vibrant spread features the Straw Hat Pirates in their anime forms, excitedly watching the latest episodes of the Egghead Arc. This particular release marks the return of Toei Animation’s anime series after a six-month break.
Proceeding in a regular cover story, we see Yamato continuing their journey across Wano. In a heartfelt moment, Yamato aids Ulti in reuniting with Page One, who, despite being battered and chained, remains alive. As the narrative unfolds, we witness Goldberg in the Underworld engaging in combat with a dinosaur, wielding a shield named Nash, which possesses the ability to animate and grow in size, much to his advantage.
The action progresses as the dinosaur charges at Nash, shattering its teeth—setting the stage for Sanji to launch Zoro toward the beast, who decapitates it with his signature Three-Sword Style. Goldberg identifies the creature as a groggysaurus and mentions a nearby hunter’s cabin stocked for a hearty meal. He reminisces about how his shield came to life during his father’s encounter with Big Mom, revealing its nature as a Homie akin to Zeus.
Returning to Loki, we learn that he hints at an attack by the Holy Knights. Contrary to his companions’ assumptions about him crossing paths with them during his voyages, Loki clarifies that he would be the reigning king if he had reached such heights. Luffy, intrigued, inquires further about the Holy Knights while Goldberg and the others return with the dinosaur meat.
As they prepare to eat, Sanji begins cooking, but Luffy humorously attempts to feed Loki, who protests against the risk of reopening his wounds. Gerd advises caution, fearing for Loki’s health, while Luffy’s casual demeanor leads to a spill of boiling soup on Loki. Amused, Gerd offers Luffy subtle encouragement amidst the chaos of Loki’s discomfort.
Reflective Flashbacks and Present Battles
The narrative takes a reflective turn as Luffy prompts Loki about his regrets, leading to a poignant flashback. Young Loki approaches a pirate—revealed to be Rocks D. Xebec—asking to join his crew. Xebec dismissively replies, resulting in a challenge from Loki. The scene quickly shifts, leaving Loki in a compromised state, bleeding from a sword wound as Xebec walks away, overheard by Newgate, who admonishes Xebec for engaging in conflict with a child. As the story shifts back to the present, Loki muses over being born in the wrong era.
The chapter continues to unveil critical developments as Gaban confronts the Loki creature in the Sun World, easily dispatching it and remarking on the monsters’ weakness due to the children’s inexperience. Gaban senses the presence of three Holy Knights looming over Elbaph, ominously indicating potential calamity should the island fall.
As the chaos escalates, Jaguar D. Saul is depicted triumphantly defeating Fenrir, yet a new threat looms as the children become perilously close to the flames. The Holy Knights, reveling in malice, converse chillingly about the fate awaiting the children. Just as a tragedy seems inevitable, Jinbe appears, utilizing his Fish-Man Karate to extinguish the flames, rescuing the children just in time. The Straw Hats and Colon praise his heroic efforts as the fire is finally quelled, ensuring the children are safe, albeit still in a sleepwalking state.
Amidst the triumph, Colon acknowledges Jinbe’s integrity, expressing admiration despite the odds stacked against him in school. As Nami rallies the team to save all the children, Gunko ominously interjects, suggesting that not all children are accounted for, wrapping up the chapter with a sense of impending confrontation.
Conclusion
Although One Piece chapter 1145 did not align with fans’ predictions, it provided vital insights into Loki’s connections with Rocks D. Xebec, while propelling the Sun World narrative forward. The stakes rise as the Holy Knights prepare to clash with the Straw Hats, setting an exciting stage for the upcoming chapters and conflicts.