Eiichiro Oda officially introduces the new monster trio

One Piece's The Elbaf Arc continues at a lightning fast pace and Eiichiro Oda is currently tackling the climax of this arc. With 4 volumes already to his name, Elbaf is now planning for the release of yet another volume. One Piece Volume 115 will be officially released in Japan on July 3, 2026. On June 20, 2026, the official volume cover for One Piece Volume 115 was revealed by Eiichiro Oda, the creator of the series, himself.

This volume features the new strongest trio in history at the moment, currently engaged in a chaotic battle against the forces of the World Government, especially its ruler, Saint Nerona Imu. This is the ultimate monster trio of ice squirrel Luffy, Loki and Ragnir, and their powers will only shine even more as Elbaf's climax is further explored after the conclusion of the Esperia flashback.

One Piece Volume 115 officially reveals the Monster Trio of Luffy, Loki and Ragnir

With One Piece Volume 115 officially going on sale in Japan on July 3, 2026, Eiichiro Oda revealed the cover art for this volume on June 20, 2026. In a new time-lapse, we were able to see how Eiichiro Oda came up with this new cover and what the idea behind it was. This new One Piece Volume 115 cover features three powerful characters:

• Series protagonist and Yonko of the Sea, Straw Hat Luffy.

• The cursed prince of Elbaf, Prince Loki, with the power to destroy the world.

• Loki's beloved pet Squirrel, who always stands by his side, Ragnir.

Together, Luffy, Loki and Ragnir form the new strongest trio in all of One Piece. When it comes to trios, the one that often comes to fans' minds is the Monster Trio from the Straw Hat Pirates. Although strong, Zoro and Sanji are not yet powerful enough to compete with Loki and Ragnir's level. In fact, Loki alone is strong enough to easily defeat both Zoro and Sanji in battle. As such, the Monster Trio is officially obsolete compared to this new trio from One Piece Volume 115 cover type. Even compared to the Three Admirals of the Navy, Luffy, Loki, and Ragnir are strong enough to absolutely destroy them in battle due to their superior strength and ability to destroy the entire world.

“Loki, join my crew, man! If he joins me, then you can't complain if I free him, can you, Hajrudin?” — Luffy invites Loki and Ragnir to join him, One Piece Chapter #1152

Why Luffy, Loki and Ragnir's synergy makes them the new strongest trio

Image via Toei Animation.

Luffy, Loki and Ragnir make a great team, and this was seen in One Piece chapter #1175, which was officially released in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #14 on March 2, 2026. This chapter featured all three working in synergy and strengthening each other's powers. One Piece Chapter 1176, which followed on March 9, 2026, featured Luffy, Loki, and Ragnir using their powerful Devil Fruit abilities to counter the threat of the Holy Knights and deal with them effectively.

“On a most rare day when lightning and snow combine, a great beast will cover the sky with its presence. And with the sound of the drums of deliverance, the sun god will appear.” — Jarul explains the synergy between Luffy, Lok and Ragnir, One Piece Chapter #1174

One Piece chapter 1178, which was officially released in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #18 on March 30, 2026, showcased these three combinations against Nerona Imu, who at the time possessed Gunko's body. Using their powers together, these three were able to easily quell the threat of the Holy Knight and claim a resounding victory.

Loki: Move it, Luffy! Ragnir, let's do it!

Loki: Nibelheim!

Luffy: Wow, is that your last move?

Loki: I don't know what you are, but doing it this way is much faster.

— Exchange between Luffy, Loki and Ragnir, One Piece Chapter #1178

On the new cover to One Piece Volume 115, Eiichiro Oda highlights their synergy once again. Loki, whose powers are from the lightning dragon Nidhoggr, is seen producing lightning. Meanwhile, the ice squirrel Ratatoskr can make his lightning stronger by using ice and colliding the particles together, which was also explained by Nerona Imu in One Piece chapter 1182, officially released on May 10, 2026. This externally enhanced lightning, produced by Loki and Ragnir, is used by Monkey D. Luffy and hurled at his enemies. This is exactly what happened in the battle against Saint Sommers, where Luffy and Loki combined to demolish him in battle. Now, Eiichiro Oda once again highlights their synergy as a powerful trio of monsters on the cover, making them the ultimate force in the story at the moment.

“To think that I would see you again in this world, Nidhoggr, you traitor. And snow, oh, indeed. Lightning, caused by impacts with ice. Your affinity for each other was always great, Ragnir!” — Nerona Imu highlights the synergy between Loki and Ragnir, One Piece Chapter #1182

Zoro and Sanji need more power-ups to catch up with Luffy

While the trio of Luffy, Loki and Ragnir are indeed incredibly powerful, the true Monster Trio cannot be forgotten either. While this trio is currently lagging behind, in time, they will catch up to the main character Monkey D. Luffy and be in the same league as him. Both Zoro and Sanji are tipped to gain full control of the Conqueror's Haki in the Elbaf arc as they go up against an Omen-boosted version of Sommers and Killingham. These battles will propel them to the next level of strength.

In addition, the growth of these two powerful Wings of the Pirate King will continue even in the coming arcs, and eventually they will reach the same level as the captain of the crew, Monkey D. Luffy. This is evident from the parallel drawn between the Straw Hat Pirates and the Roger Pirates One Piece Chapter 1139 February 10, 2025 It was officially stated by the giants that Roger, Rayleigh, and Gaban were all in the same league. While there may have been slight differences in strength between Roger and his Wings, they are still legendary figures considered to be in the same league.

“He's a living legend on par with Roger and Rayleigh, Scopper Gaban!” — Giants of Elbaf, One Piece Chapter #1139

The same will be the case with the Straw Hat Pirate Monster Trio as well. By the end of the series, the Monster Trio will likely be above Yonko level, which is something we absolutely cannot wait to see. At the end of One Piece, the possibility that the Straw Hat Monster Trio will become the strongest trio in the series is very high. To get to that point, Zoro and Sanji need to gain additional power-ups, especially full control of Supreme King Haki. For now, Luffy and his powerful Wings will be fighting in Elbaf to further increase their strength, and we can't wait to see what they accomplish in the future of the story.

The latest chapters of Eiichiro Oda's One Piece manga are available to read via Manga Plus and Viz Media.