One piece after Elbaf is officially upgrading Luffy's Yonko fleet

a piece Currently at the climax of the Elbaf arc, where the Straw Hat Pirates and the Giants face the greatest threat of all, which was officially introduced in Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #19 — Nerona Emu on April 6, 2026, Chapter 1179. With the arrival of the emu, the Holy Knights are also empowered, which the monkey d. Luffy and the Straw Hats pose a significant threat not only to the Pirates, but also to the entire country of Elbaf.

One way or another, Luffy and the Straw Hats must face this threat, and once the deal is done, a significant reward awaits them in the form of a major upgrade to their pirate fleet. Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, has given Luffy and the Straw Hats a boost as officially the strongest fleet in the entire world, provided they are able to survive Elbaf's ordeal.

Luffy's alliance with Loki and the Elbaf Giants makes Luffy's Grand Fleet stronger than ever

Monkey D. Luffy is already one of the strongest pirates in the One Piece world, and he has a powerful fleet. Monkey D. Luffy witnessed the creation of the Straw Hat Grand Fleet at the end of the Dressrosa arc, specifically in One Piece Chapter 800, titled “Sons' Cups”, which was officially released on September 19, 2015 in Weekly Shonen Jump issue 43. This chapter, which marked the birth of Luffy50 stronger and stronger. is said to increase with each passing arc. With many powerful commanders, Luffy's fleet is still nowhere near the world's elite fighters of One Piece.

“We here, at all times and under all circumstances, swear to be your sword and shield, as repayment for all you have done for us in the past. We 7, with every one of our beings, take our pledge to be your underlings very selfishly, for the sake of these bowls.” — Straw Hat bows to Grand Fleet Luffy, One Piece Chapter #800

However, after the events of the Elbaf Arc and the successful defense of the country against the threat of Nerona Emu and the Holy Knights, Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates will see their overall powers upgrade drastically. The Straw Hat Grand Fleet will receive a significant boost with the addition of Loki, the Cursed Prince and giant pirates. While Loki has also been suggested by many to become the Straw Hat a piece In Chapter 1180, released on April 20, 2026, the Cursed Prince expressed his desire to stay back in Elbaf. Needing a powerful figure at the top to lead the country and defend it against forces like Nerona Emu and the Holy Knights, Loki's presence in Elbaf is absolutely essential. That means he can't join the Straw Hat Pirates. However, he can still cooperate with them as the king and leader of the country and be an important commander of Luffy's fleet.

“You won't find me anywhere but Elbaf! Got it, idiot?” – Luffy claims that he will always be found in Elbaf, One Piece chapter #1180

Along with Loki, giant pirates are also likely to cooperate with Straw Hat Luffy. Earlier, in the Dressrosa arc, Hazrudin captained the Grand Fleet's 6th ship, Monkey D. had sworn loyalty to Luffy. This practically put the new giant pirates directly under Luffy's flag. Giant Warrior Pirates are not currently affiliated with Straw Hat Luffy. However, after Elbaf's successful defense, the giant pirates are likely to cooperate with Luffy, who was confirmed as this generation's Sun God Nika in Chapter 1044 on March 23, 2022.

Boa Hancock and Kuja Straw Hat are officially set to ally with Luffy

While the inclusion of Loki and the giant pirates in the fleet is certainly going to make Luffy significantly more powerful, there are other allies to consider, and one of them is Boa Hancock. In One Piece Chapter 1059, Eiichiro Oda, released on September 12, 2022, Eiichiro Oda officially reveals the fate of Amazon Lily after the attack by the Navy and Yonko Blackbird. Boa Hancock was caught in a very difficult situation where she could not stay with the Amazon Lily. She made clear her desire to find Luffy, and now, she must go to him.

“I want to go Luffy immediately!” – Boa Hancock, One Piece Chapter #1059

Hancock isn't going to join the Straw Hat Pirates, but he has no choice but to fight alongside the Straw Hat captain. His alliance with Luffy would further strengthen the Straw Hat Grand Fleet and make it strong enough to rival the influence of the World Government. That is something we are all eagerly waiting to see. Post-Elbaf, One Piece is officially going to take Luffy's fleet strength to a whole new level and give it a significant upgrade overall.

Why Monkey D. Luffy would have the strongest pirate fleet since Elbaf

Monkey D. Luffy is one of the most powerful figures in the world of One Piece at the moment which was officially teased in his battle against Nerona Emu. a piece Chapter 1181, published on April 27, 2026, in Shuisha's Weekly Shōnen Jump issues #22-23, has the potential to take his overall power to the next level. With the Straw Hat Pirates upgrading their power in Elbaf and the fleet receiving major upgrades in the form of Loki, the Giant Pirates, and possibly Boa Hancock, this group is going to establish itself as one of the strongest at sea. In fact, compared to other Yonko, their influence is going to be unmatched after the events of the Elbaf arc.

Right now, Shanks' fleet as a whole is considered significantly weaker, and Blackbeard doesn't seem to have formed any major alliances at this time. This leaves Buggy behind, who is already the weakest of the four emperors at this point. By forming alliances with such powerful people, Monkey D. Luffy is definitely going to have the strongest fleet in the series, which would also make him the most influential and strongest pirate in the entire world considering his overall strength.

It should also be noted that One Piece Chapter 1146 officially established the Great War that follows the events of the Elbaf arc, released on April 21, 2026 in Weekly Shonen Jump issue #48. Luffy will need to gather as many powerful allies as possible before this war takes on Nerona Emu and the powerful world government elites like the Five Elders and the Holy Knights.

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