Manga/Anime Updates
One Piece Chapter 1146: Is Gunko a Spy for Monkey D. Dragon? Uncovering the Secrets of the Holy Knights and Revolutionary Army
Apr
In the vast world of One Piece, every character has a hidden layer, a secret past, or a shocking allegiance waiting to be revealed. As we inch closer to the epic climax of Eiichiro Oda’s masterpiece, fans are asking: Could Gunko, the mysterious Holy Knight, secretly be a spy for Monkey D. Dragon and the Revolutionary Army? Based on recent chapters and carefully pieced-together lore, this compelling theory is gaining serious momentum.
Dragon’s Past as a Marine: The Seeds of Rebellion
Before becoming the world’s most wanted man, Monkey D. Dragon was a member of the Marines. This is no mere fan speculation — Chapter 1097 confirms this pivotal fact. However, Dragon quickly became disillusioned with the corrupt “justice” system upheld by the World Government.
“Justice without morality is nothing but tyranny.” — a sentiment that may have led Dragon to abandon the Marines in search of true liberation.
Why This Matters
- His Vivre Card databook reveals a “dark secret” from his past, hinting at a betrayal or inside knowledge of the Navy.
- His military experience gave him first-hand insight into the rotten core of the World Government, which would eventually shape his revolutionary ideology.
The Formation of the Revolutionary Army
The Revolutionary Army was formed sometime between Gol D. Roger’s execution (24 years ago) and Luffy’s birth (19 years ago). This timeframe includes monumental events such as:
- The Ohara Incident (22 years ago), where innocent scholars were exterminated.
- Dragon’s age at that time (early to mid-30s), placing him in the perfect position as a Marine with high-level clearance and years of operational knowledge.
The Connection
This makes it entirely plausible that Dragon didn’t just walk away — he may have stayed as a deep-cover agent, collecting intelligence and slowly laying the groundwork for the Revolutionary Army.
Theory: Dragon as a Deep-Cover Spy
Phase 1: Disillusionment and Internal Crisis
Dragon likely joined the Marines with good intentions, possibly influenced by his father, the heroic Marine Garp. But the atrocity at Ohara was the final straw. Rumors suggest Dragon might have even been present during the Buster Call, bearing witness to the state-sanctioned genocide of truth-seekers.
Phase 2: Espionage from Within
Instead of resigning, Dragon may have used his position to:
- Gather sensitive intel on the World Government’s darkest secrets.
- Recruit like-minded officers, who would later form the core of the Freedom Fighters, an early form of the Revolutionary Army.
- Potentially influence or even plant seeds for SWORD, the Navy’s own rogue intelligence unit.
Gunko’s Mysterious Origins: Spy or Celestial Dragon?
As of One Piece Chapter 1145, Gunko is introduced as a Holy Knight, one of the elite enforcers of the Celestial Dragons. But something feels off.
Her Look Speaks Louder Than Words
- Wears a newsboy cap with goggles — iconic Revolutionary Army aesthetics.
- Outfit resembles Koala’s more than any noble-born Holy Knight.
- Doesn’t carry the title “Saint,” a standard honorific for Celestial lineage.
“Gunko” literally means “army child”, a curious name for someone supposedly of noble birth.
Narrative Breadcrumbs: Gunko’s Possible Revolutionary Links
1. Visual Symbolism
Gunko’s heterochromatic eyes may represent duality — the loyal soldier on the outside, rebel on the inside. She’s drawn as a character in conflict, much like Robin during her Baroque Works days.
2. Hidden History
- Her strong reaction to Loki’s rejection of the Holy Knights could hint at personal trauma or past rejection.
- She may be a former war orphan, much like Koala, trained from a young age to infiltrate the World Government.
Why Gunko Could Be Dragon’s Deep-Cover Operative
Access and Influence
- As a Holy Knight, Gunko has direct access to Gorosei-level decisions, ideal for spying and sabotage.
- Her “zeal” may be a façade, covering her true revolutionary mission.
Strategic Placement
- Dragon hinted in Chapter 1098 that the Holy Knights’ emergence marks the “real war” — a statement that implies inside knowledge.
Ongoing Espionage: The SWORD Connection
There’s mounting evidence that Dragon’s influence still permeates the Marines:
- SWORD, the Navy’s secret faction, operates independently and opposes Celestial control.
- Characters like Koby and Drake operate in this space — both ideal candidates for Revolutionary sympathizers.
Gunko could be a bridge between SWORD and the Revolutionary Army, aiding in covert sabotage and intelligence sharing.
Upcoming Conflict in Chapter 1146: What to Expect
Gunko vs. the Straw Hats
- Without the “monster trio” (Luffy, Zoro, Sanji), the confrontation aboard Colon’s svarr in Elbaf places Jinbe and Brook in the spotlight.
- Gunko might initially appear hostile, but her reaction to Brook could trigger a change, possibly revealing her undercover role.
Loki’s Backstory and Revolutionary Themes
- Chapter 1146 may dive into Loki’s admiration for Rocks D. Xebec and his troubled relationship with the Holy Knights.
- A flashback might show Loki discovering truths that mirror Dragon’s own disillusionment, further tying Gunko to the rebel cause.
Gomu Gomu no Mi: Another Revolutionary Link?
Some fan theories suggest the Gomu Gomu no Mi may originate from Elbaf, linking it to Joy Boy and even the Revolutionary cause. Its symbolism as the “Drum of Liberation” mirrors Dragon’s ideology and Gunko’s name — which also contains the word “drum.”
Could Gunko’s very name hint at her role as a double agent fighting for true liberation?
A Revolution in Plain Sight
Gunko being a spy for Dragon would:
- Explain her visual design, her name, and her ambiguous behavior.
- Add a layer of complexity to the ongoing Elbaf arc.
- Serve as a narrative pivot linking Dragon, the Revolutionary Army, SWORD, and the eventual downfall of the World Government.
“The greatest battles aren’t fought with swords… but with secrets.”
Where to Read One Piece Chapter 1146
Don’t miss out on the next explosive installment of One Piece:
Spoilers will start surfacing April 15–16, 2025, with the full chapter releasing on Sunday, April 20, 2025, or Monday, April 21 (JST).
