Princess Shuri Will Join Straw Hat Pirates
The former Celestial Dragon will sail with Brook following the destruction of her home kingdom, Esperia.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Reggae
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Following the events of the Elbaf arc, Eiichiro Oda is set to add Princess Shuri to the Straw Hat Pirates. Shuri, a Celestial Dragon formerly known as Gunko, expressed her intent to sail with Brook in chapter 1185.
Why it matters
Shuri seeks a new path after the destruction of the Esperia Kingdom left her with nowhere else to go. Her arrival as the next crew member follows her past as a brainwashed captive of Nerona Imu.
Princess Shuri made her debut in One Piece chapter 1134 and later defeated Jimbe, Brook, Usopp, and Nami in chapter 1146. Her complex backstory, including her time in Marijoa, was officially detailed in chapter 1183.
The players
Eiichiro Oda
He is the Japanese manga artist and creator of the long-running One Piece series.
Princess Shuri
Formerly known as Gunko, she is a former Celestial Dragon and survivor of the destroyed Esperia Kingdom.
Brook
He is a musician and member of the Straw Hat Pirates who has been requested by Shuri as a sailing companion.
Nerona Imu
This mysterious figure is responsible for the brainwashing of Shuri during her time in Marijoa.
Luffy
He is the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates and the current user of the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika.
The details
Princess Shuri, who possesses distinctive bipolar irises, was born to Celestial Dragon Manmayer Gurau before falling under the influence of Nerona Imu. After leaving the forces that once controlled her, she is now slated to join the crew currently led by Luffy, who utilizes the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika.
Timeline
December 23, 2024: Princess Shuri, then known as Gunko, debuted in chapter 1134.
April 21, 2025: Shuri battled the Straw Hat Pirates in chapter 1146.
May 10, 2026: The Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Zaza was introduced in chapter 1182.
May 25, 2026: Shuri's backstory was revealed in chapter 1183.
Industry Dynamics
The recruitment of Shuri follows the ongoing trend of incorporating high-profile characters into the core crew during the current Elbaf arc. This expansion updates the status of the Straw Hat Pirates' roster as the narrative aligns with the legacy of the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika.
Fans can look forward to seeing Shuri's character integration in upcoming manga chapters as the Elbaf arc continues. This addition confirms that the crew roster is expanding, impacting how readers analyze future conflict resolutions.
The takeaway
Shuri's transition from a brainwashed captive to a member of the Straw Hat Pirates highlights the shifting alliances within the One Piece world. Her story serves as a reminder of the far-reaching impact that the destruction of kingdoms like Esperia has on individual character trajectories.
Further reading
Explore the latest developments in the Reggae section for more on series character arcs.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Game Rant.
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