Oda Confirms One Piece’s Greatest Flashback Has Now Begun

One Piece’s Elbaf arc continues to deliver some wood the most interesting developments in the story, and fans already acknowledge the fact that this arc is, by far, one of the very best that Oda has delivered in his story so far. Usually, Oda’s arcs all have fascinating flashbacks, and they’re part of what makes them so incredible.

In fact, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that some One Piece flashbacks serve as the best part of certain arcs, and that just goes to show how much depth and excitement they add to the story. More recently, Oda gave the fans the Oden flashback, which is widely considered to be the best flashback of the series, along with the Kuma flashback. Now, Elbaf is all set to give the fans a flashback of its own, and it might just be the very best.

The Harald Flashback Has Now Begun

The Story Of King Harald Will Be Told Soon

Harald Was A Monstrously Powerful Ruler

In One Piece chapter 1152, Oda officially started the most awaited flashback of the entire series, and that is the Harald Flashback. When Elbaf first began, fans knew that Elbaf would shake the world in many ways, but how exactly a flashback would be incorporated into this arc wasn’t exactly clear. However, when Loki and King Harald were mentioned, along with the fact that it was the former who killed the king and stole the Devil Fruit, then it was immediately clear to the fans that the Loki/Harald Flashback was going to be legendary.

In One Piece chapter 1152, Loki and Gaban started telling the fans about the truth of Harald’s death, but more than that, Oda took the fans 109 years back, where a 45-year-old Harald was shown on his journey to crush other kingdoms.

King Harald’s Connection To The World Government Will Be Revealed

Harald Eventually Joined The World Government

At the beginning of the flashback, it is clear to the fans that King Harald was actually a very wild character, and unlike the King who later vowed to spread peace and knowledge throughout Elbaf. Eventually, however, it appears that Harald changed greatly. Fans don’t know exactly what happened to him, but he did ally with the World Government.

Harald is also connected to Shanks, as was revealed to the fans in One Piece chapter 1152, and the two were actually good friends. His connection to Shanks, Imu, the World Government, and the legendary Devil Fruit of Elbaf, will all be made clear here.

Shanks Will Be Featured In The Flashback

The Harald Flashback will also likely tie into the Loki flashback, and fans will likely see how he was framed for Harald’s murder, and later, how he fled the country. At the same time, fans will also likely see his fight against Shanks, which will set the world alight.

The Harald Flashback will reveal some major secrets of the World Government, specifically Imu and the Holy Knights, show more of Garling, and even reveal the legendary character, Rocks D. Xebec for the very first time. It is everything a One Piece fan could want, and it has finally begun.

One Piece Chapter 1152 will be out this week. As usual, One Piece is going to drop on Sunday. In Japan, One Piece drops at 12AM JST on Monday. However, the vast majority of international readers will see the chapter available on June 25. The official release date of One Piece Chapter 1152 is June 25, 2025. Fans can read the chapter for free on Manga Plus.