Pirates of One Piece: The Legendary Crews and Their Quest for the Grand Line’s Ultimate Treasure

Pirates are professional criminals who operate on the seas, often conducting robberies using ships. They typically lead or belong to a group known as a crew. While not the only type of criminal, pirates make up a significant portion of the world’s major bounty heads and are among the strongest opponents of the World Government and Marines. Joy Boy is considered the first pirate in history, sailing 900 years ago during the Void Century.

The English term “pirate” comes from the Latin “Pirata” and Greek “πειρατής (peiratēs),” meaning “pirate, corsair, sea-robber.” In Japanese, the word for pirate is “Kaizoku,” which consists of the kanji for “sea/ocean” (海) and “thief/robber” (賊), similar to terms like “bandit” (盗賊, tōzoku).

Overview:

In the world of One Piece, pirates are a class of people who sail the seas in search of plunder, known for their defiance of the law. They often fly a black flag with a skull atop their ship’s mast, known as the Jolly Roger. This symbolizes intimidation and is displayed on both the ship’s mast and sails. Each pirate crew designs their version of the Jolly Roger to represent their group. The Marines are known to attack ships flying this flag on sight, regardless of any specific bounty or crime associated with the crew.

In the diverse world of One Piece, pirates come in all forms. While most are male humans, there’s a wide range of representation. Women like Big Mom, Alvida, Nami, Nico Robin, and Jewelry Bonney, fish-men and merfolk from the Arlong Pirates, Sun Pirates, and New Fish-Man Pirates, giants such as Dorry, Brogy, and Sanjuan Wolf, Minks like Bepo, and even non-sapient animals like Richie and Momoo, all sail under a Jolly Roger, earning comparable reputations.

Pirates are often depicted as greedy, violent, and ruthless individuals, willing to harm innocent people and destroy property to satisfy their desires for treasure, power, or personal enjoyment. As a result, civilians typically fear and detest pirates, even if they have never encountered one in person.

Contrary to the common perception, pirates in One Piece can be divided into two distinct categories. There are those who fit the traditional stereotype, depicted as greedy, violent, and ruthless individuals. On the other hand, there are adventurers who pursue a pirate’s life for the sake of adventure or to fulfill their dreams. The Whitebeard Pirates and the Straw Hat Pirates are prime examples of the latter, prioritizing their crew above material wealth and treasure.

Despite the negative perception of pirates, some law-abiding individuals and communities romanticize or tolerate pirates to some extent:

• Foosha Village, Monkey D. Luffy’s hometown, served as a sanctuary for the Red Hair Pirates for an extended period, influencing Luffy’s childhood aspiration to become a pirate. While the village celebrates Luffy’s achievements, there are dissenting voices, notably the town’s mayor.

• Other hometowns of the Straw Hat Pirates, such as Cocoyasi Village, have shown a willingness to welcome certain pirates despite past mistreatment by other pirate groups.

• Water 7’s shipyards are open to servicing pirates as long as they pay for shipbuilding services without resorting to violence. The mayor, who owns the Galley-La Company, oversaw the construction of the Straw Hat Pirates’ ship.

• Fish-Man Island, despite the threat of pirates kidnapping merfolk and fishermen for slavery, welcomes pirates as tourists. The Whitebeard Pirates previously protected the island, and later, they were protected by Big Mom. Currently, it is under the protection of the Straw Hat Pirates.

• Skypiea, Fish-Man Island, and Dressrosa regard the Straw Hat Pirates as heroes for defeating malevolent figures who posed significant threats to their communities.

• Some communities rely on powerful pirate crews for protection against other criminals. The Whitebeard Pirates protected various territories until their dissolution, and the Beasts Pirates previously safeguarded the Wano Country under the Kurozumi shogunate. Following Kaidou’s defeat and the demise of Kurozumi Orochi, it is implied that the Kozuki Family now relies on the protection of the Straw Hat Pirates.

In general, the Marines do not actively pursue law-abiding individuals solely for aiding or associating with pirates, though exceptions are made for particularly notorious cases. They often discourage children from admiring pirates or pursuing such a career, with some undercover Marines even resorting to tormenting children to dissuade them from joining pirate crews.

