“How Rude”: One Piece Creator Reportedly Breaks Silence on Controversial Holy Knight Design

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In my perspective as an observer, I find myself captivated by the long-awaited Elbaf Arc in One Piece. This arc has introduced a fresh batch of characters, one being Gunko, a Holy Knight who made her entrance with Shamrock, using the enigmatic Abyss – a demonic pentagram capable of teleportation over vast distances. Their goal? To seize control of Elbaf, starting with Loki, the Cursed Prince, whose powers are legendary and strike fear in all who encounter him. Initially, they extended an invitation for Loki to join their ranks, yet his deep-seated animosity towards the Celestial Dragons prevailed, leading him to swiftly decline the offer.

By interacting with Gunko, we gain a better understanding of her complex character, yet her initial appearance stirred up quite a debate among fans due to her outfit. Despite its rich world-building and deep backstories, One Piece is a shonen manga that frequently prioritizes fan service. This time, the critics didn’t hold back their comments about objectifying female characters, and this instance was no exception. While some argued that her outfit is normal within the series context, others couldn’t disagree more. Now that the argument has subsided, the author has finally spoken up on the subject, and it’s quite amusing.

Oda Explains Gunko’s Outfit Is Fine in One Piece Volume 112 SBS

In Japan on July 4th, 2025, the 112th volume of the beloved manga “One Piece” was published. Unfortunately, English readers will have to wait for a future announcement regarding its release date. Notably, each volume of “One Piece” includes special segments known as SBS (Shitsumon o Boshū Suru), which means “I’m taking questions.” These sections are Q&A sessions with the author, Oda, and typically feature 3 to 6 parts in a volume, addressing multiple questions within each section (approximately 3 to 5 questions per section).

Because there isn’t an official English version available yet, @pewpiece on X, a well-known One Piece account, posted an unofficial translation for fans around the world. A fan inquired about Gunko’s choice of clothing, asking why he appears to be wearing panties. In response, Oda explained, “I keep hearing comments like ‘panties’ here and there. However, if we refer to it as underwear, it would suggest that Gunko is some sort of pervert, which isn’t accurate at all.

The mangaka continues by comparing Nami and Bonney’s Egghead outfits, saying, “Did you notice how their jacket hems are elongated on Egghead? This style actually minimizes the skin exposure. Therefore, that outfit is completely acceptable.” Oda finishes off with a humorous remark, “How very impolite of you.

As an observer, it’s clear that the mangaka’s explanation isn’t being accepted by fans, given One Piece’s extensive history of catering to its audience, particularly in regards to female characters. Fans are accustomed to Oda’s artistic style, which sometimes borders on controversy, especially when depicting certain female characters, and they are well aware that these characters often become iconic over time for long-time readers/viewers.

Initially, the discussion centered around Gunko’s attire, but as the focus shifted towards the exhilarating battles, the issue was quickly set aside. To everyone’s surprise, Gunko emerges as a captivating character with a rich and complex backstory. Remarkably, this past is connected to one of the Straw Hat crew members.

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2025-07-11 05:09