Just when Luffy thinks getting Loki's key will be simple, an unexpected legend stands in his way, turning a straightforward mission into one of Elbaph's most surprising battles yet.
The episode 1170 of One Piece starts with Luffy and his companions discovering that the countless treasure chests inside the abandoned castle contain nothing valuable. Their excitement quickly turns into disappointment as they realize the room is simply filled with empty boxes. The old man explains there's nothing surprising about that because thieves would have looted any real treasure long ago. However, one item remains untouched—the mysterious key. According to him, even the thieves who entered the castle had no interest in taking it, suggesting that the object carries a burden rather than a reward.
That revelation immediately raises the stakes. The group realizes the abandoned key can only mean one thing: even criminals have no desire to release Loki. Instead of handing it over as everyone expected, the old man suddenly challenges Luffy to take it by force. His decision completely catches the group off guard, leaving them wondering why they were brought all the way there if a fight was inevitable. Despite their protests, the old man refuses to explain himself and repeatedly tells Luffy to stop complaining and simply try to seize the key.
As tensions rise, another conversation briefly shifts everyone's attention. Colon reveals that his father is a human who once sailed as a pirate strong enough to stand alongside even Elbaph's mighty warriors. His mother adds a humorous detail, explaining that although her husband is younger than she is, he refuses to marry her because he complains that he's the only one growing older. The lighthearted exchange provides a short break before the confrontation resumes.
Luffy makes it clear that he has no interest in fighting the old man. All he wants is the key so he can deal with Loki and return to the banquet waiting elsewhere. The old man agrees that banquets are worth enjoying but insists that Luffy must still earn the key himself. With no peaceful solution left, Luffy finally accepts the challenge.
The battle begins instantly, and the mysterious fighter proves that his confidence is justified. Using Haki, he overwhelms the opening exchange and surprises everyone watching. Luffy is briefly thrown off by the old man's speed and skill before being complimented on wearing his familiar straw hat instead of the helmet he had on earlier.
The compliment naturally leads to Shanks becoming part of the conversation. Luffy proudly explains that the straw hat is a precious treasure he is looking after for Shanks. Instead of respecting that statement, the old man jokingly wonders why Shanks never simply gave the hat to Luffy and even calls him a cheapskate. That remark immediately strikes a nerve. Luffy angrily defends Shanks, insisting the old man knows nothing about him and has no right to insult him. The exchange adds a personal layer to the fight beyond simply fighting over the key.
Watching from the sidelines, the others become increasingly nervous. Rodo points out just how incredibly powerful the old man is, suggesting that even Luffy may struggle against him. Their concerns prove justified when the veteran fighter launches another series of attacks, including a technique called Yasotakeru. Luffy is forced to stay on the defensive as the relentless assault continues.
Seeing Luffy locked in battle, Zoro finally decides to step in. He apologizes briefly before joining his captain, and the pair prepare to fight together. Even then, the old man remains remarkably calm as the battle escalates. Someone watching comments on Luffy's white-colored form, showing just how seriously the fight has become.
Just when it appears the confrontation is reaching its climax, the old man suddenly declares that he surrenders. Neither Luffy nor Zoro believes him for a second, accusing him of joking after nearly getting them killed. The old man laughs off their frustration and insists it really was just a joke, while Luffy furiously reminds him that his attacks were anything but funny. Their argument quickly turns into a comical exchange as both sides continue shouting at one another.
The surprise doesn't end there. The old man calmly tells Luffy to look behind him, where the key is already waiting. During the chaos of the battle, Luffy had unknowingly managed to obtain the very object he came for. The exhausting fight had secretly become the test itself, and without realizing it, he had passed.
Before everyone leaves, the old man gives Luffy one final message. He tells the Straw Hat captain that if Elbaph is still standing by the time his journey continues, he should come back to see him. Luffy immediately rejects the invitation, insisting they never want to meet him again, although he still thanks him for giving them the key. As the group heads off with their prize, the old man's thoughts reveal that Shanks trusted Luffy enough to send him there, even if he still believes Luffy should make his own choices rather than simply following someone else's judgment.
The story then shifts away from Luffy's group and introduces a much calmer part of Elbaph. At Walrus School, giant children happily play tag around the enormous trees while Ms. Ange watches over them. The peaceful atmosphere suddenly changes when the children excitedly rush to tell her about a strange bird they have spotted. Although birds are common, the children insist this one is different. By the time Ms. Ange arrives, however, the mysterious bird has already disappeared, leaving everyone confused about what they actually witnessed.
The episode soon transitions to a far more mysterious setting as preparations begin for a summoning. One figure announces that the ritual is ready to start before another gives permission to proceed. Elsewhere, two members of the Knights of God are contacted through Mental Waves, but neither of them seems particularly prepared. One complains about needing time to get dressed before leaving because a Knight of God cannot simply head out without proper clothing, while another frantically wonders where exactly he is supposed to go, all while rushing around trying to get ready. Their humorous reactions briefly lighten the mood despite the importance of the mission awaiting them.
Moments later, Saint Sommers and Saint Killingham unexpectedly find themselves transported to Elbaph, with one of them shocked to discover that even the sofa from his room has been summoned along with him. After taking in the gigantic landscape and the towering tree before them, they question why two Knights of God were summoned when only one appeared necessary. Shamrock quickly answers that he has been ordered to return because the Holy Land is facing an increasingly serious situation following the Levely. That leaves Sommers and Killingham to continue the assignment in Elbaph while their commander prepares to depart.
The conversation then turns toward the true objective. Shamrock explains that their mission is to kidnap children from Elbaph and transport them to the Holy Land. The plan immediately raises practical problems because the giant children are far too large to simply carry away. They also note that those without the required mark cannot travel through the Abyss, forcing them to abandon that route entirely. Instead, they conclude that transporting the children by ship is the only workable option.
Rather than relying on brute force alone, one final suggestion reshapes the entire operation. Considering the abilities available to them, the group decides they should turn the kidnapping into a game. The unsettling proposal closes the episode on an ominous note, making it clear that a dangerous new plan is already beginning to unfold in Elbaph.
The episode ends with Luffy and Zoro continuing toward the Underworld with the key needed to free Loki, while the closing preview reveals that they will find him badly battered upon arrival. At the same time, the threat facing Elbaph continues to grow as the invaders move forward with their plans, setting the stage for the next chapter of the story.
One Piece Episode 1170 delivers an entertaining mix of action, comedy, and suspense. Luffy's battle with Scopper Gaban is full of surprising turns, balancing intense combat with humorous exchanges that never slow the pacing. The episode also broadens the situation in Elbaph by introducing a new threat whose objectives are made clear without revealing too much. While the first half focuses on earning Loki's key through an unexpected challenge, the second half quietly raises the stakes for everything happening across the island. The result is a fun, fast-moving episode that ends by building anticipation for what comes next.

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