Chapter 1173 of One Piece delivers one of the most iconic moments at Elbaph. It’s not Luffy or Zoro, but Brook who first directly confronts the leader of the World Government.
Despite being chained, Brook, after recognizing the connection between the Holy Knight Gunko and Princess Shuri from the past, tries to reach out to her. Brook’s heartfelt words break through Imu’s control, briefly awakening Gunko and loosening her chains. However, the moment is fleeting. Imu grows furious, regains full control, and forces Gunko to attack Brook.
Here are five key takeaways from this historic encounter:
1. Brook: First to challenge a Yonko, first to face Imu
History repeats itself gloriously with Brook. Within the Straw Hat crew, it wasn’t Luffy, Zoro, or Sanji, but Brook who first took on a Yonko (Big Mom) alone on Whole Cake Island.
Now, in the Final Saga, as enemies rise to the highest ranks of the World Government, Brook once again surpasses the captain. While Luffy is busy fighting the Five Elders at Egghead, Brook is the first Straw Hat member to directly confront Imu through Gunko’s body at Elbaph.
2. A deep personal grudge against Imu
Just as Blackbeard holds a grudge against the Celestial Dragons for the God Valley incident, and Robin carries the pain of Ohara, Brook now has a powerful personal reason to hate Imu.
It turns out Imu manipulated and controlled Princess Shuri for decades. The tragedy that killed her father years ago, which ruined Shuri’s reputation and left Brook with a bitter grudge, was likely orchestrated by Imu.
When Brook realizes that the soul of his old friend is imprisoned and stripped of freedom, the decades of suppressed rage will ignite. In One Piece, the pain of comrades is the strongest fuel for Luffy’s fight.
3. Imu’s control over Gunko is weakening
Previously, in chapter 1149, Gunko began recalling her past after hearing Gaban’s son call out “Father!” By chapter 1173, Brook’s singing and words shake Imu’s dominance once again. This confirms a theory: Brook, often overlooked in battles on Onigashima or Egghead, is the key to freeing Gunko and breaking Imu’s will at Elbaph.
4. Elbaph is becoming Brook’s arc
Usually, each arc highlights a Straw Hat alongside Luffy (like Sanji on Whole Cake Island or Zoro in Wano). Many expected Elbaph to spotlight Usopp, but the focus is shifting to Brook.
Brook’s direct connection to the main villain, his past scar involving Imu, and being the first to challenge the “final boss” have completely changed the dynamic. Luffy may be the one to defeat Imu in the end, but emotionally and narratively at Elbaph, Brook carries the greatest weight.
5. Brook may not win in strength, but will win in impact
Honestly, in a pure one-on-one fight, Brook is unlikely to defeat a Gunko empowered by Imu. But recall his battle with Big Mom. Brook lost in combat and was captured, yet he succeeded in copying the Road Poneglyph and destroying Mother Carmel’s photo.
At Elbaph, Brook may not need to defeat Gunko with swordsmanship. Instead, he will create a crack in Imu’s control. He will awaken Shuri’s memories and soul, finding a way to break the manipulation without destroying the host.
Once again, Brook will prove he doesn’t have to be the strongest to turn the tide of battle.