After a long 3-month hiatus, One Piece anime has officially returned with Episode 1156 on April 5, 2026 — marking the highly anticipated start of the Elbaf Arc!
Episode Title: The Long-sought Elbaph! The Big Reunion Banquet
What Happened in Episode 1156?
The Straw Hat Pirates, together with the Giant Warrior Pirates, are throwing a massive banquet aboard the Great Eirik as they sail toward the legendary land of Elbaf — the home of the giants. The atmosphere is filled with joy and nostalgia as Luffy and Usopp excitedly chant “Let’s go to Elbaf!”, reminding longtime fans of the classic Little Garden days.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, Bartolomeo once again causes a huge stir by burning the flag of the Red Hair Pirates in the name of protecting Luffy’s honor. This bold action leads to a direct confrontation with Shanks and his crew. The Going Luffy-senpai is destroyed, leaving the fate of Barto and his crew unknown for now.
Viewers also get a glimpse of Blackbeard, who returns to Hachinosu in a foul mood after hearing news involving Garp and the situation at Mary Geoise. The tension between the Yonko is clearly rising.
The episode ends on a massive cliffhanger: The next morning, the Thousand Sunny has disappeared along with six Straw Hat members! Who is missing? What really happened? A classic One Piece mystery setup.
First Impressions & Highlights
The Elbaf Arc has been long anticipated by fans ever since Dorry and Brogy promised to welcome the Straw Hats to their homeland during the Little Garden arc. This episode successfully captures the excitement of finally arriving at the giants’ island.
The new seasonal format appears to be paying off, with cleaner animation, vibrant colors, and lively banquet scenes. The new opening theme “Luminous” by AiNA THE END also matches the adventurous atmosphere well.
Although the episode includes some recap elements regarding Dorry and Brogy, the latter half delivers strong drama through the Shanks and Bartolomeo confrontation, ending with a shocking twist that leaves audiences eager for more. Elbaf promises to be an arc filled with both grand scale and deep emotion.
Elbaf Arc Broadcast Schedule (April 2026)
- Episode 1156: Released (April 5, 2026)
- Episode 1157: Expected on April 12, 2026
Where to Watch:
- Crunchyroll – Fastest simulcast with English subtitles
- Netflix – Updates slightly later
What do you think, nakama?
Have you watched Episode 1156 yet?
Who do you believe the six missing Straw Hats are?
Do you think Shanks will clash with Luffy in this arc?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below! 🔥
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