One Piece’s Impel Down Arc: A Possible Explanation for the Gorosei’s Hellish Powers

One Piece chapter 1113, scheduled for release on April 29, 2024, caused quite a stir when spoilers were leaked ahead of time. Vegapunk’s highly anticipated livestream had begun, during which he divulged a snippet of information about the “truth of the world.”

Additionally, the chapter highlighted the desperation of the Gorosei, who were rendered powerless as Vegapunk executed his plans. Despite being introduced as formidable figures, the Gorosei have only become more daunting, with their true abilities still shrouded in mystery. While many fans speculate about the mythology surrounding the Gorosei’s powers, the answer may lie within the series itself.

It is speculated that the Gorosei’s powers may lie within Impel Down, the infamous penitentiary of the Grand Line. This has sparked curiosity among fans, who wonder about the connection between these esteemed figures and the levels of Impel Down in the world of One Piece.

Please note: This article includes possible spoilers from the One Piece manga series and reflects the author’s personal opinions.

One Piece: Examining the Connection Between the Gorosei and Impel Down

Impel Down as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Despite his valiant efforts in a battle against Blackbeard in One Piece, Portgas D Ace was ultimately defeated and surrendered to the World Government. As a result, he was condemned to death at Marineford and confined in the treacherous Impel Down, the most perilous prison on the Grand Line.

Impel Down, the maximum security prison controlled by the World Government in One Piece, was situated within the Calm Belt. It was divided into six levels, with level 6 being home to the most dangerous and wild inmates. In a race against time, Monkey D Luffy embarked on a mission with Hancock to rescue his brother Ace before his scheduled execution.

Upon sneaking into Impel Down, he encountered Buggy on level 1 who proposed a deal – his assistance in exchange for the piece of jewelry he had on. Galdino then joined forces with them on level 2, followed by Bon Clay on level 3. Luffy engaged in a fierce battle with Megallan on level 4, where he was on the brink of death and ultimately thrown down to level 5. Bon Clay came to his rescue and they were eventually transported to level 5.5, also known as Newkama Island.

At this stage, Luffy enlisted Ivankov’s allies to join his team in an attempt to rescue Ace. However, upon reaching level 6, they discovered that Ace was no longer present. With the assistance of Jimbe, they narrowly escaped and Bon Clay selflessly sacrificed his chance to flee in order for his friend to reunite with his brother.

The Five Elders in their devil forms (Image via Toei Animation)

During chapter 1110 of One Piece, Saint Saturn summoned all of the Gorosei to Egghead Island where their devil forms were exposed. Although the majority of them have yet to exhibit their full abilities, it is possible that their devil powers correspond to the levels of Impel Down, leading to speculation about their terrifying capabilities.

The design of each level in Impel Down appears to correspond to one of the Five Elders, possibly due to their shared traits. Additionally, the Gorosei seem to acquire their infernal abilities through the sacrifice of criminals on each descending level. As the levels descend from 1 to 6, the criminals become increasingly powerful. It is worth exploring which specific level may be assigned to each Gorosei.

Level 1 (left) and Level 2 (right) of Impel Down (Image via Toei Animation)

Impel Down’s first level, Crimson Hell, was easily crossed by Luffy with the assistance of Buggy. This section was filled with razor-sharp trees and menacing spiders that relentlessly pursued the inmates until they were cut down by the trees.

The inspiration for Saint Saturn’s devil form was drawn from gyuki, a mythical creature in Japanese folklore that combines the features of a bull and a spider. This could explain his formidable powers, potentially supporting the fan theory that he is the weakest of the Gorosei. This is further reinforced by the fact that the first level, which required fewer sacrifices, was traditionally reserved for the weakest criminals.

On the second level of Impel Down, known as the Wild Beast Hell, Luffy encountered Galdino. This area was home to ferocious creatures such as basilisks and sphinxes, who relentlessly pursued criminals until their demise.

Saint Marcus’ transformation into a devil was influenced by Itsumade, a legendary creature from Japanese folklore that shares similarities with a basilisk, a mythical creature that is part snake and part bird. As level 2 was inhabited by beasts such as Itsumade, it is possible that he draws his powers from this level.

Level 3 (left) and level 4 (right) of Impel Down (Image via Toei Animation)

The third level of Impel Down, known as Starvation Hell, was where Luffy encountered Bon Clay. This area was situated directly above level 4 and was marked by frequent gas eruptions. It was notorious for its severe lack of sustenance, leaving prisoners desperate and pleading for death.

Saint Ju Peter’s demonic appearance was influenced by the form of a Sandworm, a creature known for burrowing in the dry, arid sands of deserts. As deserts are known for their scarcity of water, it is likely that he draws his powers from this harsh environment.

Impel Down’s Level 4, known as Blazing Hell, was the site of Luffy’s battle against Megallan and Bon Clay’s betrayal. This level was characterized by a massive pot of boiling blood fueled by a raging inferno, serving as a means of torturing criminals with scorching heat.

While the extent of his abilities remains a mystery, Saint Warcury’s connection to this level is evident through his demonstration of the Conqueror’s haki. His transformation into a devil form was inspired by the Fengxi, a Chinese mythical creature known for its resemblance to a wild boar.

Level 5 of Impel Down (Image via Toei Animation)

In Freezing Hell, the fifth level of Impel Down, Luffy was sent after being submerged in poison and then rescued by Bon Clay. This section was characterized by frigid temperatures that resulted in the death of criminals either by frostbite, causing them to lose body parts, or hypothermia from prolonged exposure to the extreme cold.

Bakotsu, a mythical creature from Japanese folklore known for its undead horse-like appearance, served as the inspiration for Saint Nusjuro’s devil form. Similar to Brook’s hybrid attacks, which combined his devil fruit abilities with his swordsmanship, Saint Nusjuro’s powers also involved slashing his enemies with an icy slash. It is possible that the freezing temperatures of this level served as a source for his abilities.

The Sixth Level and Imu

Level 6 (left) of Impel Down and Imu (right) (Image via Toei Animation)

The section known as Eternal Hell, located on Level 5 of Impel Down, was where Luffy and Ivankov orchestrated the release of Crocodile and Jinbe in their attempt to break out of the prison. This level was notorious for its enigmatic atmosphere, as the identities of inmates would vanish as they perished in their cells.

One of the greatest enigmas in the One Piece universe involves the leader of the World Government, Imu, and the individual who holds authority over the Five Elders. It is speculated that Imu gains their powers through sacrifices made at this level, suggesting that the ruler of the World Government must possess immense strength to be chosen as a sacrifice.

The identity of the traitor among the Gorosei has already been hinted at by One Piece.

According to this theory, a specific character from One Piece could have potentially tamed the Gorosei.

The potential Wano connection of this Gorosei member in One Piece indicates that Zoro is being prepared for a significant battle.

A popular theory in One Piece suggests that the Gorosei’s ultimate purpose will be to face off against Luffy in a battle for domination over the world.

The source of Imu’s powers in One Piece is an unexpected inspiration from J.R.R. Tolkien, which surprisingly aligns perfectly with the storyline.