After years of waiting for this moment, it finally happened: Sanji awakened Conqueror’s Haki in Chapter 1197 and cracked Killingham’s armor with a single kick. If you’re dying to see where that fight goes, don’t worry, the wait is short. One Piece Chapter 1198 drops on Sunday, November 8 on MANGA Plus. Here’s the release time for your region, what I think could happen and a recap of the last chapter.
When Does One Piece Chapter 1198 Come Out?
According to MANGA Plus, Chapter 1198 arrives on Sunday, November 8, 2026. One Piece runs weekly in Weekly Shonen Jump, and since no break was announced, the chapter is coming out as usual. The platform publishes it at midnight Japan time, so readers in the Americas and Europe can read it on Sunday:
| Region | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Japan (JST) | Monday, November 9 | 12:00 a.m. |
| US Pacific (PST) | Sunday, November 8 | 7:00 a.m. |
| US Eastern (EST) | Sunday, November 8 | 10:00 a.m. |
| UK (GMT) | Sunday, November 8 | 3:00 p.m. |
| Central Europe (CET) | Sunday, November 8 | 4:00 p.m. |
Where to Read One Piece
You can read it for free and legally on MANGA Plus, Shueisha’s official platform, which releases it in English the same day it comes out in Japan. It’s also on VIZ Media’s Shonen Jump app. Reading it there instead of on pirate sites is the best way to support Oda.
One Piece Chapter 1197 Recap
Heads up, Chapter 1197 spoilers ahead.
Chapter 1197 is titled “Love is Defense” and it’s entirely focused on Sanji’s fight against the Holy Knight Killingham on Elbaf.
Sanji makes peace with his body. The chapter opens with Sanji thinking about everything his body has endured over so many fights. He remembers Ivankov’s advice: he needs to love and protect his own body so he can protect others. We get flashbacks with Zeff, Reiju, his brothers and old enemies like Mr. 2, Absalom, Judge and Queen. He finally stops seeing his modified body as a curse.
Sanji’s Conqueror’s Haki. Sanji realizes regular Armament Haki isn’t enough against someone who regenerates like Killingham. Furious, Killingham covers himself in black Omen armor that can only be broken with Conqueror’s Haki. Sanji lights up new flames around his leg, blocks the attack and shatters the tip of the Longinus spear. He then notices he doesn’t feel pain anymore and that his defense is on a whole new level.
Luffy’s sword and shield. Thinking about Luffy and Zoro, Sanji decides Zoro will be Luffy’s “sword” and he’ll be his “shield.” I loved this moment, especially since it comes just three chapters after Zoro mastered Conqueror’s Haki with his swords. The chapter ends with Sanji kicking Killingham in the face so hard that his armor breaks.
What Will Happen in Chapter 1198? My Predictions
This is pure speculation based on how Chapter 1197 ended.
1. Does Killingham go down?
With his armor broken and Sanji using Conqueror’s Haki, which is exactly what shuts down the Holy Knights’ regeneration, Killingham is in serious trouble. I think we could see this fight end, or at least his clearest defeat so far.
2. Sanji’s new flames
Oda hasn’t officially named this new technique yet. I’m guessing Chapter 1198 gives us an attack with its own name, like Ifrit Jambe back in Onigashima.
3. A change of scene
The last two chapters each focused on a single character. If Sanji’s fight wraps up quickly, Oda will probably cut back to Luffy and Loki, or to the other Straw Hats still fighting on Elbaf.
4. The Holy Knights react
First Zoro, now Sanji. Two crew members having the power that cancels the Holy Knights’ regeneration is very bad news for the World Government. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the other Knights react, or even Imu.
FAQ
Is One Piece on break this week?
No. No break has been announced for Chapter 1198’s week, so it releases on Sunday, November 8.
What is One Piece Chapter 1197 called?
It’s titled “Love is Defense.”
Does Sanji have Conqueror’s Haki?
Yes. He confirmed it in Chapter 1197, during his fight against Killingham in the Elbaf arc.
Do you think Sanji will finish off Killingham this chapter? Let me know in the comments, and follow me as josegeek on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok for more anime and manga news.
