Listen, I’ve been following One Piece for years now, and just when I think Eiichiro Oda can’t surprise me anymore, he drops something that makes me question everything I thought I knew. The latest chapter cover art featuring Saint Gunko of the Manmayer Family has sent the fandom into absolute chaos, and honestly? I’m right there with everyone else, losing my mind over what this could mean for Buggy the Clown.
The Cover Art That Started It All
When I first saw the colored illustration of Saint Gunko in the recent One Piece volume release, my jaw literally dropped. There she was, this mysterious World Noble and member of the Knights of God, sporting the exact same shade of blue hair that Buggy’s rocked since day one. Now, I know what you’re thinking “It’s just hair color, come on”—but in Oda’s world, there’s no such thing as coincidence.
Saint Gunko was introduced during the Elbaf arc, and she’s already made waves by appearing in flashbacks to the God Valley Incident that happened 38 years ago. The way Oda drew her, the expressions she makes, even her mannerisms they all gave me serious Buggy vibes from the moment she showed up on the page.
What We Know About Saint Gunko So Far?
Here’s where things get really interesting. Initially, when Gunko first appeared in the weekly Shonen Jump chapters, Oda didn’t give her the “Saint” title or mention her family name. That alone had me and thousands of other fans creating theories left and right. Was she not actually a Celestial Dragon? Did she have some secret origin?
But then Volume 112 dropped in Japan, and Oda made a crucial correction. Gunko’s full title is Saint Gunko of the Manmayer Family. She’s officially confirmed as a World Noble, which should’ve put all those theories to rest, right? Wrong. If anything, it made the Buggy connection even stronger.
The Manmayer Family is one of the original twenty royal families who became Celestial Dragons after the Void Century. We’ve only seen one other Manmayer before—a sadistic woman who participated in the horrific Native Hunting Competition at God Valley alongside Saint Figarland Garling. The resemblance between that woman and Gunko is uncanny, and both share that distinctive blue hair.
The Manmayer-Buggy Theory Explained
Alright, so here’s where my brain really started working overtime. The theory that’s making rounds in the community right now suggests that Buggy might actually be connected to the Manmayer bloodline—or possibly even more significant bloodlines in the One Piece world.
Think about it. We’ve always joked about Buggy’s insane luck and his ability to fail upward spectacularly. The guy started as a cabin boy on Roger’s ship, got defeated by Luffy in Orange Town, and somehow ended up becoming one of the Four Emperors. That’s not just luck—that’s cosmic intervention levels of fortunate.
Some fans are theorizing that Buggy could be tied to Imu’s lineage or connected to the ancient bloodlines like the Nefertaris and the D. Clan. The wildest theory I’ve heard? That Rocks D. Xebec might’ve had a child with a Nefertari descendant, making Buggy the product of two incredibly powerful, opposing bloodlines.
I mean, when you look at Buggy’s natural charisma and his unexplainable ability to gather followers, it starts making sense. Mihawk himself compared Buggy’s mysterious influence to Luffy’s ability to turn enemies into allies. That’s not something you can just chalk up to being a lucky clown.
Buggy’s Journey: From Joke to Potential King
Let me take you through Buggy’s absolutely bonkers rise to power, because when you lay it all out, it’s genuinely insane.
The Early Days:
- Trained on Gol D. Roger’s ship alongside Shanks
- Witnessed the Pirate King reach Laugh Tale (though he got sick before making it himself)
- Has knowledge about the Will of D. and the true history
The Middle Years:
- Got his ass handed to him by rookie Luffy in the East Blue
- Somehow ended up in Impel Down
- Escaped during the greatest prison break in history
- Participated in the Marineford War and gained worldwide recognition
The Rise to Power:
- Became a Warlord of the Sea
- Founded Buggy’s Delivery, a pirate mercenary organization
- After the Warlord system was abolished, became the figurehead of Cross Guild
- Rose to the status of Emperor of the Sea
And now? He’s openly declared he’s going after the One Piece treasure. With Crocodile and Mihawk backing him (even if they think they’re using him), Buggy’s in a position where he could actually make it to Laugh Tale.
The Blue Hair Connection: More Than Meets the Eye
I’ve rewatched and reread Buggy’s appearances so many times now, and that blue hair has always stood out. In the world of One Piece, where Oda uses visual storytelling to drop hints years in advance, nothing is accidental.
Gunko’s blue hair matching Buggy’s isn’t just a cute Easter egg. Combined with her appearance at God Valley 38 years ago (right around the time Buggy would’ve been born), it creates a timeline that’s too convenient to ignore.