Ironically, the World Government itself can indirectly push individuals towards a life of piracy or crime. For instance, Nico Robin became a criminal at a young age after the Government falsely accused her and gave her a bounty for her knowledge of the Poneglyphs. Similarly, Trafalgar Law’s traumatic experience as the sole survivor of the kingdom of Flevance, which was destroyed due to negligence by the Government, led him to pursue a life of piracy out of anger and cynicism.

Pirates are considered serious criminals by the World Government, and they are assigned bounties accordingly. The higher the pirate’s combat strength or the severity of their crimes, the higher their bounty. Captured pirates may be sent to prisons like Impel Down or subjected to public executions. While not all pirates appreciate having bounties on their heads, some take pride in the notoriety it brings, even seeking to increase their bounties by defeating other notable combatants.

Despite being enemies according to the law, there are instances where members of the World Government and Marines recognize that not all pirates are inherently evil. This complex relationship adds intrigue to the story and keeps the audience engaged. For example, Koby and Luffy share a close friendship, demonstrating mutual trust and respect despite their opposing positions. Garp, a Marine, harbors no hatred towards Roger, the Pirate King, and even receives a significant responsibility from him. The Five Elders acknowledge Shanks, one of the Four Emperors, as a pacifist who avoids causing unnecessary trouble.

The World Government often suppresses news of heroic acts performed by pirates, instead attributing such deeds to their forces. This tactic helps maintain the government’s favorable image as protectors of the people while portraying pirates as the sole perpetrators of crimes and problems. However, some poorer regions rely on pirates for protection against other threats, highlighting the irony and hypocrisy of the situation.

Occasionally, some pirates operate solo, forming single-person crews and sailing the seas alone. Examples include former Warlords Bartholomew Kuma and Dracule Mihawk.

Crew:

Pirate crews, known as “Kaizokudan,” are comprised of individuals who operate under the same Jolly Roger, each responsible for specific duties crucial to the crew’s functioning. Leadership roles within a crew include:

Captain: The highest-ranking leader who makes major decisions for the crew and often possesses the greatest combat ability and notoriety.

First Mate or Vice-Captain: Second-in-command who advises the captain, relays orders, and assumes authority in the captain’s absence. They typically have the second-greatest combat ability and notoriety.

Chief of Staff or Staff Officer: Acts as a liaison between the captain, first mate, and crew, often next in line to become captain.

Officers are elite combatants commanding lower-ranked crew members. In larger crews, officers may be divided into higher and lower ranks. Other positions include:

• Combatants: Specialize in fighting, including sworders, snipers, martial artists, and assassins.
• Navigators: Plan the ship’s course and ensure safe navigation.
• Cooks: Prepare meals to keep the crew fed.
• Doctors: Keep crewmates healthy by treating illnesses and injuries.
• Shipwrights: Maintain, repair, and upgrade the crew’s ship.
• Helmspersons: Steer the ship according to the navigator’s instructions.
• Lookouts: Keep watch for obstacles or threats.
• Musicians: Provide entertainment for the crew.
• Scholars: Conduct research and provide intellectual perspectives, including archaeologists and scientists specializing in various fields like engineering, chemistry, and biology.

In addition to the more common positions on a pirate crew, several other roles may exist, though they are less prevalent and conspicuous:

Apprentices: Often recruited at a young age, apprentices may be assigned various tasks, from menial chores to active combat roles. While they may initially hold little authority or respect, serving as an apprentice can provide valuable opportunities for skill development and recognition.

Ship Guards: These crew members specialize in protecting the ship itself, ensuring it remains undamaged and secure. They typically stay aboard the boat even when the rest of the crew is engaged in other activities or battles.

Pets: Animals that serve as companions to the crew, though some may also possess combat abilities depending on their species and training.

The recruitment process for pirate crews varies widely. Captains may set strict standards for recruits based on their strengths, skills, or other criteria. In some cases, individuals may be forcibly recruited, such as through slavery or coercion. Additionally, pirate crews may engage in the traditional pirate game known as the Davy Back Fight, where the winning captain can claim members of the losing crew as recruits.

Pirate crews are often named after their captain, either directly or through an epithet or personal motif. Some crews may be named after a common race or origin shared by their members or based on a symbol that represents the crew’s identity.

