Gunko stood at the precipice of destiny, her blue hair catching the light as memories flooded her mind—childhood whispers of a different life and her fateful encounter with Brook. Each step she took into the chaos of Elbaf felt both familiar and foreign, a reminder of the tangled web of loyalty and betrayal. With a history that intertwines her life with the enigmatic Imu and the soulful melodies of Brook, Gunko is poised to leave an indelible mark on the unfolding saga of One Piece.
Spoilers Warning:
This article contains heavy spoilers about Gunko from One Piece. Read at your own discretion if you want to learn more about Gunko’s past with Brook, relation to Imu, her arrow powers, and more.
Who Is Gunko in One Piece?
Gunko makes her debut as the first member of the Holy Knights in the Elbaf arc, alongside Figarland Shamrock. Initially shrouded in mystery, her origins were later clarified in One Piece Vol. 112, revealing her identity as a Celestial Dragon. Gunko serves closely under Imu, adding layers to her character during pivotal moments, including Rocks’ flashback.
The question lingering over her character: whose side is she truly on? With Imu gaining control over her body, Gunko shifts into a perceived antagonist in the Elbaf arc—but her backstory flips that narrative around, opening the door to a different perspective.
Gunko’s Past With Brook in One Piece
It started as a light-hearted moment, with Gunko professing her love for Brook’s music. But as the narrative unfolded, a deeper connection emerged, linking their fates even as danger loomed. In Chapter 1173, Brook’s shock at Gunko’s resemblance to Princess Shuri unveils a long-buried pain. His anger stems from an undeniable truth: Gunko is tied to a tragedy involving the loss of someone Brook cherished dearly.
This revelation casts Gunko in a different light, transforming her into the “patricidal princess,” a label that reshapes Brook’s journey and his emotional burdens. Their intertwined past raises questions: how do we reconcile affection with betrayal?
Gunko’s Origins
In volume 112, Gunko’s origins as a Celestial Dragon come to the forefront, revealing her lineage as part of the Manmayer family. This shift in understanding shifts the narrative, suggesting she could have been manipulated into a deadly act against her father, raising questions about her innocence. It’s a tragic combination of heritage and circumstance that may have led to her current position, enveloped in mystery and intrigue.
How Old Is Gunko in One Piece?
Gunko’s appearance might suggest she’s in her 20s, but her history tells a different tale—she was present during the God Valley incident, which occurred 38 years ago. The allure of her youthful visage is a cloak for a deeper truth; her immortality as a Holy Knight ensures she retains this appearance. Brook’s commentary that Princess Shuri would now be around 80 years old indirectly hints that Gunko shares a similar age, reshaping how we view her story in the present.
Are Gunko and Imu the Same?
Gunko and Imu are distinct characters, yet their connection runs deep. While fans speculated about Gunko’s ties to the Nerona family, her true lineage as part of the Manmayer clan adds nuance to her story. Both bear unique eye designs and similar Devil Fruit abilities, hinting at a deeper bond through Imu’s devil contracts.
Currently serving under Imu, Gunko’s fate seems to intertwine irrevocably with that of her master, showcasing the complexities of loyalty, control, and destiny in One Piece.
What Is Gunko’s Devil Fruit?
As expected, Gunko wields the powers of the Aro Aro no Mi (Arrow-Arrow Devil Fruit). This ability allows her to generate arrow strips, transforming what might seem like an innocuous power into a tactical advantage. The versatility of the Aro Aro no Mi shines in both offensive and defensive scenarios.
Gunko employs these arrows to unleash attacks, create avian constructs for flight, or even redirect incoming strikes. Wrapping her limbs in arrows enhances her strength, indicating that her abilities are far from one-dimensional. Her Devil Fruit offers layers of strategy, proving essential in her role amidst the turmoil of Elbaf.
What does Gunko’s past say about redemption, loyalty, and the courage to confront one’s demons? As we explore the unfolding story, her character remains a potent symbol of conflict within the One Piece universe.