Introduction
One Piece is a treasure trove of mysteries, layered narratives, and enigmatic characters that fuel endless fan speculation. As the story heads toward its final saga, Oda continues to sprinkle breadcrumbs that hint at deeper worldbuilding. Among these newer mysteries is a name that has caught the attention of fans: Gunko.
Gunko remains shrouded in secrecy, mentioned only briefly and cryptically. This lack of information makes him a perfect candidate for theory crafting. In this SEO-optimized blog, we’ll dive into everything we know, what we can speculate, and how Gunko could be tied to the endgame of One Piece.
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Section 1: Who or What is Gunko?
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The name Gunko has popped up in various speculative circles online. While not officially confirmed by Eiichiro Oda in any major chapter, leaks, fan translations, or ambiguous references have led many fans to ask: who is Gunko?
Possibilities include:
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A code name or title, rather than a proper name
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A World Government figure operating in the shadows
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A revolutionary or ancient figure tied to the Void Century
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An Admiral or Cipher Pol 0 agent who hasn’t been fully revealed
Let’s explore the most popular and plausible theories in detail.
Section 2: Theory #1 – Gunko is a Cipher Pol Commander
The World Government operates through layers of secrecy, and CP0 is their deadliest, most elite force. We’ve seen Rob Lucci and others operate under CP0, but what if there’s a commander even higher?
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Support: CP0 is increasingly relevant in the final saga. We’ve seen them dealing directly with Imu, the Gorosei, and even attempting to eliminate Luffy.
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Theory: Gunko is the CP0 director or founder—someone with historical ties to the Void Century and the founding of the World Government.
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Implications: If true, Gunko could be more dangerous than any Admiral. He could wield forbidden knowledge and be the true executor of Imu’s will.
Section 3: Theory #2 – Gunko is an Ancient Weapon Keeper
The Ancient Weapons—Poseidon, Pluton, and Uranus—are central to One Piece lore. What if Gunko is a guardian or former user of one?
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Poseidon: Already revealed to be Shirahoshi
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Pluton: Located in Wano, possibly linked to the Kozuki clan
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Uranus: Still a mystery
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Theory: Gunko may be tied to Uranus, either as a protector, former controller, or living embodiment of the weapon.
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Evidence: The name Gunko could be derived from "gun" (weapon) and “ko” (child or entity), suggesting a personified weapon.
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Implications: This would position Gunko as a major player in the final battle for the world.
Section 4: Theory #3 – Gunko is from the Void Century
Many fans believe the key to everything in One Piece lies in the Void Century—a time erased from history by the World Government. If Gunko is from this era, he could be the missing link.
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Theory: Gunko is a survivor or spirit of the Void Century, possibly kept alive through technology (like Vegapunk’s brain cloning) or Devil Fruit power.
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Connection to Joy Boy: Gunko may have been Joy Boy’s ally or enemy.
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Implications: He could be the only person left who truly knows what happened 800 years ago.
Section 5: Theory #4 – Gunko is Tied to the Marines
The Marines have a hierarchical structure, but Oda has a habit of hiding characters until the right moment. Could Gunko be a shadow admiral or an ancient Marine founder?
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Theory: Gunko was a Marine who defected or was erased from history due to knowing too much.
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Parallel: Think of Rocks D. Xebec—once a powerful force, now only whispered about.
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Implications: Gunko could expose the dark truth of the Marines, leading to a mass defection or revolution.
Section 6: Theory #5 – Gunko is a Red Herring or Metaphor
Knowing Oda’s love for misdirection, there’s always the chance that Gunko isn’t a person at all.
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Possibility: It could be a codename for a plan, weapon, or ideology.
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Example: Just like “Project Seraphim” or “Buster Call,” Gunko could refer to a top-secret Government strategy.
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Implications: This would shift focus from character-based conflict to systemic or ideological warfare.
Section 7: The Role Gunko Could Play in the Final Saga
Regardless of the specifics, Gunko could impact several major plotlines:
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Elbaf Arc: If Gunko is from the ancient world, he may tie into the lore of Elbaf, especially given the giants' ties to the Void Century.
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Imu Revelation: Gunko might be one of the few who knows Imu’s true nature or origins.
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Revolutionary Army: Dragon could be targeting Gunko specifically if he’s a threat to world freedom.
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Final War: Gunko could be a wildcard, tipping the scales in the final war between pirates, revolutionaries, and the World Government.
Section 8: Fan Reactions and Theories From the Community
Reddit, YouTube, and Twitter have all buzzed with theories about Gunko. Here are some highlights:
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“Gunko is Imu’s brother or rival, sealed away 800 years ago.”
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“Gunko is the name of Vegapunk’s final experiment—combining Devil Fruits and ancient weapons.”
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“Gunko was the first Pirate King before Roger.”
These ideas, while wild, reflect the creativity of the One Piece fandom and the hunger for lore.
Section 9: Is Gunko the Next Big Reveal?
If Oda is planning to make Gunko a real player, we’ll likely see signs soon:
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A name drop by an Elder
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Vegapunk referencing a lost colleague
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A connection revealed through a Poneglyph
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A new flashback to the Void Century
Timing is everything. With the manga’s climax on the horizon, Gunko could drop at any moment.
Conclusion: Gunko Could Be One Piece’s Biggest Mystery Yet
Whether Gunko is a person, a concept, or a weapon, the name is charged with potential. In a world where even dead characters echo into the present, the possibility of Gunko shaking the One Piece universe is very real.
While much is unknown, the best way to honor One Piece’s legacy is through speculation, analysis, and passionate discussion.
So—who do you think Gunko is?
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