Plus, there’s the whole mystery around Buggy’s surname. We’ve never learned his full name or family background. For a character who’s been around since literally the second arc of One Piece, that’s a glaring omission. Oda’s hiding something, and I’m convinced it’s connected to this Manmayer revelation.
Why This Theory Actually Makes Sense?
Look, I know One Piece theories can get absolutely wild. I’ve seen people theorize that Buggy’s Devil Fruit is actually a “Luck-Luck” fruit in disguise, similar to how Luffy’s Gomu Gomu no Mi turned out to be the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika. And honestly? Given Oda’s track record of long-term storytelling, nothing seems too far-fetched anymore.
Consider these key points that support the Buggy-Manmayer connection:
1. The God Valley Timeline
God Valley happened 38 years before the current timeline. Buggy’s age lines up perfectly with someone who could’ve been born around that incident. The God Valley event involved Rocks D. Xebec, Gol D. Roger, Monkey D. Garp, and numerous Celestial Dragons—including the Manmayer Family member we saw.
2. Buggy’s Mysterious Past
Roger found Buggy and Shanks as babies in a treasure chest at God Valley. We’ve never gotten the full story about how they ended up there or who their parents were. With Shanks now revealed to be related to the Figarland Family, it makes sense that Buggy would also have significant heritage.
3. The Hereditary Factor
In One Piece, bloodlines matter. The Will of D., the Celestial Dragons, the ancient kingdoms—everything circles back to lineage and inherited will. Buggy having noble blood would explain why fate seems to constantly push him toward greatness despite his best efforts to just hunt treasure.
4. Oda’s Foreshadowing History
This is a mangaka who planned Sanji’s backstory decades in advance. Who dropped hints about Luffy’s true Devil Fruit for over 1000 chapters. Who’s been weaving this intricate tapestry of connections since chapter one. When Oda gives two characters the same distinctive physical trait and similar mannerisms, it’s deliberate.
The Cross Guild Connection
Right now, Buggy’s leading (or being used as the face of) Cross Guild alongside Crocodile and Mihawk. These are two former Warlords who are absolutely not to be messed with. Yet somehow, Buggy’s the one the world sees as their leader.
If the Manmayer-Buggy theory holds water, this dynamic becomes even more interesting. Imagine if Crocodile and Mihawk discover that their clown figurehead is actually from one of the most powerful families in the world. The power dynamics would shift completely.
Plus, Cross Guild’s stated goal is now to pursue the One Piece. Buggy declared this openly, despite Crocodile and Mihawk’s initial reluctance. What if Buggy’s unconscious connection to his heritage is driving him toward a destiny he doesn’t even fully understand yet?
Why Fans Are Taking This Seriously Now?
You might be wondering why this particular theory is gaining so much traction. After all, we’ve had Buggy theories for years. The difference now is the accumulation of evidence and Oda’s pattern of turning jokes into serious plot points.
Remember when everyone laughed at the idea of Buggy becoming a Warlord? Then it happened. When people joked about him becoming an Emperor? That happened too. Oda has consistently taken the most absurd possible outcome for Buggy and made it canon.
The author himself has stated that Buggy is one of his favorite characters. When a creator loves a character that much, they usually have big plans for them. And what could be bigger than revealing that the series’ biggest joke character is actually connected to the world’s most powerful families?
The Oda Factor: Turning Jokes Into Destiny
One of the things I love most about One Piece is how Oda blurs the line between comedy and serious storytelling. Buggy’s entire character has been this balancing act between being genuinely incompetent and somehow always landing on his feet.
But what if it’s all been building to something massive? What if every joke, every lucky break, every impossible survival has been Oda laying the groundwork for a revelation that recontextualizes Buggy’s entire existence?
Think about some of Oda’s other major reveals:
- Luffy’s Devil Fruit being a Mythical Zoan tied to Joy Boy
- Shanks being connected to the Figarland Family
- The Five Elders being ancient beings with transformation abilities
- Vegapunk’s revelation about the world once being whole
Each of these seemed impossible or too wild until Oda made them canon. The Buggy theory follows the same pattern.
What This Means for the Final Saga?
We’re in the Final Saga of One Piece now, and every chapter brings us closer to answers we’ve been waiting decades for. If Buggy really is connected to the Manmayer Family or other significant bloodlines, it would tie together so many loose threads.
