The story of Chapter 1171 picks up from the previous events, where Loki has successfully slain King Harald using the power of his Devil Fruit.
The Shock of Absolute Power: Both Gaban and Yarl—who remains clear-headed for the moment—are stunned by the overwhelming magnitude of the Devil Fruit Loki consumed.
The Legend Realized: Gaban gasps in disbelief, exclaiming, "Is that... the Treasure of Elbaf?" * Yarl’s Testimony: Yarl is equally shocked. Despite his old age, he remains sharp as he admits that he had never even heard of this specific fruit's power before. He confesses that when he allowed Loki to eat it, he never imagined it would be strong enough to bring down King Harald.
A Narrow Escape: Yarl reflects on a terrifying alternative: if the controlled King Harald had been the one to consume that fruit, no one would have been able to stop him. With a heavy sigh of relief, Yarl remarks, "If Loki hadn't been here today, I dread to think what might have happened."
The Silent Observer: Throughout the exchange, Shanks stands by listening intently, remaining completely silent.
The scene cuts to a flashback within Shanks' memories from his time as a Holy Knight. At that time, he and Garling were in a meeting with King Harald, shortly after Harald had received his tattoos and been newly appointed as a Holy Knight.
Harald’s Ambition: With great joy, King Harald declared before Garling and Shanks, "The Dawn of Elbaf is at hand now that I have become a Holy Knight!"
A Father’s Promise: This memory triggers another: Shanks recalls Garling speaking to him directly. "Tell me whatever it is you desire, and it shall be yours, my dear son," Garling said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Forget the life where you were once shackled and imprisoned. Those people below are nothing but lowlifes; they aren't even human."
The Weight of the Future: Garling continued, "You are destined for a vital role in the future, my son."
Shanks’ Internal Struggle: These words deeply sting Shanks, who is currently there under a disguise. Despite the emotional pain and the bitterness of the memory, he is forced to endure it in silence.
The scene cuts to Loki, who is weeping over the lifeless body of King Harald, devastated by the fact that he had to kill his own father with his own hands.
Panic in Mary Geoise: The scene shifts to the Five Elders gathered before the Empty Throne in Mary Geoise. Imu’s figure appears, but they are gasping for air—panting heavily as if a significant portion of their power has suddenly vanished. This is the direct consequence of the death of King Harald, who bore the sacred tattoo.
Imu’s Fury: In a voice strained with exhaustion and anger, Imu speaks: "Mu granted immortality and strength to a rare, ancient Giant warrior... Who did this...?! What is happening in Elbaf!!?"
The Elders' Proposal: Hearing Imu’s distress, Saint Mars quickly steps forward to offer a solution: "Permit us, the Knights, to go there. We can utilize the magic circle that Harald left behind in Elbaf to—"
The High Price of Power: Before Mars can finish, Imu snaps and shouts: "Enough...!! It will only lead to more losses among my Knights!! These covenants... they come at a price that Mu must pay!!"
A Weakened God: Imu continues to pant heavily while speaking. It is clear that King Harald’s death has caused Imu to lose a massive amount of power, leaving the sovereign of the world in a visibly weakened state.
Despite the sting of betrayal, Imu secretly harbored a sense of respect for King Harald. While the true nature of the Giant race is often perceived as self-serving, Harald had sacrificed his life and everything he had for the sake of his country and the greater good. In Imu's eyes, Harald was a man truly worthy of being born a leader.
Imu’s Hesitation: Because of this, Imu hesitated to launch a direct invasion of Elbaf. There was a lingering fear of the Devil Fruit power currently held in Elbaf (assuming Imu does not yet realize it was Loki who dealt the killing blow).
The War of Information: Instead of military force, Imu pivoted to a strategy of misinformation. Dark rumors were spread about Elbaf and the Giants, framing King Harald as a "Mad King" driven by a bloodthirsty hunger for war.
The Reputation of Giants: This explains why, when Luffy’s crew first arrived, the world perceived Harald as a crazed warmonger. It is the reason why Giants are often described throughout the One Piece world as a "vicious and brutal" race—it was all a web of lies spun by Imu.
Loki’s Captivity: The scene cuts back to Loki. Driven by a burning desire for revenge, he attempted to board a ship to head straight for Mary Geoise. However, he was intercepted and restrained. Since that day, he has been held in chains by the soldiers, marking the beginning of his long imprisonment
The story shifts back to the present. Loki has finished recounting the entire tragic history to the group. A heavy silence hangs in the air; no one utters a word as the weight of the truth sinks in.
A Long-Overdue Apology: Hajrudin, who had misunderstood Loki’s actions for years, steps forward. With a look of deep regret, he shatters Loki’s chains, setting him free. He bows his head, apologizing for every insult and grievance he had held against Loki throughout the years of his imprisonment.
The Nightmare Approaches: Just as the tension begins to ease, the Dream Monsters released by Gillingham descend upon the Underworld. The environment shifts into a scene of chaos.
Loki’s Stand: Now free, Loki commands Luffy, Hajrudin, and the others to retreat to the surface immediately. "Go! Get to the top!" he declares, insisting that he will stay behind to hold off the monsters alone.
A Father’s Concern: Amidst the rush, Gaban calls out to Chopper, pleading to be taken with them. He is overwhelmed with anxiety regarding his own son.
The Ascent: Sanji steps in, lifting Gaban securely into his arms, and the group begins their frantic journey back to the upper levels of Elbaf.
While the others head for safety, Luffy chooses a different path. Instead of retreating, he leaps up and perches himself on Loki’s shoulder.
Luffy’s Choice: Surprised, Loki looks at the stowaway and asks, "Aren't you going with the others?"
The Captain's Grin: Luffy flashes a wide, toothy grin and replies simply, "I want to see you fight!"
A Legend Reborn: Loki smirks, feeling the rush of battle. "Fine then," he says. "Feast your eyes on this... Sink into my hand, RAGNAR!!" * The Call of the Hammer: Loki thrusts his hand open, calling out to his hammer with a heart full of resolve. The air vibrates with power as the weapon heeds its master's call.
[Chapter 1171 Ends]
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