One Piece is now in its final saga, and Eiichiro Oda has done an excellent job focusing on some of the most important characters, such as the Gorosei. For a long time, Oda kept their details under wraps, but as soon as the Final Saga kicked off with the Egghead arc, the Gorosei immediately became crucial.
During the Egghead arc, fans caught glimpses of their power, though their true abilities remain a mystery. However, Oda gave readers an overview of the elders’ strength and the threat they pose to the main characters. One thing became clear: not all the Gorosei are equally powerful. While they share the same rank, some possess greater abilities than others. Oda revealed that Garling Figarland is the strongest among them.
Garling Figarland – Shanks’ Father and the Strongest Gorosei
In the Egghead arc, after Saint Saturn fell, he was replaced by Saint Garling Figarland. It appears Garling is the most powerful of the Gorosei.
For those unfamiliar, Garling Figarland is Shanks’ father, and like his son, he is known as a true “monster” in battle. He wields incredibly strong Haki, enough to stand alongside One Piece legends like Roger, Whitebeard, and even Rocks D. Xebec.
During the Egghead arc, fans saw the Gorosei fight, and although powerful, they all rely heavily on their Devil Fruit abilities. Each of them sustained injuries at Egghead, with even Nusjuro facing Sanji’s wrath. But Garling Figarland exuded a different aura that the other elders couldn’t match.
Oda Explicitly Highlights Garling’s Power
One of the biggest reasons Garling is the strongest elder is that Oda himself has emphasized his power. Recently, when asked about Garling’s strength, Oda clearly stated that he is extremely powerful. Oda also mentioned there is a reason behind this overwhelming strength. Considering that Shanks’ father can rival Rocks, Roger, and Whitebeard, it’s safe to conclude he is the strongest among the Gorosei.
Additionally, Nusjuro, who many believed to be the strongest elder, didn’t impress much in Egghead. He was injured by Sanji and stopped by Zoro. That would never happen to Garling. Clearly, Oda is establishing a hierarchy here. Garling seems very close to Imu and is the character Oda has specifically described as a monster. There is no doubt he is the most powerful member of the Gorosei.