It would explain:
- Why Roger kept him around despite his weakness
- Why he survived every major conflict he’s been in
- Why the World Government hasn’t taken more aggressive action against him
- Why fate keeps pushing him toward the One Piece
Moreover, it would add incredible depth to his relationship with Shanks. Two boys found together at God Valley, each connected to powerful World Noble families, but choosing completely different paths. Shanks embraced his heritage (at least partially), while Buggy rejected everything about nobility and became a pirate’s pirate.
The Symbolic Importance
Beyond the plot implications, there’s something beautifully thematic about Buggy potentially having this heritage. One Piece has always been about inherited will, about people transcending their origins, and about how destiny and freedom intertwine.
If Buggy—the clown, the coward, the guy who just wants to find treasure and live comfortably—turns out to be connected to the most oppressive system in the One Piece world, it creates incredible narrative tension. He would embody the rejection of predetermined fate better than almost any other character.
Luffy rejects the World Government’s authority through direct confrontation and liberation. Buggy would be rejecting it through his very existence—choosing to be a free pirate despite being born into chains of nobility.
The Competition for One Piece
Here’s something that’s been nagging at me: Buggy has openly declared he’s going after the One Piece. Luffy’s going for it. Blackbeard’s making his moves. Shanks is involved somehow. What if the final race to Laugh Tale becomes a competition between these four, with Buggy being the dark horse nobody sees coming?
Imagine the poetry of it—the two boys from God Valley, Shanks and Buggy, reaching Laugh Tale at the same time as Luffy and Blackbeard. The inherited wills of Roger, Rocks, Whitebeard, and the ancient bloodlines all converging at the place where the truth was buried.
And if Buggy’s the one who actually reaches it first through sheer dumb luck and circumstances aligning perfectly? That would be the most One Piece thing ever.
Other Supporting Evidence
Let me throw some more observations at you that have been circling in my head:
The Name “Buggy”: We don’t know his full name. In One Piece, when Oda hides a character’s full name, it’s always significant. We went over 1000 chapters thinking Luffy’s dad was just some revolutionary, not knowing about his D. initial’s true meaning.
His Reaction to Roger’s Death: Buggy cried when Roger was executed, but his emotional response always seemed deeper than just losing a captain. What if he knew more about his own connection to the world’s power structures?
The Bara Bara no Mi: His Devil Fruit lets him split apart and survive anything. Thematically, it could represent being split from his true identity or heritage. Plus, the theory about it actually being a Luck manipulation fruit gains weight if he’s connected to ancient powers.
His Relationship with Shanks: These two have been parallels since the beginning. If Shanks is revealed to be a Figarland, and Buggy turns out to be a Manmayer, their rivalry takes on new dimensions. They’re not just former crewmates—they’re two sides of the same coin.
What Happens Next?
The Elbaf arc is still ongoing, and we’re getting more revelations about the God Valley incident with each chapter. Gunko’s role in the story is clearly not finished, and her connection to Brook suggests Oda’s building toward something big.
My prediction? We’re going to get a God Valley flashback that reveals the truth about both Shanks’s and Buggy’s origins. We’ll see how they ended up in that treasure chest, who their parents were, and why Roger chose to take them in.
And when that reveal comes, I think the entire fandom is going to lose it. Because if there’s one thing Oda excels at, it’s taking our expectations and flipping them upside down while still making perfect sense in hindsight.
The Community’s Reaction
I’ve been browsing forums, Reddit threads, and Twitter discussions about this theory, and the community is split in the best way possible. Some people think it’s too wild, too much of a reach. Others, like me, are seeing the patterns and getting increasingly convinced.
The beauty of One Piece theories is that even the “crazy” ones often have merit. This community has successfully predicted major plot points years in advance because Oda leaves breadcrumbs for those paying attention.
Whether you believe the Manmayer-Buggy theory or not, you have to admit the blue hair connection is suspicious. Add in all the other factors—the timeline, the God Valley connection, Buggy’s unexplained heritage, his impossible luck—and a picture starts forming.
Personal Take: Why I’m Convinced
I’ll be honest with you when I first heard this theory, I was skeptical. I’ve seen hundreds of One Piece theories over the years, and most of them end up being way off base. But the more I’ve researched, the more I’ve reread relevant chapters, the more convinced I’ve become.
Oda doesn’t do anything by accident. The colored cover art showing Gunko’s blue hair wasn’t a random choice. The fact that we still don’t know Buggy’s full name after 1000+ chapters isn’t an oversight. The parallel between finding Shanks and Buggy at God Valley and now revealing Gunko was there too isn’t coincidence.
