One Piece has positioned the Holy Knights as the primary antagonists in the ongoing Elbaph arc, given their significant role in the events unfolding within the manga. However, an intriguing theory proposed by Twitter user @3SkullJoe suggests that there may be a hidden figure orchestrating their actions: Figarland Garling.
Saint Figarland Garling, who now serves as the Supreme Commander of the Holy Knights, has recently ascended to the rank of the fifth member of the Gorosei following the demise of Saturn at the hands of Imu. This elevation in status has amplified his influence and empowered him to advance the ambitious agenda of the World Government, which includes the creation of a giant army aimed at consolidating power. This backdrop provides a compelling rationale for the Holy Knights’ current presence in Elbaph.
Note: The following analysis is speculative and should be interpreted as such.
The Mastermind Behind the Curtain: Analyzing Garling’s Role in the One Piece Narrative
In Chapter 668, Trafalgar Law reveals that the World Government had intentions of crafting giants and ancient giants, which would render them formidable forces. This strategy was exemplified by Caesar Clown’s experiments on children during the Punk Hazard arc. With Garling now holding the title of Defense Science Warrior God within the Gorosei, there is an apparent determination to expedite this agenda.
The theory posits that following Garling’s ascension, the Holy Knights swiftly made their way to Elbaph to begin abducting children for potential experimentation. Furthermore, Garling’s son has been summoned back to Mary Geoise, where significant references to the events of the Reverie have alluded to possible actions by the Revolutionary Army.
Garling’s military background, particularly his involvement in the infamous God Valley incident, leads one to believe he is advocating for a more aggressive posture from the World Government. Thus, he emerges as a shadowy figure pulling the strings, positioning himself as the de facto antagonist of this arc while leading his order of elite warriors.
Additionally, Chapter 840 features Yonji, Sanji’s brother, noting Dr. Vegapunk’s findings on bloodline elements in genetics. This is pertinent as it highlights the notion that certain Giants, including King Harald, are descendants of Ancient Giants, a genetic trait the World Government is keen to exploit for their own gain.
The actions of the Holy Knights, which include kidnapping children—a method reminiscent of Caesar Clown’s previous endeavors on Punk Hazard—seem consistent with this theory. By targeting children, they likely aim to conduct experiments to enhance their success rate, aligning with Caesar’s motivations from previous arcs.
Concluding Thoughts
It appears that One Piece may reveal Figarland Garling as the orchestrator behind the deeds of the Holy Knights in the Elbaph arc. This theory complements the overarching theme that the World Government is intent on manipulating the Giants in order to establish a formidable military force, a narrative thread that has been woven throughout earlier arcs.