that one piece This story has been serialized in Shueisha Weekly Shonen Jump since July 18, 1997. Since then, original author Eiichiro Oda has introduced quite a variety of characters, with Oda placing a particular emphasis on princesses every few issues. To this day, Vivi Nefertari of Aravasta is the first princess to play a significant role in this world. one piece The story, and perhaps the one who started the Oda trend, is still the most popular. Vivi was officially introduced as Princess Arabasta. one piece Episode 110, October 25, 1999 She is still recognized as an honorary Straw Hat Pirate and one of the best female characters.
Now, in the climax of Elbaf, Eiichiro Oda is officially expanding the story of Princess Shuri of the Kingdom of Esperia, starting with One Piece Chapter 1183, which was officially released on May 24, 2026 in the 26th issue of Shueisha Weekly Shonen Jump. Princess Shuri is the true identity of Holy Knight Gunko, and according to Eiichiro Oda's main plan, she is set to become the best princess since Bibi.
Why Vivian Nefertari of Arabasta was the first and best princess of One Piece
After East Blue Saga one pieceThe Straw Hat Pirates, consisting of Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, and Sanji, have officially entered the Grand Line. Immediately after that, they meet an unknown person named Miss Wednesday. Miss Wednesday is a member of the Straw Hats' enemies, the Baroque Works, and started out as Mr. 9's assistant. However, in the Whiskey Peak arc, especially One Piece Episode 110, which was released in the 48th issue of Weekly Shonen Jump in 1999, it is revealed that there is much more to her than meets the eye.
Miss Wednesday was the secret identity of Princess Arabasta, named Nefertari Vivi. Vivi joined Baroque Works with one goal: to liberate her country from Sir Crocodile, the Shichibukai. She quickly realized that she could not achieve her goal alone, and instead turned to Luffy and the rest of the Straw Hats for help.
The Straw Hat Pirates traveled several arcs until they reached Alabasta, where Luffy and the others helped liberate Alabasta. one piece Episode 210 This makes Vivi the first of many princesses to appear in One Piece. In fact, most of us hoped Vivi would continue her journey with the Straw Hat Pirates. But unfortunately, that didn't happen in the end. Vivi had her own responsibilities to fulfill as the heir to the Alabasta throne, as officially confirmed in One Piece Episode 216, which was officially released in Weekly Shonen Jump Issue 9 on January 28, 2002. Now, Vivi is taking on great importance again in the Final Saga, and fans can't wait to see her reunite with the Straw Hats soon.
One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda has finally made the monster trio stronger than the Admiral.
Oda's trio of monsters are getting stronger and stronger, pushing them to a level higher than the Admiral from One Piece.
One Piece Episodes 1183 and 1184 highlight Shuri as the next princess of One Piece.
Vivi is the most symbolic one piece Although she's a princess, Eiichiro Oda just added another character to the mix who could be on a similar level to Vivi. This princess is none other than Princess Shuri, a newly revealed character from Elbaf. Princess Shuri is the true identity of Holy Knight Gunko. Her name was recently revealed via Brook. one piece Chapter 1173 officially released on February 6, 2026. Brook knew this from their time together 70 years ago, when they worked directly under her father, King Ruben of the Kingdom of Esperia, and her mother, Lady Candel.
“I never wanted to think about you for the rest of my life! Not the princess who killed her father! The life you stole belonged to the man I owed everything to!” — From Brook to Shuri, One Piece Episode 1173
in one piece In episode 1183, Shuri's past is revealed very clearly. You can tell she had a lot of affection for Brooke because she actually raised her herself. Additionally, Shuri received combat training from Brook several times. Brooke and Shuri enjoy the simple things in life together, and that's the beauty of their relationship.
Because Shuri flashbacks aren't fully explored, she remains a largely mysterious character. The only big thing we know so far is that despite her immense love for Brooke and Reuben, she killed their father at some unknown time in the past. In One Piece Chapter 1183 on May 24, 2026, Brook officially revealed that he lost contact with Shuri when he went to Mariejois after the tragedy occurred in Esperia.
“If he really was, he would be 77 years old by now. At that time, he was the princess of my country. And when I went on a trip to the Shrine of Marie Jois, I lost contact with him.” — Brook, One Piece Episode 1183
However, it becomes clear that Shuri is not actually evil. Instead, she was simply brainwashed and controlled by Imu. I can't wait for the whole situation around her to be fully revealed, as she's going to be a major player in the Elbaf arc and potentially beyond.
One Piece's Elbaf Climax Sets Princess Shuri as the Next Straw Hat Pirates
At the time of the Arabasta Saga, we were hoping Vivi would officially join the Straw Hat Pirates. Unfortunately, that never happened. Fans haven't completely given up hope on her joining, but there are other candidates around, especially now that her father, King Cobra, has been killed in Reverie, and Shuri is one of them.
With Vivi nowhere near the Straw Hat Pirates, Shuri emerged as a strong candidate to join the Straw Hat Pirates. Princess Shuri has a history with Brook, and we know that she is not truly evil and was only brainwashed by Imu. This is confirmed as she releases Brooke and yells at him to run. one piece February 9, 2026, Episode 1173.
Brook: Princess Shuri! You're Princess Shuri there, right?
Shuri: Brook, you have to run!
— Shuri and Brook exchange, One Piece Chapter #1173
Shuri is frozen now, but she must be freed from Imu's shackles at the end of the arc, just like all the other princesses were rescued in One Piece. If that happens, she will have nowhere else to go. Especially since Brook has already confirmed in One Piece Chapter 1183 that the Kingdom of Esperia where she was born no longer exists. Her only option is to sail with the Straw Hat Pirates.
“A long time ago, a really long time ago! She was a child and I was a young man! That is a country that no longer exists… Esperia! Esperia was a land of music full of workshops that made all kinds of musical instruments!” — Brook emphasizes the destruction of Esperia in One Piece Chapter 1183.
Not only will this improve Shuri and Brook's personalities, but she will also be a major asset to the Straw Hat Pirates as, unlike Vivi, she is actually a powerful warrior who adds a large strength buff to the crew. Shuri was so strong that even Shamrock Figarland thought he could fight Loki, and such strength is always welcome.
You can read all of Eiichiro Oda's latest One Piece chapters on Manga Plus and Biz Media.
