One Piece Chapter 1185 Ending Explained: Why Shuri Stabbed Reuven and the Fall of Esperia

Chapter 1185 of One Piece expanded on Brook’s forgotten connection to the Kingdom of Esperia and turns what initially feels like a peaceful royal flashback into one of the darkest stories of the Final Saga. Eiichiro Oda uses the chapter to connect Brook’s past with the growing mysteries surrounding the World Government and Imu’s unexplained powers.

The chapter starts with music, comedy, and Brook bonding with Princess Shuri and Candelle, but the tone slowly changes as Esperia falls into economic collapse, rebellion, and eventually complete destruction. By the ending, Oda leaves fans with a shocking mystery involving Shuri, Reuven, and the strange Domi Reversi-like transformations. Let us explore in detail.

Shuri’s Role in Esperia’s Fall Changes Everything About Brook’s Past

Chapter 1185 expanded from the previous chapter and starts by showing Brook’s seemingly peaceful life at the royal palace of the Kingdom of Esperia. After rescuing him, Candelle trained him in swordsmanship, manners, and etiquette, explaining why Brook has always carried himself differently from most pirates despite his goofy personality. The flashback also shows Brook becoming extremely close to Princess Shuri and Prince Reuven through music and daily life in the kingdom.

The chapter’s tone changes after Brook reveals to Shuri that a World Government ship carrying a Celestial Dragon has arrived in Esperia. Soon afterward, Candelle becomes seriously ill. The story then jumps forward several years, revealing that a poisonous fog has spread across the kingdom. This toxic mist devastates Esperia by destroying its music-based economy, ruining the citizens’ health, claiming Candelle’s life, and pushing the kingdom into financial collapse.

Because Esperia can no longer pay the Heavenly Tribute demanded by the World Government, things only get worse. Rather than offering help, the government demands one thousand citizens as slaves in place of payment. Reuven reveals this horrifying condition to his people, then firmly refuses to comply and chooses war over sacrificing his citizens, instantly making him one of the most heroic rulers introduced in One Piece.

However, the chapter’s biggest mystery arrives during Esperia’s final moments. As the kingdom burns, Brook reaches the palace and discovers Shuri standing over Reuven, apparently having stabbed him. Oda immediately complicates the scene by revealing demonic wings and horns on both Shuri and Reuven.

The designs strongly resemble the Domi Reversi phenomenon tied to Imu and the darker powers introduced during the Final Saga. This completely changes the context of the ending because it suggests Shuri may not have betrayed Reuven willingly. Both characters may have been manipulated or transformed by an outside force connected to the World Government itself.

Oda deliberately avoids explaining why Shuri attacked Reuven, whether Reuven survived, or what exactly caused their transformations. That uncertainty is what makes the ending so important because Esperia’s destruction no longer feels like a simple political tragedy.

One Piece Chapter 1185 Deepens Imu’s Domi Reversi Mystery

Beyond Brook’s emotional flashback, One Piece Chapter 1185 quietly expands the larger lore surrounding the World Government. The Heavenly Tribute system once again appears responsible for destroying an entire kingdom, reinforcing the idea that countless nations have suffered under the Celestial Dragons long before the current story began.

The final panel from One Piece Chapter 1185. | Credit: Shueisha

At the same time, the Domi Reversi imagery suggests Imu’s influence may have existed for generations. If Shuri and Reuven truly became victims of that power, Esperia could represent one of the earliest examples of the World Government using supernatural methods to erase resistance and maintain control.

The chapter also redefines Brook’s character in the process. His attachment to music, his loyalty to friends, and even his ability to smile through tragedy now carry much deeper emotional weight after seeing the kingdom that shaped his life collapse around him.

Now the big question – could the upcoming One Piece Chapter 1186 finally reveal the true nature of Imu’s powers and Esperia’s fate? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

One Piece manga is currently available to read on Manga Plus by Shueisha.