One Piece: Gunko’s Real Identity And Connection To Brook, Explained

by

The Elbaf arc of One Piece has introduced an interesting new character named Gunko. At the start of the arc, Oda presented two powerful antagonists: Shamrock Figaland, revealed to be Shanks’s brother, and the enigmatic blue-haired woman, Gunko. Since her introduction, Gunko has become increasingly important to the story, and currently represents one of the biggest mysteries Oda has created in this part of One Piece.

Eiichiro Oda is gradually revealing more about Gunko’s hidden past and her surprising link to Soul King Brook, one of the Straw Hat Pirates. It’s becoming increasingly obvious they’ve known each other for a long time, and Oda has already shared many intriguing details about their connection.

Who Is Gunko In One Piece?

A Celestial Dragon Belonging To The Manmeyer Family

In the Elbaf Arc of One Piece, Gunko was introduced as one of the Celestial Dragons. She and Shamrock Figarland were sent to the country with a mission: to recruit Loki to become a Holy Knight and accept a special duty from Imu called the Deep Sea Covenant. From the moment she appeared, several things about Gunko immediately caught the audience’s attention.

  • Her design was quite curious as half of her face was covered in bandages for some reason.
  • Her blue hair contrasted with the red hair of Shamrock, which suggested that, just like him, she was important.
  • She had heterochromatic eyes, which is usually a sign of mind control.

Oda recently shared that Gunko’s Devil Fruit is called the Aro Aro no Mi. This fruit gives her the ability to create and control arrows, and remarkably, every arrow she fires always hits its target.

During the ongoing Elbaf Arc, the author, Oda, delved deeper into Gunko’s unusual character. We learned she surprisingly feared Nika, but also displayed a playful, childlike side. A major reveal was that Gunko knew Brook, and he clearly recognized her, despite his initial disbelief. Later, it was revealed to fans that “Gunko” isn’t her true identity – her real name is Princess Shuri.

Gunko’s Real Identity Is Princess Shuri

The Father-Killing Princess of One Piece

One Piece chapter 1173 revealed that Gunko is actually Princess Shuri. This connects to a story Brook previously told Luffy about his past, before he joined the Straw Hat Pirates. Brook used to lead a military unit in a kingdom, and the king of that kingdom was someone Brook deeply respected. Similar to how Shanks inspired Luffy to become the Pirate King, this king played a significant role in shaping Brook’s life.

Don’t think you’re on our level. We’re the creators of the world! — Gunko to Loki

Brook is indebted to the King, and his daughter was Princess Shuri. An earlier drawing by Oda, before the scene with Loki, showed Brook and Princess Shuri holding hands, confirming that Gunko is the same person.

Chapter 1173 of One Piece revealed more about Princess Shuri, confirming she has mismatched eye colors and blue hair. It was also shown she killed her own father, earning her the nickname ‘Father-Killing Princess.’ Brook hinted at her connection to the Holy Knights and Marijoa, and views her as a villain for this act. However, the story suggests a more complex truth: Imu was actually the one behind these events.

Princess Shuri Is Being Brainwashed By Imu

Shuri Is Imu’s Puppet Right Now

Image via Shonen Jump.

As a huge One Piece fan, I’ve noticed a really cool pattern throughout the series! It seems like almost every major arc features a princess or important noblewoman who needs saving by the Straw Hats. Think about it – Vivi in Arabasta, Shirahoshi on Fish-Man Island, Rebecca in Dressrosa, and even Pudding in Whole Cake Island! Luffy and the crew rescued both Momonosuke and Hiyori in Wano, and Bonney played that role in Egghead. Now, it looks like Princess Shuri is taking on that part in the Elbaf arc – it’s become such a fun, recurring theme in the story!

I had hoped I would never have to think of you ever again. — Brook to Princess Shuri

It’s now evident that Princess Shuri is under Imu’s mind control. Chapter 1173 of One Piece shows Imu was clearly worried about Shuri regaining her memories. When Shuri briefly remembered her past, she helped the Straw Hat Pirates and Brook escape, despite her powers. Even before Imu reached Elbaf, Shuri was actively trying to assist them specifically. It’s very probable that Imu also manipulated Shuri into killing her father, effectively brainwashing her at that time as well.

Luffy and Brook Will Save Princess Shuri

The Power Of Music And Nika Will Liberate Her

Currently, Brook is fighting Princess Shuri in Elbaf, but he’s no match for Imu, who is controlling her. Luffy will step in to fight Imu, which will be the central battle of this story arc. With Brook’s assistance, particularly his music, Imu’s control over Shuri should weaken significantly.

As this story arc concludes, Brook and Luffy are predicted to rescue Princess Shuri, finally freeing her from the Deep Sea Covenant – likely with the help of the powers of Nika. It’s ironic considering Shuri once expressed fear of Nika, but now Nika will be the one to save her from the hidden ruler of the world, known as the Sovereign.

Currently, it seems likely that Princess Shuri will end up joining the Straw Hat Pirates as their final member. Having left her home nearly a century ago, she has nowhere else to go. Returning to the Holy Land isn’t an option, and if she remains alone, Imu will likely pursue her again. Therefore, joining the crew might be her only path forward.

Read More

2026-02-09 23:38