When it comes to the worst of the worst in One Piece, few groups strike as much fear (and revulsion) as the Celestial Dragons. These self-proclaimed “gods” are not only spoiled nobles, but the manipulators of the World Government, keepers of century-long secrets, and the final hindrances in the Straw Hats’ quest. And here’s the catch: not all Celestial Dragons are worthless. Some are wimps who depend on bodyguards, while others can annihilate a nation without losing their breath.
So, who actually sits at the pinnacle of this twisted hierarchy? Let’s dissect the 10 strongest Celestial Dragons in One Piece, ranging from those who hardly play by the book to the monsters that define the endgame.
10. Donquixote Rosinante
Rosinante, aka Corazon, shows us that not all Celestial Dragons are born bad. Raised by Sengoku and operating undercover as a Marine, he bore the Nagi Nagi no Mi, a Devil Fruit that would nullify all noise within a region. Though not a battlefield controller, his skill was ideal for strategy and stealth, and it eventually saved Law’s life. In contrast to the pampered, helpless nobles we tend to see, Corazon was the exception—one with actual strength and even more heart.
9. Donquixote Doflamingo
On the flip side, Doflamingo is everything people hate about Celestial Dragons dialed up to eleven. With the String-String Fruit, he turned entire kingdoms into his playground, slicing, controlling, and even flying with his razor-like threads. Add to that his rare triple-Haki skillset, and you’ve got a villain who even made Admirals tread carefully. His reign over Dressrosa showed just how much chaos one fallen Celestial Dragon could cause.
8. Garling Figarland
The Figarland name has been fueling speculation since it fell, and Garling is placed right at its core. Supreme Commander of the Holy Knights, he wields power that competes with even the Marines. What’s his claim to fame? His win at the savage Native Hunting Games at God Valley years ago. And rumor has it, he may be Shanks’ father—a twist that could flip everything we believed we knew about both clans on its head.
7. Saint Jaygarcia Saturn
Saturn was the first of the Five Elders to emerge from the shadows, and wow, did he leave a mark. His Mythical Zoan, model: Ushi Oni, turns him into a hideous, demon-like creature with terrifying abilities that overwhelm Luffy, invisible, paralyzing, and terror-inducing regeneration. His very arrival on Egghead Island upended the battlefield, showing that the Elders are a long way from being feeble old men.
6. Saint Shepherd Ju Peter
Although his powers have not been fully disclosed, Ju Peter’s designation as the Warrior God of Agriculture almost seems mundane—until you consider that he is one of the Five Elders. All signs are pointing towards another Mythical Zoan form, meaning when Oda finally lifts the veil, we can anticipate abilities just as dread as Saturn’s.
5. Saint Marcus Mars
Mars, the Environment Warrior God, has already flaunted his grotesque birdman appearance and crazy resilience—brushing aside cannonballs fired straight at him by Sabo as if they didn’t amount to anything. His appearance suggests another Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit, perhaps one with destructive air potential. If the Gorosei are supposed to reflect nature’s unadulterated power, Mars reflects it in its most destructive way.
4. Saint Topman Warcury
The Warrior God of Justice, Warcury, looks like a living natural disaster. His massive, elephantine silhouette alone signals that he’s built for raw destruction. Like the rest of the Elders, his full abilities are still a mystery, but based on what little we’ve seen, he’s the kind of opponent who can flatten battlefields just by showing up.
3. Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro
Nusjuro feels like the deadliest of the Five Elders. The God of War in the realm of finances has a humanoid form that appears to be linked with fire and divine power—and he wields the mythic Shodai Kitetsu, perhaps the most damned sword of the One Piece universe. If any of the Gorosei have a “final boss” attitude, it is him. With his mythical monster form, cursed sword techniques, and aura of danger, Nusjuro might just be a step shy of being the ruler of the world.
2. Shanks
Yeah—you heard me right. The well-loved red-haired Yonko is more than a pirate; he is connected to the Celestial Dragon lineage by way of the Figarland clan. Adopted by Roger after being discovered at God Valley, Shanks forged his own destiny and became one of the most powerful characters in existence. Whether or not he accepts his noble status, being a Yonko and a Celestial Dragon, makes him one of the largest wild cards in the entire series.
1. Imu Nerona
At the pinnacle is Imu, the dark lord who controls the world behind the throne. They were regarded as little more than a myth for years. Then we witnessed their abilities in action— leveling the landscape with supernatural arrows, burning fire, and holding the enigmatic Motherflame weapon. Imu is the very personification of pure power in One Piece, the ultimate challenge between Luffy’s fantasy and reality. Their real form and intentions remain concealed, but here’s one certain thing: Imu is the strongest Celestial Dragon in existence.
From tragic heroes such as Rosinante to nightmare fuel such as Imu, the Celestial Dragons represent the entire gamut of power and personality. And as the Final Saga hurtles ahead, it’s becoming clear that said so-called “gods” will be the focus of the wars which determine the world’s fate.