One Piece Chapter 1187 Spoilers Preview: Imu vs Luffy Begins, Sanji’s Conqueror’s Haki Arrives

The Final Saga of One Piece just keeps getting bigger. After Chapter 1186 finally brought Luffy face-to-face with Imu, the early preview for Chapter 1187 suggests that Eiichiro Oda is about to kick off one of the most important battles in the entire series. From powerful new attacks to long-awaited character moments, the upcoming chapter looks packed with major reveals.

The early spoilers also tease a huge moment for Sanji, who may be one step closer to unlocking Conqueror’s Haki. At the same time, Luffy finally stands against the mysterious ruler of the world, setting the stage for a fight fans have been waiting years to see.

Imu Calls Luffy “Joy Boy” as Their Long-Awaited Fight Begins

According to the early spoilers, One Piece Chapter 1187 is reportedly titled “Ringleader” (via @pewpiece on Twitter/X). The cover story features a fun Germa-themed illustration where Reiju protects a black duck that looks like Sanji from its siblings and father, who all resemble the Vinsmoke family.

The chapter then jumps straight back to Elbaf, picking up from the dramatic ending of One Piece Chapter 1186. After Luffy landed his first punch on Imu, the mysterious ruler quickly fought back by firing demonic energy from both hands at Luffy and Loki.

Loki is pinned against a massive block of ice that cannot be broken. However, when he swings his giant hammer, the ice melts instead. It is another reminder that Loki is still putting up a fight despite facing one of the strongest enemies in the series.

The spoilers also reveal a terrifying new move from Imu. A strange talking flame appears on Loki’s chest before Imu uses a giant demonic sword attack called Stigma (Demonic Sword) to strike the exact same spot. The attack shows that Imu’s powers are unlike anything fans have seen before, mixing mysterious flames with deadly precision.

The chapter saves its biggest moment for the ending. After arriving at the battlefield in Chapter 1186, Luffy now stands before Imu in Gear 5. Imu calls him “Joy Boy,” continuing the mysterious connection between Luffy and the legendary figure from 800 years ago.

Luffy immediately rejects the name. Instead, he proudly declares that he is Monkey D. Luffy and the man who will become the Pirate King. It is a classic Luffy moment, showing that no matter what destiny says, he wants to be known by his own name.

One Piece Chapter 1187 May Confirm Sanji’s Conqueror’s Haki

Sanji from One Piece. | Credit: Toei Animation

Elsewhere on the battlefield, the action spreads across Elbaf. Zoro takes on Shepherd Sommers, while Sanji begins his fight against Killingham as the battle continues to grow. One of the biggest talking points from the spoilers is Sanji. During his battle, Sanji remembers the words Scopper Gaban told him earlier. Gaban says Sanji has the qualities of someone who can use Conqueror’s Haki before reportedly telling him, “Become a king. If you truly want Luffy to become the Pirate King.”

The spoilers do not confirm if Sanji awakens Conqueror’s Haki in this chapter. However, this is the clearest hint Oda has given so far. In the past, Conqueror’s Haki has only appeared in people with incredible ambition and the will to stand above everyone else. Luffy and Zoro are already among those users, so many fans have long believed Sanji could eventually join them, and the upcoming Chapter 1187 might build towards that.

Meanwhile, the final page reportedly features the words “Saint Nerona Imu VS Monkey D. Luffy,” officially announcing one of the biggest fights in One Piece history. Better yet, there is no break next week, meaning fans will not have to wait long to see how this historic battle begins.

Now the big question: What are you most excited about in Chapter 1187 – Luffy’s battle against Imu or the huge tease for Sanji’s Conqueror’s Haki? Let us know in the comments below.

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