One Piece has recently introduced the complete forms of the Gorosei along with their overwhelming presence. Although the recent chapters have mostly focused on fights, the beginning of the Gorosei's descent was scattered with numerous mentions of them having an overwhelmingly evil presence.
This, along with many other indications of the Gorosei not aging at all, has led many fans to speculate that they are somehow harnessing souls to prolong their lives. The absorbed souls might be leading to the overwhelmingly evil presence that has been repeatedly mentioned throughout the arc.
Disclaimer- This article contains spoilers for the One Piece series.
One Piece: Jinbe has been sensing the souls inside the Gorosei
Jinbe has traversed the deepest levels of Impel Down, encountering some of the most malevolent criminals in the One Piece world. Despite these harrowing experiences, Jinbe has consistently noted the unnerving presence of the Gorosei. This suggests that Jinbe is perceiving something profoundly disturbing about the Gorosei, possibly sensing their torment and sins.
Jinbe, who has interacted with Emperors and Admirals, repeatedly emphasizes the extraordinary presence of the Gorosei. Haki, which not only measures strength but also the aura of an individual, might explain why Jinbe is particularly sensitive to the Gorosei's presence. It's plausible that Jinbe is detecting the suffering of the souls consumed by the Gorosei, as their aura seems to be a mix of multiple others' souls.
Before Saturn's powers were fully revealed, his silhouette was seen alongside the other Gorosei. Sabo once remarked that the pinnacle of the world felt like hell, alluding to the Gorosei's Devil Fruits being Oni in nature. Saturn's arrival at Egghead via a summoning circle, akin to how demons are conjured, further supports this theory. Saturn's form closely resembles an Ushi Oni, suggesting his Devil Fruit is a Mythical Zoan based on this demon.
This evidence reinforces the idea that all of the Gorosei are Oni. At the end of chapter 1109, Saturn appears to summon the other Gorosei members using the same magical circles, indicating they have a telepathic link.
The Gorosei's ability to control souls, as hinted by Saturn's powers, aligns with the mythological Ushi Oni, which is said to "consume the soul." This power likely fuels their regenerative abilities, allowing them to heal by consuming and burning souls.
Saturn's unchanged appearance over 40 years suggests he sustains his youth by feeding on souls. Similar to Sugar from the 'Dressrosa arc,' Saturn hasn't aged since acquiring his Devil Fruit, implying potential immortality as long as he continues to consume souls.
This also seems true for the other Gorosei, who have maintained their appearances since Vegapunk encountered them over 33 years ago. The consistent appearance of the Gorosei indicates they share this soul-consuming ability.
The Gorosei's Devil Fruits appear to belong to the same group or series, explaining their yokai-like forms and the "devil theme" that surrounds them. This might also account for their telepathic communication, bypassing the need for Den Den Mushi snails.
Final thoughts
This ominous presence hasn't been fully explained yet, and it may be simply a plot point used to establish the Gorosei's power level. The true extent of their abilities and the source of their disturbing aura remains a mystery.
Related links-
- One Piece chapter 1118 official release date and time
- One Piece chapter 1118 full summary spoilers
- One Piece chapter 1118's first spoilers confirm series' early July release schedule