In the world of One Piece, the Yonko have always stood as the pinnacle of power, four absolute rulers dominating the seas of the New World. However, after two decades as an unbreakable “wall,” the era of the Yonko is now counting down its final days. A complete end to the Yonko system is imminent as the greatest treasure in the world is finally discovered.
The Yonko System: From Absolute Kings to a Deadly Race
Going back in time, the Yonko were first officially introduced by Vice Admiral Monkey D. Garp in chapter 432, published on October 30, 2006, in Weekly Shonen Jump issue 48. From that moment, they were portrayed as the top pirate lords, wielding such overwhelming power that even the World Government dared not confront them directly.
For many years, this group was at the center of all major upheavals, especially in the latter half of the story when the Straw Hat crew entered the New World. Yet, their reign is about to collapse all at once.
The turning point came in chapter 1058 (released August 29, 2022), kicking off the Egghead arc and officially signaling the beginning of One Piece’s final chapter. The race for the ultimate treasure has exploded like never before. By chapter 1121 (released July 22, 2024), creator Eiichiro Oda revealed the core characters who will shape the new era.
Alongside the current Yonko, the game includes Nerona Imu, Figarland Garling, Shamrock, former Admiral Kuzan, members of the Blackbeard Pirates, and even the Navy. As the late Dr. Vegapunk declared, “The fate of this world will be decided by whoever finds it. Everything depends on who claims ownership of One Piece!”
The Treasure’s Discovery Marks the Yonko’s End
Why does finding One Piece spell the end for the Yonko system? The answer is simple. The Yonko exist because, until now, there has been no single supreme king. Each Yonko controls their own territory, holding each other in a balance of power since they all share the ultimate goal of finding One Piece.
Once the new Pirate King emerges, this balance will be completely shattered. The Yonko system will lose all reason and purpose to continue. The sole ruler of the seas will consolidate all power, forcing the old powers to look up to a completely new goal.
History Shows Yonko Are a Product of Their Time
In reality, the four emperors system is not a deeply entrenched organization but rather a relatively new mechanism. Oda has demonstrated this through recent flashback chapters.
During the Rocks D. Xebec era, Rocks was recognized as the strongest on the seas. Even ten years later, when Gol D. Roger rose, the concept of the Yonko did not yet exist.
After the God Valley incident, following the shocking events 38 years ago, the narrator confirms that the next generation, including Roger, Whitebeard, Big Mom, Kaido, Shiki, Wang Zhi, spent one to two decades climbing to their peak.
“The pirates who went their separate ways after the God Valley incident continued to rise and grow stronger over the next one or two decades until they reached their peak and became the faces of the era.”, One Piece chapter 1167.
Thus, the Yonko actually formed somewhat by chance after Roger’s death, as the world fell into chaos and the Great Pirate Era began. Once One Piece has an owner, this chaotic era will end, meaning the equal standing of the four great powers will be permanently erased.
The New Era: Monkey D. Luffy on Top of the World
Without a doubt, the one who will end the Yonko system and ascend to supreme ruler is our protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy. His nearly three-decade-long journey in real life is closer to its goal than ever. Currently, the Straw Hats hold three of the four Road Poneglyphs needed to navigate. With just one piece left, the Thousand Sunny will set sail for the legendary island Laugh Tale.
Notably, in a message to fans at Jump Festa on December 21, 2025, Eiichiro Oda revealed a shocking detail. After leaving Elbaf, the Straw Hats will reach “that island”, a place no one but Roger has ever approached in history.
“We are heading to ‘that island,’ where only the Pirate King has ever set foot!! The man with the fire scar will also appear. Characters who have never had the chance to meet will finally come face to face. Those two will meet, and those two others will reunite.”, Eiichiro Oda at Jump Festa.
Although massive battles still lie ahead against the Holy Knights, Imu’s World Government, and powerful forces like the Cross Guild, Blackbeard Pirates, and Red Hair Pirates, the global chessboard is set. The Yonko era is about to fade into history, making way for the one and only king of the seas: Monkey D. Luffy!