One Piece Chapter 1189 Ending Explained: Scopper Gaban’s Epic Return Changes Everything

Chapter 1189 of One Piece raises the stakes of the Final Saga with new lore, powerful weapons, and a dramatic last-page twist. While Imu continues to dominate the battlefield, the chapter also reveals more about the World Government’s hidden history.

Here’s a closer look at everything that happened in Chapter 1189 and why Scopper Gaban’s return could be a major turning point in the battle against Imu.

One Piece Shows Imu’s Ancient Weapons Overpowering Luffy

Chapter 1189 of One Piece begins right after Imu stabs Luffy. Before the Straw Hat captain can recover, Imu summons another giant blade with the Sea God Sword: Fragarach and pins Luffy to the World Tree using the weapon. Meanwhile, Usopp senses that Luffy’s Haki has drastically decreased on Elbaf. This causes fear among the Straw Hats because they understand that their captain is in serious danger.

The chapter then shifts to the other Straw Hats. We see Ragnir successfully freezing the demon girl Gunko because he believes she is dangerous, which enrages Brook, who views her like a daughter. Chopper starts to treat the wounds of Loki, who remembers an incident from his past involving Shanks.

In the flashback, Shanks warns Loki that the World Government has been preparing for a great war for years. He also reveals that someone secretly sits above the entire World Government as the true King of the World. The warning takes on new meaning in the present as Loki realizes that person is Imu.

The chapter also introduces another major reveal with legendary weapons – Gram, a sword entrusted to Saint Sommers, and Longinus, a spear given to Saint Killingham. The chapter explains that these weapons once belonged to the 19 kings who founded the World Government over 800 years ago. After placing their weapons around the Empty Throne, those kings swore that no single ruler would ever control the world. Ironically, those same weapons have now returned to serve Imu.

As Luffy remains trapped and unable to escape, Imu prepares one final attack by summoning the massive Axe of Xingtian, making it seem as though the battle is about to end.

Chapter 1189 Ends With Gaban Blocking Imu’s Attack

Just as Imu swings the Axe of Xingtian toward the helpless Luffy, the chapter delivers its biggest surprise. Scopper Gaban suddenly appears on the battlefield and blocks Imu’s attack before it can reach Luffy. Although the chapter does not reveal what happens next, Gaban’s arrival completely changes the situation and prevents Imu from landing what could have been a fatal blow.

Gaban blocks Imu’s attack in One Piece Chapter 1189. | Credit: Shueisha

For all the One Piece fans, this is a big moment as Gaban was one of the strongest warriors among the crew of Gol D. Roger and has made very few appearances before in the series, but now that he is ready to face off against the world’s greatest enemy, it shows that things are getting serious in the Elbaf battle.

At the same time, the chapter continues to build Imu as the Final Saga’s biggest threat. With the ancient weapons, the revelation about the King of the World, and Luffy being pushed to his limit, One Piece Chapter 1189 makes it clear that defeating Imu will take far more than brute strength alone. The chapter ends on a cliffhanger as Gaban stands between Imu and Luffy, setting up one of the most anticipated battles of the Final Saga.

Now the big question: What do you think will happen next? Can Scopper Gaban hold off Imu, or will Luffy find a way to fight back in the next chapter? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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