The Elbaf arc of One Piece is well and truly underway, and it is quite easily one of the most exciting arcs that the fans have seen in recent years. Elbaf has proven to be an exciting arc for many Straw Hats, but if there is one among Luffy’s crew that was expected to reach the next level in this arc and shine like no other, it was most definitely going to be Usopp.
Usopp was enamored by Elbaf and its culture, as well as its Warriors’ Pride immediately upon meeting Dorry and Brogy in the Little Garden arc. Ever since then, he made it his dream to reach Elbaf and become a Great Warrior of the Sea one day. Unfortunately, since the Elbaf arc has begun, Usopp has been nothing but disappointing so far. In the meantime, another Straw Hat has risen to new levels and already established himself as one of the MVPs of the arc, and this character is none other than the Soul King Brook.
Elbaf Was Supposed To Be Usopp’s Arc In One Piece
Usopp Has A Deep Connection To The Land Of The Giants
When the Elbaf arc of One Piece began, all eyes were immediately turned to Usopp because this place held the most meaning to him among all the Straw Hat Pirates. Usopp stated back in the Little Garden arc of One Piece that he wanted to live and die like the Giants of Elbaf and one day go to the country of Giants. Usopp also wants to become a Brave Warrior of the Sea, which is inherently tied to his visiting Elbaf and becoming a prideful warrior like the Giants of the country.
Given all that Oda established early on in One Piece with Usopp’s character, it became quite clear that Elbaf was going to be his arc. When it was established in the Egghead arc that Elbaf was going to be the next country that the Straw Hats visit, Usopp immediately became relevant once again. Unfortunately, Elbaf has proven to be nothing but a disappointment for his character so far. Apart from crying tears of joy on reaching Elbaf, partying with the Giants, and then being defeated by one of the Holy Knights rather easily, Usopp has offered absolutely nothing in over a year of run in the arc so far. While he might still go on to do great things in the story, as is expected of a character as important as him, he will most definitely not be the most important Straw Hat in this arc. Oda has already established Brook to be the MVP here.
I want to visit Elbaf one day and become a Brave Warrior like the Giants! — Usopp
Brook Has Stolen The Show In Elbaf So Far
Brook Is Directly Connected To Gunko
If there is one Straw Hat that most fans expected to be in the background in the Elbaf arc, it was most definitely Brook. Yet, against all odds, Brook has risen as the MVP of the arc already, and this is down to his connection to the Holy Knight, Gunko. When the assault of the Holy Knights on the Sun World of Elbaf began, they eventually crossed paths with the Straw Hat Pirates. It was at this point in the story that a connection between Brook and Gunko was established. It was revealed that Brook and Gunko actually know each other, and he even had memories of spending time with her. This ties back directly to Brook’s induction into the Straw Hat Pirates, where he openly stated that before becoming a pirate, he was actually the leader of a battle convoy for a certain kingdom. Brook most definitely knew Gunko from back then.
In One Piece chapter 1173, it was further revealed that Gunko is only an alias for this particular Holy Knight. Her real name is Princess Shuri, and she is also known as the father-killing princess. Clearly, Shuri killed her own father, who also happened to be Brook’s benefactor, and for that reason, Brook absolutely despises her. However, the truth is much deeper than just that.
You’re Princess Shuri, aren’t you? How can you still be alive? — Brook
It was also revealed in a Gunko flashback that Shuri actually loved her father and did not want to kill him. It is highly likely that Shuri’s father was either compromised with the power of Domi Reversi, or Shuri herself was compromised in some way, leading to the death of her father. Brook is completely unaware of that, which means Shuri still holds a lot of adoration and care for him.
As Brook reached out to Shuri in the previous chapter, all the Straw Hats were freed, and this was all thanks to the actions of Dead Bones Brook. Without him, the Straw Hats would still be captured and would eventually go on to die. But that isn’t all, as there is far more that Brook can do.
Brook Will Be Key In Beating Imu
Brook’s Music Could Help Cleanse Imu From Gunko
It must be remembered that Brook is deeply connected to Princess Shuri, and their backstory will eventually be explored. Brook’s words cause Shuri’s soul to waver and her memories to return. In One Piece Chapter 1173, Shuri’s memories returned briefly, and this allowed her to free Brook and all the others. She even cried out to Brook, asking him to run away, knowing that she could not hold off Imu’s control for long.
If Brook persists and keeps asking her questions, then it is highly likely that Shuri will waver once again, and there will be a fight between Brook and Imu over Shuri’s psyche. Whoever comes out on top between Imu and Brook will manage to get a hold of Princess Shuri. If Imu wins, then Gunko will be the dominant personality and will go on to destroy Elbaf. If Brook wins, then it is highly likely that Princess Shuri will regain control, and Imu will be pushed out of the body.
Brook Will Be The MVP Of Elbaf
Brook Is The Most Important Straw Hat In Elbaf
Quite clearly, Imu is way too powerful for Luffy to defeat. Even with the help of Loki, Imu is simply too overpowered. As such, the only way Imu can truly be defeated here is with help from Brook. Princess Shuri mentioned that she loved the music of Soul King. If Brook begins to perform and move her soul with it, he may manage to reach out to her, and this will allow for Imu to be exorcised from the body, fully freeing Princess Shuri from the control once and for all. In this way, Brook can actually go on to defeat Imu in this arc against all odds and become the MVP.
Undoubtedly, Luffy and Loki will get some shine in the Elbaf arc, as will Zoro and Sanji. Some other members of the Straw Hat Pirates will also get their moments, and Usopp will also prove his worth as a prideful warrior and the student of Dorry and Brogy. However, it is inevitable for Brook to become the most important Straw Hat in this arc, and readers absolutely cannot wait to witness his past with the father-killing princess whom he held very dear long ago.
One Piece chapter 1174 will officially come out on February 15, 2026.
