In the captivating universe of One Piece, where unwavering loyalty and deep-seated friendships transcend boundaries, the narrative deftly weaves moments of heartache. Eiichiro Oda’s epic saga of pirates, freedom, and the weight of legacy is replete with legendary battles and poignant farewells. Yet, it’s the betrayals that leave an indelible mark, reshaping our perceptions and the very fabric of the story.
The surprises that elicit gasps of astonishment, twists that disrupt the flow of the story, and redefine characters are plentiful. Some betrayals are executed with calculated precision, while others unfold in moments of chaos. Nonetheless, each act of treachery alters narrative arcs, disrupts established relationships, and transforms our understanding of the One Piece world.
Join us as we explore the most impactful betrayals from the Grand Line, instances that shattered our trust, twisted the narrative, and demonstrated that in One Piece, allegiances can be paper-thin.
7 Apoo Betrays Kid and Sides with Kaido
The Beat That Dropped Like a Bomb
Before the chaotic events of the Onigashima Raid, Eustass Kid, Killer, Basil Hawkins, and Scratchmen Apoo appeared as a powerful coalition known as the “Worst Generation’s own Pirate Union.”Their ambitious plan aimed to overthrow a Yonko—bold and reckless, similar to the characters involved.
However, once they entered Wano, the alliance started to crumble. In a shocking turn, Apoo betrayed Kid and Killer as they approached Kaido’s lair, revealing his long-standing alliance with the Beast Pirates.
This treachery transcended a mere opportunistic betrayal; Apoo had been feeding Kaido intelligence for an extended period. By the time Kid and Killer comprehended the gravity of their situation, it was too late—Kaido descended upon them from above, quashing their uprising before it could gain traction.
The impact of Apoo’s betrayal wasn’t solely in the physical devastation it caused; it lay in the sheer audacity of his deceit. The chaos sent Killer spiraling into despair as he transformed into Kamazo, while Kid found himself imprisoned alongside Luffy. In stark contrast, Apoo adapted seamlessly to his new role within Kaido’s inner circle, skillfully biding his time.
Ultimately, Apoo’s betrayal was fleeting. His attempts to shift alliances again during the raid were met with skepticism and distrust, even from the Beast Pirates.
6 Denjiro Disguises as Kyoshiro to Fool Orochi
The Longest Performance on the Wano Stage
Of all the Scabbards, Denjiro engaged in the longest game of deception.
After Oden’s tragic demise, Denjiro was a shattered man, unrecognizable even to his closest allies. He adopted the flamboyant persona of Kyoshiro, a Yakuza boss purportedly under Orochi’s command.
For two long decades, he masqueraded among his enemies, feigning loyalty to those responsible for his master’s death. His rise within Orochi’s ranks culminated in his position as the leader of the Kyoshiro family and personal protector of Komurasaki, who was later revealed as Hiyori, Oden’s daughter.
Perhaps the most chilling moment was when he staged Komurasaki’s public execution to safeguard her identity, leaving Orochi oblivious. Denjiro expertly manipulated every aspect of the situation without raising any suspicions.
When the raid on Onigashima commenced, Denjiro unveiled his true self, returning to the Scabbards not as a stranger, but as a long-lost comrade. His betrayal was not aimed at his friends but rather his enemies. The elegance of his deception made him a unique figure—one of the few traitors in One Piece fandom that viewers could champion.
5 York Turns on Vegapunk and the Satellites
The Greediest Star in the Sky
Vegapunk, originally envisioned as a conglomerate of six satellites alongside a main body, each representing distinct facets of his intellect, was disrupted by York’s aspirations. As the “Greed”satellite, her sole objective had been to indulge in life’s pleasures while the others engaged in intellectual labor.
However, events on Egghead Island unveiled York’s ambitions. She yearned for more than idle luxury; she craved power, specifically the title of Celestial Dragon, and aspired to usurp Vegapunk’s role as the world’s premier scientist.
York’s betrayal unfolded gradually, methodically arising from a childlike sense of entitlement. In her worldview, her desires justified her actions, and she believed her aspirations were harmless.
4 Squard Stabs Whitebeard After Being Tricked
The Wound That Hurt More Than Death
Throughout the Marineford War, the battlefield was rife with visible enemies and insidious wounds stemming from betrayal.
