One Piece's Elbaf arc has seen the introduction of quite an intriguing character in Gunko. Immediately after the Elbaf arc began, Oda introduced two powerful characters as villains in this particular arc, and they were Shamrock Figaland, who is known to be Shanks's brother, and Gunko, a rather mysterious blue-haired woman. Ever since the introduction, Gunko has slowly been growing in importance in the Elbaf arc, and right now she serves as one of the biggest mysteries that Oda has established in this particular point of the story.
Slowly but steadily, Oda is shedding more light on Gunko's dark and mysterious past and her secret connection to one of the members of the Straw Hat Pirates, Soul King Brook. It is quite clear that these two have known each other for ages, and Oda has already revealed a ton of exciting details about their special relationship.
Who Is Gunko In One Piece?
A Celestial Dragon Belonging To The Manmeyer Family
Gunko appeared in the Elbaf Arc of One Piece as a member of the Celestial Dragons. Along with Shamrock Figarland, she was sent to the country to get Loki to join as a member of the Holy Knights and bear the Deep Sea Covenant of Imu. Upon introduction, quite a few things stood out about Gunko:
- 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 also revealed Gunko's Devil Fruit powers to be the Aro Aro no Mi, which is a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit allowing her to produce arrows and manipulate them. The attacks from her arrows always successfully landed, no matter what.
As the Elbaf Arc continued, Oda explored Gunko's rather curious personality more. She revealed that one of her biggest fears was Nika, yet at the same time, she was shown to have a childlike personality which suddenly lit up in moments. The biggest shock of all was Gunko knowing Brook. At the same time, Brook also clearly recognized her, although he couldn't believe his eyes at first. As the story continued, it was revealed to the fans that Gunko is only a forced personality on this particular woman, and that her real name is Princess Shuri.
Gunko's Real Identity Is Princess Shuri
The Father-Killing Princess of One Piece
One Piece Chapter 1173 confirmed Gunko's real identity to the fans as Princess Shuri. This ties back to Brook originally revealing his past to Luffy upon being inducted into the Straw Hat Pirates. Before becoming a pirate with Yorkie, Brook actually served as the leader of a battle convoy in a certain kingdom. Oda did not go on to reveal the name of the kingdom, but what fans know is that Brook led the battle unit of this country and that the king of this country was Brook's benefactor. Just as Shanks set Luffy on his path to becoming the Pirate King and ended up becoming his idol, this individual was similar to Brook.
Don't think you're on our level. We're the creators of the world! — Gunko to Loki
Brook owes his own life to the King of this kingdom, and his daughter was none other than Princess Shuri. In a small flashback that Oda drew before the Loki flashback, Brook was clearly shown walking hand in hand with Princess Shuri. Now, it has been confirmed that Gunko is the same woman.
One Piece Chapter 1173 also went on to confirm that, just like Gunko, Princess Shuri had heterochromatic eyes, blue hair, and that she ended up killing her father long ago. This earned her the title of the Father-Killing Princess, and Brook also mentioned that she had something to do with the Holy Knights and Marijoa. In Brook's eyes, Princess Shuri is a villain of sorts because she willingly killed her father, but the truth about these events is much deeper. It is quite clear that Imu was the one responsible for these dark events.
Princess Shuri Is Being Brainwashed By Imu
Shuri Is Imu's Puppet Right Now
Oda often has a princess in each arc for the Straw Hat Pirates to save. For instance, in the Arabasta Saga, this role was assumed by none other than Vivi, and there was Princess Shirahoshi in Fish Man Island. Similarly, in the Dressrosa arc, this role was assumed by none other than Rebecca, and in Whole Cake Island it was Pudding. In Wano Country, both Momonosuke and Princess Hiyori were saved by Luffy, and in Egghead, Bonney assumed this role. Now, in Elbaf, this role is being assumed by none other than Princess Shuri.
I had hoped I would never have to think of you ever again. — Brook to Princess Shuri
What is clear is that Princess Shuri has been brainwashed by Imu. In One Piece chapter 1173, Imu clearly feared Shuri's memories returning to her. The moment her memories returned briefly, Shuri let the Straw Hat Pirates and Brook escape from the powers of the Aro Aro no Mi and aided them. Even before Imu arrived in Elbaf, Shuri was only trying to help the Straw Hat Pirates and Brook specifically. Similarly, when Shuri killed her father long ago, it is highly likely that Imu was the one responsible for this and that she was only being brainwashed.
Luffy and Brook Will Save Princess Shuri
The Power Of Music And Nika Will Liberate Her
As things stand, Brook is currently confronting Princess Shuri in the Sun World of Elbaf, but he certainly lacks the strength to rival Imu, who has asserted their control over her body. This is where Luffy jumps in, and as is expected of him, he is going to take on Imu in combat. Luffy vs Imu is going to be the main event of the whole arc, and with Brook's help, especially his electrifying music, Imu's influence over Shuri's body is likely going to be reduced dramatically.
At the end of the arc, it is expected of Brook and Luffy to save Princess Shuri, who will be rid of her Deep Sea Covenant forever, likely because of the powers of Nika. Ironically, Shuri once mentioned that she feared the appearance of Nika, and it is going to be Nika who goes on to save her from the dominion of the Sovereign of the World, who rules from the shadows.
Interestingly enough, Princess Shuri might even go on to become the last member of the Straw Hat Pirates, as things stand. She has nowhere to turn to, as she left her home almost a century ago. She also cannot go back to the Holy Land, and it is highly likely that if she is alone, Imu will come for her once again. As such, Princess Shuri might have to go on with the Straw Hat Pirates and join as the last member of the crew.
