The One piece the story continues to be serialized in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump since July 18, 1997. Since then, Eiichiro Oda, the story's creator, has introduced quite a diverse cast of characters, and every few arcs Oda makes special mention of a princess. To this day, Nefertari Vivi of Arabasta, the first princess ever to play a leading role in One piece story, and the one that arguably started the Oda trend, remains the most popular. Vivi, who was officially introduced as Princess Arabasta in One piece Chapter 110 October 25, 1999 is still recognized as an honorable straw hat pirate and one of the best female characters.
Now, in Elbaf's climax, Eiichiro Oda officially expands the lore of Princess Shuri of the Kingdom of Esperia, starting with One Piece Chapter 1183, which was officially released on May 24, 2026 in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #26. Princess Shuri is the true identity of Saint Knight Gunka and is supposed to be the best princess since Vivi, with big plans by Eiichiro Oda.
Why Nefertari Vivi Of Arabasta Was The First And Best Princess Of One Piece
After the East Blue Saga of One pieceConsisting of Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, and Sanji, the Straw Hat Pirates have officially joined the Grand Line. Immediately after, they meet a mysterious person known as Miss Wednesday. Miss Wednesday started out as an enemy of the Straw Hat and a member of Baroque Works, an assistant to Mr. 9. However, during the Whiskey Peak arc, specifically in One Piece Chapter 110, which was published in Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #48 in 1999, it is revealed that there is much more to her than meets the eye.
Miss Wednesday was the secret identity of a princess of Arabasta, named Nefertari Vivi. Vivi joined Baroque Works with only one goal – to free her country from the Shichibukai, Sir Crocodile. Quickly realizing that she could not achieve her goal alone, she turned to Luffy and the rest of the Straw Hats for help.
Together, the straw pirates traveled quite a few arcs until they reached Arabasta, where Luffy and the others helped free Arabasta, which was officially achieved in One piece Chapter 210. This made Vivi the first of many princesses to be introduced in One Piece. In fact, most of us were hoping Vivi would continue traveling with the Straw Hat Pirates. Unfortunately, it was not like that in the end. Vivi had her own duties to fulfill as the heir to the throne of Arabasta, as officially confirmed in One Piece Chapter 216, which was officially released in Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #9 on January 28, 2002. Now, in the Final Saga, Vivi will soon regain her importance and fans hope to see her again in the Strawt Pirates.
One Piece Creator Eiichiro Oda finally makes the Monster Trio stronger than the Admirals
Oda's Monster Trio has grown in strength and is about to put them a level higher than the Admirals in One Piece.
One Piece Chapter 1183 and 1184 Highlight Shuri As One Piece's Next Big Princess
Vivi is the most iconic One piece princess, but Eiichiro Oda just added another to the mix who could become a character on a similar level to Vivi. This princess is none other than the newly revealed character in Elbaf, Princess Shuri. Princess Shuri is the true identity of Saint Knight Gunka. Her name was only recently revealed through Brooke, v One piece Chapter 1173 which was officially released on February 6th, 2026. Brook knew this from when they were together 70 years ago as he worked directly under her father King Reuven of the Kingdom of Esperia and mother Lady Candelle.
“I never wanted to think about you for the rest of my life! Not a father-killing princess! That life you stole belonged to the man I owed everything to!” — Brook Shuri, One Piece Chapter #1173
IN One piece Chapter 1183, Shuri's past is highlighted very well. It's clear that she had a great affection for Brook, as he practically raised her by himself. In addition, Shuri has also been trained in combat by Brook on various occasions. Brook and Shuri enjoyed the mundane things in life together and that's the beauty of their relationship.
Since Shuri's flashback has not been fully explored, she remains largely a mysterious character. The only big thing we know so far is that despite her immense love for Brook and Reuven, she ended up killing her father at an unknown time in the past. On May 24, 2026, in One Piece Chapter 1183, Brook also officially stated that his contact with Shuri was severed when she went to Marijoa after the tragedy that took place in Esperia.
“If it's really her, then she must be 77 years old by now. She was the princess of my homeland at the time. And I lost contact with her when she traveled to the Holy Land of Marijoa.” — Brook, One Piece Chapter 1183
However, it turns out that Shuri is not truly evil; instead, she is simply brainwashed and controlled by Imu. We can't wait for all the circumstances surrounding her to be fully revealed as she is set to be a major player in the Elbaf arc and potentially beyond.
One Piece's Elbaf Climax sets up Princess Shuri as the next potential Straw Hat Pirate
During the Arabast saga, we all hoped that Vivi would officially join the Straw Hat Pirates. Unfortunately, that never happened. While fans haven't completely given up hope of her joining, especially now that her father, King Cobra, has been killed in Reverie, there are other candidates around, and Shuri is one of them.
With Vivi nowhere near the Straw Pirates, Shuri emerged as a prime candidate to join the Straw Pirates. Princess Shuri has a history with Brooke and we know that deep down she isn't truly evil and was just brainwashed by Ima. This was confirmed when she freed Brook and screamed at him, asking him to run inside One piece Chapter 1173, February 9, 2026.
Brook: Princess Shuri! There you are, you are Princess Shuri, right?
Shuri: Brook, you have to run!
— Exchange between Shuri and Brook, One-Part Chapters #1173
Right now, Shuri is frozen, but at the end of the arc, she has to be freed from Imu's bonds, just like every other princess is saved in One Piece. When that happens, he won't have anywhere to go, especially since Brook already confirmed in One Piece Chapter 1183 that the kingdom of Esperia he came from no longer exists. Her only option is to sail on with the Straw Hat Pirates.
“A long time ago, a long time ago! She was a child and I was a young man too! It was in a land that no longer exists… Esperia! Esperia was a land of music, full of workshops for making instruments of all kinds!” — Brook highlights the destruction of Esperia, One Piece Chapter #1183
Not only would it strengthen Shuri and Brook's character, but she would definitely be a great asset to the Straw Hat Pirates because unlike Vivi, she's actually a powerful fighter, which would add a great strength supporter to the crew. Shuri is so powerful that even Shamrock Figarland thought he could fight Loki, and that kind of power is always welcome on board.
You can read all the latest One Piece chapters by Eiichiro Oda on Manga Plus and Viz Media.
