One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda is finally getting Sanji Yonko up to par

Shueisha's Weekly Shounen Jump Issue #24 saw release One piece Chapter 1182 May 10, 2026 This new chapter was absolutely significant in the grand scheme of things in terms of the Elbaph story arc, as Eiichiro Oda finally unleashed the big battles for Luffy's wings, Zoro and Sanji.

He and Zoro take on Super Sommers, Sanji's battle in Elbaph will take place against one of the deadliest villains, Super Killinghamwhich holds the power of Ryu Ryu no Mi, Model: Kirin. This fight will excite all of us readers, but more than that, it's meant to elevate the beloved chef Sanji to the level of the Four Emperors by giving him the special tool needed to take down the Holy Knights, the awakening of the Supreme King's Color – an upgrade we've been waiting about 10 years for.

Eiichiro Oda Finally Sets Sanji's Yonko Level Power Up Versus Rimoshifu Killingham In One Piece Chapter 1182

One piece Chapter 1182 was significant to Sanji's character for many reasons. Previously, in One Piece Chapter 1180, which was officially published in Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #21 on April 20, 2026, Sanji came face to face with the King of the World, Nero Ima. Ifrit Jambe launched a powerful attack at him, but it was easily blocked. Imu retaliated with a black flame kick of his own, completely beating him in the process. While most fans assumed that Sanji was completely out of the picture, chapter 1182 proved otherwise. It was clear to us that Sanji had not passed out, but was still conscious as confirmed by Saint Killingham. Low on energy, Sanji still found himself getting up and chasing Killingham again, knowing that he would target the children in Elbaph again.

With Zoro going after Super Sommers, Sanji is now ready to face Super Killingham in chapters 1183 and beyond, which will unleash an exciting battle as well as a major upgrade that we've been patiently waiting for for nearly 10. This upgrade is the Color of the Supreme King. Sanji having the color of the Supreme King was officially teased by series creator Eiichiro Oda almost a year ago in chapter 1152 of the series.

In this chapter, Sanji officially stated that he felt he had the High King's Color, or Conqueror's Haki, within him. Still, Scopper Gaban ignored him, stating that Zoro seemed more accustomed to using the High King's color. While most fans saw this as a surface-level gag, we could see Eiichiro Oda using special dust marks in the third panel on page 5 of the chapter. This showcases a part of the dialogue between Gaban and Sanji that is interrupted, setting up a major revelation for Sanji regarding his latent Supreme King Haki power.

Why Sanji Unlocking Conqueror's Haki is Essential in Elbaph Arc

Many fans wonder why Sanji needs the Conqueror's Haki power to begin with. The answer was officially presented by Oda in the Elbaph arc in various chapters. IN One piece chapter 1149, which was officially released in Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #26, on May 26, 2025, we could see Scopper Gaban fight against Saint Sommers. He was seen using Supreme King Haki's power to chop him up. Gaban was Roger's left arm and one of the Pirate King's Wings and wielded the power of the High King – a role similar to that of Sanji in the Straw Hats.

“He is the man who stood side by side with Gol D. Roger and Silvers Rayleigh, Scopper Gaban!” — Oimo and Kashi, One Piece Chapter 1139

This standard is expected of Sanji as well and we know he is more than capable of fulfilling this role and even surpassing Gaban's level. As such, unlocking the power of the Supreme King is a must for Sanji. Even more than that, Scopper Gaban clearly stated in One Piece Chapter 1152 and later in One Piece Chapter 1170 that using the color of the Supreme King is the only weakness of the Immortal Saint Knights.

“Give him enough hits and we can put him out of commission. If these guys have any weakness, it's against those of us who can infuse our attacks with the color of the Supreme King!” — Scopper Gaban in One Piece Chapter 1070

Sanji not having Conqueror's Haki means that he will not be able to win against any Saint Knight or Five Elders in the future of the series. Oda officially arranged a battle for him against Saint Killingham. The only way to win this fight and all upcoming fights against Yonko-level enemies is to awaken the Conqueror's Haki, which is why this battle in One Piece Chapter 1183 and beyond will mark the beginning of a great run for his character, giving him access to one of the most sought-after abilities in the entire series.

How Sanji's new Supreme King Haki Power Up gets him to Yonko level

Sanji unlocking the Conqueror's Haki power is something we've been waiting for since Chapter 832 of the Whole Cake Island Arc, officially released on July 16, 2016. It was officially confirmed that Sanji belonged to the royal bloodline from the North Blue and that his father, Vinsmoke Judge, was a royal bloodline. Sanji carries the blood of a King and more than that, the Conqueror of the Northern Blue who once destroyed four Kings in a massive battle in the Northern Blue. The conquerors of Vinsmoke surpass the judges, as the history of the Germian Kingdom over 300 years ago confirms that they ruled the Northern Blue for 66 days.

“It's the conquest of the 4 nations, the incident where we defeated the four Northern Blue Kings at once!” — Reiju, One Piece Chapter 832

Each ruler is given a High King color, especially when it comes to fighters. This already set us up with Sanji's Conqueror's Haki ability over 10 years ago. Since then, we've been patiently waiting for him to awaken this power, and now, after all that waiting, the moment of Elbaf's climax has arrived. Sanji is fully expected to use this new ability for the first time and then cover his body in it, allowing him to unleash the power of his flames and his kicks, and what's more, slow down the regeneration ability of the Holy Knights and the Five Elders.

With his newly awakened powers, Sanji not only becomes strong enough to defeat Holy Knight Killingham, but also gains enough strength to rival the likes of Yonko and Admirals from the One Piece world. The Straw Hat Pirates need more than a Yonka-level Luffy if they want to conquer the Grand Line. Luffy's Wings, Zoro, and Sanji must be Yonko level, as well as Rayleigh and Gaban, and Elbaph will make sure they both officially get that level of power.

You can read all the latest chapters of Eiichiro Oda's One Piece manga through Viz Media and Manga Plus.