As One Piece prepares to return from its brief break, fans are busy discussing one of the biggest mysteries in the current Esperia Kingdom flashback: Did Princess Shuri really kill King Reuven?
One Piece Chapter 1185 could provide the answer.
The Evidence Against Shuri Is Surprisingly Weak
For several chapters, Brook has spoken about Shuri as the princess who killed the king he admired most. However, Oda has repeatedly shown that appearances can be deceiving.
Many readers now suspect that Shuri was framed or manipulated into committing the act. One Piece 1185 漫画- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Candelle's True Mission
The strongest clue comes from Queen Candelle herself.
From her first appearance, she has displayed suspicious connections to the Holy Knights. Her behavior suggests that she entered Esperia Kingdom long before Shuri was born.
If Candelle was working directly under Imu's orders, then Shuri may have been part of a much larger operation from the beginning.
A Vessel for Imu?
One popular theory proposes that Shuri was born specifically to serve as a vessel.
Recent developments involving Imu's supernatural abilities have shown that possession and spiritual manipulation may be possible. If Imu temporarily controlled Shuri, it would explain why she later disappeared to Mariejois and why Brook ultimately lost contact with her.
Why Destroy Esperia?
The biggest unanswered question remains the motive.
Why would Imu devote decades to infiltrating a seemingly ordinary kingdom?
Many believe Esperia possessed information connected to the Void Century, Ancient Kingdom, or a hidden bloodline capable of threatening the World Government.
If that's true, King Reuven's death may have been only one part of a larger purge orchestrated by the Holy Knights.
One Piece Chapter 1185 Could Change Everything
Should these theories prove correct, Shuri could emerge as one of the most tragic victims in One Piece history rather than a villain.
The upcoming chapter may finally reveal whether she acted of her own free will or became another pawn in Imu's centuries-long game.
Either way, the truth behind Esperia Kingdom is closer than ever.