Garling replacing Saturn in One Piece may go beyond the Gorosei

Modified Nov 24, 2024 18:00 GMT

Garling replacing Saturn in One Piece may go beyond the Gorosei (Image via Toei Animation)

One Piece chapter 1125 saw the demise of Saint Saturn and the appointment of Garling Figarland as the new Gorosei. Even though Saturn's demise wasn't publically announced, this event marked a big chance in the series' lore. However, even though the fandom might think that the new Gorosei was appointed based on powers, there might be merit to his selection.

As fans might already know, before becoming a Gorosei, Garling was the Supreme Commander of the God's Knights. However, during the God Valley Incident flashback, his title was just that of a God's Knight. This indicated that there was a commander before him and looking at how he replaced one of the Gorosei in its rank, the commander of the God's Knight before Garling might be Saint Saturn.

Disclaimer: This article contains potential spoilers from the One Piece manga series and has the author's opinion.

One Piece: Exploring the merit on which Garling Figarland replaced Saint Saturn as the next Gorosei

Garling Fingerland as seen in the manga (Image via Eiichiro Oda/Shueisha)

After the Straw Hat Pirates escaped Egghead Island with the giants, the Marines stood helpless alongside Saint Saturn who couldn't do anything. However, Imu wasn't someone who tolerated failure so they immediately killed Saint Saturn by burning him to a crisp.

On the other side of the Grand Line, Saint Garling Figarland entered Gorosei's room and announced that he was newly appointed as the Warrior God of Science and Defense (replacing Saint Saturn's title). While this was a major movement in One Piece, the fandom speculated that Garling was appointed as the new Gorosei solely due to his potential as a strong character.

This might be true considering he was the former Supreme Commander of the God's Knights, the strongest group of people that work under the World Government. However, there might be more to him replacing Saint Saturn and the hints are present in the God Valley Incident.

Garling Fingerland as seen in the God Valley Incident (Image via Eiichiro Oda/Shueisha)

During the God Valley Incident flashback, a young Garling Figarland was showcased who was in the spotlight of the Native Hunting Competition. However, the strange detail about his description was that Garling wasn't titled as the Supreme Commander, but just a God's Knight. This brings the question of whether there could be another Supreme Commander before him.

As the fans might have already guessed, the Supreme Commander before Garling Figarland might have been Saint Saturn (during his young days). This might also establish merit for the promotion to a Gorosei as the World Government witnesses the potential of extraordinary God's Knights and keeps them on stand-up unless a new replacement (for the Gorosei) is needed.

Analysis and final thoughts

Saint Saturn as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

This theory has a lot of potential but also has some expected flaws which could be rectified in the upcoming chapters. While the Gorosei were represented as flawless perfect powerful beings, the theory adds a lore of how only Imu might be the one who doesn't need any merit of selection.

However, just to be on the safe side, take this theory with a piece of salt as it explored elements that have only been hinted at and not stated canonically.

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Edited by Tiasha