Spoilers ahead for One Piece Chapter 1189. The chapter, titled King of the World, is out now on MangaPlus and Viz Manga — free to read for Singapore fans on MangaPlus with a catch-up from last week’s chapter 1188. And it delivers one of the biggest moments the Elbaf arc has built towards.
Imu Escalates — The Ancient Weapons of 800 Years Ago
Picking up mid-battle, Imu presses the offensive against a helpless Luffy. The World Government’s shadowy ruler is not fighting with ordinary strength — each weapon deployed belongs to one of the 19 Kings who founded the World Government 800 years ago, relics of the Void Century now wielded in person. Chapter 1189 names three of them: the Spear of Holy Command (Longinus), the Sword of Wrath (Gram), and the Sea God Sword (Fragarach). Imu uses these to literally pin Luffy to a tree, the blades draining life energy as they hold him in place.
To twist the knife further, Imu mocks Luffy by name-dropping his fallen brothers Ace and Sabo — a deliberate psychological blow at the Straw Hat captain who has already lost so much. A flashback to Shanks warning Loki that the "King of the World" possesses undefeatable power underlines just how outmatched Luffy currently appears.
Scopper Gaban Arrives — Still Bandaged, Axes in Hand
With Imu raising the Xingtian Axe for the killing blow, the chapter’s final pages deliver the moment fans have been waiting for: Scopper Gaban steps in front of Luffy and blocks the attack. He is still wrapped in bandages from injuries suffered earlier in the arc, but both axes are drawn and his expression is calm. One Piece goes on break next week — so this is the cliffhanger we sit with for two weeks.
Gaban, one of Gold Roger’s original crewmates and among the most anticipated characters to see in action in the modern era, has been circling the margins of the Elbaf arc since his reintroduction. The anime already gave Singapore viewers a first taste of the character in Episode 1169. Now the manga is delivering the real showdown.
The Rest of the Chapter
Chapter 1189 checks in on several other threads. Zoro and Sanji remain overpowered by the enhanced Holy Knights, with no clear path to victory shown yet. Usopp gets a moment of sharp instinct — he senses that something has gone terribly wrong for Luffy, even from a distance. And Gunko remains unconscious, the melted ice around her buying some time but no resolution.
The cover story is a lighter touch: Nami is lecturing a trio of monkey-transformed crewmates — Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji — which is exactly the kind of absurd One Piece side-story energy the main chapters often pair with the heaviest plot beats.
One Week Break — and Where to Read in Singapore
One Piece will be on break for one week following this chapter, returning in the week after next. Chapter 1190 is not yet confirmed but should arrive roughly two weeks from today.
Singapore fans can read Chapter 1189 right now on MangaPlus by Shueisha — it is completely free, same-day as Japan, and does not require a subscription. Viz Manga subscribers can also read it via the Viz website or app. For more manga coverage, check our ongoing One Piece archive.