As One Piece enters its Final Saga, author Eiichiro Oda has finally lifted the curtain on the long-mysterious Five Elders (Gorosei). These figures, who once lurked in the background of the story, are now front and center in the Egghead Arc. Fans have caught glimpses of their terrifying powers, but one Elder in particular has emerged as the most formidable— Saint Garling Figarland, the father of Shanks.
When Saint Saturn fell during Egghead, he was replaced by Saint Garling Figarland, who exuded an aura of unmatched might. Unlike the other Elders—who rely heavily on their Devil Fruit abilities—Garling is portrayed as a warrior whose Haki rivals that of legends like Gol D. Roger, Whitebeard, and even Rocks D. Xebec.
This detail alone cements Garling as more than just another Elder. While Nusjuro impressed readers early on, his clashes with Sanji and Zoro exposed limits to his abilities. In contrast, Garling is depicted as a “monster” in pure combat, a presence that Oda himself has emphasized.
In a recent Q&A, Oda described Garling as “extremely powerful” and hinted that there’s a deeper reason behind his terrifying strength. Considering his connection to Imu, and the fact that he is Shanks’ father, Garling is positioned as a central figure in the hierarchy of both the Gorosei and the world of One Piece.
The narrative clearly suggests a hierarchy among the Elders, and Garling stands at the top. Oda has essentially confirmed him as the strongest of the Gorosei, a warrior who embodies both authority and overwhelming combat power. Fans now eagerly await to see how his presence will shape the ultimate conflict of the Final Saga.
Sources: GameK
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