6 Most Important One Piece Characters (Right Now)

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Every major story arc in One Piece focuses on a few key characters who drive the plot forward. For example, Kaido, Yamato, and Kurozumi Orochi were central figures in the Wano Saga, while Jewelry Bonney, Dr. Vegapunk, and Jaygarcia Saturn took the lead in the Egghead Island Arc. Now, as the manga progresses into the Elbaph Island Arc, it’s becoming clear who the most important characters are in this new story.

The Elbaph Arc of One Piece continues with a mix of heroes, villains, and those caught in between driving the plot forward. Both in the past and present, certain characters are taking center stage with impactful actions and dialogue. As the series moves closer to its final conflict, these key characters are becoming increasingly important in setting the stage for the ultimate showdown.

Imu Has Stepped Onto the Battlefield as a Devilish Fiend

Imu is Turning the Giants Against the Straw Hats

Image via Shonen Jump.

For a long time, One Piece fans have been wary of Imu, the mysterious figure at the very top of the World Government. While Imu has been hinted at in past storylines with ominous conversations, we’re now seeing this ruler take direct action. For the first time, Imu is fighting the Straw Hats – by possessing Gunko and using abilities like Domi Reversi through her body.

Imu has quickly become a central figure in One Piece simply by standing in the Straw Hats’ way at Elbaph. Like other powerful antagonists such as Big Mom and Doflamingo, Imu obstructs the Straw Hats’ progress, and in doing so, reveals the disturbing truth about the World Government’s leaders. Imu demonstrates their immense power and confirms that the World Government isn’t the helpful organization it pretends to be, but rather a force of evil. Furthermore, Imu has been involved in recent events on Elbaph, previously trying to control the island and its skilled warriors through King Harald.

Gunko is Hosting Imu as a Loyal Servant

Gunko is Also Forcing the Giant Kids to Keep Moving

Image via Shonen Jump.

Manmayer Gunko, a key member of the God Knights (also known as Holy Knights), is currently a major player in the One Piece manga. Along with her allies like Shamrock, Killingham, and Sommers, she’s a primary villain determined to defeat the Straw Hat Pirates. As long as Gunko and her forces remain, the Straw Hats won’t be able to easily leave Elbaph with the information from Harley and the help of Loki. Even on her own, Gunko poses a serious danger to Luffy’s crew, thanks to her powerful Devil Fruit ability – the Arrow-Arrow Fruit – and a connection to Imu.

Gunko is currently one of the most important characters in the Elbaph Arc, even more so than Sommers or Killingham, primarily because she’s uniquely capable of housing Imu. This ability makes her a significant threat. The Straw Hats won’t be able to achieve their goals until Gunko and Imu are dealt with, and the heroes absolutely must address this challenge.

Scopper Gaban Knows How to Fight the God Knights

It’s No Wonder Scopper Was Roger’s Left Hand

Image via Toei Animation.

Throughout the One Piece series, the Straw Hats often receive unexpected help when facing difficult challenges. Characters like Law, Sabo, and Yamato appeared at crucial moments to boost morale and turn the tide. Now, Scopper Gaban is taking on that role, and he seems perfectly suited for it. It’s exciting to finally meet Silvers Rayleigh’s equal – another key member of Gol D. Roger’s legendary crew, serving as his right-hand man.

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Beyond being a former crewmate of Roger, Scopper is a key asset in battle thanks to his ability to bypass immortality. While the God Knights can withstand a lot of damage due to their immortal bodies, Scopper can inflict lasting wounds, especially on powerful opponents like St. Sommers, which will be crucial as the fight intensifies. He could also train Roronoa Zoro to master this technique, giving the Straw Hats a significant advantage against the God Knights.

Prince Loki is the Misunderstood Hero of Elbaph

Loki Might Join the Straw Hats at This Rate

Loki, a prince and the brother of Hajrudin, has become an unexpected ally to the Straw Hat Pirates. Considering his origins – based on a notorious figure and previously imprisoned as a feared creature – it was a shock that Loki would help Luffy’s crew. But, true to form, Luffy freed him, and now this powerful, horned giant is fighting alongside the Straw Hats.

Currently, Loki is a key member of Luffy’s team, using his hammer, Ragnir, to fight against Killingham’s powerful fighters when others can’t. He might even become a full-fledged Straw Hat pirate or join their allied fleet. At the very least, Luffy will need Loki’s help in the upcoming battle against the God Knights. Furthermore, Loki was crucial to Harald’s backstory, reluctantly killing his immortal father but refusing the throne for himself.

King Harald is the Reason Everyone is Fighting on Elbaph

Harald Left Behind a Messy Legacy

Image by Viz Media

By the time the Straw Hat crew reached Elbaph, King Harald had been gone for several years, but his influence on the island’s past was enormous. Through flashbacks, we see that Harald was a pivotal figure in Elbaph’s history – initially as a hopeful young king striving for peace and togetherness, and later as a manipulated tool of Imu. Sadly, Harald was deceived and almost gave Imu control of Elbaph, intending for it to become a source of giant soldiers for the Navy.

Harald was a hugely influential figure until his death, even inspiring today’s powerful leaders to seek peace – something Loki deeply resented. He also unintentionally altered Loki’s life when he fell into Imu’s trap, forcing Loki to kill him in the throne room of Castle Aurust. This act led to Loki being feared and distrusted for killing a king, and it significantly impacted his relationships with many of the main characters in One Piece.

Rocks D. Xebec Inspired His Son to Fight the World Government

The Father’s Mission is Now the Son’s Destiny

Image via Shonen Jump.

Rocks D. Xebec, like his ally King Harald, plays a crucial role in the current storyline of One Piece, despite having been deceased for years. In his prime, Rocks was a terrifying pirate who sailed the seas with a powerful crew, instilling fear across the world. As someone who carried the Will of D., his ultimate goal was to overthrow the World Government and specifically target Imu. He even managed to infiltrate Imu’s private chambers, though he was ultimately forced to retreat.

The Rocks Pirates were central to the God Valley Incident, an event that made Garp a hero of the Marines. More importantly, Rocks’ ambition deeply influenced his son, Blackbeard, driving him to oppose the World Government and create chaos. This explains Blackbeard’s motivations – he isn’t just a destructive pirate, but seems to have a larger, though twisted, purpose. It hints that despite his villainous actions, Blackbeard may actually be guided by some form of twisted idealism.

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2026-02-15 16:35