One Piece properly explained the concept of Haki to fans in chapter 597 of the story, on August 30, 2010, in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #39. 16 years have passed since then, and within the ranks of the Straw Hat Pirates, there are only four confirmed Armament Haki users to date. Considering that Luffy's crew is now an Imperial crew in the New World, this number is truly underwhelming. But as the series finds itself at the climax of the Elbaph arc, with the latest issue of Chapter 1183 expected on May 24, 2026, the Straw Hats look to gain power significantly. The writer of the series, Eiichiro Oda, is finally creating upgrades for the Straw Hat team, and among them is an Armament Haki boost for one of Monkey D. Luffy's crewmates, 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 a shipbuilder for the crew, who officially joined Chapter 437, which was was released in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump issue 2 on December 11, 2006. Since then, Franky has grown significantly, especially during the timeskip, where he operated on himself and upgraded himself with various technologies available on Karakuri Island. As a cyborg, Franky is incredibly powerful, but that doesn't mean 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 Imperial crew was introduced One Piecebe it the Red Hair Pirates, the Big Mom Pirates, the Blackbeard Pirates, the Beast Pirates, or the Whitebeard Pirates, have multiple Haki users. The Straw Hat Pirates are largely underpowered in that regard, with only four official users of Armament Haki. Interestingly, Eiichiro Oda quietly teased Armament Haki for Cyborg Franky in the climax of the Egghead Arc. In Chapter 1119, officially released in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump Issue 31 on July 1, 2024, we saw how Franky was asked by Monkey D. Luffy to launch a powerful attack against him. The idea was that Luffy would absorb all the energy generated from Franky's attack and direct it towards Mars. This attack combo was performed by Jewelry Bonney, Sanji, Franky and Luffy. Monkey D. Luffy himself stated that all three members used powerful Haki, which he then successfully aimed at Mars, blowing him away from Egghead completely.
Bonney: What?? Are we hurting him?
Sanji: Keep the pressure on, Bonney!
Franky: Shoot him like they're trying to squeeze the life out of his lungs
Luffy: Of course it will hurt! You all use Haki!!
— Exchange between Luffy, Bonney, Franky and Sanji in One Piece Chapter #1119
Franky using Haki in this case came as a surprise to me and many other One Piece fans, as this power was not teased for him until now. Regardless, it was a change I welcomed, as one of the main criticisms of the series has been the lack of power development for the non-Monster Trio characters. We were all glad to see Eiichiro Oda being aware of the obvious flaws within the Straw Hat Pirates and addressing them. As the story progresses towards the end of the Elbaf arc, Franky has a great opportunity ahead of him to utilize Armament Haki and level up as a pirate.
Running from an emperor of the sea? Do you even try Nami? Do you want to make our captain the Pirate King or not? — Franky, One Piece Chapter #989
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Why the Elbaph Arc's climax with Chapter 1183 could create a sincere fight
One Piece chapter 1183 will officially come out in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #26 on May 24, 2026. This chapter will be significant for various Straw Hats across Elbaph right now as they take on the forces of the World Government, especially 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 taking on Nerona Imu, and Zoro and Sanji taking 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 ahead of them through the MMAs for the now revived Killingham, thanks to receiving an omen from Nerona Imu. This new battle against powerful MMAs creates a potential moment for Franky to utilize Armament Haki. After subconsciously using it once in One Piece Chapter 1119, it would be fitting for Franky to use Haki again in the climax of Elbaf against the MMA army. This would greatly increase his overall power level and allow him to compete at the very highest level.
Franky's total power level with new Vega Cola and weapon hack
Cyborg Franky officially defeated Sasaki, one of the elite Tobi Roppo of the 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, this means that Franky would officially be upgraded to a new Yonko officer. Yonko Commander territory with some new power-up. It's something that pleases me as someone who has seen his journey ever since the Water 7 Arc. With a new Armament Haki upgrade, Franky can be strong enough to take on strong Yonko Commanders of the caliber of Jack the Drought, Charlotte Cracker, and even stand up to characters like King and Katakuri, but that's not all.
Eiichiro Oda also officially set up 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, 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 guts are impeccably designed, as advanced as a Pacifista. That's why I was surprised to learn that you only use coke to fuel yourself!! You see, Franky, fuel is passion!! Use these new items, and your raw power will explode!!! — Vegapunk Lilith to Franky, One Piece Chapter #1176
If Franky gets both Super Vega Cola and Armament Haki maxed out, then his overall power level should be in the same league as Elite Yonko Commanders like Queen, Smoothie, Katakuri and King. In time, Franky will likely continue to master Haki and combine it with his scientific prowess. This would most certainly make him an elite fighter, one that only a handful can compete with. With this impending power-up for cyborg Franky in the climax of Elbaf and the arcs beyond, Eiichiro Oda would finally address my and many fans' criticisms over the years for not powering up the Straw Hats enough. With battles against the elite of World Government officers now approaching, this power-up is likely on the way.
All the latest chapters of the One Piece manga by Eiichiro Oda can be read via Viz Media and Manga Plus.
