One Piece: Did Oda Tease Imu’s ‘Dark Haki’ in Chapter 1180?

The One Piece manga is transitioning into one of the most intriguing sets of shonen anime reveals in history – with each chapter constantly delivering something new to the narrative. The latest Chapter 1180 gave us something that might change the concept of “Haki” as we know it.

Whether this was a misprint from the publications or a genuine easter egg attempt by Eiichiro Oda, a panel between Imu and Zoro showed the word “Haki” written as “Maki”. Let’s explore every possible explanation for this minor, but massively narrative-changing panel in the One Piece manga.

One Piece Chapter 1180 Wordplay Opens a New Chapter in Haki 101

In One Piece Chapter 1180, released on April 19, 2026, there was a panel on Page 7 when Zoro charged towards Imu. While it was nothing out of the ordinary, given the manga’s progression, we noticed a difference when we looked at the Japanese version of the manga. Where Imu is supposedly mentioning “Haki”(覇気), the Japanese Kanji writes it as “Maki” (魔気).

While the official English translation on Viz Media translates it as “Omen”, the drastic change in the Japanese text led us to believe that Eiichiro Oda had some other plans in mind that might be revealed later. If this were just a printing error, then no harm done, but if not, then we have plenty of new lore that awaits exploration and revelation.

How Imu’s “Maki” Might Be Different From the Haki We Know

Let’s assume that the Japanese Kanji was not a misprint and Oda intentionally added it – what does it change? Well, it changes a lot of things, especially what we’ve known about “Haki” all along. Starting with the literal translation, the character “Ha” stands for dominance, supremacy, and overwhelming power (in a positive sense), while “Ma” stands for demonic aura, darkness, cursed or ominous force.

It clearly comes down to Maki being an absolutely different kind of power that derives its powers from a demonic and negative force, which makes sense if you consider that Imu’s attacks were dark-colored. While this opens up a vast number of theories, the Oda can explore regarding Maki; we have some of our own.

Time and time again, it has been shown that Imu was afraid of Joyboy and his Haki. Taking that into consideration, what if Joyboy was the creator of Haki, and he made the technique specifically to counter Imu’s Maki? This would also explain how his Haki was able to repel the Gorosei (who have Imu’s powers), wound Imu, and even make him gasp under the pressure of his Haki during the Egghead Arc.

Based on what we have seen so far in the manga and anime, Haki is the power to enhance the normal senses and the strength of a being to the point where even Logia-type Devil Fruit users can’t go untouched. On the other hand, it seems like Maki has the power to control others, cause destruction, and do everything evil, which also makes a lot of sense given Imu’s DF being the Akuma no Mi.

Wordplay Reveals and Eiichiro Oda Have a Long History in One Piece

Wordplay and puns are something Oda has given us for decades. He often hides words and meanings that leave to bigger reveals in the future, or just for fun. While the “Maki” was his most recent wordplay in the series, allegedly, there have been plenty of other instances where Oda did the same.

During the Wano Country Arc, Hiyori Kozuki uses a pun about the Kurozumi clan, “Kurozumi is born to burn”; the name “Kurozumi” means “Black Coal,” which fits perfectly with the “burn” pun. In another instance, Oda played a trick on readers by calling the final island “Raftel” in English for decades. However, in the One Piece: Stampede movie, it is revealed as “Laugh Tale”, hinting at the nature of Roger’s final discovery.

TITLE	One Piece
CHAPTER 1180 RELEASE DATE	April 19, 2026
MAL RATING (As of April 21, 2026)	9.21/10
WHERE TO READ	MangaPlus, Viz Media

What are your thoughts on this matter? Was it really a misprint, or did Oda actually hint at something with the different Kanji? Let us know your opinions in the comments below.

Chapters of the One Piece manga are available to read officially on the MangaPlus and Viz Media app and website.