One Piece properly explained the concept of Haki to the fans in Chapter 597 of the story, on August 30, 2010, in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #39. 16 years have passed since, and within the ranks of the Straw Hat Pirates, only four confirmed Armament Haki users exist to date. Given that Luffy’s crew is now an Emperor crew in the New World, this number certainly is underwhelming. However, with the series being in the climax of the Elbaph arc, with the latest release of Chapter 1183 anticipated on May 24, 2026, the Straw Hats are looking to power up significantly. The author of the series, Eiichiro Oda, is finally setting up upgrades for the Straw Hat crew, and among them is an Armament Haki boost for one of the crewmates of Monkey D. Luffy, Cyborg Franky.
One Piece Teased Subconscious Haki Usage For Cyborg Franky In Chapter 1119
Franky is one of the strongest members of the Straw Hat Pirates, serving as the Shipwright of the crew, who officially joined in Chapter 437, which was released in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump issue #2 on December 11, 2006. Since then, Franky has powered up significantly, especially over the timeskip, where he performed surgery on himself and upgraded himself using various available technologies on Karakuri Island. As a cyborg, Franky is incredibly powerful, but that doesn’t mean that he can’t get stronger. Given that the Straw Hat Pirates are now an Emperor’s crew, it is imperative for them to have Haki.
Every Emperor crew introduced in One Piece, be it the Red Hair Pirates, the Big Mom Pirates, the Blackbeard Pirates, the Beast Pirates, or the Whitebeard Pirates, has multiple Haki users. The Straw Hat Pirates are largely underwhelming in that regard, with only four official users of Armament Haki. Interestingly enough, Eiichiro Oda quietly teased Armament Haki for Cyborg Franky in the climax of the Egghead Arc. In chapter 1119, released officially in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump Issue 31 on July 1, 2024, we saw Franky being asked by Monkey D. Luffy to launch a powerful attack on him. The idea was for Luffy to absorb all the energy generated from Franky’s attack and direct it towards Mars. This attack combo was carried out by Jewelry Bonney, Sanji, Franky, and Luffy. Monkey D. Luffy himself stated that all three members utilized powerful Haki, which he then successfully directed towards Mars, blowing him away from Egghead completely.
Bonney: What?? We’re hurting him?
Sanji: Keep the pressure on, Bonney!
Franky: Push him like they’re trying to squeeze the life out of his lungs
Luffy: Of course it’s gonna hurt! You guys are all using Haki!!
— Exchange between Luffy, Bonney, Franky, and Sanji in One Piece Chapter #1119
Franky utilizing Haki in this instance came as a surprise to me and many other One Piece fans, because this power wasn’t teased for him until this point. Regardless, it was a change that I welcomed, because one of the main criticisms of the series has been the lack of strength development for the non-Monster Trio characters. We were all delighted to see Eiichiro Oda being aware of the glaring flaws within the Straw Hat Pirates and addressing them. As the story moves forward towards the end of the Elbaf Arc, Franky has a major opportunity in front of him to tap into Armament Haki and level up as a pirate.
Running from an Emperor of the Sea? Are you even trying Nami? Do you want to make our captain the Pirate King or not? — Franky, One Piece Chapter #989
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Why Elbaph Arc’s Climax With Chapter 1183 Could Set Up A Franky Battle
One Piece chapter 1183 is officially set to come out in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #26 on May 24, 2026. This chapter is going to be significant for various Straw Hats all over Elbaph right now, as they take on the forces of the World Government, specifically Nerona Imu and the Holy Knights. Two weeks ago, we saw Eiichiro Oda set up exciting battles for us to witness, with Luffy and Loki set to take on Nerona Imu, and Zoro and Sanji set to take on Super Sommers and Super Killingham, respectively.
Zoro: Hey, get the job done right!
Sanji: Right back at you!!
— Zoro and Sanji exchange, One Piece Chapter #1182
While these are the main fights, the other Straw Hats have their own challenges in front of them through the MMAs of the now revitalized Killingham, thanks to him receiving an Omen from Nerona Imu. This new battle against powered-up MMAs sets up a potential moment for Franky to tap into Armament Haki. Having used it subconsciously once in One Piece Chapter 1119, it would be fitting for Franky to utilize Haki once again in the climax of Elbaf against the MMA Army. This would boost his overall power level significantly and allow him to compete at the very highest level.
Franky’s Overall Power Level With New Vega Cola And Armament Haki
Cyborg Franky officially defeated Sasaki, one of the elite Tobi Roppo of Yonko Kaido in the Wano Country Arc, specifically in Chapter 1019, which came out in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #33-34 on July 19, 2021. With Sasaki already being an elite Yonko officer, Franky receiving a new upgrade means that he would officially be pushed into Yonko Commander territory with any new power-up. That is something that delights me as someone who has been watching his journey ever since the Water 7 Arc. With a new Armament Haki upgrade, Franky could be strong enough to take on strong Yonko Commanders of the same caliber as Jack the Drought, Charlotte Cracker, and even hold his own against characters like King and Katakuri, but that isn’t all.
Eiichiro Oda also officially set up yet another power upgrade for Cyborg Franky in the Egghead arc, specifically in chapter 1176, which came out officially in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #15 on March 9, 2026. In this chapter, Vegapunk showed Franky how to convert natural energy, specifically thermal energy, into Super Vega Cola. This Super Vega Cola charged Franky to a high level of power, making him relative to Jinbei.
This is Super Vega Cola! Your innards are immaculately designed, just as advanced as a Pacifista. Which is why I was stunned to learn that you only use cola to power yourself!! You see, Franky, fuel is passion!! Use this new stuff, and your raw power will explode!!! — Vegapunk Lilith to Franky, One Piece Chapter #1176
If Franky is given both Super Vega Cola and Armament Haki on top, then his overall power level should be in the same league as the likes of the Elite Yonko Commanders such as Queen, Smoothie, Katakuri, and King. In due time, Franky will likely go on to master Haki and combine it with his scientific prowess. This would most certainly make him an elite fighter, the likes of which only a handful can rival. With this impending power-up for cyborg Franky in the climax of Elbaf and the arcs beyond, Eiichiro Oda would finally address mine and many of the fans’ criticisms over the years of not powering up the Straw Hats enough. With battles against the elite World Government officers now looming, this power-up is likely on the way.
All the newest chapters of the One Piece manga by Eiichiro Oda can be read via Viz Media and Manga Plus.
