If you’ve been hanging around the One Piece community lately, you know the vibe. Chapter 1149 dropped, and suddenly everyone is losing their minds. The big question? Is Gunko Brooks daughter? Honestly, the theories are flying faster than Luffy chasing a piece of meat. You’ve got people swearing up and down that Oda has finally revealed the Soul King’s tragic family secret, while others think it’s just another classic red herring. Let’s be real for a second: the relationship between Brook and Gunko is complicated. It’s not just a "yes or no" situation because, well, this is Eiichiro Oda we’re talking about. He loves a good mystery almost as much as Brook loves a good panty joke.
The Moment That Started the Chaos
Basically, the whole "Gunko is Brook's daughter" thing exploded because of a specific flashback. In the manga, right as Imu starts taking control of Gunko, she has this sudden, jarring memory. We see a silhouette of a man who looks suspiciously like Brook (the afro is a dead giveaway) hugging a little girl.
At the same time, we see a panel of a woman crying and the word "Father..." floating there.
It hits hard.
Most fans immediately jumped to the conclusion that Gunko is that little girl and Brook is the father. But is it actually that simple? Probably not. If you look at the raw Japanese text, the way she calls out "Brook" later—using his name instead of "Dad"—is kinda weird if they’re biological father and daughter.
Why the "Daughter" Theory is Popular
- The Afro Silhouette: It’s the most recognizable hair in the series. Seeing that silhouette holding a child is a huge emotional trigger.
- The Musical Connection: Gunko clearly has a thing for Brook’s music. In the middle of a battle, she stops because his soul-infused melodies strike a chord in her memory.
- The West Blue Timeline: We know Brook was the leader of a battle convoy in a "certain kingdom" before he became a pirate. Gunko is linked to the God’s Knights, who have deep ties to the history of the world nobles.
The Timeline Problem: Is She Too Young?
One of the biggest arguments against Gunko being Brook's biological daughter is the math. Brook died over 50 years ago. He was 38 when he died and spent 50 years as a skeleton. He's technically 90 now.
Gunko looks... well, she doesn't look 60.
However, this is One Piece. We’ve seen characters who don't age normally all the time. Bonney can change her age. The Gorosei and Imu seem to have some form of immortality or suspended aging. If Gunko was taken by the World Government and turned into a God’s Knight, it’s entirely possible she hasn't aged a day since the "God Valley" era.
Some fans think she was a princess of the kingdom Brook served. In that scenario, Brook wouldn't be her father, but more of a protector—a "Vivi and Pell" or "Vivi and Igaram" type of relationship. That would explain why she knows his name but doesn't call him "Father."
Could She Be Related to Captain Yorki Instead?
There's a growing camp of people who think we’re looking at the wrong Rumbar Pirate. Captain Yorki, the original leader of Brook’s crew, actually looks a bit more like Gunko in the face.
Think about it.
If Yorki had a child before he died of that nasty disease in the Calm Belt, it would still link her to Brook’s past without making Brook a "deadbeat dad" who never mentioned he had a kid. Brook’s entire motivation for 50 years was Laboon. If he had a daughter out there, wouldn't he have mentioned her at least once while he was drifting in the fog?
It seems a bit out of character for Brook to be more obsessed with a whale than his own flesh and blood.
The "Found Family" Dynamic
Oda loves the "found family" trope. Look at Nami and Bellemere, or Chopper and Hiriluk. It’s a core theme of the series.
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My personal take? Gunko was likely a child in the kingdom Brook served. He probably played music for her every day. When the World Government "God's Valley-ed" the place, she was taken, and he was forced to flee and become a pirate. To her, his music represents the last happy memories of a home that was wiped off the map.
What We Know for Sure:
- Gunko reacts specifically to Brook’s music, not just any music.
- She recognized him by name during a moment of extreme trauma.
- Brook has a "spotty" past before joining the Rumbar Pirates that Oda is finally starting to peel back.
Is Gunko Brooks Daughter? The Final Verdict (For Now)
Right now, the evidence is leaning toward a deep emotional bond rather than a biological one. While the "Brook is the father" theory is the most dramatic, it creates a lot of narrative holes. Why wouldn't he tell the Straw Hats? Why would she use his name?
It’s more likely she’s the "lost princess" of his former home.
If you're trying to keep track of this, the best thing to do is watch the God's Knights' interactions in the coming chapters. If Gunko breaks away from Imu’s influence specifically because of "Binks' Sake," then we’ll know for sure that their bond is the key to her redemption.
Next Steps for Fans:
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- Re-read Chapter 1149 and pay close attention to the background silhouettes in the flashback.
- Watch for any mention of the "Manmayer" family name in relation to Brook's old kingdom.
- Keep an eye on Brook's reaction; he's usually the comic relief, but when he gets serious about the past, Oda is usually dropping lore bombs.
The mystery isn't solved yet, but the connection is definitely real. Whether it's blood or just a shared song, Gunko and Brook are the most interesting duo in the Elbaf arc right now.