The expansive world of One Piece is ruled by multiple clashing major forces. There are the Four Emperors on the side of the pirates, the Revolutionary Army and the Marines on the law-abiding side. There are also existences like the Seven Warlords of the Sea, who used to serve the Marines, and the pirates of the Worst Generation, who continuously gain notoriety as time goes on. Despite the series' decades-long tenure, there are still figures that are yet to be fully explored -- like the Five Elders.
The Five Elders have been making frequent appearances lately, such as in a scene that teased a legendary Devil Fruit's existence. The Elders were seen discussing the tumultuous war raging in Wano. One Elder proposed that the war is an opportunity to get rid of anyone they find is an inconvenience, since the murder could easily be disguised as a war casualty. Furthermore, they stationed a fleet of marine ships to act once Nico Robin was captured. The most shocking thing in the scene, however, was the revelation of a Devil Fruit that was given another name. It was said to be terrifying enough that it had to be removed from the annals of history. This rouses the question: Just how much influence do the Five Elders hold?
The Five Elders are the top known figures in the World Government. They have the Marines at their beck and call, and they also have the greatest influence over the law-abiding parts of the world. The only character above them is the mysterious Imu, who is said to be the sole sovereign of the World Government. While their individual battle prowess is yet to be revealed, the Five Elders have supreme military might given their control over the Marines, Cipher Pol and even Seven Warlords of the Sea -- before the system was abolished.
It is unknown how their existence came into being as well as how they assumed their role. The series has only revealed that they are a council of the highest-ranking Celestial Dragons. Despite their status, they don't don the familiar full-body suits or astronaut-like helmets nor do they deem themselves worlds above everybody else, evidenced by the fact that they've shown respect towards Shanks. They've also only been shown within the confines of the Room of Authority, inside the Pangaea Castle, where they meet people they've granted an audience.
Like typical political tyrants, their primary duty resides in making sure the World Government's image remains pristine, while also eliminating its enemies: pirates. They've gone as far as obliterating an entire island of scholars simply because they conducted research related to the Void Century. Nico Robin, the only survivor of the Ohara massacre, remains wanted by the World Government largely in order to keep the events during the infamously erased century under the rug. They also ensured that multiple scandals -- like Gecko Moria's defeat and the Impel Down grand escape -- wouldn't reach the masses' ears.
Even though a lot of information about the Five Elders remains a mystery at this point, their identities are slowly being unveiled. It is reasonable to assume that they will be more active henceforth, especially since One Piece is already gearing towards its inevitable end.
