A piece reveals a new Straw Hat backstory, but it's not Zoro's

After a two-week break, a piece Shuisha's Weekly Shonen Jump issue #26 officially saw the release of chapter 1183 on May 24, 2026. This new issue of a piece Nerona brings us to Elbaf, continuing the great battle between the pair of Loki and Ragnir against the Emu. More importantly, it now explores the past of one of the most important characters within the Straw Hat Pirates, Dead Bones Brook.

When the relationship between Brooke and Gunko was first revealed a piece Chapter 1149, it became clear that Eiichiro Oda would further explore this backstory over the course of a year. Almost a year later, we're relieved to see the author delve into this backstory during the climax of the Elbaf arc and excite us all in the process.

One Piece Chapter 1183 Brook's backstory begins 70 years before the events of Elbaf.

One Piece Chapter 1183 Backstory Brook 70 years ago Image curated by Rei Penber from One Piece chapter 1183 on MangaPlus

Weekly Shonen Jump issue #26 a piece Chapter 1183, and its most important part was definitely where Brooke's backstory began to be explored. Brooke's backstory was first revealed by the author in the Thriller Bark arc, specifically in chapter 487.which was released in Shuisha's Weekly Shōnen Jump issue #10 in February 2008. Very few Straw Hats are known to get more than one backstory, and even Zoro has never received this level of care from the author. Sanji and Luffy are the only ones from the series to receive this honor. Now, Brooke is getting her own second flashback, and needless to say, it's already proving to be exciting. Brooke's flashbacks take us back to the kingdom of Asperia, the land of instrument makers, which was once a remote kingdom in West Blue.

“A long time ago, a really long time ago! She was just a child and I was a young man! It was in a land that no longer exists… Asperia! Asperia was a land of music, full of workshops making all kinds of instruments!” – Brook explaining his distant past, One Piece Chapter 1183

This state was first mentioned by Brooke himself in 2012 a piece Chapter 489, in which he officially joined the Straw Hat Pirates back on February 25, 2008. Now, 18 years later, this state has been brought to light in the latest flashback, much to the delight of myself and millions of other One Piece fans around the world.

Kandel One Piece Brooke Backstory Elbaf Image curated by Rei Penber from One Piece chapter 1183 on MangaPlus

Brooke's first back story in One Piece takes us back 50 years, where her time with the Rumber Pirates is explored. The second back story, which started in one piece chapter 1183, is set 70 years ago and is set in the kingdom of Esperia, known as a very special place for music, where instruments are made and music holds great importance. While Brooke is primarily known as a musician now, back then, his role was a bit different. Rather than just being a musician, Brooke was actually a leader of the war convoy, specifically the 'Rider Squad', and was one of the strongest men on the island. His music was largely hated because he woke everyone up everyday and how loud he played it, which certainly amused me because we've seen him deliver great quality songs over the years.

An image of one piece maker Eiichiro Oda next to a legendary character from Zero Century

One piece officially unveils a new legendary character from the Zero Century

Zero Century of One Piece is still a big mystery, but creator Eiichiro Oda unveils a new character of the era in chapter 1183.

Brook's role as the leader of the war convoy in Esperia

Brook Leader of the Battle Convoy Asperia One piece Image curated by Rei Penber from One Piece chapter 1183 on MangaPlus

in a piece Chapter 1183, Eiichiro Oda gave us a glimpse of the immense power Brook carried 70 years ago. Back then, he looked remarkably different than he does today, but his strength was still evident. His Hanauta Sancho: Yahazugiri, which is a technique that first debuted in Chapter 455, was as strong as ever during this time period. As the kingdom is invaded by rivals seeking to take Lady Candle, Brooke steps up and takes care of everyone in the blink of an eye. His technique's special ability was highlighted quite a bit, especially when he took down all the enemies without even realizing they were cut in the first place. This shows the great power he took back then.

“It's going to be fine, boss. For one thing, she's too strong. They can't take her!! Besides, I'm surprised they haven't noticed yet. You see, I had them all cut when they left port.” – Brooke, One Piece Chapter #1183

More than that, Brooke's relationship with Princess Shuri and her mother, Kandel, was thoroughly explored in this flashback, which is what I was most looking forward to. Brooke's relationship with Shuri holds the key to understanding Emu's obsession with a select few blue-haired women, and at the same time, why Gunko personally serves him in the flower room inside Marizoa's sacred land. In the end, all of us One Piece fans will get answers to these questions in this backstory, and it will surely play an important role in the upcoming great war.

GameRant Quiz

GameRant Quiz

Easy (15 seconds) Medium (10 seconds) Hard (5 seconds) Permadeath (5 seconds)

Brooke's second backstory explains her relationship with Shuri and Kandel

Brooke Second Backstory Connection Shuri Kandel One Piece Image curated by Rei Penber from One Piece chapter 1183 on MangaPlus

Earlier, in One Piece Chapter 1049 released on May 16, 2022, Eiichiro Oda gave all fans a good look into Brooke's past with Princess Shuri. We get to see Brooke grow up, and the chapter officially expands a year later. One Piece Chapter 1183 saw Brook training Princess Shuri himself and at the same time, raising her almost like his own daughter. Brooke's primary connection to Shuri was through her mother, Lady Candle.

“I worked hard today! You think I've gotten stronger? Like mom!” – Princess Shuri to Brooke, One Piece #1183

Unfortunately, Kendall's character was not widely covered. She was only seen once in an opera in Chapter 1183, taking part in an opera. That said, it's clear to me that Oda is portraying her as a combination of strength and beauty. Kandel had immense beauty, so much so that people from all over the world often came to marry her. At the same time, she was also extremely powerful, wielding her own blade, as we clearly saw in this week's chapter. His skills were compared to Brooke's in terms of both music and warfare. As Brooke herself said, Lady Candle was very powerful and able to take care of anyone who opposed her. Musically, she was the complete opposite of Brooke, but the two emerged as the biggest stars in Asperia.

“70 years ago, the kingdom of Asperia harbored two great stars. One, the former captain of the battle convoy and current queen, Kandel. The other, an unpopular musician, but a master of the quick-draw sword technique that left victims unaware that they had been cut—Rider Squad leader, Humming. – Narrator, One Piece Chapter 1183

More than that, Lady Candle wins Brooke's heart. Apparently, even though she was already a married woman, he was infatuated with her and his feelings for her were not hidden from anyone. One Piece Chapter 1183 definitely elevated Brook's character in my eyes, giving it a certain element of humanity. Over time, more of Brooke's backstory will be explored in upcoming chapters, and it's definitely going to be very exciting. As One Piece continues, the next few chapters will certainly expand on the character arcs of Lady Kandel, Princess Shuri, and Brooke. I'm curious to see how Eiichiro Oda develops this backstory, especially with his phenomenal work on Sanji's second backstory, as well as the pasts of other child characters like Jewel Bonnie.

The latest One Piece chapters by Eiichiro Oda are all available to read through Viz Media and Manga Plus.

Leave a Comment