One Piece: Oda Officially Reveals A New Villain Even Stronger Than Akainu

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

Fans of *One Piece* are used to creator Eiichiro Oda revealing new characters, and he’s done a fantastic job of that in the series’ final saga. He’s introduced a lot of amazing new faces – some of which he hinted at in the past, and others that are completely fresh to the story.

Some of the new characters introduced are allies, like Scopper Gaban who has been a big help to Luffy in Elbaf. But others are major villains. Garling Figarland, the leader of the Holy Knights, recently became a Gorosei and is now known as the Godhead of Science and Defense. Oda has strongly hinted that he’s even more powerful than Akainu, who is already a formidable enemy.

Garling Figarland Is Stronger Villain Than Akainu

Garling Competed In The Roger, Whitebeard, Rocks, And Garp Era

  • He Was The Champion Of God Valley
  • Oda Has Hyped Him Up To Be Extremely Powerful

Garling Figarland is a remarkably strong character who appeared soon after the Wano Country Arc concluded. The latest saga of the story has revealed a lot about him, showing that he’s a particularly cruel and powerful Celestial Dragon, with even higher status than Akainu. However, Garling’s power isn’t simply a result of his noble background.

Those who protect scum are even worse than scum. — Garling Figarland

Garling is truly a remarkable character. Eiichiro Oda has hinted that he’s exceptionally powerful – strong enough that Imu even thought about making him one of the Five Elders, which is a huge testament to his abilities. We really saw the full extent of his strength during the God Valley Incident.

The God Valley Incident was a huge battle where the Holy Knights, under Garling Figarland, fought against the Rocks Pirates and Roger Pirates, with support from the Navy. Because Garling commanded the Holy Knights, it’s evident that the author intended to place him on a similar level of power as legendary figures like Roger, Rocks, and Garp. Furthermore, Garling being declared the Champion of God Valley after the battle demonstrates just how formidable he was.

Holy Knights, follow me! — Garling Figarland

Garling has already proven to be a formidable opponent, but his true power may be even greater. The author, Oda, has strongly hinted that Garling is among the strongest characters in *One Piece*, possessing incredible strength with a unique origin. Considering Shanks’ power level, it’s reasonable to assume Garling’s Haki and overall abilities are exceptional – likely surpassing even Akainu’s.

Garling Could Gain An Even Bigger Strength Boost

He’s The Strongest Gorosei

Garling was a formidable opponent, battling alongside legends like Roger, Whitebeard, and Rocks in the world of One Piece. While he was stronger than Akainu during the God Valley incident, his current power as an Elder could surpass even that level. It’s likely he’ll receive a power boost from Imu, potentially including a unique Yokai ability. Fans are eagerly anticipating seeing how this incredibly powerful villain, who is already more powerful than Akainu, will perform in the final arc of the story.

The next chapter of One Piece, chapter 1161, will be released in two weeks on a Sunday. In Japan, it will become available at midnight on Monday, September 28, 2025. Fans worldwide can read it for free on Manga Plus.

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2025-09-21 04:35