In this week’s official teaser for the upcoming One Piece Chapter 1102, set to drop on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 2023, Vice-Admiral Smoker appears set to return to the manga. Smoker’s last appearance in the manga was eight years ago in Dressrosa, with his latest appearance showcasing what appears to be him reading a newspaper. As one of the longest-running foils to Luffy and the Straw Hats, fans were ecstatic and shocked that it had been so long since Smoker’s previous appearance.

goat is back

— Kami Anime S (@KamiAnimess) December 19, 2023

“Big role”. pic.twitter.com/vjvLP3Pihp

— Joshua (@Joshua_Cartus) December 19, 2023

He and dragon will split the cloud if we get their rematch

— tomato (@LightYa90158140) December 19, 2023

My boy will come back stronger as admiral level, trust the plan pic.twitter.com/kcP9ueVslA

— Gorilla (@Gorila76985224) December 19, 2023

It’s likely that Smoker’s return to the manga will be contained within a flashback, continuing the events of the current backstory surrounding Kuma and the Revolutionaries. One Piece Chapter 1101 gave fans insight into Dragon’s appearance in Loguetown, with 1102 set to likely expand on his clash with Smoker there. This current segue from the ongoing events of the “Egghead” arc allowed fans to understand Bonney and Kuma’s backstory, as well as just how interconnected the fates of the Straw Hats and Revolutionaries have been since Kuma first encountered them at Thriller Bark.

Smoker’s history as a ‘hit-first, ask questions later’ Marine has evolved over the years. There’s a growing sense within the One Piece fandom that his next few appearances outside flashbacks may culminate in a defection from the organization. His sense of justice is clearly becoming incompatible with the status quo, praising Fujitora for admitting that it was pirates who saved the day in Dressrosa. However, given the current pace of the One Piece anime, it’s more likely that his next on-screen appearance will come in The One Piece — the new anime remake by WIT Studio.

Chapter 1102 will be contained in One Piece Volume 108, which has yet to receive a release date. VIZ has translated up to Volume 104, which is described: “As the battle between Luffy and Kaido enters the final round, everyone in Wano puts their lives on the line to protect their home. But even if Luffy can actually secure victory, will there be anything left for a new shogun to rule?” Volume 105 will be released internationally on Mar. 12, 2024.