It’s not uncommon for pirate crews to pledge themselves as subordinate to a more powerful crew. While these subordinate crews remain loyal to their higher captain, they maintain a degree of independence under their leadership.

Ships:

Pirate ships are typically custom-built vessels that bear the crew’s Jolly Roger on their mainsails and flags. These ships vary in size, technology, and weaponry depending on the resources available to the crew and their ambitions. Many pirate ships are equipped with cannons for defense, though some, like the Thousand Sunny, feature additional enhancements and features.

While some pirate crews commission the construction of their ships, others may acquire vessels through theft or hijacking. Don Krieg, for example, was known for using civilian and Marine ships to launch surprise attacks. However, some crews form strong bonds with their vessels, treating them as integral members of the crew. This is especially true for ships with unique characteristics or even sentience.

Territories:

Pirate power often manifests in the acquisition of territories, ranging from small islands to entire archipelagos. Many pirates, like the Kid and Fire Tank Pirates, keep their bases hidden to evade detection.

The Seven Warlords of the Sea, famous for their strength, often gained celebrity status in the countries they operated in before the program’s dissolution. In contrast, the Four Emperors typically control significant territories, ranging from individual islands to entire archipelagos. While some pirates have ruled over territories as royals, there has yet to be a regime established solely by pirates themselves.

Categories:

Pirates can be categorized based on their power, influence, and area of operation:

Four Blues Pirates: Operating in the East Blue, West Blue, North Blue, and South Blue, these pirates are typically weaker and less notorious. The World Government has minimal presence in these seas, leaving law enforcement to low-ranking Marines.

Rookies: Pirates who venture into the first half of the Grand Line are often considered rookies and attract attention from the World Government and older pirates.

Super Rookies or Supernovas: Rookies with bounties exceeding Beli100,000,000 are deemed exceptional. Eleven powerful pirates, known as the Worst Generation, are among these Super Rookies.

Great Pirates: Pirates who establish significant reputation and influence, especially after crossing into the second half of the Grand Line, may be deemed Great Pirates. Notable examples include Shanks, Edward Newgate, Charlotte Linlin, Kaidou, and Gol D. Roger.

These categories, though informal, provide a general framework for understanding the hierarchy of pirates in the world of One Piece.

Seven Warlords:

Seven Warlords were named a group of seven powerful pirates sanctioned by the World Government. They enjoyed certain privileges, such as immunity from arrest for their pirate activities, including the freezing of their bounties. In exchange, they were expected to support the interests of the World Government, primarily by targeting other pirates and sharing a portion of their loot.

Warlords were chosen based on their strength and reputation, and they varied greatly in their abilities and methods. While some operated alone, others led full crews and even governed territories as legitimate sovereigns.

However, instances of Warlords abusing their power, such as Crocodile and Donquixote Doflamingo, led to the complete abolition of the system. The Council of Kings revoked the privileges of all existing Warlords, making them fugitives once again and reactivating their bounties. This decision was made after it was discovered that Crocodile and Doflamingo had directly undermined member kingdoms of the World Government.

Four Emperors:

The Four Emperors are a group of four highly recognized New World pirate captains who are considered the strongest pirates in the world. They hold immense power, influence, and territory in the New World, making them formidable figures in the world of piracy. The title of Emperor is granted to pirates who possess extraordinary strength, command large and powerful crews, and have a significant impact on the politics of the New World.

Typically, Emperors are known for their prowess in combat, their ability to lead notoriously strong crews, and their control over vast territories. They often have other notable pirate crews serving under them as subordinates. The Four Emperors and their subordinates are considered one of the Three Great Powers of the world, along with the Marines and the Seven Warlords of the Sea (before the abolition of the Warlord system).

The title of Fifth Emperor was unofficially given to Monkey D. Luffy by Morgans of the World Economy News Paper following his confrontation with Big Mom in Totto Land. Although this title is unofficial and unrecognized by the World Government or the Marines, Luffy officially became one of the Four Emperors after the events of the Raid on Onigashima, where he formed an alliance that defeated two other Emperors, Big Mom and Kaidou.

Each Emperor holds an extremely high bounty, exceeding one billion berries, and they are known to have accomplished impressive feats throughout their careers. They are considered to be among the most powerful and influential figures in the world of piracy, and their actions often have far-reaching consequences.