The Elbaph arc is already one of the most intense in One Piece so far — and now it looks like it's setting up a long-awaited power boost for one of the crew.
For years, fans have speculated which Straw Hats might unlock Conqueror's Haki — the rare ability that separates the top-tier from everyone else. It's been the key to beating world-shaking enemies ever since the Wano arc, and now the latest chapter strongly hints another Straw Hat is about to join the club.
In Chapter 1152, Gaban casually drops that someone besides Luffy and Zoro might have the gift. Zoro's confirmed to have it — though he didn't know — and Sanji immediately assumes Gaban means him.
Gaban doesn't say yes... but he doesn't say no either. And with dialogue conveniently obscuring Sanji's private chat with him, it feels like One Piece is deliberately hiding something.
If Sanji does have Conqueror's Haki, this is the perfect time for it to awaken. He's been due for a serious upgrade to keep pace with the story's escalating stakes — especially now that the Holy Knights and Imu are in play, and Conqueror's Haki seems to be the only way to seriously hurt them.
It also fixes a long-running imbalance. Zoro's had multiple power-ups and Conqueror's Haki.
Meanwhile, Sanji's been treated as comic relief more often than not — especially in the anime. But the two have always been framed as equals: the "Wings of the Pirate King." That doesn't work unless both are pulling equal weight.
Whether it's a delayed reveal or a slow burn, the signs are all there. Sanji unlocking Conqueror's Haki would be a major turning point — not just for his character, but for the balance of the crew as they head into the final battles of the series. And if One Piece follows through, it might be the upgrade fans have been waiting for since Wano.