Even though there are already many villains that Luffy and his crew will have to face in the future of One Piece, Oda regularly introduces new characters who are even stronger than the previous ones. One of them even fought against the most legendary pirates in history.
Attention Spoilers: The following article contains spoilers for the last two arcs in the manga of One Piece.
Which character is being referred to? In chapter 1086 of the manga and in episode 1120 of the anime, Figarland Garling is introduced for the first time. He is part of the world government and is probably the strongest member of the Knights of God.
After the events on Egghead Island, he was appointed as one of the Five Elders, responsible for science and defense. Additionally, he is the father of Shanks and the Knight Shamrock. However, this is not the only reason why he is much stronger than other villains in One Piece. In the last chapter, Oda reveals the legends Figarland Garling has confronted.
Figarland Garling stands on a level with Roger, Whitebeard, and Rocks
Who did Garling fight in the past? Within the world government, Garling is quite a well-known name, also because he was designated as the Champion
during the events at God Valley. More details were revealed in the latest chapter (1160). 38 years ago, a gigantic battle took place on the island of God Valley.
The Celestial Dragons conducted a hunt for slaves and people they deemed unworthy. Among others, the Holy Knights participated, including the Figarland family. The Rocks Pirates intervened in this hunt, who ruled the seas even before Roger. Members included:
- Rocks D. Xebec
- Whitebeard
- Big Mom
- Shiki
- Stussy
- Kaidou
They came to the island for treasures and to rescue Shakky, the then Empress of Amazon Lily, who was presented as the prize for the hunt. The crew of Roger also attempted to attack God Valley.
The Holy Knights of God confronted the pirates, with Garling right at the forefront, who even ordered the Marine to retreat. Thus, he faced some of the strongest pirates in the history of One Piece. One can also assume, due to his position among the Five Elders, that he is stronger than the members of the Marine.
By comparison: Whitebeard could inflict quite a bit of damage to Akainu while injured and ill, even throwing him down. That Figarland has faced multiple pirates with such powers speaks for him.
As one already knows from previous chapters, the Holy Knights have even a certain form of immortality.
What makes Garling so dangerous? Apart from his strength that makes him one of the most powerful figures in the series, he is ruthless and shares a similar worldview with the aristocrats. This is probably one reason why he was appointed as an Elder by Imu.
His ruthlessness is evident in his dealings with the mother of his children. He killed her as he has chosen Shakky as his new bride. Within the world government, he probably even has the role of an executioner. He killed the world aristocrat Donquixote Mjosgard.
How strong he truly is will probably be revealed in the flashback to the God Valley incident currently being depicted in the manga. There, one will likely also see the role of Roger and Garp in this historical event. When the next chapter will appear and everything you need to know about it can be found here: One Piece: Chapter 1161 – Spoilers and release for the manga
