Does Buggy deserve to become the Four Emperors?

In the latest chapter of One Piece, the World Government has officially declared Buggy and Luffy as the new Four Emperors, replacing the positions held by Big Mom and Kaido. It’s understandable, considering Luffy’s triumph over Kaido. However, Buggy, absent in the Wano arc, without defeating Big Mom, and lacking a high bounty like Law, Kid, or Luffy, raises questions about his worthiness. Let’s unravel the mystery with insights from One Piece World!

Who is Buggy?

In One Piece, Buggy appears as the captain of the Buggy Pirates and was Luffy’s first adversary (anime episode 5). Oda later revealed that this clown was also the leader of the Buggy and Alvida Alliance, previously a crew member on Gol D. Roger’s ship.

During the Summit War at Marineford, he aided Luffy multiple times, despite initial animosity. After successfully recruiting all Impel Down prisoners under his command, Buggy became a Shichibukai. However, this title was short-lived as the Shichibukai system dissolved. Following Kaido and Big Mom’s downfall, Buggy gained recognition as a New Four Emperor alongside Blackbeard, Shanks, and Luffy.

View more: One Piece Luffy: Everything you need to know

Analysis of Buggy’s True Strength

Buggy’s “soft” power is remarkably cunning, especially as captain of the Buggy Pirates. This escalated significantly in the Impel Down arc when he successfully freed high-bounty prisoners from under Impel Down (anime episode 423). These revered prisoners, respecting his connection to Roger’s crew, willingly followed him.

Whitebeard believed that Buggy’s new forces could disrupt his plan to save Portgas D. Ace, prompting an alliance during the Marineford Summit War.

Buggy’s ties to Roger’s crew amplify his influence among pirates. The World Government acknowledged this, granting him the title of Shichibukai. Buggy leverages this position to lead Buggy’s Delivery, a formidable mercenary organization with giants from Elbaf. However, losing the Shichibukai title makes Buggy an enemy of the World Government, restricting his activities.

Sly and “Lucky”

While Buggy lacks the combat prowess of his counterparts, he displays resilience. Surviving the Grand Line’s perils and battles against powerful foes like the Golden Lion Pirates and Whitebeard’s crew, Buggy, despite his perceived cowardice, proved tenacious. His survival during major events like Impel Down and Marineford, often due to avoiding direct combat, is notable.

Buggy’s most potent weapon is his cunning. Devising plans to surprise opponents with his weapons and Devil Fruit powers, he outmaneuvered foes like Zoro and Luffy. As an adept inventor, he created powerful explosives like Buggy Balls and Muggy Balls.

An opportunist, Buggy exploits others to navigate challenges. In Impel Down, he freed prisoners to swell his ranks, orchestrating chaos. When identified as a former Roger pirate, Buggy skillfully used this to shape his image.

Buggy’s Devil Fruit and Abilities

He consumed the Bara Bara no Mi, a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit allowing him to disassemble and reassemble his body at will. Besides his legs, Buggy can make other body parts fly independently, controlling them electrically. High-speed projections of body parts enable long-range attacks, and even separated parts remain connected.

Moreover, he feels pain on detached fragments, showcasing a unique connection. His Devil Fruit grants strategic advantages, avoiding slashing and cutting attacks.

Buggy’s Formidable Crew

Initially perceived as weak after Muggy’s defeat by the Straw Hat Pirates (then with only 3 members), Buggy’s crew evolved, recruiting powerful members. Buggy’s Delivery became a reputable force, aligning with giants and former members of Doflamingo’s crew.

Reasons for Buggy Becoming a Four Emperor

Post-War Reputation: Buggy’s reputation soared after the Impel Down and Marineford events, making him a recognized and influential figure.

Buggy’s Dominance in the New World: Following Kaido and Big Mom’s fall, Buggy’s Delivery attracted formidable pirates, making them a force comparable to the Straw Hat Pirates.

Underworld Influence: With Doflamingo’s downfall, Buggy’s Delivery expanded its underworld influence, offering services previously monopolized by Doflamingo.

Roger’s Legendary Crew Connection: Buggy’s past as a Roger pirate and Shanks’ friend, coupled with widespread misconceptions, contributed to his legendary reputation.

Oda’s Foreshadowing: Oda hinted at the New Four Emperors through an illustration in volume 25, featuring Luffy, Blackbeard, Shanks, and Buggy. This foreshadowing now unfolds with Buggy’s unexpected rise.

In conclusion, Buggy’s ascent to the New Four Emperors is a result of a myriad of factors, blending reputation, strategic cunning, underworld influence, and connections to Roger’s crew. While lacking in direct combat prowess, Buggy’s influence and unexpected resilience make him a force to be reckoned with in the ever-evolving world of One Piece. The New Four Emperors, including Buggy, are poised to reshape the New World in ways yet to unfold.