Squard, a captain loyal to Whitebeard, found himself vulnerable to Akainu’s manipulations, who sowed seeds of doubt by claiming Whitebeard had traded Ace’s life for the crew’s safety.
Overwhelmed by fear and rage, Squard approached Whitebeard and pierced him with a dagger.
In a surprising twist, Whitebeard responded not with vengeance but with forgiveness, attributing the act to the Marines’ treachery, which had pitted his son against him. This moment of grace fostered a profound sense of grief rather than victory.
Squard’s betrayal didn’t result in Whitebeard’s demise but unraveled the trust within their ranks. It highlighted the peril of manipulation and illustrated that even the strongest protectors are susceptible to deception.
When Whitebeard perished later in the battle, he bore no animosity towards Squard, yet the memory of that betrayal lingered in fans’ minds.
3 CP9 Outsmarts Galley-La and the Straw Hats
The Cipher Pol That Lived a Lie
Water 7 was initially thought to unveil mysteries surrounding shipwrights and lost blueprints, but instead, it morphed into a narrative of revealing hidden truths, exemplified by the shocking CP9 revelation.
For years, agents such as Rob Lucci, Kaku, Kalifa, and Blueno had seamlessly integrated themselves within the Galley-La Company, earning the admiration of the Water 7 populace. Franky often sparred with them, wholly unaware of their true identities as covert operatives.
Then, the mask slipped. CP9 exposed themselves and executed a calculated abduction of Robin, with intentions to resurrect the ancient weapon, Pluton. Their betrayal didn’t just affect the Straw Hats; it humiliated them, scattering the crew and demolishing their ship.
This moment marked a crucial turning point for One Piece, igniting the Enies Lobby arc in which Luffy waged war against the World Government. Absent this pivotal betrayal, iconic moments like Robin’s profound “I want to live” declaration, the ensuing Buster Call, and the farewell to the Going Merry would not exist.
The repercussions of this treachery fundamentally transformed the Straw Hats; they evolved from mere adventurers into adversaries to a global power.
2 Pudding Reveals Her Scheme to Break Sanji
The Girl Who Turned Tears Into a Weapon
When Sanji was brought to Whole Cake Island for an enforced marriage, he believed he had discovered true love in Charlotte Pudding, the enchanting daughter of Big Mom.
Yet, the reality was a web of deceit.
Pudding was an integral part of Big Mom’s plan to eliminate the Vinsmokes, wielding her charm while secretly ridiculing Sanji and his earnest affection. Her third eye, combined with her memory-altering Devil Fruit abilities, rendered her both unpredictable and menacing.
As she unveiled her true nature just prior to their wedding, Sanji stood resigned, tears in his eyes. Instead of retaliating, he lit a cigarette, accepting the betrayal as a fatal reality.
This revelation shattered her resolve, as Sanji’s kindness generated an unforeseen emotional turmoil in Pudding, turning her cruel intentions into regret. Even as she aided the Straw Hats in their escape, she chose to withhold her genuine feelings from Sanji.
1 Kanjuro Betrays the Scabbards from Within
The Ink That Wrote a Tragedy
For years, Kanjuro fought alongside Kin’emon and his fellow Scabbards, earning their trust through shared struggles. He laughed, cried, and dreamt of avenging Oden together.
Yet, when the Raid on Onigashima commenced, Kanjuro shocked everyone by revealing his true allegiance.
Not merely a traitor, Kanjuro had been a double agent from the start—a member of the Kurozumi clan and an infiltrator placed among the Scabbards. Every failed strategy, every instance when Orochi seemed to possess foreknowledge of their plans, was the consequence of Kanjuro’s treachery.
This betrayal devastated the alliance, leaving Kin’emon, who had regarded Kanjuro as a brother, speechless. The other Scabbards were left in disbelief as Kanjuro unleashed his ink-based powers, producing deadly clones and even kidnapping Momonosuke.
This act was a betrayal of not just individuals but of the memories they shared. Kanjuro sullied everything Oden represented.
When Kanjuro met his fate, it was devoid of nobility, steeped in bitterness and delusion. He epitomized the truth that a foe who knows your secrets poses the gravest threat.
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