In One Piece, the Seven Warlords of the Sea, known as the Shichibukai, are a government-established organization tasked with overseeing and capturing pirate gangs. Referred to as the Shichibukai (full name: Oka Shichibukai), meaning “seven royal warriors of the sea,” this group is pivotal in the world of One Piece. Let’s delve into the intricacies of the Shichibukai with One Piece World.
1. Overview of the Shichibukai in One Piece
1.1 What is the Shichibukai?
In One Piece, Shichibukai is an alliance of seven formidable pirate captains. Unlike pirates pursued by the World Government, it openly collaborate with and work for the Government. They stand as one of the three major powerhouses, shaping the landscape of One Piece.
Despite being allies with the Government, Shichibukai members show little concern or respect for the organization. They often disregard and disdain other members within the group.
In the world of One Piece, the Marines view the Shichibukai as pirates, while other pirate groups scornfully refer to them as “government lapdogs.” Nevertheless, the strength and reputation of these seven pirates instill fear and garner respect.
1.2 Becoming a Shichibukai
A pirate can become a Shichibukai if one of the seven positions within the organization is vacant. To join the Shichibukai, a candidate must prove their strength by defeating other pirates and commit to being loyal to the Government.
1.3 Duties of the Shichibukai
Members of the Shichibukai undertake various tasks assigned by the Government. However, their primary responsibility is to monitor pirate gangs and help maintain balance in the world. They are authorized to attack other pirates and are required to contribute a portion of their plundered wealth to the Government. However, they often disregard these obligations.
In general, the Shichibukai serve as the Government’s allies. In times of war, they cooperate with the Marines, even though the relationship between the two sides is far from amicable.
1.4 Benefits of Being a Shichibukai
Upon becoming a Shichibukai, past criminal activities are forgiven, and arrest warrants are nullified. Members of this organization are government-protected, allowing them the freedom to engage in business or bounty hunting.
Moreover, a Shichibukai has access to invaluable resources that normal individuals or pirate groups are forbidden to touch. Some Shichibukai members exploit these privileges and the Government’s leniency to pursue their personal agendas.
2. Who are the Shichibukai?
Dracule Mihawk: Known for his supreme swordsmanship, Mihawk is the first Shichibukai introduced in the One Piece series. He mentors Zoro during the Timeskip.
Bartholomew Kuma: Formerly a king of Sorbet Kingdom and a revolutionary army member, Kuma is now a slave for the Celestial Dragons.
Boa Hancock: The only female member of the Shichibukai, Boa Hancock rules the Kuja tribe with her two sisters. She is known as the “Snake Princess” of Amazon Lily.
Buggy: A former apprentice of Gol D. Roger, Buggy establishes his own pirate crew, the “Buggy Delivery,” after the Battle of Marineford.
Edward Weevil: Claiming to be the son of Edward Newgate, Weevil is exceptionally powerful and resembles a young Whitebeard.
Crocodile: Former leader of the mysterious criminal organization Baroque Works, Crocodile possesses the Sand-Sand Fruit, a Logia-type Devil Fruit.
Jinbe: A former Shichibukai, Jinbe is also the ex-captain of the Sun Pirates and currently a member of the Straw Hat Pirates.
Marshall D. Teach: Also known as Blackbeard, Teach is the only person known to possess two Devil Fruit powers simultaneously.
Gekko Moriah: Captain of Thriller Bark, Moriah controls shadows using the Shadow-Shadow Fruit (Kage Kage no Mi).
Trafalgar Law: Captain and doctor of the Heart Pirates, Law wields the powers of the Op-Op Fruit (Ope Ope no Mi), allowing him to manipulate anything within a spherical zone.
Viewmore: Trafalgar Law One Piece: Biography and 15 Interesting Facts
Donquixote Doflamingo: Also known as the Heavenly Demon, Doflamingo possesses the powers of the String-String Fruit (Ito Ito no Mi), enabling him to create and control threads.
3. Ranking the Strength of the Shichibukai
1. Blackbeard – Marshall D. Teach: The only individual known to possess two Devil Fruits, Blackbeard wields the powers of the Dark-Dark Fruit (Yami Yami no Mi) and the Quake-Quake Fruit (Gura Gura no Mi).
2. Dracule Mihawk: Renowned for his unparalleled swordsmanship, Mihawk is considered the greatest swordsman in the world.
3. Donquixote Doflamingo: Controlling strings with the String-String Fruit, Doflamingo has versatile and deadly abilities.
4. Boa Hancock: With the powers of the Love-Love Fruit (Mero Mero no Mi), Hancock can turn those with lustful desires into stone.
5. Edward Weevil: Possessing strength comparable to a young Whitebeard, Weevil is a formidable force.
6. Trafalgar Law: Using the powers of the Op-Op Fruit, Law can manipulate and transport anything within his designated sphere.
7. Jinbe: As a Fish-Man, Jinbe excels both on land and underwater. He is particularly effective against Devil Fruit users in water.
8. Bartholomew Kuma: With the Paw-Paw Fruit (Nikyu Nikyu no Mi), Kuma can repel anything he touches and create powerful shockwave spheres.
9. Crocodile: Controlling sand with the Sand-Sand Fruit (Suna Suna no Mi), Crocodile is a formidable Logia-type Devil Fruit user.
10. Gekko Moriah: Manipulating shadows with the Shadow-Shadow Fruit (Kage Kage no Mi), Moriah can create an army of zombies.
11. Buggy: Possessing the Chop-Chop Fruit (Bara Bara no Mi), Buggy can separate his body into pieces and control them at will.
In conclusion, the Shichibukai, with their diverse abilities and notorious reputations, play a crucial role in the ever-evolving world of One Piece. Despite the dissolution of the organization after the Battle of Marineford, their legacy continues to resonate in the Grand Line. Through this article, we hope you’ve gained insights into what the Shichibukai are and who among them stands as the mightiest.