As the Elbaf arc charges ahead inOne Piece’sFinal Saga, it is giving fans some of the most jaw-dropping moments the series has ever seen. Among the most significant revelations is the true strength of the Holy Knights, characters that had been shrouded in mystery until now. With their official debut, the conversation around the power hierarchy in theOne Pieceworld has shifted. Fans have long speculated about whether the Marine Admirals or the Holy Knights hold the upper hand, and now, fans are getting some answers.

Up until now,Marine Admirals have been considered the top brass in the World Government’s militarymight. Their feats in past arcs cemented their reputation as nearly peerless warriors, second only to the Yonko. But with the recent introduction of the Holy Knights, particularly terrifying figures like Shamrock Figarland and Gunko, the scales may be tipping. As the story unfolds, it is becoming increasingly clear that these warriors may not just rival the Admirals… they may surpass them.

The Holy Knights in One Piece

The Might of the Marine Admirals

The Strength of the Marine Admirals in One Piece

Marine Admirals have long stood at the peak of the World Government’s fighting forces.Their sheer strength, tactical prowess, and mastery of Haki and Devil Fruits make them some of the most dangerous individuals in theOne Pieceworld.Each Admiral is equipped with extraordinary powers: Kizaru wields the speed-of-light Pika Pika no Mi, Fujitora manipulates gravity with the Zushi Zushi no Mi, and Ryokugyu uses his plant-based Logia powers with deadly efficiency. These abilities, coupled with advanced Armament and Observation Haki, form a powerful combination.

Before the Final Saga, the Admirals were considered the endgame for any pirate aiming to challenge the World Government. Their bounties from the Cross Guild place them on the same level as beginner Emperors, around 3 billion berries each. That alone is a testament to their perceived threat. However, while Admirals are immensely powerful, they are generally seen as a notch below the Emperors, who command territories and wield influence on a grander scale. The Admirals’ power lies in their individual strength and their symbolic status as enforcers of justice.

Feature header showing Gunko of the Holy Knights

That said, there is no denying that Admirals are formidable in one-on-one combat. They have clashed with Whitebeard, fought on par with Sabo, and held their own in major wars.Yet despite their military status, their limitations are becoming more apparent, especially when compared to the supernatural threat that the Holy Knights now represent.Their raw power might not be enough anymore in this evolving power landscape.

The Holy Knights are Celestial Monsters

The Holy Knights are One Piece’s Most Terrifying Force

The Holy Knights have entered the stage, and they are already reshaping what fans thought they knew about power levels inOne Piece. These warriors are not just Celestial Dragon bodyguards, they are a separate force, answering only to the highest authorities in the world. Even Monkey D. Dragon has acknowledged them as a serious threat, hinting at a power level that could surpass the Admirals. So far, fans have met Shamrock Figarland, Gunko, Saint Sommers, and Saint Killingham, each bringing terrifying new abilities to the table.

Shamrock Figarland, the apparent leader of the group, is considered stronger than Loki of Elbaf, a figure with a bounty rivaling an Emperor. It is even suggested that Shamrock’s power could surpass that of Shanks, which isa massive claim given Shanks’ known strength and reputation. Gunko, another Holy Knight, demonstrated immense power by overpowering several Straw Hat members, including Jinbe, a former Warlord of the Sea, without even tapping into her full strength. These displays are not just impressive; they are game-changing.

One Piece franchise poster

Perhapsthe most frightening trait of the Holy Knights is their ability to regenerate.This healing ability makes them incredibly difficult to take down, as physical damage appears to be only a temporary setback. Combined with high-level Haki and possibly devastating Devil Fruits, their regenerative powers suggest a form of combat endurance that even the Admirals lack. This kind of resilience could turn the tide in any battle.​​​​​​​

Who Truly Stands at the Top?

Who Is Stronger in the One Piece Universe?

So far in the Elbaf arc, the Holy Knights have appeared not only more mysterious but also more powerful than the Admirals. Their strength is not uniform, some might still be on par with or slightly below the Admirals, but it is clear that fighters like Shamrock and Gunko have already eclipsed that level. The Admirals may still hold their place as elite warriors, but the Holy Knights are quickly proving to be something else entirely: monsters molded for domination.

One key difference lies in their roles. Admirals enforce justice within the existing world order,while the Holy Knights serve a more secretive, possibly more sacred role directly tied to the Celestial Dragons. Their status even seems to put them above the Admirals in the hierarchy, which is a significant clue to their influence and potential power. The fact that some Admirals may serve beneath the Holy Knights speaks volumes about the shifting structure within the World Government.

The Holy Knights have an aura of myth and mystery, and now, confirmed feats of power that shake the foundations of what fans once believed.

In the end, the title of the “strongest” depends on perspective. Admirals have history, prestige, and battlefield experience. But the Holy Knights have an aura of myth and mystery, and now, confirmed feats of power that shake the foundations of what fans once believed. With more to be revealed as the Elbaf arc continues, the balance of power in theOne Pieceworld is undeniably changing. And for the first time, the Admirals might no longer be the World Government’s strongest sword.