Here’s my breakdown of why this chapter hits so hard.
The Gaban Lore Drop (Finally!)
Let’s start with the heavy hitter. Scopper Gaban is finally pulling his weight in the story. For the longest time, we've been wondering how the Straw Hats are supposed to actually damage the Gorosei or "immortals" since Gear 5 was barely holding them back on Egghead.
Gaban’s explanation is simple but game-changing: Conqueror’s Haki coating. It doesn't just hit them; it slows their regeneration. The fact that he knows this because the Roger Pirates fought the Holy Knights repeatedly to protect Shanks is just... wow.
It adds so much weight to Shanks' backstory.
It confirms the Holy Knights have been a threat since Roger’s era.
It explains why Roger’s crew was considered so monstrous they were routinely beating up the World Government’s elite.
The "Cutie Squirrel" Twist
In classic Oda fashion, right in the middle of a deathmatch between Loki and Ragnir, we get a curveball. Loki’s hammer breaks, things look grim, and then Ragnir turns into... a cute squirrel?
I actually laughed out loud reading the spoilers. It completely subverts the "terrifying guardian beast" trope. The fact that the squirrel just accepts Loki and opens the chest for him feels weirdly wholesome. It’s that unique One Piece charm where the legendary guardian is just a little guy.
The Devil Fruit & The Silhouette (Of Course)
Loki finally eats the Legendary Devil Fruit! But, because Oda loves to torture us, we only get a silhouette. We see claws, so it’s definitely a Zoan (probably Mythical), but we still don't have the full design.
While I’m a little annoyed by the "Silhouette Piece" trope striking again, the payoff seems worth it. The imagery of Loki (with the claws) and Ragnir (back in human form) teaming up is pure hype.
The Climax: Shattered
The ending sequence sounds incredibly satisfying. We’ve seen the "immortals" tank damage forever, so seeing Harald actually get shattered into pieces by a combo attack coated in Conqueror’s Haki feels like real progression. It proves Gaban’s theory immediately.
The Verdict: This chapter has everything: a training montage/explanation from a legend (Gaban), a hilarious twist (Squirrel Ragnir), and a brutal finisher. It connects the past (Roger/Shanks) with the present (Loki/Harald) perfectly.
Best news of the week? NO BREAK NEXT WEEK! We get to see the aftermath of Harald's defeat immediately.
Based on the "claws" detail and the heavy Norse mythology themes of the Elbaf arc, here are the best theories for what Loki’s Legendary Devil Fruit could be:
1. The Top Contender: Inu Inu no Mi, Model: Fenrir
This is the most likely candidate. In Norse mythology, Fenrir is a monstrous wolf and one of the children of Loki.
The "Claws" Connection: A wolf’s primary weapons are its claws and teeth. The silhouette emphasizing claws points strongly toward a carnivorous Zoan.
The Narrative Fit: Fenrir is destined to kill Odin during Ragnarok. If Harald represents the "King/Odin" figure in this scenario, it makes perfect thematic sense for Loki to eat the "Fenrir" fruit to destroy the established order.
The "Legendary" Status: A Mythical Zoan of the wolf that brings about the end of the world fits the description of a fruit that Ragnir had to protect for centuries.
2. The Viking Symbolic Choice: Kuma Kuma no Mi, Model: Berserker (or Great Bear)
"Berserker" warriors in Viking history were said to fight with the trance-like fury of a bear (the word berserk comes from "bear shirt").
The "Claws" Connection: Bears have massive claws, arguably more prominent in a silhouette than a wolf's.
The Power Set: This would grant Loki unstoppable physical strength and endurance, fitting for a Giant. It would explain why he could "shatter" Harald with a physical blow.
3. The Wildcard: Ryu Ryu no Mi, Model: Fafnir (Dragon)
Fafnir was a dwarf who turned into a dragon because of his greed for gold/treasure.
The "Claws" Connection: Dragons have talons/claws.
Why it fits: We know Oda loves Dragons (Kaido, Momonosuke). Fafnir is specifically a Norse dragon. It would contrast cooly with Kaido's Eastern dragon design Fafnir would likely be a more jagged, heavy, Western-style dragon or a lindworm.
4. The "Trickster" Twist: Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Jotun (Frost Giant) or Ancient God
Even though Loki is already a giant, we’ve seen Hito Hito (Human-Human) fruits used on humans (Sengoku) to make them deities.
The Connection: He could be transforming into a specific primordial entity of destruction. The "claws" could just be part of a monstrous, demonic deity form, similar to how Saturn's form had distinct, sharp limbs.
My Bet: Model Fenrir
It feels too perfect. The "wolf in sheep's clothing" metaphor (or squirrel's clothing, in Ragnir's case) and the destiny of the "Wolf eating the King/Sun" is a core One Piece theme. Plus, giving the Prince of Elbaf the power of the Wolf that swallows the world is exactly the kind of high-stakes drama Oda loves.