This theory fits Oda’s storytelling style perfectly. It’s absurd enough to seem impossible, but logical enough to work. It turns the series’ biggest joke into the series’ biggest payoff. And most importantly, it gives Buggy a role in the endgame that goes beyond comic relief.
The Bigger Picture
Let’s zoom out for a second. One Piece is a story about inherited will, about how the past shapes the present, about how people born into certain circumstances can choose to forge their own paths. Every major character has a backstory that ties into these themes.
Luffy inherited Roger’s will but isn’t his descendant. Ace was Roger’s son but rejected his father’s name. Blackbeard might be a Rocks descendant. Shanks has Figarland blood but became a pirate. The pattern is clear bloodline doesn’t determine destiny, but it does create interesting tensions and conflicts.
Buggy being connected to the Manmayer Family would complete this thematic circle. He’d be someone born into the most oppressive system in the world who chose to be a free pirate, someone who could’ve had everything handed to him but instead earned his place through being in the right place at the right time (over and over again).
Fan Theories Getting Wild
Since the cover art dropped, fan theories have gone absolutely nuclear. Here are some of the wildest ones I’ve seen:
- Buggy is Imu’s Secret Heir: Some fans think Buggy might be directly related to Imu, the shadow ruler of the world. It’s out there, but given Imu’s mysterious nature, who knows?
- The Bara Bara no Mi is an Ancient Weapon: This theory suggests Buggy’s Devil Fruit is one of the ancient weapons in disguise, which would explain why the World Government has never seriously pursued him.
- Buggy Will Accidentally Become Pirate King: The ultimate joke theory—that Buggy will stumble into Laugh Tale first and become Pirate King without even trying, fulfilling Roger’s legacy in the most unexpected way.
- The Cross Guild Will Find One Piece: Some think Crocodile and Mihawk actually know about Buggy’s heritage and are using him to access places and information they couldn’t reach otherwise.
While these theories range from plausible to completely bonkers, they all share one thing: they take Buggy seriously as a player in the endgame, not just comic relief.
Timeline Analysis: Putting the Pieces Together
Let me break down the timeline because it’s crucial to understanding this theory:
| Event | Years Ago | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| God Valley Incident | 38 years | Rocks Pirates defeated; Celestial Dragons present including Manmayer Family member |
| Roger finds Shanks & Buggy | ~38 years | Two babies found in a treasure chest at God Valley |
| Roger’s Execution | 24 years | Buggy goes independent |
| Buggy vs Luffy | 2 years | Defeated in East Blue |
| Marineford War | 2 years | Gains worldwide fame |
| Becomes Warlord | ~1.5 years | Legitimized by World Government |
| Becomes Emperor | Current | Cross Guild formation |
The timing of Roger finding the babies right after God Valley isn’t coincidence. Something happened during that incident that resulted in Shanks and Buggy being left there, and Gunko’s presence at the same event creates a direct connection.
What We Need to Watch For?
As the Elbaf arc continues, here are the key things I’m watching for that could confirm or deny this theory:
- More Gunko Backstory: Any flashbacks showing her past or family connections
- Buggy’s Full Name Reveal: If Oda finally tells us his complete name, it could blow this theory wide open
- God Valley Details: More information about what happened during the incident, especially involving the Celestial Dragons
- Cross Guild’s Next Moves: Whether Buggy’s leadership becomes more genuine or if his heritage is revealed
- Imu’s Connection: Any scenes showing Imu’s interest in or knowledge of Buggy
The Endgame Implications
If this theory proves true, it fundamentally changes how we view Buggy’s role in One Piece’s endgame. He wouldn’t just be comic relief or a lucky fool—he’d be a genuine contender with legitimate connections to the world’s power structures.
It would also tie into the larger theme of the Final War that’s been building. The conflict between the World Government and those seeking freedom isn’t just ideological—it’s personal, rooted in bloodlines and ancient grudges spanning centuries.
Buggy, caught between his noble heritage and pirate identity, could become a pivotal figure in that conflict. Not through strength or leadership, but through his very existence challenging the structures both sides represent.
Why the Cover Art Matters?
Cover art in One Piece isn’t just decoration—Oda uses it to drop hints, showcase character connections, and foreshadow future events. The decision to color Gunko’s hair blue in the official artwork was deliberate.
Color is one of the tools manga artists use to distinguish characters and create visual connections. In a black-and-white medium, colored spreads carry extra weight. When Oda chose to emphasize Gunko’s blue hair, matching Buggy’s iconic look, he was telling us to pay attention.
