Oda Unveils Epic New Female Character: Is She the Next Yonko?

This article contains spoilers from One Piece’s Elbaf arc.

Summary

Powerhouse Gunko, a Yonko-level female character, showcased immense strength with the Aro Aro no Mi devil fruit.
Confirmed to be part of the Holy Knights, Gunko effortlessly defeated Loki, proving her Admiral-tier strength.
Elbaf’s powerful Holy Knights may rival Admirals, and have authority greater than the Marines, showing their immense power.

The ongoing Elbaf storyline in “One Piece” keeps fans on the edge of their seats as they eagerly await the appearance of fresh, powerful characters. Since we’re still in the early stages of this arc, it’s safe to expect even more formidable characters to join the scene, especially now that the main antagonists have shown up and set a new scheme in motion.

To challenge formidable pirate crews like the Straw Hat Pirates, including the colossal Giants from Elbaf, the Holy Knights require robust fighters capable of standing against Yonko. It’s plausible that Oda has already introduced a potent female character on the same tier as the Yonko, named Gunko, who serves within the esteemed ranks of the Holy Knights.

Gunko And Her Powers

A Holy Knight who Partners Shamrock
Devil Fruit User Of The Aro Aro no Mi

From the very start, it was evident to fans that Gunko is an exceptionally potent character. Working alongside Shamrock, Gunko is part of the Holy Knights, a formidable group under the Celestial Dragons. These dragons possess such strength that they can safeguard Marijoa and wield authority surpassing even the World Government’s Marines.

Regarding One Piece, we’ve made it to Elbaf at last! This peaceful kingdom is poised for chaos with the arrival of an important character. Trouble is brewing elsewhere too! Prepare yourself as one key figure will soon cause a global upheaval! Brace yourselves, because the events of 2025 are going to leave you gasping for breath! So, get ready for an EXTRAORDINARY One Piece year ahead! – Eiichiro Oda

Initially, it was Gunko who demonstrated her extraordinary abilities. She possesses the powerful Paramecia Devil Fruit known as Aro Aro no Mi. This fruit’s might was first displayed when Gunko utilized it against the colossal guards of Elbaf, who were safeguarding the castle. Subsequently, she targeted them with her arrows and bound one giant’s limbs, resulting in him falling in agony. The audience got their initial glimpse into Gunko’s immense power during this encounter, with even more evidence emerging as soon as she set foot in the Underworld of the nation.

At her encounter with Loki, Gunko faced his formidable wolf companion – an animal renowned for its destructive might, comparable to those beasts that Luffy needed to enhance his Gear 4 to harm. Remarkably, this wolf, and all the other creatures in the Underworld, were effortlessly subdued by Gunko alone. This demonstrates her immense power, hinting at even greater abilities yet to be revealed.

In chapter 1137 of “One Piece”, the audience was thoroughly shown the abilities of Gunko, and it can be confidently stated that the author provided a wealth of details about how her powers function, her strength, and the peak of her fighting capabilities.

Why A Case Can Be Made For Gunko To Be Admiral And Yonko Tier

Gunko Could Damage Loki With And Without The Chains

In chapter 1137 of One Piece, spectators witnessed an impressive showing of Gunko’s skills as she inflicted significant damage on Loki. Oda skillfully depicted for fans the intricacies of Gunko’s abilities. Primarily, Gunko has the unique ability to manipulate her arrows in various ways. She was observed wrapping them around her legs for added stability and reach during combat, and she demonstrated an uncanny ability to deliver unavoidable kicks. Remarkably, Gunko’s arrows allow her to chart out the course of her attacks, giving her opponents a clear view of what’s coming and how. However, despite knowing the trajectory, they were unable to evade these attacks. As per Gunko, the path her arrows take represents her future, but it is destined and unalterable, making it only possible for her to halt it herself. Eventually, Loki was left battered by a series of such attacks and ultimately lost consciousness.

Absolutely, it’s clear that Loki, trapped within sea prism stone shackles, was devoid of any means to wield Haki or any other power for self-defense. Yet, the crux of the matter is a remark made by Shamrock, the fearless captain of the Holy Knights. When Loki argued that his chains were the reason for his thrashing, Shamrock countered, suggesting even if he were free, the outcome wouldn’t change. This statement underscores the sheer might of Gunko. As Shamrock put it, Gunko is so formidable that if Loki had been freed, he still wouldn’t have escaped the devastation Gunko could inflict. It’s evident that the Holy Knights in Elbaf possess an impressive level of power and strength that rivals Loki in battle.

It’s clear that if Gunko could manage Loki, a character valued at 2.6 billion berries with an exceptional bounty, it demonstrates her fighting prowess, suggesting she can stand toe-to-toe with him in combat. In other words, if Shamrock’s assessment is accurate, Gunko’s skill level equals that of the One Piece world’s Admirals, who boast a bounty of 3 billion berries each.

How Strong Are The Holy Knights Really?

The Holy Knights Could Be Admiral Tier Or Higher

The exact strength of the Holy Knights is hard to gauge, but it’s evident that they wield more power than the Marines, even the Fleet Admiral Sakazuki. Moreover, it’s been stated by Dragon that the Holy Knights can stand toe-to-toe with the Revolutionary Army. Their former leader, Garling, was an Elder-tier fighter, and Shamrock is presumed to be strong enough to battle a Yonko. The other members of the Holy Knights should at least match the power level of the Admirals to stand firm against the Revolutionary Army’s overwhelming might, and moreover, assert authority superior to the Admirals.

You wouldn’t be able to do anything even if you were free. – Shamrock Figarland

Primarily, it falls upon the Holy Knights, as chosen by the World Government, to confront and subdue the most formidable race globally, including Loki, despite his immense power, and Luffy, whose strength is also acknowledged. This assignment underscores her immense power.

Fans can enjoy reading One Piece legally and without cost through Viz Media. You can access the series on the Shonen Jump and Manga Plus apps. Mark your calendars as the next chapter of One Piece, One Piece 1137, is scheduled for release on January 26, 2025.

2025-01-26 02:04