The “Gods” Who Bow to Emperors
Although Gorosei are the five men at the pinnacle of the World Government, they kneel before Imu, revealing the true power hierarchy. The fact that not only their names but even their pasts remain shrouded in darkness leads them to be perceived as divine authorities. This symbolizes the absolute loyalty and fear that have never been seen in any ruler in the universe to this day.
They Define Their Own Justice
The Gorosei's words are law even for sailors. They can bend the concept of “justice” as they please; they can declare someone a hero one day and erase them as a “disruptor” the next. This absolute power of definition keeps them beyond any legal oversight.
Their Weapons Are Hidden, But Active
In recent scenes, Gorosei members have appeared in battle in monstrous forms that take on different shapes. These forms suggest something far more powerful than a typical Zoan fruit. Some theories suggest that their fruits are not even “Mythical Zoan,” but ancient curses or energies directly linked to the Void Century.
Each May Have Their Own Code Name
Although not officially confirmed, fans believe each Gorosei member has their own “God” code name: War God, Agriculture God, Defense God, and so on. This elevates them from mere advisors to symbolic sacred figures. It is also speculated that these titles directly influence their combat abilities.
Possibility of Their Past as Pirates
Some theories suggest that all or some of the Gorosei members were powerful pirates who made a deal with the government after the Void Century. In particular, the elderly man with long white beard is thought to be one of the witnesses to the God Valley Incident. This makes them not only rulers but also witnesses to the past.
The True Rulers of Mariejois
The fact that they live in the “Sacred Grounds” at the peak of Mariejois places them not only strategically but also symbolically at the pinnacle of the universe. This group of five, who answer to no one—not even the Tenryuubito or the Kings themselves—make the real decisions behind closed doors.
The Few Who Know About the Void Century
It is certain that the Gorosei possess knowledge about the Void Century, the forgotten century of the past. Despite this knowledge, their punishment of death for learning about this part of history suggests they are doing more than just protecting a secret: they aim to rewrite history.
Nico Robin Keeps an Eye on Them
Robin's ability to read the Poneglyphs is one of the Gorosei's greatest threats. The Gorosei have made countless attempts to eliminate Robin, as every stone she can read could undermine the legitimacy of their rule. Robin's survival is an existential threat to the Gorosei.
The Destruction Order from the Sky
The order to destroy the Lulusia Kingdom was issued directly by the Gorosei and Imu. This event proved that they are not merely a governing body but an active military threat with access to destructive technology. The warring government model in the One Piece universe is not just a fantasy; it is a concrete reality.
Silent but Destructive Figures
Their speeches are generally short and harsh. Gorosei does not always give explicit orders; sometimes a glance or a head movement determines the fate of millions. This communication style further sanctifies their culture of fear and their method of rule. Defying them is not just a crime; it is seen as a curse.
The True Owners of the World Conference
Meetings like Reverie may appear to be democratic processes where kingdoms are equally represented on paper, but behind the scenes, every decision is made with the Gorosei's approval. The kings' votes become a formality because no law can be enacted without the Gorosei's consent. This is one of the most concrete examples of their invisible dictatorship.
Control Over Vegapunk
Even Dr. Vegapunk, the World Government's most brilliant scientist, is under the Gorosei's control. Despite having access to the unlimited technological knowledge of Punk Records, Vegapunk, who never disobeys the Gorosei, demonstrates that they can even play God with science. Technology is a weapon of threat in their hands.
Gorosei and the Uranus Theories
The theory that Gorosei controls Uranus has gained traction in relation to the destruction of Lulusia. This transforms them into figures not only politically powerful but directly possessing divine destructive power. At least one of the Ancient Weapons may be directly in their hands, which would fundamentally shake the balance of the One Piece world.
The Silhouettes' Transformation into Monsters
In the Egghead Arc, Gorosei members transform into gigantic, monster-like forms in silhouette. These forms far surpass those of ordinary Devil Fruit users. The idea that these transformations are a form of worship, a price to pay, or the result of an ancient pact gives rise to theories resembling dark magic.
The Rulers Who Censor History
The Ohara Incident, where possessing knowledge alone was deemed a capital offense, clearly revealed the Gorosei as absolute censors of information. This is not merely a security measure; it is a regime of fear that reconstructs the people's memory. Seeking the truth is akin to trespassing into the presence of the gods without permission.
