One Piece Power-Up: The Potential Role of Figarland Garling and Imu

One Piece chapter 1125 delivered a groundbreaking twist to the storyline, showcasing the ruthless character and supernatural powers of Imu-sama. In a shocking display of authority, the mysterious leader of the World Government executed Gorosei member Saint Jaygarcia Saturn for his poor decisions, which inadvertently allowed Monkey D. Luffy, the reincarnation of Joy Boy, to escape from Egghead.

Despite Saturn’s desperate pleas for mercy, Imu enveloped him in black flames and lightning, effectively nullifying his immortality. Saturn, who is over 200 years old, as revealed during a flashback to Emet’s attack on Mary Geoise 200 years prior to the current One Piece timeline, met his demise as soon as his bestowed immortality was stripped away by Imu.

Following Saturn’s harrowing death, One Piece chapter 1125 took another astonishing turn when Imu appointed Saint Figarland Garling to take on Saturn’s role among the Five Elders. With this position, Garling is anticipated to inherit the same immortality and sinister transformation that defined his predecessor, Saturn.

Saint Figarland Garling Joins the Gorosei in One Piece chapter 1125

Who is Figarland Garling?

Saint Figarland Garling (Image via Shueisha)

Saint Garling is a Celestial Dragon from the Figarland Family and serves as the Supreme Commander of the Holy Knights, elite fighters dispatched by the World Government to suppress rebellious kingdoms and handle disputes among Celestial Dragons. He is known for his cruelty, exemplified when he executed Saint Mjosgard for aiding Sai and Leo in protecting Shirahoshi from Saint Charlos.

Garling gained notoriety for his ruthless participation in the inhumane human-hunting events organized by the Celestial Dragons in Mary Geoise. Thirty-eight years before the current events of One Piece, he committed mass slaughters during this notorious competition at God Valley.

Garling is a merciless, cold-blooded man (Image via Shueisha)

In the present timeline, Figarland Garling is depicted as an elderly man with long, pointed hair and a beard resembling a crescent moon. He wields a long saber strikingly similar to Shanks’ Gryphon, fueling speculation among One Piece fans that Garling could be the father of the legendary pirate “Red Hair.”

The younger version of Garling seen during the God Valley Incident bears a strong resemblance to Shanks, differing only in hairstyle. This raises interesting questions as the series has previously suggested a familial link between Shanks and the Figarland lineage.

In One Piece Film: Red, the Five Elders even speculated about Uta potentially being a Figarland, touching on Shanks’ lineage. Notably, Shanks’ parentage remains a mystery, as Roger Pirates found him in a chest as an infant.

Garling in his youth (Image via Shueisha)

Shanks’ discovery occurred close to God Valley, enhancing the intrigue around their potential familial connection. While no definitive proof exists, the similarities in age and appearance between Garling and Shanks, along with the circumstances of Shanks’ arrival, hint at a deeper relationship between the two characters.

In One Piece chapter 1125, Saint Garling approaches the other Gorosei, subsequently taking his place in Pangaea Castle’s Room of Authority as the newly appointed Warrior God of Science and Defense, succeeding Saint Saturn.

Garling’s Demonic Transformation as a Gorosei

Saint Figarland Garling made his first appearance in One Piece in chapter 1086, titled “The Five Elders.” This clever foreshadowing by Eiichiro Oda suggests that Garling’s ascension to one of the Five Elders was already in the cards.

Garling’s combat abilities remain largely unknown, but it’s safe to assume he possesses significant strength. Even Monkey D. Dragon is cautious of the Holy Knights, of which Garling is the leader. His choice of weapon—a sword—indicates he may be a formidable swordsman.

It is conceivable that Garling’s sword is among the Twelve Supreme Grade Blades, similar to Saint V. Nusjuro’s Shodai Kitetsu. Together with Haki, immortality, and demonic powers, Garling may also utilize his unique fighting techniques.

The Five Elders before Garling replaced Saturn (Image via Toei Animation)

The specifics of these transformations remain a mystery. Although they are often depicted amid clouds of steam, a hallmark of Awakened Zoan Devil Fruits, One Piece has yet to confirm any Gorosei’s transformation as such.

The series mentions the Yokai forms that each Gorosei can manifest but has not disclosed corresponding Devil Fruits. Consequently, many fans speculate that these unsettling transformations may derive from something beyond traditional Devil Fruits.

With Garling now chosen as a member of the Five Elders, Imu will likely bestow upon him both immortality and a fearsome transformation to align him with his new counterparts.

Speculative Power Ups for Garling

Shanks has a Viking theme, and it may be the same for Garling (Image via Toei Animation)

Garling’s moon-themed hairstyle supports the theory that his character ties in with celestial themes, consistent with the other members of the Gorosei. Some theories suggest that Imu-sama represents Earth while the Elders embody celestial bodies revolving around it.

This context opens the possibility of Garling gaining werewolf-like powers, influenced by the full moon. His connection to Shanks and the Viking-inspired nation of Elbaf in the One Piece universe adds layers to this theory, potentially linking Garling to Fenrir, a monstrous wolf from Norse mythology associated with dramatic world events.

Shanks with his sword Gryphon (Image via Toei Animation)

Moreover, coincidences abound, with Fenrir being the name of one of Saturn’s irregular moons. Garling’s lunar theme corresponds with his predecessor’s name, and Norse mythology also depicts Fenrir’s sons Hati and Skoll.

Speculation among fans continues that Shanks may be Garling’s son, possibly with a twin brother also in the storyline. During a Levely event, Shanks met privately with the Five Elders, raising eyebrows with his appearance—his scar was not present in that depiction, sparking debate among One Piece enthusiasts.

The silhouettes of the Holy Knights (Image via Shueisha)

In One Piece chapter 1083, silhouettes of the Holy Knights resembled Shanks, illustrating stylistic and physical similarities, including wielding a compatible sword, suggesting a possible deeper connection between them.

The finale of One Piece chapter 1121 featured many key characters, one being a shadowy figure carrying a sword akin to Gryphon, hinting at a potential brotherly bond between Shanks and this mysterious character.

Shanks unleashing a Griffin-like aura with his sword (Image via Toei Animation)

Alternatively, Garling may have a transformation linked to the Griffin, a mythical beast symbolizing power and nobility. Given Shanks’ sword, Gryphon, it’s plausible that Garling could gain similar abilities.

While Fenrir and the Griffin are not part of Japanese yokai tradition, precedents exist within One Piece, as not all the Five Elders’ forms are rooted in Japanese folklore. For instance, Saint Ju Peter’s transformation is that of the Sandworm, inspired by the Dune series.

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