One Piece’s Final Villain is Confirmed to be Cover Character of Latest Volume
One Piece’s potential final boss will make his official colored debut in Volume 116 coming this December.
On October 30, 2026, it has been announced the lead character for the upcoming Volume 116 will be St. Nerona Imu’s true form, which was first shown at the end of Chapter 1179: “Nerona Imu Descends”, the last chapter of the previous volume, which resulted in it becoming the series’ longest volume yet with 12 chapters!
This will be the first time the character will appear in his true form and in official colors.
Eiichiro Oda has made an official comment on the upcoming volume:
“OnePiece Volume 116 will be released on December 4! And finally THAT character will appear on the cover…!!”
Set for December 4th, Volume 116 will likely cover Chapter 1180: “Omen” to Chapter 1190: “Those Whose Death Brings Celebration”
Source: Twitter
Official comment about ONE PIECE Volume 116:
“OnePiece Volume 116 will be released on December 4! And finally THAT character will appear on the cover…!!” https://t.co/6UrPoEPp69
— Pew (@pewpiece) October 30, 2026
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