Shanks' Secret Meeting
Shanks's private meeting with the Gorosei sent shockwaves throughout the universe. The fact that a Yonko could directly reach the Gorosei was already shocking enough, but the fact that the person they were discussing was “a pirate” suggests that they view pirates not only as enemies but also as tools. This hints at a dark alliance.
Superior Time Awareness
The Gorosei act as singular figures within time. They are entities that oversee the birth of new eras, suppress them when necessary, and maintain order under the guise of “balance.” It is believed that they decide on “era changes” at specific intervals and seal these transitions with blood.
Religious Symbols and Room Layout
The hall where they sit is designed in a symmetrical and sacred layout. Their tables are arranged in a five-pointed star shape, which carries both symbolic and mystical meanings. Each may represent a different aspect, suggesting that they are not merely rulers but representatives of universal balance.
The Unrevealed Names
For years, none of the Gorosei members' names were revealed. That is, until some hints were given in the latest arcs. However, the names, origins, and individual stories of many of them remain unknown. Whether this is a deliberate policy of secrecy or preparation for major revelations in the story remains to be seen.
They Don't Seem to Age Physically
The Gorosei members who have appeared in the series for over twenty years have not changed in appearance. This has led to speculation that they may possess a technology akin to immortality or a special power system that allows them to exist outside of time. This suspicion is further fueled by the fact that the elderly member wielding a sword has always been portrayed as a warrior figure.
Imu's Heir or Servant?
The Gorosei's absolute loyalty to Imu raises the question of whether they are truly rulers. Some theories suggest that the five are actually the living remnants of the old “anti-Joy Boy regime” and that they sacrificed their own will upon Imu's emergence. This implies that they are not merely government officials but slaves of history.
Their True Ages Are Unknown
The Gorosei members appear elderly, but their knowledge of historical events spans centuries. If they are the original figures who established the World Government after the Void Century, this could suggest that they are capable of manipulating time or have attained an ancient level of existence.
Contradictory Clothing Choices
While some Gorosei members wear traditional East Asian attire, others don outfits reminiscent of European aristocracy. This detail suggests they come from diverse cultural backgrounds and may represent the World Government's “united yet culturally homogeneous” structure. These outfits might symbolize the historical figures they portray rather than their individual identities.
Symbols as Weapons
It is speculated that the weapon held by the elderly member carrying a sword is not an ordinary samurai sword, but may be a part of ancient weapons mentioned in some Poneglyphs. It is believed that the sword has the power to cut through sacred texts that have been engraved over time and can therefore only be used by selected individuals.
Hierarchy Among the Gods
Although the Gorosei appear to be equal, there is a noticeable hierarchy in their conversations. In particular, the member with a completely bald head speaks more than the others and takes the lead in decision-making moments. This suggests that there may be a leadership hierarchy within their ranks.
Defined by Their Duty
It is noteworthy that there are no scenes depicting the individual desires of the Gorosei. There is no mention of any past memories, family relationships, or personal goals. They represent only one mission: to protect history, maintain order, and preserve absolute silence. They have transcended humanity and become symbols.
Not Just Enemies, but Destroyers of Knowledge
The Gorosei do not merely destroy their enemies; they also erase the ideas they represent. Ohara, the Poneglyphs, the revolutionaries... All are carriers of knowledge. The Gorosei's war is not against bodies, but against thought. These figures, who fight against knowledge, are not gods of history, but creators of censorship.
Vegapunk's Final Words Against Them
The message Vegapunk published just before his death directly targeted the Gorosei and the history they have hidden. This was not a threat but a rebellion against the universe's most secret structures. Vegapunk's actions show that the Gorosei can no longer remain hidden. This could be the beginning of their downfall.
Not Warrior Gods, but Masters of Mass Control
Despite their powerful forms and abilities, the Gorosei's true strength lies not in their swords or monsters, but in manipulation. The media, history books, education systems... All are under their control. That's why they defeat their enemies not in battle, but by making them forget over time. True power lies in determining what the people believe.
Their Downfall Will Trigger a Universal Cataclysm
If the Gorosei fall, it won’t just mean the collapse of the World Government—it will signify the end of the order and the era in the One Piece universe. They aren’t just an institution; they’re a symbol of an era. Their downfall may not bring chaos, but perhaps true freedom. However, this price will be paid with the breaking of thousands of years of oppression.