The global fanbase surrounding One Piece is bracing for one of the most consequential chapter releases in years as One Piece Chapter 1167 prepares to drop on December 1, 2025. With the narrative entrenched in the dense Elbaf flashback, author Eiichiro Oda appears poised to alter the franchise's historical timeline, deepen the political origins of Prince Harald's allegiance to the World Government, and chart the formative path of Shanks during the rise of the Roger Pirates.
The coming chapter follows the pivotal events of Chapter 1166, where the "dawn of the Rocks era" came to a definitive close. The shift turns the spotlight to the emerging post-Rocks generation-most notably the Roger Pirates-whose ascendance shaped the geopolitical landscape that defines the series today. The stage now appears set for a direct collision between Harald's sacrifice and Shanks's future emergence as an influential figure on Elbaf.
Central to Chapter 1167 is the expanding arc surrounding Prince Harald, whose controversial decision to align with the World Government was framed as a desperate bid to secure recognition and peace for Elbaf. His own words underscore the depth of the bargain he struck: "I'm here to apologise for the crimes of my people. For that reason, I'm willing to even become a slave."
At the narrative's current point, Oda has signaled that Harald's motivations stem from a belief that Elbaf's global legitimacy-and the safety of its next generation-depends on cooperation with the very institution that once threatened it. Chapter 1167 is therefore expected to depict the consequences of this decision and Harald's descent into direct subjugation by the Celestial Dragons.
The chapter will also serve as a continued bridge for Shanks's development during the Roger Pirates' rise. His presence in the Elbaf flashback reflects his role as one of the two surviving figures from the God Valley incident, and Oda appears intent on using the next chapters to establish his ideological roots and early connections. These foundations will give heightened significance to the moment when Shanks eventually crosses paths with Harald, an encounter the new chapter may finally initiate depending on the length of the anticipated timeskip.
Analysts of the series note that the timeline between the collapse of Rocks D. Xebec and the eventual "Age of Pirates" is relatively sparse, creating narrative space for a substantial chronological leap. Given the lack of immediate world-shaping events in the current flashback, readers widely expect Chapter 1167 to introduce a significant timeskip-possibly spanning up to 10 years-to reposition the story closer to the rise of Roger and the earliest seeds of Shanks's influence.
Hints of the political tensions ahead were also telegraphed through prior flashback dialogue, including the ominous assertion: "Listen Rocks, I think you're Nika. The warrior of liberation who will destroy the world". This foreshadowing positions Harald's fate and Elbaf's political trajectory as key triggers for the era to come.
A more accelerated timeline within the flashback could even allow Shanks to make an early appearance in Marijoa, where he is known to have traveled following the Pirate King's execution. Whether Oda chooses to advance the chronology to that juncture in Chapter 1167 remains uncertain, but the convergence of Shanks and Harald is increasingly likely as the flashback narrows toward its conclusion.
One Piece will resume its weekly publication rhythm this week. Chapter 1167 will release across global regions according to the following official schedule:
- Japan (JST): 12:00 AM, Monday, December 1
- Pacific Time (PT): 8:00 AM, Sunday, November 30
- Eastern Time (ET): 11:00 AM, Sunday, November 30
- UK (GMT/BST): 4:00 PM, Sunday, November 30
- Central Europe (CET): 5:00 PM, Sunday, November 30
With the looming introduction of a major timeskip and two of the franchise's most significant characters approaching defining chapters in their histories, One Piece 1167 is set to escalate the political, emotional, and historical stakes of Oda's expanding world.
