Exploring the Potential Mutineers Among the Marines in One Piece

Key Insights

Koby’s commitment to justice may inspire him to challenge the Marine hierarchy.
Admiral Kizaru’s associations with Vegapunk and the duplicitous Celestial Dragons may lead him to reconsider his loyalty to the Marines.
Individuals such as Smoker, Tashigi, Fujitora, and Garp are emblematic of Marines who prioritize ethical justice over blind adherence to authority.

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Koby: The Marine with a Conscience
In the world of One Piece, the Marines are depicted as the maritime enforcers of justice, operating mainly under the directives of the World Government. While many Marines conform unquestioningly to orders, a select few grapple with the moral contradictions of their duties. This internal struggle often positions them as potential dissenters against the oppressive framework they serve.
Koby, initially depicted as timid, has undergone significant transformation alongside his steadfast belief in justice. His admiration for Luffy and Vice Admiral Garp underscores his commitment to protecting the vulnerable, even when such values clash with the darker elements of the Marine Corps. His courageous stand against Akainu during the Marineford War spotlights his deep-seated convictions, emphasizing that his loyalty extends beyond the Marine hierarchy to the ideals of justice itself.
As Koby ascends within the ranks, he becomes increasingly alarmed by the moral decay within the Marine establishment, particularly its fealty to the tyrannical Celestial Dragons. Faced with commands that harm innocents—actions the Marines routinely perpetrate in their quest for control—Koby’s ethical dilemmas may intensify, leading him to question whether he is indeed on the right side of justice.

Admiral Kizaru: The Indifferent Enforcer
Admiral Kizaru is often characterized by a laid-back demeanor, contrasting sharply with Akainu’s unwavering adherence to “absolute justice.” Instead of embodying moral authority, Kizaru frequently appears detached, following directives primarily for convenience.
Factors Leading Kizaru to Consider Defection

The Impact of Vegapunk’s Death: Kizaru’s bond with Vegapunk runs deep. His demise could ignite profound self-reflection, as it showcases the self-serving nature of the organization Kizaru supports. Consumed by loss, Kizaru may begin to reevaluate the true value of his loyalty to the Marines.
Celestial Dragons’ Control: The unethical actions of the Celestial Dragons have long been contentious, even among virtuous Marines. If Kizaru witnesses their malevolence directed at someone he values, it could mark a turning point in his perspective on Marine hierarchy.
Aokiji’s Influence: Kizaru shares a history with Aokiji, whose departure from the Marines stemmed from disillusionment. If Aokiji were to connect with Kizaru, their shared experiences might inspire the admiral to forge his own path.
The Approaching Final War: With looming conflict on the horizon, ideological clashes could fuel unrest within the Marines. If Kizaru confronts the revelation of true evil within the government structures he serves, he may opt to abandon the organization entirely, aligning himself with genuine justice instead.

Smoker and Tashigi: The Justice-Driven Duo
Smoker embodies a pragmatic approach to justice, acting based on what he believes is right rather than adhering strictly to orders. Tashigi mirrors these principles, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to moral integrity.
Their defining moment came during the Alabasta arc, where they chose not to report the Straw Hats, recognizing that the World Government’s narrative was designed to maintain its reputation. Instead, they chose honesty, indicating their resolve to uphold genuine justice despite the hierarchical pressures of their roles.
In Punk Hazard, the duo aligned themselves with the Straw Hats to reveal the atrocities committed by Caesar Clown. Their actions illustrated a commitment to protecting the innocent that transcends their Marine duties. The dilemma they face resonates: how can they effectively uphold justice within an organization that often undermines it?
Smoker and Tashigi’s understanding that not all pirates are villainous, coupled with their awareness of the Marines’ failings, set them apart from more dogmatic figures, such as Akainu. As agents of change, they might eventually confront the limitations of the Marine system and reevaluate where they truly belong.

Fujitora: The Advocate for Fairness
Fujitora’s introduction marked a pivotal shift in the representation of justice within the Marines. He embodies a profound disdain for oppression, prioritizing human dignity and equity above all. His apology to the people of Dressrosa for the Marines’ complicity in allowing Doflamingo’s tyranny further underscores his commitment to truth over the reputation of the institution.
Fujitora’s experiences at the Reverie have exposed him to the underlying hypocrisy of the World Government. Given that the Celestial Dragons epitomize absolute tyranny, Fujitora’s values conflict starkly with their existence. Should he discover that the very government he serves is fundamentally flawed, it could compel him to sever his ties with the Marines—his motivations rooted in principle rather than self-interest.

Monkey D. Garp: The People’s Guardian
Garp exemplifies a Marine who prioritizes the protection of the innocent over blind loyalty to orders. He has consistently defied the political machinations of the World Government, viewing his role as an opportunity to maintain peace and safeguard those who cannot protect themselves.
The complexities of his familial connections—being the grandfather of Luffy and the father of Dragon—will likely create significant inner conflict. His previous inaction during the Marineford War, resulting in the loss of Ace, foretells a potential future where his love for his family may significantly impact his choices. Faced with the threat to his loved ones, especially those fighting for true justice, Garp would struggle to conform to the oppressive dictates of the Marines.