This isn’t the first time Oda’s used visual cues to hint at connections. Remember how similar Shanks and the Five Elders looked before the Figarland revelation? Or how Luffy’s gear forms started resembling Joy Boy’s silhouette? Oda plants these seeds years in advance.
The Meta Narrative
Here’s what really gets me about this theory—it’s pure Oda. The man loves subverting expectations while maintaining internal logic. Making Buggy, of all characters, secretly important to the world’s power structures is exactly the kind of twist he’d pull.
One Piece has always been about challenging assumptions. The Navy isn’t purely good, pirates aren’t purely evil, Devil Fruits aren’t what we thought, and the world’s history is a lie. Revealing that the clown we’ve been laughing at for 25+ years is actually connected to ancient noble bloodlines? That’s perfectly on-brand.
My Final Thoughts
Look, I could be completely wrong about this. The Manmayer-Buggy connection might just be a coincidence, and Gunko’s blue hair might not mean anything special. But I’ve been following One Piece long enough to know that Oda doesn’t do “just because.”
Every detail matters in this story. Every character has a purpose. And Buggy has been too consistently lucky, too persistently important, and too carefully kept alive through impossible situations for it all to be random chance.
The new cover art isn’t just bringing back an old theory—it’s adding fuel to a fire that’s been smoldering since we first learned about God Valley. With each new chapter, more pieces fall into place, and the picture they’re forming is wild.
Whether Buggy ends up being a Manmayer, connected to Imu, descended from Rocks D. Xebec, or something else entirely, I’m confident Oda has a plan. And when that plan is finally revealed, it’s going to recontextualize everything we thought we knew about the series’ favorite punching bag.
Until then, I’ll be here, rewatching episodes, rereading chapters, and losing my mind over every new piece of evidence that drops. Because if there’s one thing One Piece has taught me, it’s that the wildest theories sometimes end up being true.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Saint Gunko in One Piece?
Saint Gunko of the Manmayer Family is a World Noble and member of the Knights of God who was introduced during the Elbaf arc. She’s a powerful combatant who can wield the Arrow-Arrow Fruit and has connections to both the God Valley Incident and Brook’s past. Volume 112 confirmed her full title and family affiliation.
What is the Manmayer-Buggy theory?
The Manmayer-Buggy theory suggests that Buggy the Clown might be connected to the Manmayer Family bloodline based on their matching blue hair and timeline connections to the God Valley Incident. Some versions of the theory propose he could be related to Saint Gunko or descended from powerful ancient bloodlines, explaining his inexplicable luck and rise to Emperor status.
Why does the blue hair connection matter?
In One Piece, Oda deliberately uses visual traits to hint at character connections and bloodlines. The matching blue hair between Buggy and Saint Gunko, combined with their connections to God Valley, suggests a deeper relationship. Oda has previously used similar visual cues to foreshadow major revelations like the Figarland-Shanks connection.
What happened at God Valley 38 years ago?
The God Valley Incident was a major event where the Rocks Pirates fought against Gol D. Roger and Marine Vice Admiral Garp. Multiple Celestial Dragon families, including the Manmayers and Figarlands, were present. After the battle, Roger found baby Shanks and Buggy in a treasure chest at the island. The full details remain mysterious.
Is Buggy really going to become Pirate King?
While it sounds absurd, Buggy has openly declared his intention to pursue the One Piece treasure and has the backing of Cross Guild (including Crocodile and Mihawk). Given his pattern of failing upward and achieving impossible feats through luck, some fans genuinely believe he could stumble into becoming Pirate King, especially if the Manmayer theory holds true.
How does this theory tie into the Final Saga?
If Buggy has noble heritage, it adds another layer to the Final War brewing between the World Government and freedom-seekers. He’d represent someone born into oppression who chose freedom, creating interesting parallels with Luffy and Shanks. It could also explain why fate keeps pushing him toward the One Piece despite his lack of strength.
What evidence supports the Buggy-Manmayer connection?
Key evidence includes: matching blue hair with Saint Gunko, Roger finding him at God Valley where the Manmayer Family was present, his unknown full name/heritage, his impossible luck and survival rate, his natural charisma compared to Luffy’s mysterious influence by Mihawk, and Oda’s pattern of making Buggy’s “jokes” into serious plot points.
When will we know if this theory is true?
The Elbaf arc is ongoing and heavily focused on God Valley flashbacks and the Knights of God. As Oda continues revealing information about this era and these characters, we should get more clarity about Buggy’s origins. Many fans expect a major reveal during or after the complete God Valley flashback sequence.